Kilmer's Ultimate Tucson Guidebook
Hikes
Great views of Tucson with amazing sunrises and sunsets. The 1.5-mile route that switchbacks uphill, but most find the 700-foot rise aerobically demanding enough to keep to a brisk hiking pace. A series of transmission towers and signs that say “Stop Walking” mark the top, but the views of Tucson and its surrounding mountains plus the groves of saguaros picketing the hillside help distract from the challenge of the ascent.
Tumamoc Hill Road
Tumamoc Hill RoadGreat views of Tucson with amazing sunrises and sunsets. The 1.5-mile route that switchbacks uphill, but most find the 700-foot rise aerobically demanding enough to keep to a brisk hiking pace. A series of transmission towers and signs that say “Stop Walking” mark the top, but the views of Tucson and its surrounding mountains plus the groves of saguaros picketing the hillside help distract from the challenge of the ascent.
Hike the two-mile, round-trip Mica View Loop in the east region to get up close to saguaros with arms that seem to point, salute and even hug. a great place to trail run or just do an easy hike.
8 locals recommend
Douglas Spring Trailhead
14306 E Speedway BlvdHike the two-mile, round-trip Mica View Loop in the east region to get up close to saguaros with arms that seem to point, salute and even hug. a great place to trail run or just do an easy hike.
Sabino Canyon is a significant canyon located in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest north of Tucson, Arizona, United States. Sabino Canyon is a popular recreation area for residents and visitors of Southern Arizona, providing a place to walk, hike or ride.
5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd
5700 North Sabino Canyon RoadSabino Canyon is a significant canyon located in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest north of Tucson, Arizona, United States. Sabino Canyon is a popular recreation area for residents and visitors of Southern Arizona, providing a place to walk, hike or ride.
Rillito River Park - 4288 Diamond St Loop, Tucson, AZ 85718
Rillito River Park is a 12-mile-long linear park in Tucson, Arizona that runs along the north and south banks of the Rillito River from Interstate 10 to North Craycroft Road. The park is part of The Loop, a network of linear parks serving Tucson and its suburbs. Park and walk to nearby St Phillip Plaza and enjoy restaurants and shopping
Rillito Park
Rillito River Park - 4288 Diamond St Loop, Tucson, AZ 85718
Rillito River Park is a 12-mile-long linear park in Tucson, Arizona that runs along the north and south banks of the Rillito River from Interstate 10 to North Craycroft Road. The park is part of The Loop, a network of linear parks serving Tucson and its suburbs. Park and walk to nearby St Phillip Plaza and enjoy restaurants and shopping
This is a short trail with a great view of the Catalina Mountains and Oro Valley. At the entrance you find a map. I would suggest to take a picture of the map to navigate around the loop because the trail can be missed easily and there are no signs. The trail is fairly easy. This is also a great place for those who like birds. Parking is limited and it was full already at 9 am. You can always park by Kneaders.
16 locals recommend
Linda Vista Trail
730 E Linda Vista RdThis is a short trail with a great view of the Catalina Mountains and Oro Valley. At the entrance you find a map. I would suggest to take a picture of the map to navigate around the loop because the trail can be missed easily and there are no signs. The trail is fairly easy. This is also a great place for those who like birds. Parking is limited and it was full already at 9 am. You can always park by Kneaders.
Drives with Beautiful Views
If you don't wanna leave you car and still want to take in the great views of Tucson this is the list for you!
Picturesque natural area & walking spot known for desert scenery & striking sunsets. If you have time before the sunset check out old Tucson studios or the desert museum
127 locals recommend
Gates Pass Trail
6400 W Gates Pass RdPicturesque natural area & walking spot known for desert scenery & striking sunsets. If you have time before the sunset check out old Tucson studios or the desert museum
Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway is the only paved road that leads to the upper reaches of Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. It is one of the most scenic drives in southeast Arizona.
27 locals recommend
Mt Lemmon Ski Valley
10300 E Ski Run RdMt Lemmon Scenic Byway is the only paved road that leads to the upper reaches of Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. It is one of the most scenic drives in southeast Arizona.
Outdoor Restaurants & Shopping
If your looking for a fun way to get some shopping done and grab a meal this is the list for you.
