Although the end of exam season may seem like a lifetime away, summer will soon be upon us. If you’re looking for ways to fill your time over the upcoming holidays, but don’t fancy the idea of constantly letting loose ‘college-style’, throughout summer Tucson offers an abundance of unique evening activities. We’ve constructed this handy list showcasing just a few things you can get up to this summer after dark. With the heat rising, chill out at some of these cool locations.
#1: Tucson Botanical Garden
All throughout summer these gardens stay open until 8pm every Thursday and Friday, so you can enjoy them in a slightly cooler evening air. Wander through Aloe Alley, Backyard Birds, and the Cactus and Succulent Garden, and get some perfect snaps of the flora and fauna. They’ve also got Café Botanica, which serves a delicious homemade menu using local ingredients.
#2: D&D Pinball
With exposed brick walls, neon signs, and an all-round retro feel, this place is the ultimate hang out spot. Whether you’re playing pinball for the first time, or looking to throwback to your childhood, there’s such an impressive collection of pinball machines here you’re bound to find one that takes your fancy. This place opens Friday, Saturday and Sunday until late.
#3: Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club Friday Night Barbecue
Friday nights at the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club are somewhat of a tradition. All throughout the summer months from 5.30-8.30pm, head down to the club and pull up a chair to enjoy a funky line up of local bands. Cool off in the pool and treat yourself afterwards to loads of tasty food cooked on a mesquite wood barbecue.
#4 Scented Leaf Tea House + Lounge
This is the perfect little spot if you’re looking for a quiet evening, or just want to treat yourself to some TLC. These guys locate the best teas from around the world and bring them right to Tucson, and these loose-leaf teas smell amazing. They offer the classic Earl Grey and English Breakfast, but you can also try something a little more whacky like the Banana Chocolate Cake Rooibos, or Spicy Pear.
#5 Creative Juice Art Bar
Get your creative juices flowing at this art-bar medley. Book a class and you’ll get all the painting supplies you need, as well as a great instructor to guide you through your masterpiece. The casual atmosphere is great for dates, friend groups, or even as a solo experience, and did we mention there’s a bar?
#6 Spencer’s Observatory
This custom-built Observatory has a retractable roof that lets you truly enjoy the clarity of the unpolluted air above our beautiful city. You can enjoy a selection of telescopes, and some great guides to talk you through the stars above us. This place also offers a private patio that’s great for small parties who want to kick back and relax under the night’s sky.
#7 Rialto Theatre
Almost celebrating its 100th year anniversary, this place has earned its iconic status in Tucson. Rialtos were plazas in Venice where the common man could go for fun, as theatres and operas were reserved for the nobility. The Rialto Theatre sticks to this ethos, providing great entertainment for the common man. It offers a vibrant and diverse selection of music and performing arts, showcasing the best of local talent. There’s always something going on, so check our there schedule for upcoming events.
#8 Frost Gelato
These guys liked Italian gelato so much, they decided to bring it home with them to Tucson. You can find Frost Gelato scattered all over the US, and even the world, but the original store in our city is unbeatable. There simply isn’t enough room in this post to list their menu in its entirety, but flavours include cheesecake, cinnamon apple pie, Guinness gelato, and every fruit sorbet you could possibly imagine. This place is usually open until late, so what better way to cool off at the end of your day?
If you’re hoping to stay in Tucson this summer, Stargate West offers a variety of luxury apartments. If you’re looking for a short-term rental or somewhere to live for a few months or more, make sure to contact us!