Pssst. You’re in for a surprise. Tucson is a romantic city with many unique things that you can only do in Tucson. Tucson’s rich mix of vibrant culture, natural beauty and thriving arts is sure to delight and thrill you during a romantic trip.
Ed was a passionate Sonoran Desert explorer while Ed worked as an aerospace engineer. Tucson is a city we’ve known for nearly 20 years. We fell in love with each other, got married, and dated during our Tucson stay.
We are experts on the Tucson dating scene. So we have compiled nine romantic things you can do only in Tucson that will make your heart sing.
Couples can enjoy a massage at a destination spa resort
Conde Nast’s list of the Top 30 Destination Spa Resorts around the World would make most cities happy. Tucson is the only place in the world to have two resorts listed on this list, and that’s just scratching the surface of Tucson’s spa scene. Dove Mountain is the centerpiece of a world-class destination resort collection that includes Canyon Ranch, Miraval and Ventana Canyon.
Tucson has a variety of places to enjoy, whether you want to relax in the winter in the desert heat or take advantage of the great discounts during the summer spa season. These services will relax you, rejuvenate your spirit and help you open it to love. These spas often incorporate the Sonoran Desert elements into their treatments. Jenn, for example, developed Dove Mountain’s Signature Treatment, The Desert Gem Ritual, which is based on local scenery.
Romantic Restaurants to Dine in
Tucson is America’s only UNESCO City of Gastronomy due to its 4000 year culinary tradition, which combines Mexican and indigenous cuisines while utilizing the unique flavors of Sonoran Desert. Tucson is a great place to explore the downtown food scene or cruise 4th Avenue.
Explore the down and dirty authentic Mexican cuisine in South Tucson, or the Café Poca Cosa. Enjoy a cocktail after dinner at James Beard Award-Winning Janos Wilder’s Downtown Kitchen+Cocktails, such as the Tucson Lemonade cocktail with sage flavoring. Have you saved room for dessert? Visit Hub ice-cream factory to enjoy a delicious bowl of honey desert ice cream.
Discover the Arts in Tucson
What draws artists to Tucson from all over the world? Perhaps it is the vibrant colors of the Arizona sunrise that paints across the desert skies or the rich tapestry and cultures of cultures and traditions which blend harmoniously to create something unique and distinct. Tucson’s rich cultural heritage is celebrated in a world of arts and crafts.
Galeries like DeGrazia and Madaras capture the spirit of deserts with oil paintings, ceramics, watercolors, or sculptures. Art boutiques offer southwestern treasures like hand-carved sculptures or turquoise jewelry. From the University of Arizona’s art museums to Tucson’s downtown street art, there’s something here for everyone.
Enjoy an evening at the Desert Museum
The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, located just outside Tucson, is a 98 acre zoo and botanical garden that also includes an art gallery. The mission of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is to inspire people by encouraging love, appreciation and understanding for the Sonoran Desert. There’s no place better to learn about the desert than the #1 Tucson attraction and one of the Top 10 museums in the United States.
Why not visit at night, when 85% of your experience will be outdoors? On select Saturday evenings, the ASDM will roll out the red carpet for visitors. Docents are on hand to tell you about the uniqueness and beauty of the Sonoran Desert. There’s also nothing more romantic than clear night skies and a blanket or stars.
Hike Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon, Tucson’s most popular outdoor recreation area, is characterized by its towering red-rock canyons with Saguaros and mesquite-lined streams. Visit the area during the day for a tram ride or hike to Seven Falls. The canyon is more romantic at night.
Ed’s romantic evening consisted of picking up takeout from the Catalina Foothills, and then packing it to Sabino Lake. You’ll find a few picnic tables as well as a bathhouse. After dinner, take a hike up Blackett’s Ridge to see the twinkling lights of Tucson below you ….. It was probably this date that pushed Jenn to the limit and Ed into the friend zone.
Saguaro East Sunset Ride
Cycling through Saguaro East along Cactus Forest Drive is another beautiful way to enjoy the open desert. This loop of 8.5 miles takes you through old-growth desert in Saguaro Park. The trail is open at night if you use a headlight or taillight.
You’ll pass saguaro trees, Javelina Rocks and possibly a roadrunner. It’s the best way to see and stretch your legs.
Hot Tub Ballooning over the Desert
Sunrise in the desert can only be surpassed by sunset. It can get a little chilly. Hot Tub Balloon Ridesfound an innovative solution.
Early in the morning, you take off and glide above the La Mariposa Resort. The Santa Catalina Mountains and Rincon Mountain ranges are in the distance. You’re cozy and warm in the 104-degree water, sipping your favorite drink. You return to a catered brunch after the ride of your lifetime. You’ll have to look hard to find anything more romantic.
Drive up Mt Lemmon
Mt Lemmon’s summit, at 9000 feet, offers unique romantic experiences in Tucson. Mt Lemmon highway climbs 26 miles – 6000 feet – from the valley to Summerhaven, a sleepy town. You’ll see more climate zones along the way than if driving from Mexico to Canada.
You can relax and escape the heat under the pines in the summer. Summerhaven offers a variety of activities, including a hike along the Marshall Gulch/ Aspen Loop. Or you can just relax and enjoy the cookies or pies. In the winter, you can enjoy the snow at Bear Wallow and the slopes of the nation’s most southern ski resort. Mt Lemmon is a wonderful change of scenery from the valley.
Wine Country Road Trip
The desert Southwest used to be the wine capital of America. Spanish explorers planted grapes on the Mesilla Valley in the 1600s. The valley rose to prominence after blight decimated east coast vineyards during the 1860s. Grapes thrived in the warm, dry desert.
Sonoita & Elgin are Arizona’s first AVA. The 13 stop wine tasting trail will take you to the best vineyards of Southern Arizona. You’ll need to allow 2 1/2 hours for the drive from Tucson, which will take you through stunning grasslands. This gives you plenty of time to taste. The region is known for its cattle so you should stop at the Steak Out when you are out. Enjoy a great steak while experiencing the authentic western culture.
Tucson Romantic Getaway: Wrap up Your Trip
Are you ready to enjoy a romantic getaway in Tucson? Tucson is a unique place, full of fun and romantic activities.
The winter brings beautiful weather, and there are many snowbirds. February is the Gem Show. You’ll want plan your trip for this event. Book early to avoid disappointment.
The spring is a time of color and beauty that will blow your mind. Summer brings long days, hot temperatures and low prices.
The fall is the perfect combination of weather and availability. You’ll find so many things to do during every season, you may want to return again and again.