Tucson Presidio District

Once the stables of the original Presidio (fort) located in today's Downtown Tucson, Old Town Artisans' shops and galleries offer unique regional, cultural, and contemporary items in a historic building surrounding a beautiful courtyard.

The Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum is a re-creation of the Tucson Presidio built in 1775. Visitors travel back in time to learn about life as early Tucsonans would have lived it. Docent tours discuss life in the Santa Cruz Valley for early Native Americans, Presidio residents and Territorial Period settlers.

See the archaeological remains of an actual pit house and a re-created pit house.Walk along the original Presidio wall, and experience a 150-year- old classic Sonoran Row house. Re-enactments and demonstrations occur on a variety of days.

Created by former board members of the Presidio Museum, the Turquoise Trail is a 2.5-mile loop through downtown Tuc- son that highlights architecture and sites of historic interest and is marked by a turquoise stripe on the sidewalk. It begins at the Presidio Museum, and can be walked independently using the Turquoise Trail brochure or on guided tours offered by the Presidio Museum.

First established in 1924 as the Tucson Fine Arts Association, the Tucson Museum of Art originally made its home in the Kingan House on Franklin Street in historic downtown. Now in its 98th year, the Tucson Museum of Art is located on a 72,000 square-foot property in the heart of downtown Tucson with a beautiful collection of exhibits by local and international artists. Museum visitors have an up-close experience with art, history, and culture including Modern and Contemporary art, art from Latin American from ancient times to today, Indigenous arts and Art of the American West. Children under the age of twelve are always free and there are special discounts for active military, college students, veterans, and seniors.

Offering lunch, dinner, and a weekend brunch, LaCo offers a mix of globally-inspired cuisine served in a stunning outdoor courtyard inside Old Town Artisans.The Cantina features local brews, eclectic wines, and creative cocktails using fresh and desert-influenced ingredients. Live music is featured on the courtyard stage during brunch and dinner. Visit the website to view the full menu and event calendar.

Named Best Outdoor Dining in the Best of Tucson.

Fresh, handcrafted pasta and traditional Italian sauces, espresso, and soft serve gelato area all served out of a quaint walk up window. Ceres is open for lunch with outdoor seating available on the pedestrian- only street located between the restaurant and Old Town Artisans. Check out instagram @cerestucson for updates on weekly pasta specials and gelato flavors.

Café a la C’Art is located in the historic 1865 Stevens House on the grounds of the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block. It features casual American bistro fare, weekend brunch, espresso, and a full bar. Don’t miss Pastry Chef Lora’s desserts! Rustic charm abounds in the five dining rooms of the old house, and the shaded patio features vibrant floral tile work reminiscent of Monet’s gardens. Stop by on the weekend for one of Tucson’s most popular brunches.