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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.
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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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs 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!Italian Week starts today and runs 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!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!