Simone's Guidebook
Food Scene with healthy gluten-free, and vegan options
Union Public House
4340 N Campbell AveA popular brewery and eatery!
Walk along the Rillito from the house to Arizona Wine Collective, where you can enjoy a fine glass of Arizona wine. Its at most a 10 minute jaunt!
6 locals recommend
Arizona Wine Collective
4280 N Campbell AveWalk along the Rillito from the house to Arizona Wine Collective, where you can enjoy a fine glass of Arizona wine. Its at most a 10 minute jaunt!
A quality Mexican restaurant with plenty of patio seating. Enjoy brunch there while visiting the week-end artisans' market at Saint Philip's Plaza.
34 locals recommend
Reforma Modern Mexican
4340 N Campbell AveA quality Mexican restaurant with plenty of patio seating. Enjoy brunch there while visiting the week-end artisans' market at Saint Philip's Plaza.
Intimate delicious dining spot a la Peru, sensitive to gluten free needs!
6 locals recommend
Villa Peru
1745 E River RdIntimate delicious dining spot a la Peru, sensitive to gluten free needs!
A super fun pizza eatery on the plaza with a carefully curated menu including plenty of fresh, vegan and gluten free options, as well as an exciting assortment of alcoholic or non-alcoholic refreshments.
10 locals recommend
Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta
4340 N Campbell AveA super fun pizza eatery on the plaza with a carefully curated menu including plenty of fresh, vegan and gluten free options, as well as an exciting assortment of alcoholic or non-alcoholic refreshments.
Fabulous fresh juices, coffee drinks, matcha, healthy lunch options and other healthy delectables.
6 locals recommend
Pure Love Juice
1980 E River RdFabulous fresh juices, coffee drinks, matcha, healthy lunch options and other healthy delectables.
Lovin' Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant
2990 N Campbell AveJust like it says, Lovin’ Vegan Spoonfuls!
Vegan (with gluten free options) burger joint located in a great outdoor shopping center made of containers and across the way from El Mercado San Agustin, another small shopping center with spacious inner courtyard and the nearby lovely residential village style neighborhood of artists and wannabes;-)
20 locals recommend
Beaut Burger
267 South Avenida del ConventoVegan (with gluten free options) burger joint located in a great outdoor shopping center made of containers and across the way from El Mercado San Agustin, another small shopping center with spacious inner courtyard and the nearby lovely residential village style neighborhood of artists and wannabes;-)
Ren Coffeehouse
4300 N Campbell AveRight around the corner and on a lovely plaza.
Caffe Luce
245 E Congress StCaffe Luce is right next to Trader Joe’s .
Dine-in and To Go restaurant to die for with a huge emphasis on vegan meals, drinks and a fun atmosphere in a spacious setting!
18 locals recommend
Charro Vida
7109 N Oracle RdDine-in and To Go restaurant to die for with a huge emphasis on vegan meals, drinks and a fun atmosphere in a spacious setting!
We love MVD !
Its an vegan deli with gluten-free options and also a market.
Midtown Vegan Deli and Market
5071 East 5th StreetWe love MVD !
Its an vegan deli with gluten-free options and also a market.
Love this affordable place for lunch or a good cup of chai! Near other fun Menlo locations like MSA Annex and El Mercado.
Note: this outfit isn’t advised for a person with celiac disease though gluten-free options are offered.
16 locals recommend
La Chaiteria
1002 W Congress StLove this affordable place for lunch or a good cup of chai! Near other fun Menlo locations like MSA Annex and El Mercado.
Note: this outfit isn’t advised for a person with celiac disease though gluten-free options are offered.
Great Latin inspired veggie eatery, order at the counter style, with seating available within walking distance from our centrally situated historic campus of U of A and its lovely shaded park and long green mall.
11 locals recommend
Tumerico on 4th. Ave
402 East 4th StreetGreat Latin inspired veggie eatery, order at the counter style, with seating available within walking distance from our centrally situated historic campus of U of A and its lovely shaded park and long green mall.
Head up to the Foothills! Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge's setting and cuisine will not disappoint. Enjoy the jazzy live music, sit by the firepit or pick out an intimate table, take a walk on the beautiful grounds and enjoy the city views down below.
Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge
5501 N Hacienda Del Sol RdHead up to the Foothills! Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge's setting and cuisine will not disappoint. Enjoy the jazzy live music, sit by the firepit or pick out an intimate table, take a walk on the beautiful grounds and enjoy the city views down below.
Guadalajara Original Grill is located two blocks from us, offering a fabulous Mexican fare in a spacious classic setting whether indoor or outdoor. Order a flight of Salsa made fresh at your table.
103 locals recommend
Guadalajara Original Grill
1220 E Prince RdGuadalajara Original Grill is located two blocks from us, offering a fabulous Mexican fare in a spacious classic setting whether indoor or outdoor. Order a flight of Salsa made fresh at your table.
Scenic shopping plaza with good restaurants, a modern Mexican eatery, a pizzeria, a brewery, a juice bar, coffee spot, wine bar, salons, specialty stores such as a bicycle rental store, and more, right along the Rillito offering walking and cycling pathways, situated at the foothills of the Saint Catalina mountains, at the crossroads of River road and Campbell avenue. Farmers and crafts market on Saturdays and Sundays.
44 locals recommend
St Philip's Plaza Farmers' Market
4280 N Campbell AveScenic shopping plaza with good restaurants, a modern Mexican eatery, a pizzeria, a brewery, a juice bar, coffee spot, wine bar, salons, specialty stores such as a bicycle rental store, and more, right along the Rillito offering walking and cycling pathways, situated at the foothills of the Saint Catalina mountains, at the crossroads of River road and Campbell avenue. Farmers and crafts market on Saturdays and Sundays.
Modern evening dining spot with lovely outdoor setting! Watch the sunset hues as you chill by a large cooling pond and waterfall :-) Stroll around the back side of the main resort building…
13 locals recommend
Flying V Bar & Grill
7000 N Resort DrModern evening dining spot with lovely outdoor setting! Watch the sunset hues as you chill by a large cooling pond and waterfall :-) Stroll around the back side of the main resort building…
Del Cielo Tamales Restaurant
Plenty of delicious vegan options made with love!
Red Captain Coffee
4004 N Stone AveLove Ren Bakery & Espresso Bar over the larger Ren Coffee house at St Philip’s Plaza! They also gave ice cream, gluten-free options, quite an array of selections in a clean cozy space, inside or out.
Ren Bakery & Espresso Bar
Love Ren Bakery & Espresso Bar over the larger Ren Coffee house at St Philip’s Plaza! They also gave ice cream, gluten-free options, quite an array of selections in a clean cozy space, inside or out.
Starbucks
3025 E Speedway BlvdConvenient with a drive-through.
Whole Foods Market
3360 E Speedway BlvdAll Whole Foods are ten to fifteen minutes away.
Walking distance Farmer's Market with ready-made specialties and fresh veggies/fruits every Sunday from 9-1, hours vary, year-round. Please double-check.
20 locals recommend
Heirloom Farmers Market - Rillito Park
4502 N 1st AveWalking distance Farmer's Market with ready-made specialties and fresh veggies/fruits every Sunday from 9-1, hours vary, year-round. Please double-check.
Stop in at Trader Joe's on your way back from a walk on the RiIllito, it'll take you 5 minutes by foot (one long block) to get home from there.
220 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
4209 N Campbell AveStop in at Trader Joe's on your way back from a walk on the RiIllito, it'll take you 5 minutes by foot (one long block) to get home from there.
There are multiple Sprouts in town, this one's two minutes by car.
149 locals recommend
Sprouts Farmers Market
4645 E Speedway BlvdThere are multiple Sprouts in town, this one's two minutes by car.
All organic groceries, no buts or ifs! This one's eight minutes away by car. You'll find a few throughout the city as well as Sprout's, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.
6 locals recommend
Natural Grocers
6320 N Oracle RdAll organic groceries, no buts or ifs! This one's eight minutes away by car. You'll find a few throughout the city as well as Sprout's, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.
Yes! A pig sanctuary! Change your life with a plant based diet and love in your heart for all animals💗
Ironwood Pig Sanctuary
Yes! A pig sanctuary! Change your life with a plant based diet and love in your heart for all animals💗
Zayna Mediterranean Restaurant
1138 N Belvedere AveCraving Mediterranean food? This one’s fabulous!
Barista Del Barrio
1002 N Grande AveA guest favorite!
Stores and Shopping.
