A Day Exploring the Desert

Our Local Expert Says:

The favorite breakfast among locals is the Blue Willow Special, also known as Marianne's Special---a heap of eggs, chiles, chicken and tortillas, among other tasty elements.

Description:

A Tucson institution for 20 years, this bakery cafe has set the standard for wholesome food a la 60s and 70s with its omelets, quiches and tofu scrambles. Its glory continues to this day due to the staff's dedication to quality and a chocolate dessert dish that never fails to impress clients and reviewers. A great outdoor patio with greenery and fountains provides shade and cool during brutal Tucson summers. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Our Local Expert Says:

On weekends, locals often sell fry bread and other foods under mesquite shelters in front of the mission.

Description:

The Mission San Xavier del Bac, also called the White Dove of the Desert, is nearly as iconic an image to Tucson as sunsets and saguaros. Built between 1783 and 1797, San Xavier del Bac is still an active Roman Catholic church for Tohono O'odham on the San Xavier Indian Reservation. The mission weaves together Moorish, Byzantine and Mexican Renaissance styles and is considered one of the finest examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the United States. The Mission San Xavier de Bac should be at or near the top of any visitor's list.

Our Local Expert Says:

Split a day between here and Saguaro National Park.

Description:

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is one of three or four not-to-be-missed attractions for anyone visiting Tucson. Spread across 21 acres in the drop-dead beautiful desert west of Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (locals refer to it simply as "the Desert museum") is a seamless mix of world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden. The museum's outdoor trails offer an immersion into the Sonoran Desert that can't be beat. The desert museum is a wonderful complement to the neighboring Saguaro National Park.

Description:

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's quick-service cafe is a relaxing respite from your tour of this delightful desert habitat. The setting is peaceful and picturesque and the service is friendly. The restaurant features made-to-order sandwiches and salads, plus a few Southwestern entree specialties. Children's choices are also offered.

Description:

There are two districts of Saguaro National Park that bookend Tucson on the east and the west. Both offer stunning views of the Sonoran Desert landscape, including saguaro forests. Both districts have driving roads that wander through parts of the park, but with its numerous hiking trails, the park is best experienced on foot. With its proximity to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, it would be easy to spend a day visiting the Tucson Mountain (West) District and the museum. The Rincon Mountain (East) District rises to over 8,000 feet and has 128 miles of trails.

Our Local Expert Says:

Gates Pass is on the way to Tucson Mountain Park, Old Tucson Studios, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Saguaro National Monument West, so you’re likely to see the pass whether you plan to or not.

Description:

For a panoramic view of Tucson and its surrounding mountain ranges, drive uphill west on Speedway Boulevard, which turns into Gates Pass Road. Stop at Gates Pass, at the apex of the road, and enjoy the desert and mountain vistas from the parking lot at the side of the road, particularly at sunset. Be aware that this is a narrow winding road frequently used by bicyclists.

Our Local Expert Says:

With a menu that changes daily, you'll never know what you're going to get. But if you can only make it to one Mexican restaurant, this should be it. Anything with a mole sauce is not to be missed. The made-to-order margaritas are the best.

Description:

Cafe Poca Cosa became the darling of Tucson's culinary scene a few years ago when model-restaurant owner-chef Susana Davila first made a splash with her inventive take on classic Mexican dishes. Years later, it can still be hard to get a reservation on a busy night. But it's worth the effort just to sample the restaurant's fresh, made from scratch daily dishes. There is no set menu here: what you see scrawled on the blackboard when you come in, is what you get. The good news? It's nearly always wonderful.