Tucson has something singular in-stored for each and everyone. The city is beautifully adorned with the Giant Saguaro cacti, spread along the arid roads and clustered at the bottom of hillsides and mountains. With scenic mountain drive over the stunning mountains of the town or with stop overs in some of the city's
top notch attractions,
eclectic shopping centers,
fine restaurants and entertaining nightlife venues, your 24 hours trip to Tucson will be an absolute sojourn.
Image by LouisSaint via http://www.panoramio.com/photo/42166911
Breakfast at 8:00 AM
Sit down for a wholesome breakfast at
Todd’s Restaurant At Ryan Field (9700 W Ajo Way). From various egg items to waffles and pancakes, the outlet will fully fuel you up. Or, you can enjoy a breakfast of huevos rancheros and mesquite pancakes at
Coyote Pause Cafe (2740 S Kinney Rd). Pair up with a refreshing glass of the famous prickly pear lemonade.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum at 9:00 AM
This is arguably one of the country's star attractions. The 21 acres facility features a zoo, botanical garden and history museum. You will find it amusing and thrilling to see the freely roaming exotic animal, enclosed by invisible fence. This is good opportunity for you to get a glimpse of endangered species, like thick-billed parrot, margay, ocelot, jaguarundi and the Mexican wolf to name a few. Meander around and stop by the Hummingbird Aviary or the cactus garden.
Address: 2021 N Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85743
www.desertmuseum.org
Sprawling University of Arizona Campus at 11:00 AM
A visit to the University of Arizona campus will be a fun and enlightening experience. The sprawling campus is a beauty, with shaded pathways, ancient olive tree groves and the whole area is engulfed by immaculate;y landscaped palm tree and cacti gardens. The campus's draws, include the Arizona State Museum, the arts complex, Flandreau Planetarium and Centennial Hall. Make sure to visit the Old Main building, that showcases territorial-era architecture.
Address: 811 N Euclid Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719
www.externalrelations.arizona.eduDistance from Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: 17.5 miles or 30 minutes drive
Lunch at 1:00 PM
Enjoy a delicious lunch in the warm and rustic atmosphere of
Silver Saddle Steakhouse (310 E Benson Hwy). From Nachos-Tortilla Chips to Cheese Steak Sandwich, to Silver Saddle Burger, to Grilled Pastrami & Swiss - this is truly food lovers haven. Comfort food is best served
The Fix (943 E University Blvd, Ste 115). You must try its big hit Lobster mac and macaroni and cheese.
Cinematic Legend - Old Tucson Studios at 2:00 PM
The Old Tucson Studio has long served as a cinematic platform of many Western movies. A trip down here, will give you a good understanding of the Old West. Aside from the plenty of shops and dining options, you will be treated with carnival games, exhibits, live performances in Opera House, stagecoach tours and a special mention is the breathtaking views of the Sonoran Dessert and the Tucson Mountains.
Address: 210 S Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85735
www.oldtucson.com
Distance from UOA: 15.2 miles or 30 minutes drive
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block at 3:30 PM
This historic block is a great place to celebrate the city's bygone days. The museum showcases extensive and diverse art, including Western art, per-Columbian art, Latin American art, Asian art, modern and contemporary art, and also traveling exhibits. You can stroll around the block to explore numerous historic homes.
Address: Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 N Main Ave
Tucson, Arizona
www.TucsonMuseumofArt.orgDistance from Old Tucson Studio: 13.4 miles or 22 minutes drive
Explore Saguaro Cacti at Saguaro National Park at 5:00 PM
Plan a trip to Saguaro National Park to appreciate the iconic symbol of Arizona - the saguaro cactus. The saguaro cactus is a big hit of course, but you will also get to see other variants of desert life. The park has two sections - the east and West districts, each has a visitor center, bookstore, exhibits and also guided walking tours are available.
Address: 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, Arizona
www.nps.gov
Distance from Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block: 14.5 miles or 25 minutes drive
Shopping Spree at 6:30 PM
Get into a little bit of shopping after exploring the city's top attractions. For an off beat shopping experience, away from the glamorous city's shopping mall, you can visit the
Old Town Artisans (186 N Court Avenue, Tucson). At Old town, you will find unique Latin American and Mexican collections. Another great shopping center is the city's largest mall - the
Tucson Mall (4500 N Oracle Road). Of course, there are numerous specialty stores that offer top brands and collections, but to pick up some really good locally made olive oil and other items, stop by the Tubac Olive Oil Company store.
Stunt Show at 8:00 PM
Get ready for great entertainment and fun in
Pinnacle Peak Pistoleros Wild West Stunt Show. The venue offers high-impact stunts, gunfights, explosion effects, comedy and cowboy-style fist fights. There are more it offers - the CP Hunnington rail road joyride,
Ferris-wheel, the Museum of the Horse Soldier and several Western-themed
shops.
Address: 6541 E Tanque Verde Road, Tucson, Arizona
Website:
www.wildweststuntshow.comDistance from Tucson Mall: 11 miles or 20 minutes drive
Dinner at 9:30 PM
Before stepping into the Skybar, you can stop for some awesome Italian fare at
Caruso's (434 N 4th Ave). From lasagna to meatballs, to spaghetti to pizza - this place sure knows how to delight your taste bud. For Mexican grill delights, step in
Pancho Villas Grill (401 E 5th St). Its help yourself salsa bar is definitely a big attraction. Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl, Frijolero (Bean and Cheese) Burrito, Tortillas and Two Enchiladas are the most popular items here.
Nightlife in the beautiful World of Astronomy at 11:00 PM
For a unique night scene, you ought to visit
Sky Bar Tucson - a solar powered astronomy bar. Through some powerful telescopes housed in this cafe bar, you can explore the world of astronomy. The venue also offers live music, open mic nights, DSLR photography nights where you can
capture the beautiful night skies with your camera. After marvelling the night sky, you can enjoy the 15 minutes midnight happy
hour.
Address: 536 N. 4th Avenue, Tucson, Arizona
Website:
www.skybartucson.com
24 Hours Tucson Tour Map Guide