Explore Tucson’s rich history with a local guide. Discover Barrio Viejo’s adobe structures, cultural tales, and historic landmarks on this captivating walking tour.
Explore Tucson’s rich history with a local guide. Discover Barrio Viejo’s adobe structures, cultural tales, and historic landmarks on this captivating walking tour.
- St. Augustine Cathedral - The discussion begins with St. Augustine Cathedral, exploring its name and the founding of Tucson as Presidio San Augustine del Tucson in 1775, originally a Spanish Colonial Fort.
- Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral - The conversation highlights the renowned architect Henry Trost and his numerous designs in Tucson,…
- St. Augustine Cathedral - The discussion begins with St. Augustine Cathedral, exploring its name and the founding of Tucson as Presidio San Augustine del Tucson in 1775, originally a Spanish Colonial Fort.
- Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral - The conversation highlights the renowned architect Henry Trost and his numerous designs in Tucson, including the magnificent Scottish Rite Cathedral, a Masonic Temple.
- Aveda Institute Tucson - The exploration covers the diverse uses of this historic building and its distinctive sign.
- Children’s Museum Tucson - The history of the Carnegie Free Library, now the Children’s Museum, designed by Henry Trost, is shared.
- The Blenman Inn - The intriguing history of The Blenman Inn is recounted.
- Owls Club - The original purpose of this building and the story of the historic Owls Club in Tucson are unveiled.
- Arizona Theater Company - The rich history of the beautiful Temple of Music and Art, currently managed by the Arizona Theatre Company, is explored.
- Barrio Historico - A visit to the Barrio Viejo Neighborhood reveals the largest collection of mud adobe structures in a single neighborhood in the United States. The cultural diversity of the area, the construction of Sonoran Row Houses for the desert climate, and vibrant stories of life in the Barrio are discussed.
- Clay & Cloth - The tour passes by several boutique shops in historic Sonoran Row Houses in Barrio Viejo, highlighting the neighborhood’s historical blend of retail and residential spaces.
- Etherton Gallery - The revitalization of the historic Barrio Viejo is noted while passing by this photography gallery.
- Bahti Indian Arts - The significance of this intersection in the mid to late 1800s in Barrio Viejo is explored while passing by Bahti.
- Parque de Orlando y Diego Mendoza - The charming story of how this park came to be is shared during the visit.
- Teatro Carmen - The history of this historic theatre, dating back to 1915, is recounted.
- Coronet Restaurant - The story of the mercantile family who first occupied this building is shared.
- El Tiradito Shrine - The captivating tale of Juan Oliveras and his notorious actions in the 1870s, and the positive outcomes that emerged a century later, is told. It’s a fascinating story!
- Rosendo S. Perez Park - The remarkable history of Tucson’s First Park is explored.

- 2-hour guided walking tour of Barrio Viejo
- Historic stories and fascinating tales
- Interesting tidbits about the area
- 2-hour guided walking tour of Barrio Viejo
- Historic stories and fascinating tales
- Interesting tidbits about the area
Scott, the tour guide, is passionate about storytelling! Experience the historic narratives, captivating tales, and intriguing tidbits of Tucson’s history on the Strolls and Stories Tours guided walking tour! The journey begins at the St. Augustine Cathedral with a discussion on Tucson’s Spanish Colonial origins and 4,000 years of Native American…
Scott, the tour guide, is passionate about storytelling! Experience the historic narratives, captivating tales, and intriguing tidbits of Tucson’s history on the Strolls and Stories Tours guided walking tour! The journey begins at the St. Augustine Cathedral with a discussion on Tucson’s Spanish Colonial origins and 4,000 years of Native American history.
The tour continues along historic Scott Ave, showcasing several buildings designed by the renowned architect Henry Trost, and includes the story of the Temple of Music & Art.
Next, the tour explores Barrio Viejo, home to the largest collection of mud adobe structures in a single neighborhood in the United States! The discussion covers the construction of Sonoran Row Houses suited for the desert climate, the corner mercantiles, and Chinese grocers. The tour highlights the diverse cultures that have thrived in the Barrio.
The tour also visits the El Tiradito Wishing Shrine, dating back to the 1870s, where the story of Juan Oliveras is shared, illustrating how some good emerged from his sinful ways. The tour concludes with a stroll past the Teatro Carmen.
- Tour Participation Risk Acknowledgement and Liability Waiver: By booking this tour, I understand and agree that participation in this Guided Walking Tour by Strolls and Stories Tours involves walking on public sidewalks, crossing streets and entering both public and private buildings and property. This guided tour could involve risk of physical injury, illness, death or property loss, and despite safety precautions, Strolls and Stories Tours cannot guarantee safety thereof, as all risks cannot be prevented. I understand that any injuries, medical expenses, property loss, or other personal expenditures that result during or from participating in this Tour, are to be borne by the participant, or by their parent or guardian (if participant is a minor), and I agree to release Strolls and Stories Tours and it’s owner and employees of any and all liability.
- No pets please. Service animals are allowed.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.