The Don'ts of Visiting Tucson, Arizona

[@MeansToTravel]

I had so much fun filming this with you!!! DON’T forget to book a trip to Tucson - it’s such a great destination! 😁🌵

[@bridgetnolan3947]

I'm travelling there for a few days (solo) mid August. Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@gailkahn5050]

I moved to Tucson for 6 years after I retired from education in New Jersey. Everything in your video my wife and I did. Thank you for the memories.

[@wncjan]

Don't miss Pima Air and Space Museum, and Tombstone is not far .

[@markwolfard3467]

Really not much in Tucson to do. Probably the largest small town I've lived in. I lived there accidentally in late 90's. Girlfriend transferred to U of A. Tombstone ok to visit once. Great place in winter

[@jazimae]

@wncjan yeah they mentioned the airforce base, but you can't go on base lol the air and space museum is awesome!

[@jazimae]

​@markwolfard3467 you really need to step out of your house more then lol there's literally so much to do.

[@MikeIzzle_]

Arizona is easily one of the most beautiful places on earth, I’m so glad I live in NM and can visit often!

[@kilgore_trout_37]

Hi from Tucson! We love love love NM ❤

[@honeybee_symphony]

San Xavier del Bac Mission is part of the Tohono O’odham (Native American) Nation.. so the frybread sold right outside of the mission would more than likely be attributed to the local Tohono O’odham, not Navajo. (13 mins in) .. Just a little FYI.

[@BillGreenAZ]

It's authentic frybread too which is the best.

[@EvanMcCraney]

It's also not a food unique to the region - Indigenous peoples in Canada make exactly the same frybread.

[@bbpete8349]

I've visited Tucson many times and these are good tips. El Charro was a must each time. Also, Sonoran hotdogs at a couple of places are not to be skipped no matter how "bad" for you they probably are. I'm thinking about just making a special trip just to get those hotdogs again.

[@ecurewitz]

Been ages since I’ve been to Arizona, I gotta go back. The desert is beautiful

[@lovesongsforall]

I'm biased, but I also highly suggest for people interested in coming to Tucson to look into the local theatre scene here. Usually in mid-September to May, there's a lot of great theater performances for all age ranges! I've had several people come up to me and say "wow! I didn't realize Tucson had such great theatre!"

[@sdwill66]

Visited Sierra Vista to visit family all the way from Australia last October. Tombstone was my favourite because I'm a Wild West nut. Bisbee was cool too.

[@martensjd]

Kitt Peak observatory is about an hour away and a fascinating place to visit. You need to call ahead for reservations, though, and take water.

[@sunspot42]

My favorite spot there is the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. It’s sort of a zoo but more an exhibit of the flora and fauna of the region, which are truly unique.

[@ecurewitz]

I was there about 20 years ago

[@SocialChannelStudios]

Thanks for sharing all these amazing tips! We appreciate the insider knowledge about the local culture, food, and attractions in Tucson.🌵✨

[@dennisking7872]

If you're visiting Tucson, you must check out the Saguaro National Park - home of the saguaro cacti. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is excellent. San Xavier del Bac (the White Dove of the Desert) mission is a "must do", and it's a short drive from Tucson on the Tohono O'odham Reservation. The Tubac art colony south of Tucson is interesting if you're into antiques, and the nearby Tumacacori National Historical Park is also nice as it features a smaller Spanish mission church that was never fully completed. Bisbee and Tombstone make an excellent day trip. The local cuisine is great, and carne seca is Tucson's signature dish.

[@michaelquillen2679]

Loved Tucson when we were there in 2019. I thought the locals, at food and/or drink establishments, were fantastic! I didn't think the drivers were rude at all. We did everything from the Pima Air and Space Museum, to Tombstone, to the saguaros, to exploring the historic architecture. And yes, the authentic food of the area was great! Would love to go back again!!!

[@hoytoy100]

Bisbee is a great little town worth visiting

[@MaynardGKrebs-tt1dd]

It's a fun old hippy town.

[@canvasjockey4628]

@@MaynardGKrebs-tt1dd As someone who lives in Tucson, Bisbee is our FAVORITE place to visit!

