Downtown Tucson: An Audio Tour by an Author and Historian

See Downtown Tucson’s historic mansions and homes on this affordable self-guided walking tour. • Find out how downtown Tucson transformed from a prehistoric village into an architecturally rich neighborhood where some of the Southwest’s leading architects left their mark • Hear from producer Jim Turner, a historian in Arizona who’s authored or co-authored nine books on the state’s history • Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

1. 1

   Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum

   Pass by

   This self-guided walking tour starts outside the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, once an 11-acre Spanish fort, where you’ll learn what daily life was like for early settlers in the late 1700s.

2. 2

   La Casa Cordova

   Pass by

   You'll pass by Sonoran row houses made of adobe bricks like Casa de Cordova, which was restored and dedicated by First Lady Betty Ford in 1974.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   Pass by

   The tour passes by what historians call the "mansions on main street" which include the Tucson Museum of Art.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   Pass by

   The tour passes by Café a la C’Arte where you’ll find delicious pastries

5. 5

   J. Knox Corbett House

   Pass by

   You'll pass by the J. Knox Corbett House which, like many of Main Avenue’s sophisticated 1890s and early 1900s mansions, owes its appearance to two innovative and imaginative architects, Henry Trost and David Holmes.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   The tour passes by the Christopher Franklin Carroll Centennial Park. You'll hear about the park while you walk.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Pass by

   The tour passes by the Franklin House. You'll hear about the original owners while you walk.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   Pass by

   The tour passes by El Presidio Bed and Breakfast. You'll hear about what the B&B was like previously under different owners.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Pass by

   The tour ends in front of El Charro Café, the oldest Mexican restaurant in Tucson and home of the chimichanga.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.