The Turquoise Trail Guided Downtown Tour, by the Presidio Museum
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Tucson’s Historic Downtown Walking Tour
A 2 ½-mile loop through downtown that showcases Tucson’s Spanish Colonial architecture and historic landmarks. The Turquoise Trail Walking Tour begins at the Presidio Museum, located at 196 N. Court Avenue and is marked by a distinctive turquoise line painted on the sidewalk, making it easy to follow.
Trail Options:
1) A self-guided tour brochure is available at the Historic Pima County Court House Visitor Center or at the Presidio Museum for $2.
2) A GPS-led app called "Turquoise Trail" is available at Google Play or the App Store for $5.
The complete walk takes 90 minutes to two hours, but it can also be done in segments. The Trail is fully wheelchair/scooter accessible.
More than 30 restaurants are within a few blocks of the walk, providing opportunities for lunch along the way.
Available options
The Turquoise Trail Guided Downtown Tour, by the Presidio Museum
Turquoise Trail Guided Tour
by the Presidio Museum
Turquoise Trail Highlight Tour
Museum admission included
What's included
All Fees and Taxes
Detailed itinerary
1
On the guided Turquoise Trail Walking Tour, you will learn about Tucson's history, architecture and interesting stories from our experienced guides.
Begin the tour at the Presidio Museum and hear about how its settlement had a significant impact on the City of Tucson's settlement by Europeans. See the longest-inhabited building in Tucson. Learn about Presidio Park sculptures and why they are significant to Tucson's history and culture. Walk through the Barrio Viejo, and area that grew in population in the late 1800s and early 1900s and became very ethnically diverse. View the former Carnegie Library building, which is today's Children's Museum. Discover Hotel Congress, built in 1919 across from the railroad depot, where John Dillinger's gang rented rooms and asked firemen to carry out their bags of machine guns when a fire broke out. This ultimately led to their arrest. End the tour at the Fox Theater, which has been restored to its former greatness. More stops are also included.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travelers needing walkers
Meeting point
Go inside the Tucson Presidio Museum at 196 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ and tell the front desk you are there for the Turquoise Trail tour. They will direct you from there.
About Tucson
Tucson, nestled in the Sonoran Desert, is a vibrant city known for its rich Native American and Old West history. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, it offers a unique blend of cultural attractions, stunning desert landscapes, and world-class outdoor activities.
Top Attractions
Saguaro National Park
A stunning desert landscape filled with giant saguaro cacti, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and scenic drives.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
A unique blend of zoo, botanical garden, and museum, showcasing the wildlife and plants of the Sonoran Desert.
Museum
2-3 hours
$25 for adults, $12 for children (ages 5-12)
Old Tucson
A historic theme park that recreates the Old West, featuring live shows, stagecoach rides, and Wild West stunt shows.
Historical/Entertainment
2-4 hours
$25 for adults, $15 for children (ages 5-12)
Mission San Xavier del Bac
A beautifully preserved 18th-century Spanish mission, known for its stunning architecture and rich history.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sonoran Hot Dog
A bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and a variety of condiments, unique to the Sonoran Desert region.
Snack
Contains pork and gluten
Chiles Rellenos
Poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, coated in egg batter, and fried, often served with a tomato-based sauce.
Dinner
Vegetarian (check for cheese and batter ingredients)
Prickly Pear Margarita
A refreshing cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and prickly pear puree, giving it a unique pink color and sweet-tart flavor.
Drink
Contains alcohol
Popular Activities
Hiking in Saguaro National Park
Mountain biking in the Tucson Mountain Park
Hot air balloon rides
Spa treatments at luxury resorts
Picnicking in Reid Park
Stargazing at Kitt Peak National Observatory
Visiting the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Exploring the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
Best Time to Visit
November to April
This is the most popular time to visit due to pleasant weather and various festivals. Expect cooler mornings and evenings, and warm afternoons.
10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F)
50°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Tucson is generally safe for tourists, but exercise caution in less populated areas, especially at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
Getting there
By air
- Tucson International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center
By bus
Tucson Greyhound Station
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and efficient, with real-time tracking available.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Tucson
Tanque Verde
Catalina Foothills
Day trips
Mount Lemmon
30 miles (48 km) • Half day to full day
A scenic mountain range with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a cool, forested environment.
Tombstone
60 miles (97 km) • Full day
A historic Old West town known for its role in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and its well-preserved Western heritage.
Bisbee
90 miles (145 km) • Full day
A charming, artsy town with a rich mining history, known for its colorful buildings, art galleries, and unique shops.
Festivals
Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase • February
Tucson Meet Yourself • October
Tucson Rodeo (Fiesta de los Vaqueros) • February
Pro tips
- Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds
- Explore the 4th Avenue Shopping District for unique local crafts and vintage finds
- Take a day trip to Mount Lemmon for a cool, forested escape from the desert heat
- Try a prickly pear margarita, a local favorite made with the fruit of the desert's iconic cactus
- Attend a performance at the Rialto Theatre for a taste of Tucson's vibrant arts scene
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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