Mountain biking is becoming more popular here, and the southwest’s stunning landscape. If you’re just starting out, scope out the terrain at the Sweetwater Preserve Trailhead in the eastern foothills of Tucson Mountains and Honeybee Canyon in the Oro Valley. Both feature relatively milder pitches that usually appeal to novices. More advanced riding awaits on Mount Lemmon. Expertise aside, you should hire a guide anyway to ensure a seamless and safe adventure. The folks at Homegrown are some of the most dedicated. Its owner Art is a founding member of the Tucson Off-Road Cyclists and Activists, a non-profit that advocates for the thoughtful development of Tucson’s trails.
Speaking of terroir, southern Arizona has an exciting wine scene developing thanks to farmlands fertile enough to yield high-quality grapes. You’ll find many restaurants in town serving local bottles in their drink lists. To get up-close and personal with the vineyards and winemakers, however, take a day trip to Sonoita, a burgeoning wine country just 50 miles south of town. Tap Arizona Winery Tours to lead a customized private visit, but you definitely don’t want to miss Los Milics, a newly launched winery from Pavle Milic, co-owner and wine expert at FnB, one of the best restaurants in Arizona.
For more cultural exploits, you’ll want to explore Barrio Viejo, the largest barrio in the country. It was first established when Tucson was still part of Mexico, and it was the long-standing heart of life in the city. Today, Barrio Viejo, where you’ll find the largest collection of Sonoran adobe structures in the country, is going through some pretty significant changes as new projects (from bars and restaurants to hotels and galleries) open in these historic buildings. Tucson Presidio Museum leads a 90-minute walking tour ($30) of the neighborhood, during which you’ll learn not only of its history but also about the various businesses that call it home. For an extra $10, you can share a snack and a margarita with your guide following the tour to continue the conversation. Another landmark worth adding to your list of must-dos is the Mission San Xavier del Bac, which is located about 10 miles southwest of the city. It was founded in 1692 and the current building has been around since 1797 making it the oldest (and to many, the best-looking) colonial relic in the US. There are many world-class museums in Tucson (the Tucson Museum of Art turns 100 this year), but The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is a more unusual choice: It’s hosting a whimsical exhibit on mini pencils until May 15, 2024.
Where to eat and drink Tucson
El Charro Cafe, originally founded in 1922, is the country’s oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant, and it’s still among the most popular in Tucson. All three locations serve a robust menu of classics, from queso-stuffed rellenos to a variety of soft-shell tacos, but the must-order here is the Carne Seca platter. El Charro’s trademark dish, perfected over a hundred years now, orbits around angus beef that’s been marinated, sun-dried, shredded, and grilled before it’s plated with the works.
A James Beard American Classic, El Guero Canelo is famous for its Sonoran hot dog, which features a bacon-wrapped dog stuffed into a Mexico-made bun before it’s all loaded with beans, onions, tomatoes, and jalapeño sauce. Every week, James Beard winner Don Guerra’s Barrio Bread makes nearly 4,000 loaves all featuring local or heritage grains from the southwest. In their Tucson cafe, you can have your pick from countless styles, from a simple baguette to cinnamon-raisin and mesquite-flavored. You can also find a pan-Latin vegetarian and gluten-free meal at Tumerico, where the menu changes daily. One day you may get to try enchilada calabacita (stuffed with zucchini, squash, and other veggies); another day might feature a jackfruit taco.
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