Top Tucson Pop Culture

In 1934, a Hotel Congress firefighter recognized John Dillinger's gang from a tip and a heavy suitcase. That capture made national headlines. But the Hotel Congress has older secrets, and it is only the first haunted stop on this tour. On this 90-minute, one-mile walk through downtown Tucson you'll visit 8 haunted landmarks: the Hotel Congress and Room 242, the Rialto Theatre and the fire that almost destroyed it, the site of the old Santa Rita Hotel, St. Augustine Cathedral, the Fox Theatre, the Pioneer Hotel fire that changed Arizona's fire codes, a recording studio with uninvited guests, and the rail yard where an O.K. Corral vendetta ended on the tracks. Every story is originally researched by co-founder and Arizona author Susan Johnson. Mother and son owned, five generations of Arizona roots, 2,000+ verified reviews. Local storytellers, not script readers. We do not enter buildings; the stories hit harder from the street. Your attendance is gravely appreciated.

Explore the landscape and culture of Tucson through the lens of its public murals on this guided bike tour. We'll ride 8 1/2 miles on flat terrain to see roughly 35 of the city's best murals. On the way, get to know a handful of interesting neighborhoods, including buzzy downtown, quiet Dunbar Spring, artsy Armory Park, quirky 4th Avenue, and colorful Barrio Viejo, representing wide-ranging swath of Tucson's culture and diversity.

Discover downtown Tucson’s historic mansions and homes on this private self-guided audio walking tour. Learn how the area transformed from a prehistoric village into a neighborhood rich in design where some of the Southwest’s leading architects left their mark. Enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The app features turn-by-turn directions, so you won't get lost.

When the desert sun disappears, Tucson’s haunted past comes alive. Discover why this is the #1 ghost tour in Tucson, a one-mile outdoor walking experience operating nightly, year-round. Led by local guides who know the city’s history and legends firsthand, this immersive tour uncovers the tragedies, mysteries, and unexplained stories hidden within Tucson’s historic streets. Along the route, you'll learn the haunted history behind iconic landmarks including the Pima County Historic Courthouse and the Fox Tucson Theatre, where documented history intertwines with tales of ghostly sightings and lingering spirits. Perfect for private groups, bachelorette parties, birthdays, corporate outings, and special events, this unforgettable ghost tour is proudly USMC Disabled Combat-Veteran-owned and women- and minority-led, delivering an evening of authentic history, captivating storytelling, and eerie mystery beneath the Tucson night sky.

Tucson is known for its authentic Mexican food, and tacos are no exception, but planning out where to go to eat may be difficult if you’re not familiar with the city. Let this Tucson Taco and Bike Tour take the lead. You’ll ride to eateries where you’ll try up to six different tacos. Plus, since you’ll be riding to each stop, you won’t have to worry about packing on the pounds.

Explore the darker side of Tucson on a captivating 2-hour walking tour through the historic Blenman-Elm neighborhood. Uncover chilling tales of infamous local characters, including Tucson's own serial killer and a notorious mafia family that lived among the community for decades. This 4-mile trek combines intriguing history with the beauty of tree-lined streets and exceptional architecture, perfect for those who enjoy a moderate walk while delving into true crime stories. - Duration: 2-hour tour covering 4 miles - Group size limited to 12 for a personal experience - Includes sanitized listening devices for clear communication - Comfortable walking shoes and water recommended for the journey

The number of murals in downtown Tucson has grown exponentially in recent years supported by City of Tucson funding and public interest. Take a tour from Dorothy Yanez, a Presidio Museum tour guide, who literally wrote the book on Tucson's downtown murals. She'll show you murals you may never find on your own and share with you the stories behind the murals.

Explore the unique blend of art, culture, and history painted through the murals of the historic 4th Avenue District. The tour wanders through alleyways adorned with striking murals that showcase the city’s diverse artistic influences, from traditional southwestern motifs to contemporary urban expressions. Along the way, learn about the talented local artists who have contributed to Tucson’s burgeoning mural scene, each piece telling a story that resonates with the community as we encounter hidden gems and lesser-known masterpieces that contribute to the unique character of Tucson’s streets.

Join tour guide and historian Mauro Trejo on an after-dark unique and macabre tour that covers some of the most memorable deaths that have taken place in Tucson’s history. From executions to suicides, and gunfights to accidents, this two-mile tour will take you back in time to some of Tucson’s most fascinating tragedies.

Recent years have seen an explosion of public art throughout Tucson. The Public Art & Murals Walking Tour, led by tour guide Dorothy Yanez, begins at the Presidio Museum and proceeds into the downtown area, stopping at numerous public art pieces and murals. At each stop you will learn about the artist and the artwork. Several new murals have been added to the tour route since Dorothy began giving these tours about a year ago. The tour is approximately 2 miles and includes stops south of Congress Street. Dorothy will be on a microphone for better hearing.

Ignacio Garcia painted a 40-foot woman to honor the women who raised him. Joe Pagac hid desert creatures in a cycling mural. An Irish artist flew to Tucson to paint a single face on a crumbling wall. Downtown Tucson is an open-air gallery that changes every season. On this one-mile walk, your local guide introduces you to the artists by name: Ignacio Garcia's La Mujer Empoderada over Congress Street, Fin DAC's Vergiss, Joe Pagac's El Tour de Tucson, Rueben Moreno's Las Tres Hermanas, Danny Martin's Jackie Daytona and the pieces tucked into Rialto Alley from the Rock the Spot graffiti festival. Our guides know which pieces just went up, which artist is working on the next project, and the stories only locals hear. Freaky Foot Tours is mother and son owned, with five generations of Arizona roots and 2,000+ verified reviews. Flat downtown sidewalks at an easy pace; bring water and sun protection. Great for art lovers, photographers and anyone who wants to see Tucson in full color.