Apple La Encantada
2905 E Skyline DrTen minutes away.
A modern outdoors shopping mall with an Apple store, an artist coop gallery, multiple restaurants, a coffee and ice cream shop.
229 locals recommend
La Encantada
2905 E Skyline DrA modern outdoors shopping mall with an Apple store, an artist coop gallery, multiple restaurants, a coffee and ice cream shop.
Just a couple of minutes away with everything you can dream of in a very pleasant outdoor setting. If you'd like to walk there, no problem, it's nearby and right on the Rillito River Parkway. Please visit the other categories for further details.
Scenic shopping plaza with good restaurants, a modern Mexican eatery, a pizzeria, a brewery, a juice bar, coffee shops, a wine bar, yoga, cycling and pilates, salons, advanced sin care, specialty stores such as a bicycle rental store, and more, right along the Rillito offering walking and cycling pathways, situated at the foot of the Saint Catalina mountains, right at River road and Campbell avenue. Farmers' and artisans' markets on Saturdays and Sundays.
44 locals recommend
St Philip's Plaza Farmers' Market
4280 N Campbell AveJust a couple of minutes away with everything you can dream of in a very pleasant outdoor setting. If you'd like to walk there, no problem, it's nearby and right on the Rillito River Parkway. Please visit the other categories for further details.
Scenic shopping plaza with good restaurants, a modern Mexican eatery, a pizzeria, a brewery, a juice bar, coffee shops, a wine bar, yoga, cycling and pilates, salons, advanced sin care, specialty stores such as a bicycle rental store, and more, right along the Rillito offering walking and cycling pathways, situated at the foot of the Saint Catalina mountains, right at River road and Campbell avenue. Farmers' and artisans' markets on Saturdays and Sundays.
Find all you need here with a Sprouts grocery store, LA Fitness center, hair, waxing and nail salons, Starbucks and more.
Rillito Crossing Marketplace
4206 North 1st AvenueFind all you need here with a Sprouts grocery store, LA Fitness center, hair, waxing and nail salons, Starbucks and more.
Walgreens
4910 North 1st AvenueFour minutes away with a drive-through window and a large parking lot.
Lovely Mercado with excellent restaurants, coffee and ice cream shops, situated around a large courtyard to take it all in. Walk to the nearby residential artisan village and MSA Annex shopping center built of containers.
160 locals recommend
Mercado San Augustin
100 South Avenida del ConventoLovely Mercado with excellent restaurants, coffee and ice cream shops, situated around a large courtyard to take it all in. Walk to the nearby residential artisan village and MSA Annex shopping center built of containers.
Made of containers, this modern outdoor shopping center has it all from beautiful crafts and arts to a brewery, Japanese eatery, coffee shop and delicious vegan burger joint and more.
68 locals recommend
MSA Annex
267 South Avenida del ConventoMade of containers, this modern outdoor shopping center has it all from beautiful crafts and arts to a brewery, Japanese eatery, coffee shop and delicious vegan burger joint and more.
Starizona
5757 N Oracle RdAwesome astronomy store. They also have stargazing related events and great tips!
Healing and Medical
A favorite naturopathic center offering thyroid healing, phenomenal body work, IV therapy, ozone therapy, colon hydrotherapy, shamanic work.
Transformational Medicine
2028 East Prince RoadA favorite naturopathic center offering thyroid healing, phenomenal body work, IV therapy, ozone therapy, colon hydrotherapy, shamanic work.
Sightseeing
Green Things is a park-like setting gallery and nursery spreading over multiple acres. The separate shopperies are filled with Mexican arts and furnishings amidst trees, plants and fountains with pay stations throughout the property.
Green Things
3384 E River RdGreen Things is a park-like setting gallery and nursery spreading over multiple acres. The separate shopperies are filled with Mexican arts and furnishings amidst trees, plants and fountains with pay stations throughout the property.
You can get to the Rillito River Park from your private quarters within a couple of minutes as it’s located right at Mountain avenue and River road. Such a lovely Tucson feature stretching from West to East, allowing easy access to much of the city’s most popular features, while enjoying nature and the great sights of the Catalina mountains.
29 locals recommend
Rillito River Park
4288 Diamond St LoopYou can get to the Rillito River Park from your private quarters within a couple of minutes as it’s located right at Mountain avenue and River road. Such a lovely Tucson feature stretching from West to East, allowing easy access to much of the city’s most popular features, while enjoying nature and the great sights of the Catalina mountains.