[@gregengel1616]

I can't agree with you more...... that's why I moved here 6 years ago.

[@ameyathatte5633]

I've lived near Phoenix my entire life, and I think this is very well done. I also frequently hear people from elsewhere say about summer, "it's a dry heat." But as you mentioned, that has it's own challenges, and the UV index is quite high here. Also, Sonoran Desert vegetation doesn't give you shade. So don't mess with the heat. I also like Madera Canyon (near Green Valley), which is popular for hiking and birding.

[@VolareHelicopters]

Great video Mark! Next time take an aerial tour of Tucson with us!

[@adaynasmile]

You should have mentioned Gaslight! What a fun experience if you get tickets way in advance. Totally worth it though if you know you are going!

[@FierceMice]

Great recommendations! Also, don't forget Pinacle Peak steakhouse, an old west experience with live stunt shows on weekends! A fun evening at an old fashioned melodrama? You can get that at the Gaslight Theater. And Eegee's frozen drinks. 1/2 lemon, 1/2 strawberry and thank me later :-)

[@adaynasmile]

1/2 strawberry 1/2 pina colada would be my flavor of choice! :)

[@zingerman11259]

woah! ive been subscribed to you guys for years and had no idea Jocelyn was a fellow Tucsonan! so cool! thanks for bringing awareness to our awesome city!

[@angelfalf]

I didn’t know you are from Tucson. So cool I’m from Tucson too. Javalina are pecaríes though not pigs.

[@gohawks3571]

@@angelfalf Still scary, though! If course I have a dog, which is why they're scary for me. Thankfully though, when I've encountered them, they tend to warn me off. Only once did I get chased, and it's because I came around the corner and we didn't see each other (I walk in the early morning). Thankfully, shining a flashlight on them while walking away kept us from getting in a physical altercation 😬🥵😲

[@chrismd00]

Seems very typical American: car centric, road rage, long commutes, poor public transport, fast food, friendly. Love thinking in the canyons!

[@Manuel421]

I'm also an AZ local and yet there are still many areas I've never had the opportunity to visit yet for example Tombstone or Jerome which actually has a haunted hotel so I really appreciate this. Just a random fact during Spring and Summer I enjoy wearing my Linen shirts and a pair of Chinos as it keeps me cool even during triple digit weather without having to rely on shorts which I use to wear out in public often but now are mostly reserved for my cotton pjs. I'm hoping to add on a 2nd pair of Linen/Cotton slacks as well but anyway excellent job on guiding the audience.

[@johnbrownlee7641]

I lived in Tucson for 9 yrs' I really enjoyed your video. I love Tucson.

[@donstravelsandrants.]

Thanks for all the don'ts. 👍😊🇮🇪🇺🇸

[@Chrisb8s]

Excellent video! The food in Tucson is the best. I will just add that “don’t think that it’s just Mexican food (which is amazing ). One of my favorite Japanese restaurants is in Tucson. :)

[@Josh-uy6jv]

if you don't mind sharing that would be awesome! I'm heading out to Tucson and need more Asian cuisine recommendations lol

[@pr0jectatlus]

@@Josh-uy6jv I know it’s a bit late now, but there are TONS of different Asian cuisines all around Tucson. Mostly Japanese, but also Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Mongolian, and Korean. There’s Mr. An’s Teppanyaki Steakhouse, Raijin Ramen, JA Ramen and Curry, Kiwami, and Maru Noodles, just to name a few. Plus countless sushi bars and hotpot restaurants all over the city. If Tucson is best known for its Mexican cuisine, then it must be second best for its Asian.

[@raylivengood8040]

Mt. Lemmon for sure 👌🏼. Plus there’s a long bike path that circles the city for people who are into that. I haven’t personally tried it out yet, but will next time I visit my brother who lives in Tucson.

[@amazingplaceswithamy]

👋Yeah! You are in Tucson! LUV your videos :)

[@DayrusBPB]

Hi, great video. Like to know more about the activities, animals and food.

[@joshlunt7827]

Great video!

