This is the first in a series exploring Tucson on foot. We start downtown — mostly along the route of the Meet Me Downtown 5K Night Run/Walk. It's an hour-long walk that gives you a sense of downtown's history and quirky neighborhoods.
About the route
■ Length 2.6 miles.
■ Time: 1 hour, walking.
■ Difficulty: Easy.
■ Wear: Sunscreen and a hat or go in the evening.
■ Expect: You'll be walking on streets and sidewalks, most of the route is in quiet neighborhoods but use caution around cars.
■ Bring: The family, a bike and Fido.
Walk Tucson
■ Start at Military Plaza in Armory Park (1) or across Sixth Avenue next to the Children’s Museum Tucson (2). There are metered parking spaces on both sides. Your 2.6-mile walk will probably take about an hour. Head south on Sixth for a block, and check out the restored San Carlos Apartments sign! (3) then go west on 14th Street. You’ll see Casa Vicente (4), known for paella, on 14th right before you use the lighted crosswalk to get across Stone Avenue.
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Now you’re on Cushing Street with a nice view of ‘A’ Mountain. Follow the Presidio Trail (there’s a turquoise line on the sidewalk and some plaques) all the way up to the Tucson Convention Center (5), then head south on Church Avenue which will turn into Convent Avenue.
■ This stretch has Barrio Viejo’s beautiful adobe homes and an unrivaled collection of multi-colored doors and gates (6). The sidewalk is patchy but traffic is minimal on this neighborhood street. (Take a stroller onto the street to avoid frustration.)
■ At Convent and 18th Street, you’ll find El Parque de Orlando y Diego Mendoza (7), a little neighborhood park with seating, blooming roses and a shrine. No shade though.
■ Continue down on Eighth Avenue to 21st Street, take it east to Seventh Avenue and head back north. At Seventh and 19th Street there’s a community garden (8).
■ Take 18th Street over to 5 Points Market (9) at Stone for lunch or a quick iced coffee and a rest on the patio. Right next door is Cafe Desta (10), if you’re in the mood for Ethiopian cuisine.
■ Continue up Stone where you’ll see the Jewish History Museum (11). The museum is housed in the historic 1910 building Temple Emanu-El — the first synagogue in the Arizona Territory.
■ Cross back over 15th Street to Sixth Avenue and head back up to your starting point.
