Central Tucson

Urban parks, family attractions, historic ‘hoods

Central Tucson is a vibrant hub of activity in the heart of Arizona’s largest city. Home to vibrant shopping districts, lively entertainment venues, and some of the best restaurants in the area, Central Tucson has something for everyone.

The 4th Avenue shopping district is best known for offering many shops, restaurants, and art galleries. From vintage clothing boutiques to specialty shops like the Tucson Food Co-Op, 4th Avenue has something for everyone. In the downtown Rialto Theater, live music performances from around the world entertain the night.

The University of Arizona is also located in Central Tucson and offers many activities for students and community members. The school offers concerts, plays, performances, and more throughout the year. The nearby Arizona State Museum is another excellent place to learn about local history and culture.

For those who want to dine out or have drinks in the center of town, Central Tucson offers some of the best restaurants in the area. From Mexican restaurants to sushi bars and steakhouses to vegan eateries, Central Tucson has something for everyone.

The city’s largest park anchors central Tucson: 131-acre Reid Park has a baseball stadium, a theater, a duck pond, Reid Park Zoo, playgrounds, gardens, and picnic areas. There are also Two-18-hole municipal golf courses and a Tennis Center. A 2-mile loop of paved multi-use trails follows the park’s edge, connecting with another 2.5 miles around the golf and recreation complex.

Some of our main attractions include The Tucson Botanical GardensYume Japanese Gardens, The Mini Time Machine Museum, Madaras Gallery, and Fort Lowell Park. Also, the Loft CinemaUnscrewed TheaterYun Gee Park Gallery & Atelier, and The RumRunner wine and spirits shop are nearby. Shopping options range from two malls, El Con and Park Place, to such local haunts as Buffalo ExchangeBroadway Village (a 1939 gem designed by local architect Josias Joesler that houses Bisbee Breakfast ClubBarrio Bread, and Sushi Garden), Bookmans Entertainment Exchange,  Midtown Mercantile Merchants, and Plaza Palomino.

This area is characterized by its historic neighborhoods, built primarily between 1920 and 1960, featuring varied architectural styles and mature landscaping. Among them, Blenman-Elm is home to the Arizona Inn, a 14-acre garden resort built in 1930 by Isabella Greenway, Arizona’s first Congresswoman and lifelong friend of Eleanor Roosevelt. Nearby, another local landmark hotel, Lodge on the Desert, began as a private family residence in the late 1930s and provides a charming getaway today. The 3rd Street/University bike boulevard transports cyclists and pedestrians from Wilmot Road to the University of Arizona, passing through primarily residential areas.

Scattered throughout the area are brand-name, mid-range hotels convenient to most everything, including SheratonHilton, La Quinta, Marriott, and the local independent Viscount Suite Hotel.

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