Top Tucson Arts & Design

Hear the historic stories, fascinating tales and my interesting tidbits of Tucson History on this guided walking tour! We discuss Tucson's founding in 1775 as a Spanish Colonial Presidio and learn of our 4,000 years of Native American History! We see a historic Sonoran Row House and learn how these mud adobe structures were built for your desert climate. We stroll past charming historic mansions, three by the famous architect Henry Trost, learning the fascinating tales of your Pioneer Founders...one story is a real hoot! We visit the historic Pima County Courthouse to learn of the Dillinger Gangs capture in Tucson in 1934. Learn of a famous gunfighter and the fascinating story of Tucson’s first cathedral! We stroll past a historic theatre, see a stunning former department store, see Tucson's first skyscaper, and learn of a former luxury hotel, as we hear of Tucson's mid century shopping scene that gains national acclaim!

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.

Scott, your tour guide, has a passion for good story telling! Hear the historic stories, fascinating tales & my interesting tidbits of Tucson History on this Strolls and Stories Tours guided walking tour! We begin with the St. Augustine Cathedral and a discussion of Tucson's Spanish Colonial founding & 4,000 years of Native American history! We stroll historic Scott Ave seeing several buildings by the famous architect Henry Trost, and learn the tale of the Temple of Music & Art. Next we visit the Barrio Viejo, the largest concentration of mud adobe structures in a single neighborhood anywhere in the United States! We discuss how our Sonoran Row Houses were built for our desert climate, learn of corner mercantiles & Chinese Grocers! We learn of the melting pot of cultures who lived in the Barrio! We visit the El Tiradito Wishing Shrine dating to the 1870s, & learn the tale of Juan Oliveras, and how some good comes of his sexual sinful ways, & stroll past the Teatro Carmen!

The Presidio Museum is the first stop to become familiar with the history and culture of Tucson. It is also part of a wonderful day trip to the Presidio Historic District which includes Old Town Artisans, the Historic Court House Visitor Center and several popular restaurants.

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.

Your tour guide, has a passion for story telling! On your Downtown Tucson Tour we stroll the charming sidewalks of Downtown! We begin with Tucson's founding as a Spanish Colonial Presidio in 1775. Then we stroll by a historic Sonoran Row House dating to the 1850s, and learn how these structures were built for our desert climate! Next, we visit the Historic Pima County Courthouse to hear of the Dillinger Gang's 1934 capture in Tucson. Next, we learn the tale of Tucson's first cathedral, and hear of a famous gunfighter who partied in Tucson! We stroll by the historic Fox Tucson Theatre, and see Tucson's first skyscraper! We visit the Hotel Congress & discuss the Rialto Theatre, both with storied pasts! Then we visit the Railroad Depot seeing a steam locomotive used in the movie Oklahoma and learn the tale of Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp visiting the depot! We end at Jacome Plaza to learn of a luxury hotel and the downtown department store scene that gained national acclaim!

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 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.

Discover the vibrant murals and rich street art of downtown Tucson on this 75-minute walking tour. Led by local guides, explore the city’s eclectic art scene, from the iconic 'Empowered Woman' mural to the colorful 'La Guitarrista'. Immerse yourself in the cultural influences that shape Tucson's artistic landscape, while strolling through historic sidewalks and engaging with the stories behind each piece. This tour is perfect for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to appreciate the local culture in a lively urban setting. - 75-minute guided walking tour covering 1 mile of downtown art - Visit iconic murals like 'Empowered Woman' and 'La Guitarrista' - Learn about the artists and cultural significance of each artwork - Comfortable shoes and a water bottle recommended for a smooth experience

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.