Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Mount Lemmon

"For shopping with a twist of local nature, arts and culture, nothing tops the Tohono Chul (7366 N. Paseo del Norte 85704) experience, where three emporiums offer diverse options in an award-winning complex. The gift shop displays an exceptional collection of Southwest-inspired books, jewelry and pottery. Another market offers desert-influenced goodies and locally authored children’s books."

"CaféWith seasonal menus based on local, fresh, and organic ingredients, this garden café is the perfect place for brunch. Grab a seat on one of the gorgeous patios, order a refreshing beverage of your choice, and take in the splendor of the Sonoran desert. Start or finish your trip to the café with a walk around the grounds."

"The Sabino Canyon Recreation Area boasts spectacular canyons, mountains, mountain lions, wild plants, as well as exciting trails. The Southwestern desert canyons found in this area is a famous spot for tram rides, especially for those who want to take a break from the desert heat. For many locals and trippers, it's a cool place for hiking, trekking and mountain biking, too."

"What is it: A short drive from the heart ot the city, Sabino Canyon is home to cresting mountains, deep canyons and trails that lead to seasonal swimming holes. Hiking aficionados will love it here. Why go: The city is a hiker’s dream: the eternal sunny skies and moderate temperatures are ideal for walking adventures."

"On the northeast corner of Sunrise Boulevard is a scenic canyon nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountains and Coronado National Forest."

"A peaceful and picturesque place to stroll around is the Tucson Botanical Gardens, just a short drive from the city center. An oasis of calm and tranquility, the gorgeous gardens are home to orchids, bromeliads, and succulents with countless cacti and palms dotted about. Once the private property of the Potter family, the historic home and its grounds were turned into a beautiful botanical garden in the 1970s."

"The Tucson Botanical Gardens is a major attraction, and not just for the rich collection of cacti and desert wildflowers. An educational walk highlights the history of the native Tohono O'odham Indians…"

"The Tucson Botanical Gardens started in 1964 as the personal garden of founder Harrison G. Yocum, a horticulturist and collector."

"Yellow prickly pear blooms and hikers in Tucson Mountain Park. West of the city, Tucson Mountain Park has wildlife, cactus forests and amazing hiking, mountain biking and camping. You can reach the park and find trailheads from several points including Starr Pass Boulevard, 36th Street or by driving out through Gates Pass (basically get on Speedway and head west forever) to enjoy the splendor of the desert and a fantastic sunset photo."

"Sprawled across a huge swathe of the sun-scorched Sonoran Desert is the lovely Tucson Mountain Park, just to the west of the city. Besides boasting breathtaking scenery, the pretty park and its prominent peaks offer up a wealth of outstanding outdoor activities. Popular among nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, the park was established in 1929 to protect the remote range."

"Then drive to the El Presidio district downtown and explore the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block and Presidio San Agustín del Tucson for a few hours. For lunch, go to El Charro Café, right near the museum, or to Cafe Poca Cosa, a short walk away, before taking a short drive south on I-19 and checking out San Xavier del Bac."

"Although Arizona didn’t join the union until 1912, the territory has a history that precedes its statehood. Presidio San Agustin del Tucson is one of the most incredible shows of the history of Tucson, Arizona. This is a recreation of a Spanish fort, known as the Tucson Presidio."

"Like many other states that were former Spanish colonies, the city of Tucson started with a presidio and a mission. The original Presidio San Agustín del Tucson was finished in 1776. However, when America took over, the presidio was dismantled."

"What is it: Known to locals as the “Wishing Shrine,” legend has it that El Tiradito (located at 400 South Main Avenue) is the grave of a young sheepherder named Juan who was murdered as a result of a love triangle back in the 1870s. Meaning “the castaway,” El Tiradito is said to be the only shrine in the country that is dedicated not to a saint or religious leader but to, as the plaque reads, “a sinner buried in unconsecrated ground.”. Why go: People visit to say prayers, light candles and leave a “milagro” (a small religious charm)."

"An 1870's love triangle ended in murder and is now the site of a shrine. This soap opera-like tale focuses on the death of an adulterous young man who was in love with his mother-in-law. The tale ends in tragedy for all, and the young ranch hand was buried on the site of the shrine, where he was brutally murdered by his father-in-law."

"Legend says your wish will come true if you light a candle in the evening and it burns all night."

"West of town, Gates Pass Road winds up and over a saddle in the Tucson Mountains with stunning views of Avra Valley and the mountains beyond it. This is arguably one of the best, if not the best places to view the sunset in the Desert Southwest. From the parking lot, walk westward to reach Gates Pass Trail."

"What is it: Elevated at 3,169 feet, Gates Pass is a mountain pass overlook at the crest of the Tucson mountains. Why go: Pack yourself a picnic and head out of the city. Tucson is known for its sunsets, which paint the sky in broad strokes of violet, rust and rose."

"For shopping with a twist of local nature, arts and culture, nothing tops the Tohono Chul (7366 N. Paseo del Norte 85704) experience, where three emporiums offer diverse options in an award-winning complex. The gift shop displays an exceptional collection of Southwest-inspired books, jewelry and pottery. Another market offers desert-influenced goodies and locally authored children’s books."

"CaféWith seasonal menus based on local, fresh, and organic ingredients, this garden café is the perfect place for brunch. Grab a seat on one of the gorgeous patios, order a refreshing beverage of your choice, and take in the splendor of the Sonoran desert. Start or finish your trip to the café with a walk around the grounds."

"This Tucson institution is brimming with fun learning activities that cover several topics. The Dinosaur World exhibits make this the perfect companion to the T Rex Museum for your little paleontologist. If you have a budding train engineer or firefighter on your hands, they'll love being able to dress up like their heroes and role play."

"Just because your kids are going on vacation doesn’t mean that their brains should be. It’s especially important in the summer months to partake in activities that keep young minds thriving. Going to the Children’s Museum Tucson is an outstanding way to combine fun and learning."

"Train and history buffs will love a visit to this underrated downtown Tucson attraction. The Southern Arizona Transportation Museum in downtown Tucson preserves and interprets Southern Arizona railroad heritage through the museum's educational outreach, oral history and archival collections. The City of Tucson purchased the former Southern Pacific Railroad Depot on Toole Avenue in 1998, restoring the main depot and three adjacent building to reflect accurately their Restoration of the main depot building and the three adjacent buildings to their 1941 architectural style was completed in 2004."

"A post shared by Rocky & Rory 💕 (@bichon_rocky_doodle_rory) on Apr 10, 2017 at 8:05pm PDT. Certainly, Tucson, Arizona has so much in store for its tourists. To complete your memorable experience in the city, pay a visit to the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum."