Whether you're going on a first date or going out with your spouse of twenty years, we have 25+ ideas for where to go to have a romantic and fun-filled time in Tucson.
Note: Some of these options may have limited access due to the weather in certain seasons. Be sure to call before you head out the door to see if the venue is open, to make reservations, and to inquire about current hours.
Ideas are listed in alphabetical order.
Start with an appetizer - preferably one of Blanco's specialty cheese crisps. Follow that with the Tiger Shrimp Fajitas, served on a sizzling skillet with all the fixings. Wash it all down with an Aces & Eights, a 25 ounce cocktail for two featuring white tequila, patron citronge, and a red sangria float. To end the night with a sweet bite, indulge in Brown Sugar Caramel Flan. The environment at Blanco is fresh & fun. You'll feel equally comfortable in shorts, a sundress, or a cocktail dress. Wander around La Encantada before or after your meal to shop for a trinket or souvenir.
At Oro Valley Board & Brush, couples can work on a project together or they are welcome to each choose their own project to complete.
Play with hammers and power drills during the workshops, while getting crafty and creating a decor piece for your home.
For an elegant evening out, Bob's Steak & Chop House is an obvious pick. Located onsite at Omni Tucson National Resort in northwest Tucson, this is the place to go if you're looking for one of the best steaks in Tucson. Not to mention the delicious sides, decadent desserts, signature cocktails, and extensive wine selection.
Dress to the nines and head downtown to see a Broadway production at Centennial Hall on The University of Arizona's campus. Broadway in Tucson brings in eclectic line-up of classic and contemporary shows throughout the year.
Spend an afternoon at the Tucson Museum of Art and then enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner on Cafe A La C'Art's delightful patio. The menu items are fresh and fabulous.
Rated as one of the top attractions in Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is definitely not just for the kids. Hold hands as you stroll through peaceful desert landscapes. If possible, visit at sunrise for breakfast or sunset for dinner for extra romance amidst the idyllic scenery.
Hidden in north central Tucson is Finger Rock Trail, a small trailhead with big potential. Hike as far as you like, while enjoying spectacular city views and towering saguaros.
If you were able to look up "perfect date night in Tucson" in a dictionary, your finger would go right to: Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. This upscale restaurant, across the street from La Encantada, offers impeccable service and a mouthwatering menu, along with an impressive selection of wines.
For a night of laughter, book a table at The Gaslight Theatre, Tucson's only dinner theatre. Cheer for the heroes and boo the villains while enjoying piping hot pizza and creamy 50's-style milkshakes at your table.
Book a table at one of Tucson's top brunches! The Blues, Brews & BBQ Brunch Buffet at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is available every Sunday from 11:00am to 2:00pm.
Before or after brunch, you can take a brief hike up to the resort’s 80-foot waterfall.
Celebrating something special? Book an overnight stay in a guest room with a private viewing balcony, oversized tub, and amazing views of the desert mountains and night sky.
If you are looking for a perfect spot to see the sunset, the Observation Window is a small hidden gem located on the 4th floor just above the resort entry. This open air space is surrounded by vines that only bloom once a year and is a fantastic location to view the incredible Tucson skyline.
Take a leisurely walk in Downtown Tucson and then linger over a romantic al fresco meal at Maynards Market + Kitchen. Located in a historic train depot, you'll be drawn into the chic environment while enjoying a laidback breakfast, lunch, or happy hour.
The Mercado District is the ideal spot to enjoy an intimate meal, discuss design and public art, and explore the neighborhood on foot, bike, or scooter (the Mercado can easily be accessed from the Chuck Huckleberry Loop).
Enjoy dining in the lovely Mercado San Agustin courtyard, nestled under the Kumquat trees and misters in a beautiful open-air public market.
Try an afternoon lunch date at Beaut Burger. Delicious food, dog-friendly, fast service, and tons of shaded booths and two-top tables to get cozy in.
For an even more indulgent and romantic date, try weekend brunch at Agustin Kitchen or take advantage of delicious daily lunch/dinner/happy hour options.
Get away to the pines in less than an hour! Drive up the winding road to the scenic and adorable town of Summerhaven on Mount Lemmon. Go hiking, watch the sunrise/sunset, munch on a cookie from the Cookie Cabin, ride the chair lift, go skiing, or dine at one of two restaurants - depending on the season. There's so much to do for a date day or date night to remember!
