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Maybe your idea of a perfect 24 hours in Tucson includes a stop at Tacos Apson before heading to a University of Arizona basketball game. Maybe you’d rather spend your day wandering through the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum before stuffing your face with a Sonoran hot dog.
Whatever it is, we all have our favorite spots in Tucson — ones that might not be ranked the highest on Yelp and maybe aren’t the same places you’d take your out-of-town parents. If you only had one day to enjoy in Tucson, how would you spend it?
We asked María-José (Majo) Cortés, the owner of Di Luna Candles, what her dream day in Tucson looks like. Here’s what she said.
Stop 1: Breakfast and a museum stroll
Walk into the lush patio of Cafe a La C’Art, 150 N. Main Ave., and you just might see Majo dining alongside a sangria cocktail and avocado toast. You could go for the very charming patio in itself, but you’ll most definitely stay for the pastry selection.
Some days, you might hop in for a quick coffee and something decadent from the dessert case (think coconut bars, chocolate bombs and bread pudding). Other days, you might order a birria omelet or seasonal French toast.
“I picked Cafe a La C’Art because the space is so cute and I love that they have the patio,” Majo says. “And I love that they have specialty menus.”
After breakfast, Cortes would head to the adjoining Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave., where she’d explore the new exhibits hanging along the walls.
“They have free admission on the first Thursday night and the second Sunday, so you don’t always have to pay for a fun day,” Majo says.
Stop 2: Shopping and bath salts at Di Luna Candles
Of course, Majo has a lot of love for her shop, where she creates her own candles in scents like matcha, sandalwood cedar, desert rain and Froot Loops. The shop is located at 2700 N. Campbell Ave.
But Di Luna also carries gifts and stationery from more than 100 different brands, including locally-made items like earrings, stickers and artisan purses. If you visit on a Saturday, you might also run into a small outdoor market filled with Tucson makers selling their treasures.
“After the museum, I would stop by Di Luna so you can treat yourself to the custom bath salt bar,” Majo says. “It’s a fun activity that won’t take up a lot of time and there’s a step-by-step guide, so you can create and customize (your own). And then you can shop around in the shop, where you can experience so many different makers in one space.”
Stop 3: Lunchtime
When lunch rolls around, Majo recommends her favorite Chinese restaurant: Jun Dynasty located at 2933 E. Grant Road.
Among her favorites on the menu: the chili oil dumplings, fried rice, garlic green beans and Mongolian beef. Before you hit your next spot on the tour, though, ask for a Hong Kong lemon iced tea to-go.
Stop 4: A walk around the Mercado District
The Mercado District has quickly become one of Tucson’s most beloved spots. The west-side shopping district, 100 S. Avenida del Convento, is home to the Mercado San Agustin and the MSA Annex, with even more shops in the steps that adjoin the two.
Majo loves exploring the shops in the district, where you’ll find souvenir shop Why I Love Where I Live, bookstore Desierto Books, art shop Warm Shape, fashion stop La Bella Luna Boutique, flower shop Bloom Maven, zero-waste store Cero — among a long list of others.
“You get to experience a lot of the local businesses but it’s a little different than going to Fourth Avenue,” Majo says. “I love the whole aesthetic; it’s very Tucson. You can spend a nice little afternoon there.”
After walking through the district, make sure to stroll through the charming neighborhood that sits behind all the stores and restaurants. You might even spot a larger-than-life mural of Frida Kahlo dancing with her husband Diego Rivera. (Find the mural south of the Mercado San Agustin near Cushing Street and Avenida del Palo Fierro.)
Stop 5: Hop on the streetcar for dinner or a snack
After exploring the Mercado District to the fullest, it’s time to hop on the streetcar. The free-to-ride tram runs from the Mercado to the University of Arizona area, with stops in downtown and along Fourth Avenue.
Majo’s next destination is Time Market, 444 E. University Blvd., which sits right along the streetcar route. It’s where you can get a slice of pizza and explore the market for wine, snacks and other groceries and gifts.
Stop 6: A couple drinks
You could call it a day at Stop 5, but if you’re feeling up for drinks, Majo recommends taking a streetcar ride to Prohibicion, the speakeasy-style bar at Sonora Moonshine, for a personalized cocktail. Find it at 124 E. Broadway.
“The bartender asks what you like — what flowers you like, what fruits you like, what’s your liquor of choice,” Majo says. “I’ve had a rose-infused espresso martini, they’ve made me a very refreshing cocktail with a bell pepper syrup. I don’t usually love spicy drinks, but it was with cucumber and different fruits — and if you don’t like it, they’ll make you a new one. You get to experience something completely new, so it’s really cool.”
After Prohibicion, Majo recommended the mezcal-focused Bar Crisol, 196 W. Simpson St.
“The vibes in there are more moody — I think if you go with friends, you can have a conversation. It’s not a loud club,” Majo says.
Stop 7: A late-night bite to eat
After a long day of exploring Tucson, Majo recommends closing the day with a visit to Aqui Con El Nene, which closes at 9 or 10 p.m. depending on the day. There are two locations: 65 W. Valencia Road and 4415 N. Flowing Wells Road.
Her order? A carne asada lorenza.
🕯 Di Luna Candles + Goods is located at 2700 N. Campbell Ave. Visit Di Luna’s Instagram, the store’s Instagram and Di Luna’s website for details. 🕯
