Tucson Barrio Viejo Tucson Walking Tour & Scott Avenue with Guide
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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!
Available options
Tucson Barrio Viejo Tucson Walking Tour & Scott Avenue with Guide
What's included
2 hours of historic stories, fascinating tales & interesting tidbits as we stroll the Barrio Viejo!
Detailed itinerary
1
We begin discussing our St. Augustine Cathedral, why it has this name, and how Tucson was founded as the Presidio San Augustine del Tucson in 1775 as a Spanish Colonial Fort!
2
We discuss the famous architect Henry Trost and his many designs in Tucson including the Scottish Rite Cathedral, a beautiful Masonic Temple.
3
We learn about the many uses of this historic building and it's unique sign!
4
We learn about our historic Carnegie Free Library, today our Children's Museum, designed by Henry Trost!
5
We hear the historic story of The Blenman Inn!
6
We learn what this building originally housed, and the story of the historic Owls Club in Tucson!
7
We learn the storied past of the stunning Temple of Music and Art, today managed by the Arizona Theatre Company.
8
We visit the Barrio Viejo Neighborhood, today the largest collection of mud adobe structures found in a single neighborhood anywhere in the United States! We discuss the melting pot of cultures who lived in this neighborhood, learn how our Sonoran Row Houses were built for our harsh desert climate, and hear the lively tales of life in the Barrio!
9
We pass by several boutique shops that have opened in our historic Sonoran Row Houses as we explore the Barrio Viejo, discussing how historically this neighborhood had a rich and lively mix of retail and residential!
10
We pass by this photography gallery making note of the revitalization taking place in this historic Barrio Viejo.
11
We pass by Bahti in the Barrio Viejo. We learn why this intersection was very prominent in the mid to late 1800s in the Barrio Viejo!
12
We visit the charming Parque de Orlando y Diego Mendoza, and learn the story of how this park comes to be.
13
We learn the story of this historic theatre that dates to 1915!
14
We learn of the mercantile family who first occupied this building!
15
We hear the fascinating tale of Juan Oliveras and his sexual sinful ways in the 1870s...and how some good comes from his sinful ways a century later! Ohh - This is a good story!
16
We learn the spectacular history of Tucson's First Park!
Reviews breakdown
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Tripadvisor
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tour Participation Risk Acknowledgement and Liability Waiver: By booking this tour, I understand and agree that participation in this Guided Walking Tour by Strolls and Stories Tours involves walking on public sidewalks, crossing streets and entering both public and private buildings and property. This guided tour could involve risk of physical injury, illness, death or property loss, and despite safety precautions, Strolls and Stories Tours cannot guarantee safety thereof, as all risks cannot be prevented. I understand that any injuries, medical expenses, property loss, or other personal expenditures that result during or from participating in this Tour, are to be borne by the participant, or by their parent or guardian (if participant is a minor), and I agree to release Strolls and Stories Tours and it's owner and employees of any and all liability.
No pets please. Service animals are allowed.
Meeting point
We meet in front of the La Placita Parking Garage at 104 S Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701. Scott, your Tour Guide, will be under the big sign along Stone Ave in front of the parking garage and will be wearing an orange color Strolls and Stories Tours t-shirt.
About Tucson
Tucson, nestled in the Sonoran Desert, is a vibrant city known for its rich Native American and Old West history. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, it offers a unique blend of cultural attractions, stunning desert landscapes, and world-class outdoor activities.
Top Attractions
Saguaro National Park
A stunning desert landscape filled with giant saguaro cacti, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and scenic drives.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
A unique blend of zoo, botanical garden, and museum, showcasing the wildlife and plants of the Sonoran Desert.
Museum
2-3 hours
$25 for adults, $12 for children (ages 5-12)
Old Tucson
A historic theme park that recreates the Old West, featuring live shows, stagecoach rides, and Wild West stunt shows.
Historical/Entertainment
2-4 hours
$25 for adults, $15 for children (ages 5-12)
Mission San Xavier del Bac
A beautifully preserved 18th-century Spanish mission, known for its stunning architecture and rich history.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sonoran Hot Dog
A bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and a variety of condiments, unique to the Sonoran Desert region.
Snack
Contains pork and gluten
Chiles Rellenos
Poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, coated in egg batter, and fried, often served with a tomato-based sauce.
Dinner
Vegetarian (check for cheese and batter ingredients)
Prickly Pear Margarita
A refreshing cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and prickly pear puree, giving it a unique pink color and sweet-tart flavor.
Drink
Contains alcohol
Popular Activities
Hiking in Saguaro National Park
Mountain biking in the Tucson Mountain Park
Hot air balloon rides
Spa treatments at luxury resorts
Picnicking in Reid Park
Stargazing at Kitt Peak National Observatory
Visiting the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Exploring the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
Best Time to Visit
November to April
This is the most popular time to visit due to pleasant weather and various festivals. Expect cooler mornings and evenings, and warm afternoons.
10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F)
50°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Tucson is generally safe for tourists, but exercise caution in less populated areas, especially at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
Getting there
By air
- Tucson International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center
By bus
Tucson Greyhound Station
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and efficient, with real-time tracking available.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Tucson
Tanque Verde
Catalina Foothills
Day trips
Mount Lemmon
30 miles (48 km) • Half day to full day
A scenic mountain range with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a cool, forested environment.
Tombstone
60 miles (97 km) • Full day
A historic Old West town known for its role in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and its well-preserved Western heritage.
Bisbee
90 miles (145 km) • Full day
A charming, artsy town with a rich mining history, known for its colorful buildings, art galleries, and unique shops.
Festivals
Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase • February
Tucson Meet Yourself • October
Tucson Rodeo (Fiesta de los Vaqueros) • February
Pro tips
- Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds
- Explore the 4th Avenue Shopping District for unique local crafts and vintage finds
- Take a day trip to Mount Lemmon for a cool, forested escape from the desert heat
- Try a prickly pear margarita, a local favorite made with the fruit of the desert's iconic cactus
- Attend a performance at the Rialto Theatre for a taste of Tucson's vibrant arts scene
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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