Casa Sonora: Exploring Tucson and the Sonoran Desert
Neighborhoods
This neighborhood will be your home. Perfect for long-term stays, this area has a ton of grocery stores, the best movie theater in town, and is only 1.5 miles from the Rillito River Path. There is a Trader Joe’s that is walking distance, right across Swan Road on Grant and Swan. That area also includes a local brewery/restaurant that hosts #GeeksWhoDrink trivia (Firetruck Brewing Company), Petsmart, Chipotle, and The Joint Chiropractic (which takes drop-ins). There is also a Sprouts Grocery at Speedway and Swan.
The Garden District
This neighborhood will be your home. Perfect for long-term stays, this area has a ton of grocery stores, the best movie theater in town, and is only 1.5 miles from the Rillito River Path. There is a Trader Joe’s that is walking distance, right across Swan Road on Grant and Swan. That area also includes a local brewery/restaurant that hosts #GeeksWhoDrink trivia (Firetruck Brewing Company), Petsmart, Chipotle, and The Joint Chiropractic (which takes drop-ins). There is also a Sprouts Grocery at Speedway and Swan.
Recreation
The house is about 1.5 miles from the Rillito River Trail, which is a trail for both hikers and bikers. This is a 12 mile trail that runs from I-10 to North Craycroft road and is largely paved. This park is part of “The Loop” which is a 120 mile loop of interconnected parks around Tucson.
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Rillito River Park
4288 Diamond St LoopThe house is about 1.5 miles from the Rillito River Trail, which is a trail for both hikers and bikers. This is a 12 mile trail that runs from I-10 to North Craycroft road and is largely paved. This park is part of “The Loop” which is a 120 mile loop of interconnected parks around Tucson.
There are a few dog parks around town, but the largest is Miko’s Corner dog park at Reid Park. This is also a park with our zoo and a huge area to walk around in with multiple ponds and fountains.
Miko's Corner Playground Dog Park
South Country Club RoadThere are a few dog parks around town, but the largest is Miko’s Corner dog park at Reid Park. This is also a park with our zoo and a huge area to walk around in with multiple ponds and fountains.
Sabino Canyon is a great spot for both paved and unpaved trails of all lengths. A favorite trail of locals and tourists alike is the Seven Falls Hike which is an 8.3 mile out and back trail that takes you through running water (if there has been good rain).
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Sabino Canyon Frítíðarsvæði
5700 North Sabino Canyon RoadSabino Canyon is a great spot for both paved and unpaved trails of all lengths. A favorite trail of locals and tourists alike is the Seven Falls Hike which is an 8.3 mile out and back trail that takes you through running water (if there has been good rain).
This is a out-and-back paved urban hiking trail. It is a 3 mile roadtrip walk with a 700FT rise in elevation. There is a mid-point that some people summit at, because the second half is steeper than the first half. The trail is open from 4AM to 10PM and is not pet-friendly. You must bring your own water bottle.
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Tumamoc Hill gönguleið
Tumamoc Hill RoadThis is a out-and-back paved urban hiking trail. It is a 3 mile roadtrip walk with a 700FT rise in elevation. There is a mid-point that some people summit at, because the second half is steeper than the first half. The trail is open from 4AM to 10PM and is not pet-friendly. You must bring your own water bottle.
Nearby Hotspots
There are lots of local coffee shops within walking distance/a short drive. The nearest local shop is Revolutionary Grounds at Speedway and Swan, on the side of the shopping center facing Swan. Starbucks is catty-corner from the home at Grant and Swan in the Fry’s shopping center. Dunkin Donuts is walking distance on Grant and Swan (without crossing any major streets). Across from Dunkin Donuts is a Dutch Bros coffee.
Revolutionary Grounds
4675 East Speedway BoulevardThere are lots of local coffee shops within walking distance/a short drive. The nearest local shop is Revolutionary Grounds at Speedway and Swan, on the side of the shopping center facing Swan. Starbucks is catty-corner from the home at Grant and Swan in the Fry’s shopping center. Dunkin Donuts is walking distance on Grant and Swan (without crossing any major streets). Across from Dunkin Donuts is a Dutch Bros coffee.
The best movie theater in town (which serves dinner and drinks) is Roadhouse Cinema at Grant and Swan. This is catty-corner from the house. A 15-20 minute walk or a 5 minute drive. The best local theater is The Loft cinema, located on Speedway and Country Club.
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Roadhouse Cinemas
4811 E Grant RdThe best movie theater in town (which serves dinner and drinks) is Roadhouse Cinema at Grant and Swan. This is catty-corner from the house. A 15-20 minute walk or a 5 minute drive. The best local theater is The Loft cinema, located on Speedway and Country Club.
