Downtown Tucson Walking Tour with Local Guide

Tucson , United States

Downtown Tucson Walking Tour with Local Guide

Active

(1 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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!

Available options

Downtown Tucson Walking Tour with Local Guide

Summer 2025 Downtown Tour

What's included

Two hours of historic stories, fascinating tales & my interesting tidbits of Tucson history!

Detailed itinerary

We stroll past the Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum discussing Tucson's founding way back in 1775 as we view the rebuilt mud adobe presidio walls. We also discuss our 4,000 years of Native American History.

Stop 2 Pass by

We discuss how Old Town Artisans is one of our mud adobe Sonoran Row Houses that dates to the 1850s. We chat in detail about how these mud adobe structures were constructed for our harsh desert climate.

We pass by the Tucson Museum of Art and will make mention of the historic buildings that sit on this property.

We discuss this beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival Styled building that dates to 1929 and do the Dillinger Experience in the courtroom where the gang was arranged back in 1934!

We learn of a very famous gunfighter who partied the night away right here in the 1880s! We also chat about how our first St. Augustine Cathedral once stood here and the fascinating story of what happens to our old Cathedral....this is a good tale!

We discuss this history of our Fox Tucson Theatre, a southwest art deco designed theatre, and discuss how it was nearly torn down, as we learn how it was saved!

We will discuss they story of Tucson's first skyscraper!

We will discuss the Ronstadt family and Linda Ronstadt!

We will discuss the storied history of the Rialto Theatre in Tucson including how one lady attempted to burn it down - this is quite the story!

We will discuss the history of the Hotel Congress Tucson, including the Dillinger Gang!

We will discuss the history of the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot in Tucson, today the Tucson Amtrak Station

We see old steam locomotive 1673 which was used in the filming of the movie Oklahoma! Also a statue of Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp as we learn who they chased and shot dead right on the tracks in downtown Tucson!

We learn what this Pueblo Deco designed building originally housed!

Learn what very famous mid century actress loved to shop in the dress shop that used to be in this building.

Learn of the luxury hotel that once occupied this building with a rooftop and all!

Learn of the grand downtown department store shopping scene that once occupied this intersection. We hear how it gained national acclaim, and what ultimately happened to it.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

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 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, the tour operator 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 the tour operator and it's owner and employees of any and all liability.

No pets please. Service animals are allowed.

Meeting point

We meet directly across from the Lohse YMCA Downtown at 60 W Alameda Street...that is a good street address to Google Map to. We meet on the Southeast corner of W Alameda Street and North Church Avenue under the big shade tree. Look for your Tour Guide wearing an orange 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