Downtown Tucson and El Presidio Walking Tour
Category: Event Calendar
Dates and Times
- Sunday, Oct 26, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm
- Sunday, Nov 2, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm
- Sunday, Nov 9, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm
- Sunday, Nov 16, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm
- Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm
- Sunday, Nov 30, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm
- Sunday, Dec 7, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm
- Sunday, Dec 14, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm
- Sunday, Dec 21, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm
- Sunday, Dec 28, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm
- Sunday, Jan 4, 2026 2:30pm - 4:30pm
- Sunday, Jan 11, 2026 2:30pm - 4:30pm
- + 13 more
Location
We meet across the street from the Lohse Family YMCA located at 60 W Alameda Street, Tucson, AZ 85701. Scott, your Tour Guide, will be in an orange shirt on the southeast corner under the big shade tree. Advance reservation is required.
Details
On our Downtown Tucson & El Presidio Walking Tour by Strolls and Stories Tours, Scott, your Tour Guide, will guide you on an entertaining 2-hour walk! We begin with a discussion of Tucson's founding way back in 1775 as a walled Spanish Colonial Presidio, as we stroll past a section of rebuilt adobe wall. We learn of Tucson's 4,000 years of Native American History, and where the name of our city originates. Plus, we discuss how many National Flags have flown over Tucson - you might be surprised!
Next, we walk past a historic Sonoran Row House that dates to the 1850s, and learn how these mud adobe structures were built for our harsh desert climate. Plus, we hear of the style changes that occur, which happen to correspond to our population booms!
Then, we stroll past the charming historic mansions of the El Presidio, also known as Snob Hollow, as we chat about the fascinating tales of Tucson's Pioneer Founders. We learn how these families arrive in Tucson in the 1800s...there are some incredible stories of our wild west days!
We also walk past three mansion homes that date to the turn of the century (1900) designed by the famous architect of the Southwest, Henry Trost. Each of these beautiful mansion homes has a fascinating story - one happens to be a real hoot!
Tour participants then enjoy a visit to the historic Pima County Courthouse to hear the story of the Dillinger Gang's capture here in Tucson in 1934. We visit the courtroom where they were arraigned, which looks exactly as it did in 1934! Plus, Scott, your Tour Guide, has several fascinating tidbits to share as part of this story!
Next, we see the location of Tucson's first Catholic Cathedral and learn of a very famous gunfighter who partied the night away at a festival on this plaza way back in 1881. Plus, we learn the storied history of Tucson’s first Cathedral...this is a good story!
Then we stroll past a Southwest Art Deco styled theatre, and see a stunning former department store designed by Roy Place. We chat about two mid-century entrepreneurs and downtown department store tycoons who gained national acclaim! Plus, we chat about a luxury historic hotel and Tucson’s first skyscraper built in 1929!
All of this AND so much more when you book our Downtown Tucson and El Presidio Guided Walking Tour by Strolls and Stories Tours! This Tour is 2 hours and 10 minutes, 2 miles. Suggested: Wear a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes, and please bring a bottle of water.