What makes Tucson special
The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is a 40 minute drive away, but it is one of the top ten zoos in the world! It features enclosures with invisible fences and enclosures surrounded by realistic boulder models. The museum is a true conservation center with indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a .5 mile long loop trail where you can see coyotes and javelinas, in addition to other enclosures for mountain lions, white tail deer, and Mexican Grey Wolves and more. More info at: desertmuseum.org
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Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N Kinney RdThe Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is a 40 minute drive away, but it is one of the top ten zoos in the world! It features enclosures with invisible fences and enclosures surrounded by realistic boulder models. The museum is a true conservation center with indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a .5 mile long loop trail where you can see coyotes and javelinas, in addition to other enclosures for mountain lions, white tail deer, and Mexican Grey Wolves and more. More info at: desertmuseum.org
One of the main downtown streets, 4th avenue is a hotspot for local shops, a food co-op, and truly excellent coffee at Cafe Passe. Don’t miss Chocolate Iguana if you have a sweet tooth! Parking is free after 5PM and on weekends. 4th avenue is on 4th avenue between University Blvd and Congress.
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Historic Fourth Avenue
One of the main downtown streets, 4th avenue is a hotspot for local shops, a food co-op, and truly excellent coffee at Cafe Passe. Don’t miss Chocolate Iguana if you have a sweet tooth! Parking is free after 5PM and on weekends. 4th avenue is on 4th avenue between University Blvd and Congress.
If you walk south on 4th avenue, you’ll walk through an underpass, and on the other side is Congress: the road that is as ritzy as downtown gets. The Screamery is a cant-miss local ice cream spot, and be sure to stop into The Cup cafe at Hotel Congress where John Dillinger was captured in 1934. This is also the spot to go out dancing or play arcade games at Cobra Arcade.
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Hotel Congress
311 E Congress StIf you walk south on 4th avenue, you’ll walk through an underpass, and on the other side is Congress: the road that is as ritzy as downtown gets. The Screamery is a cant-miss local ice cream spot, and be sure to stop into The Cup cafe at Hotel Congress where John Dillinger was captured in 1934. This is also the spot to go out dancing or play arcade games at Cobra Arcade.
If you want a bit of old west, check out Traildust Town! It is in the middle of town, but it has live shows Friday - Sunday and amusement rides,including a ferris wheel, carousel, shooting gallery, and gold panning.
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Trail Dust Town
6541 E Tanque Verde Rd If you want a bit of old west, check out Traildust Town! It is in the middle of town, but it has live shows Friday - Sunday and amusement rides,including a ferris wheel, carousel, shooting gallery, and gold panning.
This National Oberservatory may be closed to the public during your stay due to COVID. However, if it re-opens, it is a must-visit because it is one of the leading astronomy towers in the world. It is about 1.5 hours from the house, 56 miles from Tucson.
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Kitt Peak
This National Oberservatory may be closed to the public during your stay due to COVID. However, if it re-opens, it is a must-visit because it is one of the leading astronomy towers in the world. It is about 1.5 hours from the house, 56 miles from Tucson.
San Xavier is a historic mission constructed between 1783 and 1797. It was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Kino in 1692 and is a historic landmark. It is 9 miles south of downtown Tucson and is a 30-40 minute drive from the house. The plaza has great food, including incredible fry bread.
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San Xavier del Bac sendiráð
1950 W San Xavier RdSan Xavier is a historic mission constructed between 1783 and 1797. It was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Kino in 1692 and is a historic landmark. It is 9 miles south of downtown Tucson and is a 30-40 minute drive from the house. The plaza has great food, including incredible fry bread.
Food scene
Did you know that Tucson is the only UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States? Here are some food recommendations to get you started on the local flavor:
No single place should be able to do a Thai Coconut Curry and Chorizo Sliders. But then there is Dante’s Fire. (Grant/Tucson Blvd, 5 mins)
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Dante's Fire
2526 E Grant RdNo single place should be able to do a Thai Coconut Curry and Chorizo Sliders. But then there is Dante’s Fire. (Grant/Tucson Blvd, 5 mins)
Classic Sonoran food. Try the mini bean chimichangas and a prickly pear margarita, but don’t forget the Sonoran Dog if you’re up for Tucson’s answer to the Chicago vs. NYC hot dog debate. (Speedway/Wilmot, 10 mins)
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Calle Tepa Mexican Street Grill & Bar
6151 E Broadway BlvdClassic Sonoran food. Try the mini bean chimichangas and a prickly pear margarita, but don’t forget the Sonoran Dog if you’re up for Tucson’s answer to the Chicago vs. NYC hot dog debate. (Speedway/Wilmot, 10 mins)
A local favorite for Sonoran food, this place features colorful patio seating and occasional live music.
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El Charro Café
311 N Court AveA local favorite for Sonoran food, this place features colorful patio seating and occasional live music.
A favorite local chain, Casa Molina has some of the best enchilada sauce in town. Not sure what to try? Go for a green corn tamale and a bean burrito enchilada style. Yum!
