Tucson S Turquoise Trail Lets You Explore This Arizona City

One of the best ways to introduce yourself to a new place is to go for a walk. It’s the perfect way to engage the senses, take a few photos, and even learn something new. Wander across bridges, stoop under trees, and smell, hear, and feel everything surrounding you.

Today, we’re going to take a look at a unique little walking tour you can easily do in one of Arizona’s oldest cities, Tucson. Let’s take a look!

Tucson today is a bustling city, especially when you walk through downtown. People are walking everywhere, you can hear the cars and streetcars passing by, and almost taste the food cooking on grills in restaurants. And it is here that you can embark on a tour that will introduce you to the city’s history.

Paul Sableman/Flickr

This blue line is known as the Turquoise Trail (previously as Presidio Trail) and it will lead you on a 2.5 mile walk through downtown to see the history that still exists.

Daniel Lobo/Flickr

The trail begins here at Presidio San Agustín Museum, which also where you can pick up walking tour brochures. From here, just follow the bright blue line and read the map’s details for information about each stop. Let’s check out a few of the sights you’ll see along the way!

bob/Flickr

First stop is the old presidio, a Spanish fort that once sat at the edge of Spanish Arizona. The original was demolished in 1918 and later reconstructed in 2007. Here, you’ll find a museum and reenactments taking place.

Presidio San Augustín del Tucson/Facebook

At the second stop, you’ll find the Pima County Courthouse, one of the loveliest buildings in Tucson.

James Charnesky/Flickr

Further down the trail, you’ll the Wishing Shrine of El Tiradito, dedicated to a man who was murdered by the husband of his lover in the 1870s.

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By the way, this section of town that you’re walking through is called Barrio Viejo, the old neighborhood. These historic buildings were home to Tucson’s working class residents, dating to the 1880s. This is just a sample of the old homes you’ll pass.

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Keep walking and you’ll get to the old Hotel Congress, located in the heart of downtown Tucson. Be sure to check out the lobby!

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And one of the last stops you’ll make is the Fox Theatre, home of vaudeville acts, silent movies, and now music acts.

Randy Heinitz/Flickr

For more information and to get your copy of the map for Tucson’s Turquoise Trail, visit the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson. It is located at 196 North Court Avenue in Tucson and the website is tucsonpresidio.com.