Mercado San Agustin + MSA annex- recommend eating at Seis Kitchen on the patio, Agustin Kitchen:
The mix of restaurants and retailers includes the popular La Estrella Bakery, known for Mexican pastries and Presta Coffee. For a fuller meal, order the substantial chilaquiles from Seis Kitchen. And walk a little further to the MSA annex . It's a shopping center made of shipping containers that will host 13 local businesses just south of the original Mercado San Agustín.
160 locals recommend
Mercado San Augustin
100 South Avenida del ConventoMercado San Agustin + MSA annex- recommend eating at Seis Kitchen on the patio, Agustin Kitchen:
The mix of restaurants and retailers includes the popular La Estrella Bakery, known for Mexican pastries and Presta Coffee. For a fuller meal, order the substantial chilaquiles from Seis Kitchen. And walk a little further to the MSA annex . It's a shopping center made of shipping containers that will host 13 local businesses just south of the original Mercado San Agustín.
Dont forget to pick up a meal at at Union Public House, Scratch, or Reforma while at St Philips Plaza.
St. Philip’s Plaza is a landmark in Tucson, well known for the beauty of its fountains, tile art, rose gardens, and towering Eucalyptus trees. The Plaza offers boutique shopping, galleries, restaurants, and professional offices. It is in central Tucson, next to the historic St. Philip’s Church. St. Philip’s Plaza not only offers a unique and elegant shopping and dining experience but is also a venue for celebrations from Jazz concerts and Tango in the Plaza to weddings and Farmer’s Markets. Come celebrate authentic Tucson culture and experience St. Philip’s Plaza.
24 locals recommend
Saint Philip's Plaza
Dont forget to pick up a meal at at Union Public House, Scratch, or Reforma while at St Philips Plaza.
St. Philip’s Plaza is a landmark in Tucson, well known for the beauty of its fountains, tile art, rose gardens, and towering Eucalyptus trees. The Plaza offers boutique shopping, galleries, restaurants, and professional offices. It is in central Tucson, next to the historic St. Philip’s Church. St. Philip’s Plaza not only offers a unique and elegant shopping and dining experience but is also a venue for celebrations from Jazz concerts and Tango in the Plaza to weddings and Farmer’s Markets. Come celebrate authentic Tucson culture and experience St. Philip’s Plaza.
My favorite restaurants on 4th are Boca Tacos, Magpies, Ermanos, The Coronet, Bison Whiches, B-line, Lindy’s diner.
Explore the city’s bohemian side along North 4th Avenue, where a series of independent boutiques and restaurants line the blocks between roughly East 8th and East 4th Streets. Spacious Antigone Books combines reading recommendations with gifts like notebooks and children’s toys. Tiny Town Gallery sells art prints, cards and T-shirts. Pop Cycle deals crafty goods from ceramic mugs to jewelry featuring mini horseshoes. Hit pause at Boca Tacos. The chef and owner, Maria Mazon, makes everything from the tortillas to the salsas, of which there are generally four daily, from scratch. Don’t miss the bistek, featuring beef simmered in a savory ranchero sauce, and the Don Pancho, chopped steak atop a crunchy tortilla.
87 locals recommend
Historic Fourth Avenue
My favorite restaurants on 4th are Boca Tacos, Magpies, Ermanos, The Coronet, Bison Whiches, B-line, Lindy’s diner.
Explore the city’s bohemian side along North 4th Avenue, where a series of independent boutiques and restaurants line the blocks between roughly East 8th and East 4th Streets. Spacious Antigone Books combines reading recommendations with gifts like notebooks and children’s toys. Tiny Town Gallery sells art prints, cards and T-shirts. Pop Cycle deals crafty goods from ceramic mugs to jewelry featuring mini horseshoes. Hit pause at Boca Tacos. The chef and owner, Maria Mazon, makes everything from the tortillas to the salsas, of which there are generally four daily, from scratch. Don’t miss the bistek, featuring beef simmered in a savory ranchero sauce, and the Don Pancho, chopped steak atop a crunchy tortilla.
At the Boxyard you can grab a drink and a table with friends, and have your choice of a snack/meal/drink together.
its got cool vibes; it's a mixture of high top tables, sofas, and traditional tables either on the ground level or they have 2 balcony spaces if you feel like people or sunset watching.
The bar is stocked with lots of great beers and they also have a smaller bar closer to the entrance with liquor.
It's dog & kid friendly.
The ambiance is chill and comfortable, they have heat lamps in the winter and misters in the summer, making for a super bearable afternoon. They also have shades so you won't be baking in the sun.
