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24 Hours in Tucson: Guide for the Wellness Seeker

24 Hours in Tucson: Guide for the Wellness Seeker

by Stephanie LieboldNov 13, 2024Updated Jul 14, 20264 min read
Are you looking for a Tucson wellness retreat, but want to avoid the large resorts? Here's how you can create your own 24-hour rejuvenating getaway. 
Before You Go…
Keep the purpose of your trip in mind as you plan. Allow plenty of breathing room between activities, so you can move from one to the next without rushing. Make these reservations in advance, so that when you arrive, details are taken care of and you can relax and immerse yourself in each moment:
  • Book a stay at Lodge on the Desert.
  • For Day 1, register for a mid-to-late afternoon class at the YogaOasis Central location (on Campbell Ave.)
  • For dinner, make a reservation at Tito & Pep.
  • For Day 2, reserve a late morning massage or soak at Healing Spirits Soaks.
Looking for other "24 Hours in Tucson" Guides? This guide is supported by Botanica, Tucson Foodie’s dispensary of choice. Visit their Tucson retail store and flower showroom—a relaxing escape with all your favorite THC and CBD products., including edibles, flower, vaporizers, and essentials. Order ahead for express pickup.

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10 spots

Seared Sea Scallops at Feast (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Feast

3719 East Speedway BoulevardMidtown

Day 2: Lunch
Cap off your time in Tucson with lunch at Feast. The menu rotates but always has lots of seasonal vegetables, fruit, and herbs. It’s a perfect complement to a morning of garden walks and holistic self-care.

Healing Spirit Soaks owner Brandi Garcia welcomes guests with a cup of organic tea (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Healing Spirit Soaks

1074 North Swan RoadMidtown

Day 2: Field Trip #2
Linger in the garden until you need to leave for your appointment at Healing Spirit Soaks. Give yourself at least 15 minutes so you can arrive a little early. Healing Spirit Soaks is a place where you can schedule a massage, an herbal foot soak, a full body bath, reiki, reflexology, a sauna with cold plunge, or other holistic healing services. If you didn’t schedule an appointment in advance, call to see if they have any availability.

Lodge on the Desert

306 North Alvernon WayMidtown

Day 2: Breakfast
The hotel’s restaurant, Cielos, has a hot breakfast buffet starting daily at 7 a.m. You can also add on the Bed and Breakfast Package during your stay. The buffet style allows you to customize your selections to fit your wellness goals and preferences — whether that means fruit first thing in the morning, oatmeal every day, low carbs / high protein, etc.

Lodge on the Desert

306 North Alvernon WayMidtown

Day 2: Breakfast
The hotel’s restaurant, Cielos, has a hot breakfast buffet starting daily at 7 a.m. You can also add on the Bed and Breakfast Package during your stay. The buffet style allows you to customize your selections to fit your wellness goals and preferences — whether that means fruit first thing in the morning, oatmeal every day, low carbs / high protein, etc.

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Lodge on the Desert

306 North Alvernon WayMidtown

Day 2: Breakfast
The hotel’s restaurant, Cielos, has a hot breakfast buffet starting daily at 7 a.m. You can also add on the Bed and Breakfast Package during your stay. The buffet style allows you to customize your selections to fit your wellness goals and preferences — whether that means fruit first thing in the morning, oatmeal every day, low carbs / high protein, etc.

Seven Cups Fine Chinese Teas (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

Seven Cups Fine Chinese Teas

2510 East Fort Lowell RoadMidtown

Day 1: Afternoon Tea
A couple of miles north of Tumerico, you’ll find Seven Cups, a traditional Chinese tea house, where you can sit, sip tea, and get yourself back in balance. Although they offer over 80 different teas, each one is hand-selected directly from growers in China and hand-packaged in Tucson. If you’re not sure which to choose, just ask!

Striped Bass at Tito & Pep (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Tito & Pep

4122 East Speedway BoulevardMidtown

Day 1: Dinner
The dinner reservation I suggested was for Tito & Pep, a small bistro that specializes in creative dishes centered around food grilled perfectly over a mesquite wood fire. Their current menu includes several seafood dishes, as well as a handful of clearly marked vegetarian and gluten-free items. If you weren’t able to get a reservation, you may be able to be seated at the bar.

(Photo courtesy of Tucson Botanical Gardens)

Tucson Botanical Gardens

2150 North Alvernon WayMidtown

Day 2: Field Trip #1
After breakfast, meander through Tucson Botanical Gardens. Take some deep breaths in the Sensory Gardens, noticing the scent of plants and blossoms around you. As you continue on, stay mindful of the different sights, sounds, textures, and aromas throughout the gardens. Take time to visit the non-traditional Zen Garden and rake patterns into the sand table. Find a peaceful spot, like the Word Garden, to sit in contemplation.

(Photo courtesy of YogaOasis)

YogaOasis Central

2631 North Campbell AvenueMidtown

Day 1: Field Trip
If you registered for a YogaOasis class, make sure to get there early — especially if you're not traveling with your own mat. They have just a few available to lend.

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“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim 

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See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim @bellasgelatoshoppetucson @bisouburger @blueicegelato @brooklynpizzaco @azbrucha @cerestucson @chillonsunrise @decibelcoffeeworks @frostgelato @frozendelight520 @hubdowntown @lickscatalina @littleanthonysdiner @noodiestucson @okashi_ice_cream_confections @thescreamery @treat_byciaodown @varietyh2o_icecream @zio_peppe_az See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝

THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia 
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival

Let’s support local this summer💞

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@zio_peppe_az 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝 THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉 • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival Let’s support local this summer💞 @anello_pizzeria @brooklynpizzaco @charredpie @ciaodownpizza @embersmobilewoodfiredpizza @empirepizzatucson @falorapizza @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @frescotucson @tucsonjaimes @localetucson @penelope.woodfired @reillypizza @reneestucson @roccoslittlechicago @serial_grillers_az @timemarket @uglybuthonestpizzeria @veroamoretucson @wholeslvcepizza @zio_peppe_az #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌

Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 

11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌 Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! 

Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂

Want in on more foodie experiences? 
Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get:

• $6,000+ in gift cards & perks
• Free monthly Foodie Hours
• Exclusive R&D dinners
• Festival discounts
• Help keep Tucson Foodie free

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂 Want in on more foodie experiences? Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get: • $6,000+ in gift cards & perks • Free monthly Foodie Hours • Exclusive R&D dinners • Festival discounts • Help keep Tucson Foodie free #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieItalian Week runs now through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝🍕 

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bioItalian Week runs now through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝🍕 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio@Theironcheftucson returns to Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita this Saturday, July 18!

Two-time reigning champion @chef_antbanks of @obonsushi is back to defend his title against AJ Mortazavi of @barnyard_az, winner of the 2026 Meet the Chefs competition. Once the secret ingredient is revealed, both chefs will race against the clock to create dishes judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. 

The event begins with the Culinary Experience from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, and classes, followed by the live Iron Chef Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event. 

More details and tickets at Tucsonfoodie.com🏆🎉@Theironcheftucson returns to Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita this Saturday, July 18! Two-time reigning champion @chef_antbanks of @obonsushi is back to defend his title against AJ Mortazavi of @barnyard_az, winner of the 2026 Meet the Chefs competition. Once the secret ingredient is revealed, both chefs will race against the clock to create dishes judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. The event begins with the Culinary Experience from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, and classes, followed by the live Iron Chef Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event. More details and tickets at Tucsonfoodie.com🏆🎉

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!