15 Perfect Romantic Restaurants in Tucson, AZ

For those interested in culinary exploration, Tucson is a great place to try new flavors. The city is home to fantastic restaurants serving an array of mouthwatering delights. You will find a range of available options, from famous restaurants to undiscovered spots. There are dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world, including American, Ethiopian, Mexican, Southwestern and European flavors, as well as incredible cakes, pies, and other desserts. Here are the best romantic restaurants in Tucson, Arizona. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.

15 Perfect Romantic Restaurants in Tucson, AZ

• El Charro Cafe, Photo: El Charro Cafe
• Augustin Kitchen, Photo: Augustin Kitchen
• The Coronet, Photo: The Coronet
• Falora, Photo: Falora
• Downtown Kitchen, Photo: Downtown Kitchen
• Cafe a la C'Art, Photo: Cafe a la C'Art
• Zemam's, Photo: Zemam's
• Tucson Tamale, Photo: Tucson Tamale
• 47 Scott, Photo: 47 Scott
• Flying-V Bar & Grill, Photo: Flying-V Bar & Grill
• Azul Restaurant & Lounge, Photo: Azul Restaurant & Lounge
• Cafe Poca Cosas, Photo: Cafe Poca Cosas
• The Tasteful Kitchen, Photo: The Tasteful Kitchen
• Renee's Organic Oven, Photo: Renee's Organic Oven
• Beyond Bread, Photo: Beyond Bread
• Cover Photo: Courtesy of El Charro Cafe

Attraction Spotlight: Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Tucson embraces the mission of inspiring new ways of thinking. Through the exhibition and interpretation of contemporary art guests are encouraged to ponder art’s place within the community and the interaction between the two.

The museum is dedicated to showing work from artists working in Tucson, and dedicated to educating Tucson residents about the work of artists from around the world. The museum does not keep a permanent collection, but curates exhibits of loaned work and acts as host to traveling exhibits.

History: MOCA Tucson was founded in 1996 by three artists; James Graham, Julia Latane and David Wright. Their goal was to create a space where contemporary art in Tucson could be enjoyed outside of a commercial gallery space. On a limited budget, the three began curating shows in 2003 under the direction of Anne-Marie Russell, an art historian and scholar. Russell mounts exhibits purposefully devoid of the traditional explanatory text placed on the wall, and instead creates maps which visitors can carry with them through the exhibits, allowing the work to speak for itself. Additional reading and materials are available in a separate space. The museum’s original home was an old state-owned warehouse on Tucson’s Toole Avenue. Shows quickly rose in quality and began to garner worldwide attention. In 2010, the museum relocated to a renovated downtown fire station on South Church Avenue. The opening gala at the new space featured a tribute to the Tucson based painter Olivier Mosset with the “Made in Tucson/Born in Tucson/Live in Tucson" exhibit. Over 300 guests attended. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords addressed the crowd, as well as a representative from the media corporation, Cox, who committed to sponsoring the new institution and funding the build of a surrounding plaza. In 2017, Ginger Shulick Porcella was named executive director and will take on the board’s goal of doubling the museum’s budget to $1.2 million by 2020. Porcella will also be active in the role of curator.

Ongoing Programs and Education: MOCA Satellite is a traveling program that brings themes from current exhibits to the classrooms of underserved rural communities. Teaching artists facilitate creative activities that integrate with the school curriculum, including science, math and English studies. Young Fauves is a free after-school art program that takes place at the museum. Children ages 8-11 participate in a collaborative project with a local artist, which draws inspiration from the museum’s current exhibits. MOCA Minor Mutiny is a once-weekly free program for high school students. Minor Mutiny offers an unstructured lounge environment in which students can hang out, create art, or get homework help under the guidance of a local artist and mentor. Programs for adults include Yoga at MOCA, a once-weekly yoga class which meets evenings in the gallery. Free outdoor film screenings take place once monthly during warm weather months. Past movies have included Pollock, Frida and Waste Land. The MOCA Local Genius Awards have been awarded since 2009 and are celebrated with an annual gala at the museum. The awards honor local Tucson residents who have been recognized nationally or international for their visionary talents. The museum recently reopened their Artist in Residency program. Artists may apply for a room and studio space at the museum for a period of 3 weeks to 3 months. Work created during the artists’ residencies will be shown each January.

Past and Future Exhibits: Some of the most well known international artists who have shown at MOCA Tucson have included Takashi Murakami, Raymond Pettibon and Olivier Mosset. The inaugural exhibition at the new facility, “Made in Tucson/Born in Tucson/Live in Tucson” included a Part 1 and a Part 2 of artists currently working in Tucson or with connections to the area. Other past exhibits have included “Floating Muse,” a collection of videos, drawings, paintings and photographs by German and Brazilian artist Janaina Tschape, who uses the female body as her inspiration. The museum showed a mid-career survey of the work of New York artist Max Estenger with paintings and sculptures from 1991 through 2016. Estenger’s work uses a language of his creation, which aims to be systematic and free from dogma. “If You Stay Busy You Have No Time to be Unhappy” was a group exhibit that coincided with the museum’s 20th anniversary. The works of over 80 artists were included, showcasing a wide variety of media, sculpture, drawing and painting. Each artist’s work spoke to the importance of the intersection of art, life and community.