21 locals recommend
The Boxyard
238 N 4th AveAt the Boxyard you can grab a drink and a table with friends, and have your choice of a snack/meal/drink together.
its got cool vibes; it's a mixture of high top tables, sofas, and traditional tables either on the ground level or they have 2 balcony spaces if you feel like people or sunset watching.
The bar is stocked with lots of great beers and they also have a smaller bar closer to the entrance with liquor.
It's dog & kid friendly.
The ambiance is chill and comfortable, they have heat lamps in the winter and misters in the summer, making for a super bearable afternoon. They also have shades so you won't be baking in the sun.
Restaurants close to The Kilmer
I personally love and recommend the Roasted Carrots, Kampachi Aguachile , Queso Fundido, Grilled Salmon.
The restaurant proudly features a mid-century modern aesthetic with mid-century cookbook-inspired paintings, teal booths, and warm pendant lamps. The space is inviting enough to show up for a casual dinner but nice enough to visit for a special occasion. While the restaurant aims to serve as a neighborhood bistro, the service is high-end restaurant worthy. Menu items show global influence with a respect for the southwestern pantry. Every element of every dish I’ve eaten there so far has been prepared properly, highlighting the quality of the ingredients.
63 locals recommend
Tito and Pep
4122 E Speedway BlvdI personally love and recommend the Roasted Carrots, Kampachi Aguachile , Queso Fundido, Grilled Salmon.
The restaurant proudly features a mid-century modern aesthetic with mid-century cookbook-inspired paintings, teal booths, and warm pendant lamps. The space is inviting enough to show up for a casual dinner but nice enough to visit for a special occasion. While the restaurant aims to serve as a neighborhood bistro, the service is high-end restaurant worthy. Menu items show global influence with a respect for the southwestern pantry. Every element of every dish I’ve eaten there so far has been prepared properly, highlighting the quality of the ingredients.
I recommend having a signature spicy margarita, and appetizers or the cielos hamburger.
Can walk from the Kilmer to the bar for happy hour prices or sit outdoors and have dinner.
Cielos
306 N Alvernon WayI recommend having a signature spicy margarita, and appetizers or the cielos hamburger.
Can walk from the Kilmer to the bar for happy hour prices or sit outdoors and have dinner.
This place is our go-to when we can't decide what to eat. The food is always great and they are super friendly. We are so lucky to have really good Greek food, with great service close to the house. The menu has a good variety from soups to burgers to salads to lamb chops. You can't go wrong with the gyro plate and you get free hummus and veggies when you dine in.
6 locals recommend
Opa's Best Greek American Cuisine
4590 E Broadway BlvdThis place is our go-to when we can't decide what to eat. The food is always great and they are super friendly. We are so lucky to have really good Greek food, with great service close to the house. The menu has a good variety from soups to burgers to salads to lamb chops. You can't go wrong with the gyro plate and you get free hummus and veggies when you dine in.
The outdoor patio is so beautiful and relaxing. Enjoy a cocktail outdoors, play some outdoor patio games or have a great Italian meal inside. Walkover if you have a chance during your stay. The beef short ribs and ciopinno are my faves for dinner. And they have great lunch specials/deals if you can’t get a table for dinner.
32 locals recommend
Locale Neighborhood Italian Restaurant
60 N Alvernon WayThe outdoor patio is so beautiful and relaxing. Enjoy a cocktail outdoors, play some outdoor patio games or have a great Italian meal inside. Walkover if you have a chance during your stay. The beef short ribs and ciopinno are my faves for dinner. And they have great lunch specials/deals if you can’t get a table for dinner.
Flora’s is both a restaurant and market/deli with amazing food, cocktails and pastries/dessert. One half is a market with a great deli and market to pickup any of your groceries needs as well as high end meats, fish, flowers, salts, and gifts/tucson local made crafts. The other half is a restaurant and is a local favorite for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Go to people watch on the patio. It’s fast casual for breakfast and lunch and sit down dining for dinner. Pro tip: buy your fave beer or wine (recommendation: Pauliner) from the market and drink it at the restaurant in (just let your server know).
I usually like sit in the lobby/couch area during happy hour (3-5pm) and eat an appetizer ($1 oysters HH) and latte from the coffee bar or a white wine when I’m done working.