[@anamartinez-xx7hp]

Don't forget to bring your bike! Tucson has scenic carfree trails in and around Tucson, including the 131 mile Loop that will literally take you through most of the venues within and outerskirts of this beautiful city.

[@adaynasmile]

The San Xavier is my fave! I grew up in southwest Tucson and just a few minutes from the mission. I love that place! Haven't been in like 15 years. I am hoping to move home with my family soon, and look forward to taking my kids to a bunch of those places that they haven't really seen on our family trips to do normal holiday type things.

[@thenim4963]

Probably should mention that the condition of the roads in Tucson is horrific. I’ve been to NY, LA, Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, Vegas, San Diego, the Bay Area, Sacramento, St. Louis, Cleveland, Akron, Rural PA, East Rutherford, Paris, Amsterdam, London and Birmingham in the last few years and Tucson has the roughest roads to drive on and it’s not even remotely close

[@kathylindsey3448]

We love Tucson! We enjoyed walking the Turquoise Trail from downtown visitors center. Like you say, too much good stuff for just one trip.

[@michaelbailey4774]

Local from the PHX area: 1) Don't freak if you see someone carrying a handgun on their hip in AZ - it is legal in most places - I drove for Uber for over 5 years saw many people freak and stat screaming about a "guy" walking into a store with a holstered gun - I would always say that it is not a problem and is not only legal - but in many areas - common, 2) Pima Air and Space Museum right next to Davis Monthan AFB is open for tours and well worth it - the Air Force does not really do tours very often, 3) Do to the smuggling issues we have here in the state - Do Not pickup Hitch-hikers - it is an issue especially if you go to the boarder communities 4) Lock your CAR - see item 3 5) Bring Oven Mitts for your steering wheel during the summer months - & if you have little ones, please be careful of the seatbelt buckles - they get hot enough to leave nasty burns Welcome to AZ in the Hotter Months 6) If you are a General / Extra Class Ham radio the Titan Missile Museum has a HUGE HF antenna that is free to use - just bring your radio - details on their website

[@AZrakoon]

I used to work at Walmart, the people that carry are nice people.

[@waynerooo]

The first Don't made me laugh. Last year we rented a Hyundai Tucson SUV in Newcastle England. The desk clerk pronounced it "Tuk-Son" and we gently corrected her.

[@juanaguirre4833]

Don't forget Gates Pass for the best sunsets you will ever see, The Pima Air and Space Museum, The University of Arizona, and the iconic Gaslight Theater for fun Melodramas!

[@markwolfard3467]

I lived in Tucson back in late 90's. Decided to spend my winters there and summers in Colorado. We were hitchhiking and were pretty much homeless. Lotta couch surfing. Back then marijuana wasn't like it is nowadays and I'm not sure if AZ legalized or not, but back then you wouldn't wanna get caught with even a joint. Streets too wide. Small town feel. I remember monsoon. I spent only one summer there. Oh, and peel the prickly pears before eating. My Canadian buddy didn't.

[@gohawks3571]

The streets are crazy wide!!!

[@mgibbar]

Don't forget a hat or umbrella. The sun can be brutal. Don't miss out on Tohono Chul Park for a closer look at the flora and fauna. Mission Gardens demonstrates the history of the area via gardens--how and what each group planted. Empire Ranch, est. 1876 in in Sonoita, AZ an easy drive from Tucson.

[@Bob-do8pf]

