Location: Tucson
Top Things to do in Tucson
Top 10 Historic Sites in Tucson, Arizona (AZ)
Although Tucson's fantastic weather, national parks and forests and desert provide the perfect environment for tons of outdoor recreational activities, this city of half a million people also has its share of history and culture. With a history that goes back much further than many of its southwestern neighbors, Tucson boasts turn-of-the-century architecture, historic neighborhoods, museums and the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a still-functioning 18th-century mission considered one of the most beautiful in the U.S. Mexican and Native American influences are pervasive, and the city has a distinctly Western flavor. There's also a college-town atmosphere, thanks to the University of Arizona, which has its own share of museums and a science center. Whether golfing at a world-class golf resort, horseback riding, hiking in the wilderness, discovering desert flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or exploring pre-Columbian and other art at the Tucson Art Museum, you'll have a mind-boggling array of things to do.
Restaurants in Tucson
1. J. Knox Corbett House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
2. La Casa Cordova
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
3. Barrio Historico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By NicJBoston - Brookline, United States
Around Convent Avenue, and in South Tucson, are several typical neighborhoods in which to stroll and take photos.
4. Postal History Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Y4035QGmichaelr - Woodstock, United States
New friends Robyn and Lief told us about the Postal History Foundation. My wife was a philatelist as a child and through the early years of our marriage. A stop at the Postal HIstory Foundation was a real delight. The volunteers were tremendously helpful and accomodating; we saw the history of postal machines including a postal station "kit" that was ordered and shipped to Naco, AZ in the late 1800s. The kit was setup inside the Wells Fargo Stage Coach office to aid in the delivery of mail in that region. When the Wells Fargo building was demolished, the foundation was able to retrieve the kit/office! The volunteers serve teachers and schools around the world by creating lesson plans and providing postal supplies including stamps for students to use in learning about history, geography, science and any other subject contained in stamps. (We were given a collection of stamps with mountain lions on them to share with a friend/potographer who has yet to see one in the wild. He was touched.
5. Saint Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
We are Saint Philip’s in the Hills. A Tucson landmark with serene and beautiful campus. World class music. Open doors. An embrace of the diversity of God’s creation. We offer each person a place to pray, to love, to serve, to grow, to be transformed, and to proclaim the all-abiding love of God.
6. Steinfeld Mansion
7. El Presidio Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
Historic site established in 1775 by Colonel Hugo O'Connor of the Spanish Army.
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
El Presidio Park was part of the El Presidio. He was in charge. Starting at the City Hall, we start to learn about the Presidio who was in charge. There were several important people: Teodore Ramirez 1791-1871 Christopher Layton 1821-1898 The Mormon Battalion The park has lots of Mexican items and statues. I learned a lot here. Walking at this park will help you to know who was Teodore Ramirez.
8. Sosa-Carillo-Fremont House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
This museum is an authentic example of 19th-century adobe architecture and is filled with antiques from the period.
Reviewed By johnaC4383MI
The architecture of this house is very interesting from the outside, showing some of the traditions of how houses were built in Tucson. Inside, you can see photographs and artifacts of Tucson's past. It is, however, open only a few days a week. It is one of the best stops on the Turquoise Trail, a route of historical sites through downtown Tucson.
9. A Mountain (Sentinel Peak)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By 44spiritd
Excellent view of our Tucson valley. On a cool midmorning clear and typically 65 degree winter day! Don't miss the opportunity to drive up and absorb the view.
10. Pima County Courthouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By An0nyMs
Only the front entrance, along Church Street, has opened... out back, the January 8th Memorial is due to be finished by 1/8/2021. The new Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor Center has just opened (I'll submit a TA listing request for it). Even with construction, it's a nice building worth a visit... and the Tucson Museum of Art is just across Alameda St. to the north. Other reviews mention the pink color. A few years ago, it was discovered that the original paint was actually an earthy adobe color. The building is now that shade. To read more, search for this Arizona Daily Star article: Hue knew? Unearthed original color replacing pink shade of Old Pima County Courthouse (by Emily Bregel, Jan 14, 2017).