265 South Church Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85701, Phone: 520-624-5019

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Hotel Spotlight: Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort is a nationally recognized, desert resort located in Tucson, Arizona. From colorful desert botanicals to luxurious hotel amenities, guests will experience the perfect balance between Southwestern comfort and desert adventure at the Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort.

There are six different lodging configurations visitors can choose from each with its own style and Spanish name. The distinctive characteristics and amenities of each of these rooms and suites are described below.

In each of the Catalina Rooms guests can choose between a king-size bed or two queen-size beds. The approximate square footage of the Catalina Room is 550 sq. ft. Wood floors and a private patio allow guests to enjoy the mountain and city views below. Other characteristics include ten-foot-high ceilings, handmade furniture, and Talavera tile.

Each of the Historic Rooms has its own style and layout. It is one of the most popular rooms at the Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort. The Historic Rooms surround the courtyard that is full of colorful landscaping and desert botanicals. There is one queen-size bed in each Historic Room and the room accommodates up to two people.

The Hacienda Room – These rooms are known for its handmade wood furniture, and surrounding desert views. Guest can choose between a room with one king-size bed or two queen-size beds. The Hacienda Room is approximately 400 sq. ft.

The Deluxe Hacienda Room – These rooms are like the more basic Hacienda Rooms with a few added amenities. Guests can choose between a king-size bed or two queen-size beds. Square footage ranges from 265-700 sq. ft. The Deluxe Hacienda Room includes a patio with panoramic views of the desert landscape.

Guests can also choose to stay in a suite. Each suite is distinct in its configuration. All suites have a separate living area and a bedroom with a king-size bed. Some suites include a private patio or fireplace. Square footage can range from 700-1000 sq. ft.

Casita – These rooms are a higher-end, more inclusive suite for guests. Amenities include a master suite with king-size bed, kitchenette, fireplace, and private patio. Casita is approximately 1100 sq. ft.

The Tracy-Hepburn Casita Grande – This room was named after celebrities Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. Hepburn and Tracy used to lodge in the Casita Grande. They used this desert suite to escape from the celebrity spotlight. The Tracy-Hepburn Casita Grande has two bedrooms. The first bedroom has a king-size bed and the second has two queen-size beds. The furniture, like other rooms and suits in the Resort, is all handcrafted. There are also two patios, a kitchenette and fireplace. The Casita Grande is known for the privacy it provides its guests. It is also approximately 2000 sq. ft.

The Catalina Suite – This luxurious suite was named for its views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Amenities include private adjoining patios, bedroom with a king-size bed, queen sofa sleeper, two full bathrooms and hand made wood furniture. The Catalina Suite is approximately 1100 sq. ft.

Signature, sweet food amenities are made to order. Guests can order these signature treats before arrival and have them waiting in their room upon arrival. Examples of the edible amenities include topping-filled, specialty popcorn, cheese plates, Hacienda strawberries, gourmet caramel apples, Saguaro sugar cookies and Saguaro sandwich cookies.

The spa treatments are unique in that they are done within the privacy of the guest’s own room, suite, or patio. The quality products used by the Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort are from the Eminence of Hungary Organic Skin Care product line. Spa treatments include massages, skin care and spa packages.

Horseback riding is available year-round to guests and locals. Hacienda Del Sol’s stables offers rides throughout Tucson’s desert landscape. Private lessons are also an option. Hacienda Del Sol offers a variety of different rides:

-1 hours

-90 minutes

-cross country

-sunset

-lead line

The Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort has an outdoor pool in which guests can relax while looking up at the Santa Catalina Mountains. There is also a fire pit near the pool , located just beyond the Terraza restaurant. Food and drinks can also be served poolside.

The Botanical Gardens is another distinguishable feature of Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort. The Garden is always open to guests. There are a variety of desert flowers, sculptures, fountains, and painted garden décor.

The Fitness Center is available to guests 24 hours. The center has cardio machines, flat screen televisions, towels, and water for its guests.

The Grill and Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge are the two dining options available at the Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort. Guests can choose to dine in a more formal, elegant venue, such as the dining room in The Grill. They can also choose a more casual outdoor patio dining experience. The cuisine served at both restaurants at the Resort has received awards and national recognition.

