Top Tucson Arts & Design

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.

We invite you to explore the rich art and cultural heritage of the Desert Southwest. This ticket provides access to captivating exhibitions, including "Cruzando La Linea": Contemporary Art in the Borderlands" and 'Colors to Dye For: The Mysterious World of Navajo Dye-Making.' Learn about the diverse histories and artistic expressions that shape this unique region. Open Wednesday to Saturday, the museum offers a perfect destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike, allowing for a deeper understanding of the cultures that define the desert landscape.

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!

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.

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. OCTOBER-APRIL DAILY ACTIVITIES TUESDAYS: 10am-12pm: Historic Interpreter and Demonstration 2nd & 4th WEDNESDAYS:10am - 12pm: Ask an Archaeologist/Flintknapping Demonstration THURSDAYS: 10:30am Docent Guided Tour of grounds FRIDAYS: 10am - 3pm: Mexican Soldier Interpreter/Q&A Kids activity game box always available. Check calendar for other special events, especially on weekends.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.