Tucson Cultural Heritage Walking Tour

*Featured in the New York Times' 52 Places to Go in 2023 & Time Magazine's The World’s Greatest Places of 2023*
Learn about the origins of one of the most important cities of the American Southwest, Tucson on this cultural heritage itinerary.

Walking downtown Tucson’s El Presidio and the Barrio Viejo districts, we will explore the history and architecture of the community through the themes of the Native American, Spanish colonial, Mexican, and American Territorial eras, and also explain Tucson’s UNESCO designation as a City of Gastronomy.

This is an opportunity to discover what makes Tucson such a unique and special place that forms part of America's tapestry.

A former National Park ranger leads this tour with a background in historic preservation and heritage interpretation in the southwest. I have also worked on the effort to make the Barrio Viejo neighborhood a National Historic Landmark and at the nearby historic mission of Tumacacori National Historical Park.

Meeting Point

175 N Meyer Ave

175 N Meyer Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, USA

We will meet directly in front of the white-plastered historic adobe with distinctive blue doors called La Casa Cordova - located on N. Meyer Ave. & next to the Tucson Museum of Art entry.
The nearest public parking:
Pima County El Presidio Parking Garage
165 W Alameda St, Tucson, AZ 85701

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum

196 N Court Ave, , Tucson, 85701-1002, Arizona

Step back in time to the earthen adobe fortress founded in 1775 by the Spanish. We will learn about the Indigenous, Spanish Colonial, and Mexican cultural heritage of Tucson in this historic El Presidio District of Tucson as well as feature street art.

15 minutes

Pima County Courthouse

115 N Church Ave, , Tucson, 85701-1199, Arizona

We'll visit and learn about the architecture of the beautiful and historic Pima County Courthouse, travel back in time in the Plaza de Armas, and take a moment to reflect on the January 8 memorial.

10 minutes

Barrio Historico

Near 100 South Stone Ave, Between I-10 and Stone Ave, Cushing and 17th Street, Tucson, 85701, Arizona

We'll go on an urban hike through the historic quarter of Tucson, the Barrio Viejo. Where we will visit is only a third of the size of the original community that was spared the wrecking ball of "urban renewal." We will discuss the only regional as opposed to national and international architectural styles present here. The only example left north of the border in the Sonoran Desert. You'll find out how Tucson got its name and get to know what is said to be the only shrine on unconsecrated ground in the United States.

30 minutes