Nicole’s Tucson City Guide: Shopping, Dining & More
Our AZ stylist Nicole rounds up her favorite spots in her new (again) hometown of Tucson.
Moving to Tucson after getting my undergraduate from the University of Arizona over a decade later (wow) at first felt like a massive time warp! But after seeing how this city has grown but still kept its community feel and values, I knew it was a place I would be happy. Tucson absolutely does not get the credit it deserves, we have so much to offer! We have something for everyone…incredible sweeping landscapes, gorgeous hiking, unique museums, chic spas, delicious restaurants, historic hotels and great boutiques.
xx,
Nicole
SHOPPING
If you are looking for a super cute and curated boutique head over to W Boutique in St. Phillips Plaza. They have all my fave brands and recently remodeled their space and it looks fabulous. They often have little events that include Champagne! They also have amazing sales.
I also love an outdoor mall situation and La Encantada delivers. It is a great way to spend a Saturday just walking around and popping into one of the many stores they have such as Madewell, Anthropologie, Free People and more. If vintage shopping is your thing, Desert Vintage is a must-see. It is a great shopping vibe and the pieces are so incredibly chic. You cannot go wrong! Tucson also has some super unique lifestyle boutiques that I love — I frequent Mast the most. They have handmade jewelry, leather goods, home goods, and more!
It is located in Annex in the Mercado District where they have transformed shipping containers into stylish shops and restaurants. It is a perfect weekend hang-out. If you venture over to 4th Ave you have to check out 440 & Co, a super cute artisan floral and gift shop. They have a WALL of beautifully scented Arizona-themed candles that I cannot get enough of. Another place I love to hit up for candles on 4th Ave is Rustic Candle Company. I have been buying candles from here since college and let me tell you, they are amazing! Hand-dipped and amazing scents. One of my faves is the ‘Dirt’ Candle – it smells like it does after a monsoon! If you are in the market for home furnishings, I am a big fan of Rustica Furniture. Located in Lost Barrio, this store is full of hidden treasures from Mexican and Peruvian furniture, accessories and more. You can spend hours here and it has such a great atmosphere.
DINING
We also have some incredible restaurants here in Tucson. I am obsessed with the super vibey Bata downtown. Bata serves tasting-style eats that are 90% sourced from within 400 miles of the restaurant. The menu is ever-changing so you can always expect new amazing tastes every time you go.
Another place I love is Contigo Latin Kitchen in La Paloma. The view is outstanding and the food and drink are so so good! The perfect place to have dinner outside in the summer. Owls Club downtown is one of my fave places to grab some drinks after dinner. A former 1920s funeral home, the bar comes complete with pew seating while you sip your cocktails. It has a very trendy yet old classic feel…I absolutely love it.—
WHERE TO GO & STAY
My fave hotel in Tucson is the historic Congress Hotel downtown. Built in 1919, Hotel Congress has a ton of history, such as being the site of where John Dillinger was captured. The rumored haunted hotel is so much more than just a place to sleep – it also has a restaurant, cafe, lounge and night club. Hotel Congress also hosts many amazing events such as a spooky seance every month.
If a resort is more your vibe you will absolutely love Miraval. Being a world-renowned wellness destination, you have access to top-of-the-line spa treatments, daily wellness and spiritual activities, cooking classes and more! It is the ideal place to go when you need to unwind.
You wouldn’t think it but Tucson has a huge art and museum scene as well. My fave is DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun. It is an indoor/outdoor museum that has additional rotating exhibits so every time you go there is something new to see. It is also dog-friendly so I always bring my pup Maurice with me.
MOCA is also a fave museum. It hosts work from contemporary artists locally, nationally, and internationally. These exhibits are rotating so attending the opening nights is so much fun. It is also a great place to go on a rainy summer day.
If you are trying to beat the summer heat, you do have options other than the pool! I love heading up to Mt. Lemmon. Mt. Lemmon has hiking, camping, and even a little town at the top that has restaurants, hotels, a cookie cabin, and fudge shop! You can also ski during the winter! If skiing isn’t your thing, a ride on the chair lift to the top is always enjoyable. Pro tip – if you download the University of Arizona Mt. Lemmon Science Tour, you can learn all about the history and zones of the mountain as you drive up. It is really relaxing and informative.