I was just in Tucson, I'm an Arizona native. I went Saturday morning to the 4th Avenue Fair. There were literally thousands of people walking the street, I had planned on going Friday but got my schedule messed up. It was to crowded to see much of the art contained in the booths, not many were bothering they seemed to be there to observe the party. One intersection was dedicated to most of the food booths, open charcoal grills with meat cooking were smoking so badly I could not breath and had to move away, the cooking was concentrated and turned the whole area into a gas chamber. Near the north end of 4th I stopped at a house converted to a Restaurant, the sign said Two Enchiladas, a Drink and a Cookie for $20 plus minimum 15% tip of course. I received one enchilada and had to fight to get the cookie and a bottle of coca cola. The food was great the real thing, but I felt ripped off. After eating I was ready for a beer so I went back down the street to 350 4th Ave. a bar on the corner, the man at the door was rude as hell, the bar was crowded but I easily found a seat, no Bud Lite to be had, I settled for a Coors Lite, the stool next to me became available and three guys surrounded it, they wanted my seat at the bar so they stood as close as possible, bumped into me and were excessively loud, I knew if I said back off I would catch hell, so I left. In front of the bar there were 8 or 10 Latino women, all dressed in black with heavy make up, elaborate hair and long nails, they dominated the corner for a long time and people had to force their way around, they were loud and self involved, I doubt any of them were under 200lbs. I love Tucson, it is home to many of the most cultured Spanish families in Arizona, residents of Tucson long before Arizona became a State. Tucson is a clean well organized city, usually without the brutal noise of most cities, the people are courteous and helpful. Programs to assist the less fortunate among us are successful and thriving. Tucson is much preferable to many cities I have visited or lived in, most have little or no redeeming value. Unfortunately it's hot in the summer and will continue to get hotter, temperatures are rising annually. I suspect Tucson will be untenable in a short decade, maybe two.

[@ulfthegoon]

Don’t miss a bike ride up Mount Lemmon. Not for the faint of heart!

[@nick1235100]

Shout out to the Cookie Cabin up on Mount Lemmon

[@matthewpetersen4417]

I want to come visit to see cactus, I know it sounds weird but I like them. The Sonoran Desert museum sounds awesome!! What are some good hikes in the area, I hike up in the northeast lots and never seen the south!!! I want to.

[@JasmineEMTrudeau]

Love these but here’s a tip for even smoother glide from those little roller balls, spray a little WD40 or WD40 lubricating spray to a paper towel and wipe down your tension rod, makes for such a smooth, quieter pull 👍🏻

[@gohawks3571]

And in a pinch it kills wasps & whatnot! Finally learned this for wasp nests. The WD-40 with the straw sprays fairly far (8ish feet)

[@TylerChristoher]

Tucson weather is way better than Phoenix. Tucson is so much better in many ways if you like nature and weather. Dont need highways keep it small

[@OhioTravelswithKris]

I used to live in benson az :)

[@xenon132]

Last trip to Phoenix / Tucson right before Labor Day, got more rain than in a two week trip to Seattle.

[@jbbb7418]

You went during monsoon season

[@xenon132]

Been to AZ twice, both times the week before Labor Day.

[@gohawks3571]

As someone who is from Seattle and moved to Tucson-😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 Sorry! Monsoons are crazy! I love rain, but monsoons are scary. At least the people here love the rain, unlike Seattle. I've always loved rain. Unfortunately, I can't walk in it here, because lightning ⚡⚡⚡

[@joshlunt7827]

The mention of Tucson, Arizona reminds me of Get Back by The Beatles lol 😛

[@adi91216]

Desert towns are definitely chilly at night, so an extra layer is definitely worth packing. It is not tropical weather which stays constant throughout. Learnt this the hard way in California.

[@donrobertson4611]

Among many great restaurants are El Charro for steaks, Mi Nidito for Chili Rellenos. And take a walk in Sabino Canyon.

[@donrobertson4611]

Ooops. El Charro for Carne Seca, El Corral for steaks, Mi Nidito for chile rellenos

[@markwolfard3467]

I worked for landscape company. Back then tucson was growing east like mad. We moved the saquaro cacti to make way for homes. Start at 4am done at noon. Too hot. We hit the Buffet Bar off 4th ave. And then Bison Witches. There used to be a bar called Mutts on 4th Ave. One cent pitchers of beer. Dunno if any of these places still there?

[@ameyathatte5633]

I would slightly disagree and say don't fear the wildlife here; you'll be fine if you keep your distance. If you encounter anything like Javelina or rattlesnakes, just stay calm and either stay put or slowly back off. Whatever you do, don't panic. And don't try to touch anything without training. These are the two easiest ways to get yourself hurt.

[@AZrakoon]

Gates pass is amazing

[@greensahuaro2834]

Thank you Tucsonians or as the Natives would say, Chucksonians!

