New students and freshman at the UA are often overwhelmed by its size and scale, but the city of Tucson features a unique culture nestled in Southern Arizona charm.
Fourth Avenue District
The Historic Fourth Avenue District of Tucson, within walking distance of campus and along the path of the Sun Link Tucson Modern Streetcar, is a hub of activity in Tucson. A hodgepodge of restaurants, bars, shops, and some of the most eclectic and interesting Tucson events are found in this area.
Grab a cup of coffee at Epic Cafe, a slice at Brooklyn Pizza Company and enjoy walking among the public art installations and murals of the Fourth Avenue District.
The UA Center for Creative Photography
Located in the College of Fine Arts Complex at the UA, the Center for Creative Photography was established in 1975 and maintains a collection of over 80,000 images representing over 2,000 photographers.
As one of the crowning achievements in research and exhibition at the UA College of Fine Arts, the Center of Creative Photography should not be missed.
The HUB Restaurant and Ice Creamery
Ride the streetcar into downtown Tucson and enjoy the succulent food and delicious desserts of the HUB. Highlights from the HUB’s menu include its macaroni and cheese, sandwiches and its wide array of ever-changing ice creams. Not to mention, it’s located on East Congress Street and right next to the famous Hotel Congress.
Slot Canyon Café
The UA Environmental and Natural Resources 2 Building—built and designed to demonstrate the university’s commitment to sustainability—features a restaurant called the Slot Canyon Café.
Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the Student Union Memorial Center and Park Student Union, enjoy a cup of coffee while you study or enjoy the imagery of hummingbirds that choose the ENR2 building to nest.
Le Cave’s Bakery
A short bike ride from the university, Le Cave’s Bakery is famous for its legendary vegan donuts, which are totally worth the trip into South Tucson.
Fresh from the deep fryer, these delicacies melt in your mouth and are a treat for the starving college student.
The Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
On the east side of the UA Mall is the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, one of the most iconic performing arts buildings in Arizona. Featuring the outstanding performances put on by the UA School of Dance—ranked among the best dance schools in the nation—the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre is a great option for a date on campus for UA students.
Most student tickets for performances at the theatre are under $10.
Prep and Pastry
A short Uber or Lyft away from campus, Prep and Pastry is one of the best places for brunch in the Tucson area. Featuring a changing variety of pastries and a scrumptious array of menu items, Prep and Pastry magnificently presents the best morning cuisine in Tucson.
Get here early, though, as there’s generally a lenghty wait for a table.
The Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium
The UA is a pioneer in atmospheric sciences and no place is this more evident than at the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium.
Featuring planetarium shows—including Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon”—one of the largest mineral museums in the Southwest and exhibits demonstrating the prowess of the programs at the university, the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium demonstrates the power of education through the scope of the universe as we know it.
Amazing Discoveries
A long walk or short bike ride away from campus, Amazing Discoveries is the best card, tabletop and board game supplier in Tucson. From Magic: the Gathering to Settlers of Catan and Cards Against Humanity, Amazing Discoveries has all that is nerdy in all the right ways.
The University of Arizona Hillel Foundation and Oy Vey Cafe
Located just north of the student union, the University of Arizona’s Jewish community has a wonderfully quiet cafe in its basement to help its Jewish students find their way around campus. The UA Hillel Foundation’s building features public art lining its outsides and is conveniently located on campus.
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