Things To Do
Tohono Chul | Gardens, Galleries, and Bistro
Our wedding venue! On 3/21/26, the day of the Big Event, the gardens are available for guests to enjoy FOR FREE! We recommend grabbing a coffee from a nearby coffeeshop and going for a morning stroll - the gardens are not particularly conducive to walking around in dress clothes, so best to visit in your walking shoes earlier in the day. For a leisurely visit, plan to spend 1 to 1.5 hours. You could even grab a meal from the bistro.
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
Sabino Canyon is a Tucson favorite and holds a special place for us—we actually grew up nearby, with our middle school just across the street! You can take the tram up and back for a fun, scenic ride, hike down to the dam and back, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the paved road and explore the Visitors Center. It’s a beautiful spot to experience the natural side of Tucson.
Mount Lemmon
Mount Lemmon is one of our favorite escapes, offering everything from skiing and camping to hiking depending on the season. The town of Summerhaven at the top has charming spots to grab a bite—we often stop by the Cookie Cabin or pick up some fudge! For a shorter visit, Windy Point is perfect for a sunset view, and Rose Canyon Lake is a favorite spot to camp, stroll around the water, or relax in a hammock.
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is a must-see for anyone visiting Tucson, with both the East and West districts offering incredible desert landscapes dotted with iconic saguaros. In March, you might even catch some beautiful desert blooms, making it the perfect spot for a scenic drive, a hike, or just soaking in the stunning Sonoran Desert views. This is a great activity to pair with the Desert Museum and/or Old Tucson.
Old Tucson
Old Tucson (sometimes known as Tucson Studios) is a fun, historic movie studio and theme park that brings the Old West to life. With live shows, historic sets, and plenty of photo ops, it’s a great spot for a playful day out and a taste of classic Tucson charm. We especially enjoy visiting during halloween & Christmas when the studios are decorated in theme! This is a great activity to pair with Saguaro National Park West and/or the Desert Museum.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a unique blend of zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum—all in one. It’s a great way to get up close with the plants and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert, explore beautiful outdoor trails, and enjoy interactive exhibits that showcase the region’s natural beauty. This is a great activity to pair with the Saguaro National Park West and/or Old Tucson.
University of Arizona
University of Arizona is close to our hearts—both of us are alumni! We love strolling the Mall’s beautiful grassy areas, visiting the planetarium, exploring University Street’s boutiques and restaurants, and cheering on the Wildcats at sporting events. Lisa returns each year to volunteer at the Festival of Books, and Kaitlyn has been performing piano recitals in Centennial Hall for over a decade.
Downtown
Downtown Tucson is full of energy and charm, perfect for catching a show at the Fox or Rialto theaters. Some of our favorite spots include Reilly Pizza, with its speakeasy and beer garden, and Club Congress, where you can enjoy classic Tucson vibes, great food, and live music. We also enjoy the Century Room for jazz shows. Not far from downtown are Barrio Brewing, Motosonora Brewing & Slo Body Brewing, all of which have great patios and local brews. Kaitlyn worked downtown for 3 years, so we've enjoyed many shows & meals here.
MSA Annex, St Agustine Plaza & Monier
MSA Annex & Monier/St. Augustine Plaza are great spots to explore local boutiques and enjoy tasty bites. Walkable with a lively atmosphere, these areas often host markets, and with the Sun Link nearby, it’s easy to get to downtown, campus, or 4th Avenue. La Estrella donuts is a must-do if you're in the area for breakfast!
Tumamoc Hill Hiking Trail
Tumamoc Hill is easily accessible from the middle of town, but be ready for a steep, paved uphill walk! It’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike, offering scenic trails and beautiful views of the city and surrounding desert at the top.
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is a whimsical delight for all ages, featuring incredibly detailed miniature worlds—from historic dollhouses to tiny replicas of modern life. It’s a fun and unique way to explore art, history, and imagination in a compact, charming setting.
La Encantada
La Encantada is an open-air shopping center set against the Catalina Mountains, offering well-known brands and great dining options. It’s a lovely spot to wander, grab a bite, and enjoy beautiful views—especially around sunset. For a great view of the city, grab a meal at Blanco!
The Lost Barrio Shops
Lost Barrio is a colorful, creative hub featuring local artists, unique shops, and beautifully handcrafted pottery and decor. It’s a fun place to wander, discover one-of-a-kind pieces, and experience Tucson’s vibrant artistic spirit.
El Charro Café Downtown
Original El Charro Downtown is a Tucson classic, serving up delicious Mexican cuisine in a vibrant, historic setting. While you wait for your table, you can stroll around the neighborhood—especially along S. Meyer Street—to admire the colorful houses and charming architecture, a perfect little taste of Tucson if you don’t have time to explore Barrio Viejo. They get busy, so call ahead if you think of it.
Coronet Cafe
Coronet Café is a charming spot for brunch or lunch, known for its cozy courtyard, beautiful presentation, and seasonal menu. It’s a lovely place to slow down, enjoy great food, and soak in a bit of Tucson’s relaxed, romantic charm.
Le Buzz Plaza Coffee Co
Le Buzz is one of our absolute favorite spots. This café and breakfast spot known for its excellent coffee, delicious homemade pastries, hearty breakfast burritos, quiches, and more in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. If you're going for pastries, make sure to get there early or it'll be slim pickings!
Tito and Pep
Tito & Pep is a celebrated, award‑recognized restaurant in Tucson known for its inventive, mesquite‑fired dishes and welcoming atmosphere. Chef John Martinez was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Southwest, highlighting the restaurant’s standout cuisine. Because it’s a local favorite with limited seating, reservations are highly recommended to secure a table and enjoy a truly memorable meal.
Prep & Pastry
Prep & Pastry is a must-visit for brunch lovers, serving creative breakfast and lunch dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. With a lively atmosphere and delicious pastries, it’s the perfect spot to start your day in Tucson. Pro tip, get an early start or call ahead to get on the waiting list!