[@Texxet11]

Another don’t: Don’t miss out on Portal. If you enjoy cocktails with a modern and cool vibe, definitely worth checking out.

[@lisaanderson2900]

Tombstone!

[@orlybriceno]

I am from Sonora, a couple of hours aways from Tucson, I playfully call it Tuc-Sonora

[@mammithian]

Sonoran Dogs: BK’s > El Guero. Roach coach (El Perro Loco) at the mini mart on the south-side of Ajo Way, just west of I-19 is better than both! Source: local, born and raised.

[@DesertLamb]

Don't forget to visit Fox Theater built in 1929 with its beautiful interior and high-quality shows. Don't forget the always in high demand Casino Del Sol for concerts, restaurants, hotel and gambling.

[@Viperion101]

Tip: Go to La Carreta del Rorro in Marana for Sonoran Hot Dogs, or to BK's Carne Asada

[@joshlunt7827]

Subscribed to Means To Travel too 🙂

[@tootall610]

And all the caves to explore. Be very safe and don't go alone.

[@stormeagle2865]

My family and I moved to Tucson in June 2023. Beautiful. 🌵🌵

[@Cokepope]

Tours of the boneyard are no longer available, but it’s worth driving along the outer perimeter. I was stationed at DM but always enjoyed going through the boneyard. Instead, you can visit the Pima Air and Space Museum. If you adventure south of Tucson in the wilderness there are smuggling trails/routes. But they make for great single-track dirtbike riding. If you go up Mt Lemmon you can take the Butterfly Trail to an old crashed F86 airplane.

[@tobiojo6469]

Awesome video

[@stevesingkofer8879]

The Gila Monster can't "totally kill you." FFS.

[@HerrBrutal-bl2fk]

Don't mention the war! I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it.

[@JoziAuen]

Don't live here if you are looking for a good job or having a good education for your kids oh and tucson was just ranked as the 2nd most dangerous place to drive in.

[@evelyngrammar]

And a cool day trip is to Biosphere 2.

[@renferal5290]

I could never live in AZ. The heat would murder me LOL. It is pretty though. I lived in Coronado for a while and in the summer, thousands of people from AZ would come. I could walk up the high street (Orange Ave) faster then one could drive

[@BillGreenAZ]

It's only really hot from June to September and only during the late afternoon and evening. Mornings are nice during those hot months and it's cool after 10pm. Just stay indoors during that time and the rest of the year is nice.

[@renferal5290]

@@BillGreenAZ That is nice to know. It really is pretty there from what I have seen. I drove through years ago

[@thecolorgreen7046]

@@BillGreenAZ Stay indoors April through October - Love it!

[@kurryquitecontrary]

This video really annoyed the hell out of me. Especially when you called javalinas pigs. I just zoned out after that.

[@monicalklein]

@@kurryquitecontrary exactly!!

[@bradleyschwartze2575]

Where among those "don'ts" is "Don't complain about the lack of freeways in Tucson?"

[@TravelThyme]

If I may add one item.... Do not touch the jumping cholla! My son lives in Tucson. He warned my husband not to touch them. Needless to say, we ended up at the ranger's station getting one removed from my husband's hand! 😮

[@debbyapling8583]

I live here and warn visitors not to touch ANY plant unless they know it's safe.

[@TravelThyme]

@@debbyapling8583 great advice! I wish my husband would have listened. 😂

[@MACYWRLD]

You should make reservations period

[@TripHacksDC]

Whoa I didn't know you grew up in AZ. I thought it was Georgia!

[@ker5776]

Hahahah. Esp with the “yall”

[@angelfalf]

I thought so too. Maybe when she was older or for college.

[@jennyoshea1958]

😊🌷🪻⭐😊🌷🪻

[@oldbittercraig3513]

Disappointed in Mark for "Tuck-Son", as an fellow former resident of the Old Pueblo and Arizona grad, I will now refer to his employer as Illi-noise. The worst thing about Tucson for me was the fact that it's pretty much ruined Mexican food for me in most the world. I call it "The 90 Day Challenge" and there are a handful of Mexican places I've visited in South America, Europe, Asia that would survive 90 days in Tucson. Casa Poca Cosa apparently has closed since we moved away, but so many awesome Mexican restaurants (not counting Taquerias or Sonoran Dog places like BK or El Guero Canelo) that I gain a couple pounds each time I return home.

