Downtown Tucson- a great place to see our city’s diverse architecture!

taken on a recent walking tour of downtown Tucson

If you’ve been downtown recently, then you know that there is a lot to see & do. It’s really quite refreshing to know that our city has both historic and extremely diverse styles of architecture. A walking tour of downtown Tucson is the best way to experience, first hand, the quality of architecture that sets Tucson apart from other western cities. In downtown Tucson, you’ll see styles of architecture ranging from Pueblo style, to Spanish Colonial, to Victorian, to contemporary & Tucson’s unique barrio style of architecture. However you slice it, downtown Tucson has a unique style all it’s own. What better time of year to experience it than right now, while the weather is sunny and warm, but we’re still at least a month away from the impending hot summer temps.

Colorful downtown Tucson barrio door

There’s plenty more in store for you downtown then architecture. Choose from the many unique shops and restaurants, including the famous Hotel Congress, which is said to be haunted. Or peruse the Tucson Museum of Art, where you’ll find both local and national artists exhibited. Then relax over an iced coffee in the museum’s lovely courtyard. If you’re really feeling adventurous, you can continue walking east and north of downtown to Fourth Avenue, where you’ll find even more unique shops and restaurants- mostly sporting an urban hip, 1960′s type of vibe.  Tired yet? Try sipping one of your favorite brews from one of several local bars that dot downtown & Fourth Avenue (Cushing Street Bar and The Shanty are a few of my favorites). At the downtown bar scene, you’ll fine a great forum for people watching, as well as a respite from your trek. It’s clear that you don’t have to go far to take a break from your “daily grind.” Just head downtown (the song of the same title comes to mind), and you’ll be destined to find an adventure of your own choosing! Happy trails…