If a picture is worth a thousand words, the Center for Creative Photography has well over 100 million things to say. This world-renowned academic art museum houses more than 110,000 works by over 2,000 photographers. Peruse fine art photographs, rare books, and more, each of which conjure a unique piece of history.
Visit the center to discover the world through a new lens. Current exhibitions include a retrospective on American injustice and an in-depth look at photojournalism.
Check out the Ansel Adams Archives. The archives feature all of the negatives that existed until he passed away in 1984, including some you may never have seen before.
Take a page out of Tucson at Antigone Books, a female-owned, independent bookstore. This 100% solar-powered store features both bestsellers and indie hits, though their true mission is to further feminism, diversity and community issues.
Stop by this local favorite bookstore to brush up on topics like immigration and climate change that are critical to the Tucson community.
Peruse Antigone’s bumper stickers, cards and gifts, each of which showcase a keen sense of humor with a feminist slant. Pick up a souvenir plus one of their Staff Picks.
Plant new roots while trailblazing through Tucson at Bloom Maven, a female owned and operated boutique plant and floral shop. Smell the freshly-picked flowers, find a new favorite houseplant, or attend a workshop for all things floral from terrarium making to botanical bouquet building.
If you’re looking for a hands-on experience, ask for owner Akiko Senda to help arrange an intimate floral workshop for you and your crew.
El Güero Canelo has been the talk of Tucson since it opened in 1993. This hot dog stand turned restaurant serves up the world-famous Sonoran hot dog at three locations throughout Tucson. What is a Sonoran hot dog, you ask?
The hot dog is first wrapped in bacon, then grilled and served on a bolillo-style hot dog bun. The toppings are as unique as the dog itself, featuring a smattering of pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, and other condiments.
Get it “con todo” and make all your hot dog dreams come true.
Enroll in a new kind of class at the Creative Kind Shop. This unique store encourages its guests to connect over creativity through workshops that teach attendees how to DIY. Workshops range from water color to crafting and are well-suited for everyone from hobbyists to artistic pros.
For the less craft-inclined, Creative Kind also carries unique goods from small businesses and local makers. Shop soap and stickers, accessories and stationary, and even health, beauty and home goods.
Our go-to spot for picking up locally-crafted stationary, greeting cards, soaps, candles and more!
The destination of choice for Tucson’s nerds and nice people, Crooked Tooth Brewing’s vibe is as unique as their brews. Sip flights served up on skateboards, taste their Sonoran Sour Series or opt for full moon brews.
Beyond their beer, Crooked Tooth’s beer garden is an attraction all its own. Soak up the Tucson sun from their cozy patio, where you’ll find tables topped with colorful umbrellas and planters overflowing with flowers.
Make sure you try the Full Moon Brew, brewed each month under the light and energy of the full moon.
Trek through the Pusch Ridge Wilderness on this 4.1 mile trail. The trail begins in the foothills north of downtown Tucson and climbs steadily towards a cave at the top. While on the trail, cacti and other desert flora and fauna surround you as Tucson unfolds below you, offering a quintessential Sonoran Desert experience.
Once you’ve conquered the steep climb to the stop, step within the cave and turn around for a perfectly-framed panoramic view of the Tucson skyline.
When you come to the fork at the start of the trail, take the one on the right—trust us!
This fine-dining cocina serves up a twist on classic Mexican dishes. Savor classics like beer-braised Tacos de Lengua and chorizo-packed Queso Fundido or step out of your Mexican cuisine comfort zone with more experimental fare like prickly pear cactus-stuffed tacos and pan-seared crimson snapper.
On top of their world-class menu, Penca is beloved for their small-batch mezcal bar. Reserve a table on their spectacular outdoor patio and sip signature cocktails crafted with spirits like elote-infused mezcal and beet-infused blanco tequila.
For a taste of the desert, order the Nopales tacos. You can thank us later!
Discover the perfect home base for exploring The Old Pueblo. At Graduate Tucson, local art is on display and rooftop views are yours for the taking.
Take on Graduate Tucson’s trail blazing Southwestern spirit as you explore the University of Arizona campus and beyond, all just steps from our desert retreat.
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