[@woltersworld]

Um, i dont ever say tuc-sun unless i try and upset jocelyn. I know the right way

[@russmeans]

Eegee's lol...and Lucky Wishbone 😂.

[@kurryquitecontrary]

Eegees is overrated

[@mammithian]

@@kurryquitecontrary Nowadays, I agree. The food used to be pretty good/decent, but they sold out which has led to expansion but a more corporate vibe and mass produced food quality.

[@kurryquitecontrary]

@mammithian agreed 100% that it's not like it used to be. Very sad.

[@TheSaneHatter]

Thank you for not overlooking the El Charro Cafe in your video: "The Oldest Mexican Restaurant North of the Border" is one of my most vivid memories of my visits to Tucson. Not only is it the birthplace of the chimichangas, but an architectural delight where even the *bathroom* was beautiful! I've been to Tucson twice, both times to visit my late mother. I've not only been to El Charro and Tombstone, but seen the Fourth Street Winter Festival and tried the Santa Maria tri-tip steak that Mom was so fond of.....

[@LindaM-g2m]

javelina are not pigs , go to Sonoran Desert Museum for information. they are peccaries

[@Ashley-fj3hq]

Go to Tumerico. Period.

[@azmainer640]

Don’t visit between May - September. It never cools down so you will be indoors 24/7. Don’t make eye contact with the panhandlers (at almost every intersection). And don’t visit at all if you have breathing problems. The smog is intense and the air quality is rated “poor” all year long.

[@Slavaway258]

Please look up the correct pronunciation The Spanish name of the city, Tucsón [tukˈson], is derived from the O'odham Cuk Ṣon [tʃʊk ʂɔːn], meaning "(at the) base of the black [hill]", a reference to a basalt-covered hill now known as Sentinel Peak.

[@jbbb7418]

Toooosohn

[@betsybeard9346]

Coyotes is three syllables.

[@ericsmith2523]

First one

[@Viperion101]

9:30 people here drive so darn slow. They also have this really annoying habit of stopping to turn right. And it's only halfway their fault. A lot of the driveways are very narrow and are 90 degree plus turns, with speed bumps right away. And you have to turn right from the travel lanes on a lot of roads. Also, on the traffic front, avoid Ina Road if possible. It's a mess.

[@thewb8329]

The biggest don’ts of visiting Tucson is don’t bother visiting Tucson! 😂😂😂🌵🐍🦂😂😂😂

[@stevebartley628]

Don’t stop there and continue south and east to Bisbee

[@japetro3]

Don't show a picture of Sonoran iguana when you talk about Gila monsters. That's a big don't. Fail

[@ortrudscholz184]

Have an open mind 8329 you obviously haven’t traveled the world.

[@jeffcarrier7435]

Don’t pronounce it San Xavier…. It’s San Haveer. One of the idiosyncrasies of TTown.

[@ginaidoma5925]

Another NO is don't wear a mask in public.

[@djmusicplug]

Cool to but not live

[@Mark1405Leeds]

Walk up a mountain? 😒🥴😵‍💫

[@monicalklein]

You can't be from Tucson!!!!!!!! This is ridiculous.

[@TravelAdventureswithEricB]

Tuck son is a beautiful city.

[@vcab4236]

It’s pronounced coyoteee

[@jocelynwoltersworld]

Depending upon where you're from. 😉

[@IGOBYTHENAMELOVE]

Too many homeless

[@hapyharyhard0n581]

Dont go to Tucson....

[@JesusHasThis]

Yep

[@JesusHasThis]

Agree.I want out of here bad. I live in downtown and drugs homeless mentally ill all over. We need more cops, period

[@rodneysolgonick7021]

“Don’t visit Tucson, Arizona”, there FIFA… Just got back from north Italy, way better choice, just sayin’!