The Grill – This in-house restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner to both guests of the Resort and locals. The large windows provide an amazing view of the lush desert landscape for patrons of the diner. Ingredients used at The Grill come from the Resort’s organic gardens and local growers. For 19 consecutive years, The Grill’s selection of over 700 wines has made the restaurant distinguishable throughout the country. Live guitar music creates a relaxed environment. Every Sunday the restaurant offers an award-winning brunch buffet. Sliced Prime Rib, Eggs Benedict, Waffles and Omelets are just a few of the popular dishes served each Sunday.

Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge – This patio diner is known for its outdoor, neighbor-style patio where patrons may enjoy their food “al fresco”. Guests particularly enjoy the specialty drinks along with the appetizers, salads, and sandwiches.

5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road, Tucson, Arizona, 85718, Phone: 520-299-1501

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Hotel Spotlight: White Stallion Ranch in Tucson

Tucked away on 3,000 acres of lush Sonoran desert bordering Saguaro National Park, the White Stallion Ranch offers an authentic Southwestern Dude Ranch experience. Family-owned and operate, the White Stallion Ranch is a traditional Dude Ranch that offers comfortable ranch-style accommodations, authentic southwestern cuisine, and friendly, personalized hospitality. Originally built in the 1900s, the White Stallion Ranch began as a cattle ranch and changed hands several times before being sold to a couple from Colorado who turned it into the welcoming Dude Ranch it is today.

The ranch is home to more than 150 horses and 100 head of cattle and offers an array of activities and adventures for all ages, including horseback riding and hiking through the unique, beautiful scenery of the rocky mountain trails and desert flats, breakfast, cheese and wine rides, and pampering massages. Other facilities at the ranch include a fully equipped fitness center with a sauna, indoor redwood hot tub and heated swimming pool, an in-house movie theater, and art classes, star-gazing, line dancing and singing songs around the bonfire.

The White Stallion Ranch is conveniently located just 40 minutes from Tucson International Airport and a few hours from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The White Stallion Ranch offers a variety of accommodations in the form of beautiful western-themed casitas, luxury suites, and a fully-equipped four-bedroom, three bathroom hacienda for large families. The ranch has 43 spacious and charming, well-appointed guest rooms with private patios and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains, corrals, and desert flats. Generous living spaces adorned with wooden furniture feature king, queen or twin beds with deluxe linens, en-suite bathrooms with granite vanities, walk-in showers, soaking tubs, fresh towels, bathrobes, and eco-friendly toiletries. Modern amenities include air-conditioning, mini-refrigerators, in-room safes, hairdryers, Apple iHome alarm clocks, and complimentary wireless Internet.

The Hacienda is a four-bedroom retreat that is perfect for large families and small groups of friends. Designed and decorated to be a comfortable home-away-from-home, the Spanish-style hacienda features four spacious bedrooms with one king master en-suite bedroom and three king or twin bedrooms with two shared bathrooms, including one children’s room with a bunk bed. The hacienda has an open plan living space with a working beehive fireplace and comfortable sofas and armchairs, a separate dining room for up to 10 guests, a fully equipped kitchen, and a laundry room.

The White Stallion Ranch provides healthy and hearty meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and caters to all dietary requirements. The day begins with a delicious continental buffet and cooked-to-order breakfast, followed by a lunch of salads, sides and two entrées. Freshly baked cookies and fresh fruit are available throughout the day for those who need a snack, while lavish buffet dinners consist of meats and vegetables prepared on the outdoor grill, freshly prepared salads, sides, other entrées and delicious desserts. Thursdays are traditional steak night, and Saturdays offer a signature Indian Oven dinner, while other culinary experiences include ‘Cheese and Wine Ride.’

In addition to cozy guest rooms and suites, the ranch offers an array of amenities and facilities, including a fully-equipped fitness center with a sauna, indoor redwood hot tub and heated swimming pool, an in-house 27-seat movie theater, and art classes, star-gazing, line dancing and singing songs around the bonfire. The ranch has an executive business center with computers, printing and faxing services and complimentary wireless Internet. The Rearing Horse gift shop sells a range of unique Southwestern gifts, riding gear, ranch logo wear, and useful travel items. A variety of riding gear such as cowboy hats, boots, helmets and saddle bags are available for guests to use.

Activities and adventures for all ages include horseback riding and hiking through the unique, beautiful scenery of the rocky mountain trails and desert flats, weekly exhibition rodeos, breakfast, cheese and wine rides, and pampering massages. Other outdoor activities include climbing, tennis, wagon rides, bird-watching, and water-based activities, while indoor games include badminton, shuffleboard, air hockey, foosball, billiards, and paddle tennis.

The White Stallion Ranch offers corporate retreats for groups of 50-75 guests with modern venues, such as the 2,600 square foot space of The Longhorn Room, various private dining rooms, and exciting outdoor venues.

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9251 W. Twin Peaks Road, Tucson, Arizona, Phone: 520-297-0252

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