Newly opened at Omni Tucson National Resort, The Peak is a gorgeous, modern bar with floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable seating, and carefully curated artwork. Order a glass of wine, a specialty cocktail, or an assortment of appetizers - and settle in for a laidback conversation with the one that you love. If you stop in on a Friday or Saturday from 4:30pm-7:00pm, you will be treated to live music. This dazzling new space, which is so chic you might think you are in swanky San Francisco or Downtown DC, is the perfect pick for date night in Tucson.
Bike or walk together hand-in-hand along the Chuck Huckelberry Loop. Miles and miles of trails to explore!
Sink into luxurious seats and then order dinner, drinks, or alcoholic beverages while catching a new movie at RoadHouse Cinemas.
Sabino Canyon is one of Tucson's most popular hiking spots for a reason! The beauty is breathtaking to behold and there are trails to accommodate all kinds of hikers. Pack a picnic and wander outside while you have long conversations about love and life. Even when Sabino Canyon is crowded, you still will be able to separate from others and find off-the-beaten-track trails and secluded spaces.
Hike or pack a picnic amidst the majestic saguaros. Saguaro National Park is actually two parks - one in East Tucson, the other in West Tucson. Choose the one nearest to you...or take a "road trip" across town to explore!
Looking for a romantic restaurant with a view? Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch & Resort fits the bill. The elegant ranch resort is a popular spot for weddings due to its burbling fountains, vibrant flowers, interesting architecture, and incredible dining options. The Sunday Brunch is especially divine - overflowing tables spread with excellent food, mimosas in sparkling glasses, and impeccable service.
Nestled where the Rincon Mountains meet the Saguaro National Forest, Tanque Verde Ranch’s breathtaking location provides an intimate, private, and tranquil setting for couples to unwind and spend quality time with one another. From a long fun day on horseback to a relaxing visit to the spa followed by a romantic dinner on the ranch, Tanque Verde Ranch has something for everyone.
Pull on your boots and head down to the cowboy cookout for some barbecue under the stars. The Cowboy Cookout is offered every Wednesday and Saturday from 6:00pm-8:00pm with a cost of $45/person.
The regular dining room is open Sunday-Tuesday between 6:00pm-8:00pm and Thursday-Friday between 6:00pm-8:00pm. Take a peek at the dinner menu here.
Alternatively, you can sign up for a private horseback riding lesson where you can enjoy the trails together. Afterwards, cool down from the desert sun in the spa’s indoor pool where large windows look out over the mountainous Arizona landscape. A whirlpool also accompanies the spa in order to provide you with the finest pampering experience.
The Tohono Chul Garden Bistro is currently open daily for brunch from 8:00am-4:00pm.
Before or after your meal, you are welcome to purchase tickets and stroll through the Tohono Chul gardens - but note that tickets to the garden are not needed for dining at the Bistro.
Trail Dust Town is the perfect destination for a date night! Couples can enjoy dinner and drinks at Pinnacle Peak, catch a wild west stunt show, browse local shops, indulge in handmade chocolates from the Chocolate Depot, take old-time photos in costume, and feel like a kid again with a ride on the miniature train. End the night strolling through scenic Main Street and have a quiet conversation in the picturesque gazebo.
Bike around Downtown Tucson with your favorite person!
Tucson Bike Tours offers several different themed bike tours, but the Mural Tour is an especially great fit for a date! Take in some of Tucson's amazing murals from the vantage point of a bike. While you could DIY, going with a guide allows you to see so many more than trying to hunt them down on your own, plus you’ll get some info about the art along the way.
Tours are at 3pm and finish around 5:15, so drinks and dinner afterwards fit perfectly into the date theme.
Get to know the Tucson scene in an intimate food tour with samples and photo opps along the way! Tucson Food Tours offers a Downtown Tucson Tour (our #1 pick for a date!), a Main Gate/4th Ave Tour, and a Brewery Tour.
The Tucson Food Tour makes a great daytime date for couples that want to socialize, try interesting food and drink, and learn some interesting things about the history of Tucson. It is also a great way to explore downtown and come up with ideas for future date nights!
Photo Credit: Bill Hatcher
Get sweaty together by conquering one of Tucson's steepest (and shortest!) hikes - Tumamoc Hill! Managed jointly by the University of Arizona and Pima County, the paved, sloping road gains 800 feet in just 1.5 miles - making it an intense cardio workout with a great view at the end to reward your exertions.
Buy tickets for two and cheer on your favorite University of Arizona Wildcats team! Baseball, basketball, football, golf, gymnastics, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, or volleyball!
Before or after the game, you can take an easy walk (10-15 minutes) to a nearby restaurant along University Boulevard.
If you have other date night ideas in Tucson, feel free to send them to [email protected] for consideration.