Other good options for Sonoran Mexican Food: El Charro, El Minuto, Casa Molina, Sonoran Brunch Company, Leo’s Mexican Food, Rosa’s Mexican Food.
Casa Molina Mexican Restaraunt
6225 E Speedway BlvdA favorite local chain, Casa Molina has some of the best enchilada sauce in town. Not sure what to try? Go for a green corn tamale and a bean burrito enchilada style. Yum!
Other good options for Sonoran Mexican Food: El Charro, El Minuto, Casa Molina, Sonoran Brunch Company, Leo’s Mexican Food, Rosa’s Mexican Food.
If you’re in Saguaro National Park West/the Desert Museum, check out this local spot next to the very first Buffalo Exchange. Get the Prickly Pear lemonade and, if you’re there for breakfast, the chilaquiles/huevos rancheros. (Kinney Rd)
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Coyote Pause Cafe
2740 S Kinney RdIf you’re in Saguaro National Park West/the Desert Museum, check out this local spot next to the very first Buffalo Exchange. Get the Prickly Pear lemonade and, if you’re there for breakfast, the chilaquiles/huevos rancheros. (Kinney Rd)
With two locations, this is a casual, popular (and the best) brunch spot in town. It has a spectacular sweet and savory menu, specializing in Benedicts with local ingredients. (Campbell/Glenn or Broadway/Kolb, 15 mins).
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Baja Cafe on Campbell
2970 N Campbell AveWith two locations, this is a casual, popular (and the best) brunch spot in town. It has a spectacular sweet and savory menu, specializing in Benedicts with local ingredients. (Campbell/Glenn or Broadway/Kolb, 15 mins).
This is a slightly upscale, delicious brunch spot with lots of twists on classic American breakfast fare.
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Prep & Pastry
2660 N Campbell AveThis is a slightly upscale, delicious brunch spot with lots of twists on classic American breakfast fare.
This is my favorite taco shop with classic street tacos at a fair price. Located on Congress and in Park Place mall. Go to the one on congress and then head over to Cobra Arcade for a fun night in Tucson. (Congress St/Church Ave,20 mins)
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Street- Taco and Beer Co.
58 W Congress StThis is my favorite taco shop with classic street tacos at a fair price. Located on Congress and in Park Place mall. Go to the one on congress and then head over to Cobra Arcade for a fun night in Tucson. (Congress St/Church Ave,20 mins)
This is my family’s favorite taco shop, with the head chef recently competing on Top Chef. This shop has great tacos and features creative salsas. (4th Ave/6th St, 15 mins)
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BOCA Tacos Y Tequila
533 N 4th AveThis is my family’s favorite taco shop, with the head chef recently competing on Top Chef. This shop has great tacos and features creative salsas. (4th Ave/6th St, 15 mins)
This is a must-do. This is a historic Tucson location with a menu that keeps the locals and tourists coming back for more, especially for breakfast/brunch, Located in Hotel Congress. (Congress St/N 5th Ave, 20 mins)
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Cup Cafe
311 E Congress StThis is a must-do. This is a historic Tucson location with a menu that keeps the locals and tourists coming back for more, especially for breakfast/brunch, Located in Hotel Congress. (Congress St/N 5th Ave, 20 mins)
This is a great restaurant and ice creamery on Congress that specializes in classic american fare. (Congress St/N 5th Ave, 20 mins)
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HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery
266 E Congress StThis is a great restaurant and ice creamery on Congress that specializes in classic american fare. (Congress St/N 5th Ave, 20 mins)
This is a local Tucson chain that is essential for beating the heat in Tucson. Try the icee-like Eegee with natural flavors (you can mix the flavors) and a sub sandwich. Don’t miss the fries and get a side of ranch: that ranch dressing is midwest-approved! (Multiple locations)
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Eegee's
2510 E Speedway BlvdThis is a local Tucson chain that is essential for beating the heat in Tucson. Try the icee-like Eegee with natural flavors (you can mix the flavors) and a sub sandwich. Don’t miss the fries and get a side of ranch: that ranch dressing is midwest-approved! (Multiple locations)
This is a space on 4th that features boxcars with full restaurants and bars of various cuisines. (4th Ave/6th St, 15 mins)
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The Boxyard
238 N 4th AveThis is a space on 4th that features boxcars with full restaurants and bars of various cuisines. (4th Ave/6th St, 15 mins)
Like Boxyard, this is a space in El Mercado Augustin that features multiple cuisines and ample outdoor seating. It also features a full bar and multiple local businesses. (Cushing St/Avenida del Convento, 30 mins).
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Westbound
267 South Avenida del ConventoLike Boxyard, this is a space in El Mercado Augustin that features multiple cuisines and ample outdoor seating. It also features a full bar and multiple local businesses. (Cushing St/Avenida del Convento, 30 mins).