57 locals recommend
Flora's Market Run
2513 E 6th StFlora’s is both a restaurant and market/deli with amazing food, cocktails and pastries/dessert. One half is a market with a great deli and market to pickup any of your groceries needs as well as high end meats, fish, flowers, salts, and gifts/tucson local made crafts. The other half is a restaurant and is a local favorite for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Go to people watch on the patio. It’s fast casual for breakfast and lunch and sit down dining for dinner. Pro tip: buy your fave beer or wine (recommendation: Pauliner) from the market and drink it at the restaurant in (just let your server know).
I usually like sit in the lobby/couch area during happy hour (3-5pm) and eat an appetizer ($1 oysters HH) and latte from the coffee bar or a white wine when I’m done working.
NEW-Borderlands Brewing SAM HUGHES at 5th and Tucson
-So borderlands brewing is a local brewery that has a pretty awesome place downtown. BUT they just opened up a new BORDERLANDS location in SAM HUGHES which is setup like a beer garden near the Kilmer! you can go have a a beer or try their unique churro cream ale. They have a great patio and dine- in area with great food options. They have a game area with cornhole and benches for people watching.
23 locals recommend
Borderlands Brewing Co.
119 E Toole AveNEW-Borderlands Brewing SAM HUGHES at 5th and Tucson
-So borderlands brewing is a local brewery that has a pretty awesome place downtown. BUT they just opened up a new BORDERLANDS location in SAM HUGHES which is setup like a beer garden near the Kilmer! you can go have a a beer or try their unique churro cream ale. They have a great patio and dine- in area with great food options. They have a game area with cornhole and benches for people watching.
Best Outdoor Patio Restaurants
With a location in the Foothills overlooking Tucson, Blanco has one of the best views in town. The happy hour is also one of the best deals in town.
44 locals recommend
Blanco Tacos + Tequila
2905 E Skyline DrWith a location in the Foothills overlooking Tucson, Blanco has one of the best views in town. The happy hour is also one of the best deals in town.
The patio at Cafe a la C’Art features vibrant mosaic tile work and occasional live music. Additionally, it’s just steps away from museums and countless art installations.
27 locals recommend
Café à La C'Art
150 N Main AveThe patio at Cafe a la C’Art features vibrant mosaic tile work and occasional live music. Additionally, it’s just steps away from museums and countless art installations.
The Coronet’s patio provides top-notch people-watching. The tent, fans, misters, and heaters make it cozy year-round.
78 locals recommend
The Coronet
198 W Cushing StThe Coronet’s patio provides top-notch people-watching. The tent, fans, misters, and heaters make it cozy year-round.
The open courtyard patio of Hotel Congress is large enough to host festivals, yet cozy enough to curl up at a table with a book.
111 locals recommend
Cup Cafe
311 E Congress StThe open courtyard patio of Hotel Congress is large enough to host festivals, yet cozy enough to curl up at a table with a book.
La Cocina’s patio has a backyard feel — the backyard of someone who has their life together. And a turtle pond.
101 locals recommend
LaCo Tucson | Outdoor Downtown Tucson Restaurant
76 N Court AveLa Cocina’s patio has a backyard feel — the backyard of someone who has their life together. And a turtle pond.
While the Mercado San Agustin itself is not a restaurant, it houses the shared patios of multiple restaurants such as Agustin Kitchen and Seis Kitchen. The open-air space has a Spanish courtyard feel, with musical acts such as Naïm Amor frequently performing live.
160 locals recommend
Mercado San Augustin
100 South Avenida del ConventoWhile the Mercado San Agustin itself is not a restaurant, it houses the shared patios of multiple restaurants such as Agustin Kitchen and Seis Kitchen. The open-air space has a Spanish courtyard feel, with musical acts such as Naïm Amor frequently performing live.
Popular with bicyclists, Saguaro Corners is just on the outskirts of Saguaro National Park East with a stunning desert view.
40 locals recommend
Saguaro Corners Restaurant & Bar
3750 S Old Spanish TrailPopular with bicyclists, Saguaro Corners is just on the outskirts of Saguaro National Park East with a stunning desert view.
great food and bar area, and an indoor ice cream parlor!
74 locals recommend
HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery
266 E Congress Stgreat food and bar area, and an indoor ice cream parlor!
Food scene
Portal Cocktails
220 North 4th AvenueCool and low key bar with amazing cocktails and architecture