Walk, ride, drive Mountain ave with its dedicated bikeways. It’ll lead you right to the University Of Arizona, Rillito riverway park, and Catalina foothill trails!
Mountain Avenue
Mountain AvenueWalk, ride, drive Mountain ave with its dedicated bikeways. It’ll lead you right to the University Of Arizona, Rillito riverway park, and Catalina foothill trails!
Head down Mountain avenue right around the corner from your peaceful abode, and you'll reach the gorgeous main campus of The University of Arizona with its extensive walkable green mall, planetarium, mirror laboratory, Arizona State Museum showcasing the Southwest, historic buildings and park, fun eateries and coffee shops, right on the edge of downtown.
197 locals recommend
The University of Arizona
1200 East University BoulevardHead down Mountain avenue right around the corner from your peaceful abode, and you'll reach the gorgeous main campus of The University of Arizona with its extensive walkable green mall, planetarium, mirror laboratory, Arizona State Museum showcasing the Southwest, historic buildings and park, fun eateries and coffee shops, right on the edge of downtown.
Lovely historic site featuring former resident artist quarters, an Adobe chapel with an open ceiling to the sky, Native arts, walking pathways, a shop and a gallery. All is free to the public aside from a donation fee to visit the gallery.
96 locals recommend
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
6300 N Swan RdLovely historic site featuring former resident artist quarters, an Adobe chapel with an open ceiling to the sky, Native arts, walking pathways, a shop and a gallery. All is free to the public aside from a donation fee to visit the gallery.
Another park around the corner with a labyrinth, visual descriptives of our locale including the mountain ranges, shaded picnic tables with good parking and access to the Rillito River Parkway for walking and cycling.
11 locals recommend
Rio Vista Natural Resource Park
3974 N Tucson BlvdAnother park around the corner with a labyrinth, visual descriptives of our locale including the mountain ranges, shaded picnic tables with good parking and access to the Rillito River Parkway for walking and cycling.
Lovely visitors' center with gift shop and tram rides as well as a vast array of trails into the Catalinas.
457 locals recommend
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
5700 North Sabino Canyon RoadLovely visitors' center with gift shop and tram rides as well as a vast array of trails into the Catalinas.
Take a private or shared balloon ride with Southern Arizona Balloon Excursions, rants and raves from all!
Southern Arizona Balloon Excursions
537 West Grant RoadTake a private or shared balloon ride with Southern Arizona Balloon Excursions, rants and raves from all!
Great spot to take in the entire valley and witness the light as the sun rises and sets
135 locals recommend
Sentinel Peak Park (“A” Mountain)
1001 Sentinel Peak Rd SGreat spot to take in the entire valley and witness the light as the sun rises and sets
Wonderful photography exhibits in a state of the art building on U of A campus.
As of February, a stunning show on trees!
41 locals recommend
Center for Creative Photography
1030 N Olive RdWonderful photography exhibits in a state of the art building on U of A campus.
As of February, a stunning show on trees!
Where you can get a handle on our region’s roots :-)
15 locals recommend
Presidio San Agustin del Tucson
196 N Court AveWhere you can get a handle on our region’s roots :-)
A beautiful historic arts and crafts town with evidence of mammoth hunters! The art center is very cool.
152 locals recommend
Tubac
A beautiful historic arts and crafts town with evidence of mammoth hunters! The art center is very cool.
Since Tucson is well known for its academic and military air and space, we have a fabulous representation of it at the museum. Highly recommend.
258 locals recommend
Pima Air and Space Museum
6000 E Valencia RdSince Tucson is well known for its academic and military air and space, we have a fabulous representation of it at the museum. Highly recommend.
Biosphere 2
32540 S Biosphere RdFantastic half-day trip. Biosphere 2, run by UofA, is fascinating!
City advice
Getting around
We are midtown right by the Rillito River Parkway.
Close to all yet a hidden and peaceful gem of a neighborhood. Walk, drive, bicycle (you can rent a bicycle or ebike from nearby Pedego at St Philip's Plaza or have it delivered by by Scotty Bike) anywhere in town via the Rillito River Parkway, Mountain Avenue and River road.
Getting around
Use River road and Mountain Ave to get around!
Our favorite way to access all throughout the valley.