Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Mount Lemmon

"For shopping with a twist of local nature, arts and culture, nothing tops the Tohono Chul (7366 N. Paseo del Norte 85704) experience, where three emporiums offer diverse options in an award-winning complex. The gift shop displays an exceptional collection of Southwest-inspired books, jewelry and pottery. Another market offers desert-influenced goodies and locally authored children’s books."

"CaféWith seasonal menus based on local, fresh, and organic ingredients, this garden café is the perfect place for brunch. Grab a seat on one of the gorgeous patios, order a refreshing beverage of your choice, and take in the splendor of the Sonoran desert. Start or finish your trip to the café with a walk around the grounds."

"The Sabino Canyon Recreation Area boasts spectacular canyons, mountains, mountain lions, wild plants, as well as exciting trails. The Southwestern desert canyons found in this area is a famous spot for tram rides, especially for those who want to take a break from the desert heat. For many locals and trippers, it's a cool place for hiking, trekking and mountain biking, too."

"What is it: A short drive from the heart ot the city, Sabino Canyon is home to cresting mountains, deep canyons and trails that lead to seasonal swimming holes. Hiking aficionados will love it here. Why go: The city is a hiker’s dream: the eternal sunny skies and moderate temperatures are ideal for walking adventures."

"On the northeast corner of Sunrise Boulevard is a scenic canyon nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountains and Coronado National Forest."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user glindsay65 used under CC BY-ND 2.0. If you want to witness the beauty and distinctiveness of the Tucson art scene, don’t forget to visit the Tucson Museum of Art. It features a wide collection of almost 8,000 objects such as paintings, sculptures, murals, and a lot more."

"The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block showcases a permanent collection of Latin American Art, Art of American West, rare book and manuscripts and Modern and Contemporary art pieces. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits which give you a peak into the trending art in Arizona."

"A peaceful and picturesque place to stroll around is the Tucson Botanical Gardens, just a short drive from the city center. An oasis of calm and tranquility, the gorgeous gardens are home to orchids, bromeliads, and succulents with countless cacti and palms dotted about. Once the private property of the Potter family, the historic home and its grounds were turned into a beautiful botanical garden in the 1970s."

"The Tucson Botanical Gardens is a major attraction, and not just for the rich collection of cacti and desert wildflowers. An educational walk highlights the history of the native Tohono O'odham Indians…"

"The Tucson Botanical Gardens started in 1964 as the personal garden of founder Harrison G. Yocum, a horticulturist and collector."

"Yellow prickly pear blooms and hikers in Tucson Mountain Park. West of the city, Tucson Mountain Park has wildlife, cactus forests and amazing hiking, mountain biking and camping. You can reach the park and find trailheads from several points including Starr Pass Boulevard, 36th Street or by driving out through Gates Pass (basically get on Speedway and head west forever) to enjoy the splendor of the desert and a fantastic sunset photo."

"Sprawled across a huge swathe of the sun-scorched Sonoran Desert is the lovely Tucson Mountain Park, just to the west of the city. Besides boasting breathtaking scenery, the pretty park and its prominent peaks offer up a wealth of outstanding outdoor activities. Popular among nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, the park was established in 1929 to protect the remote range."

"They might not be all that fun to touch, but cacti are interesting and very useful plants. Many people like to keep cacti as houseplants, and some even use it for consumption. B & B Cactus Farm is an amazing place in Tucson."

"What is it: Known to locals as the “Wishing Shrine,” legend has it that El Tiradito (located at 400 South Main Avenue) is the grave of a young sheepherder named Juan who was murdered as a result of a love triangle back in the 1870s. Meaning “the castaway,” El Tiradito is said to be the only shrine in the country that is dedicated not to a saint or religious leader but to, as the plaque reads, “a sinner buried in unconsecrated ground.”. Why go: People visit to say prayers, light candles and leave a “milagro” (a small religious charm)."

"An 1870's love triangle ended in murder and is now the site of a shrine. This soap opera-like tale focuses on the death of an adulterous young man who was in love with his mother-in-law. The tale ends in tragedy for all, and the young ranch hand was buried on the site of the shrine, where he was brutally murdered by his father-in-law."

"Legend says your wish will come true if you light a candle in the evening and it burns all night."

"Then drive to the El Presidio district downtown and explore the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block and Presidio San Agustín del Tucson for a few hours. For lunch, go to El Charro Café, right near the museum, or to Cafe Poca Cosa, a short walk away, before taking a short drive south on I-19 and checking out San Xavier del Bac."

"Although Arizona didn’t join the union until 1912, the territory has a history that precedes its statehood. Presidio San Agustin del Tucson is one of the most incredible shows of the history of Tucson, Arizona. This is a recreation of a Spanish fort, known as the Tucson Presidio."

"Like many other states that were former Spanish colonies, the city of Tucson started with a presidio and a mission. The original Presidio San Agustín del Tucson was finished in 1776. However, when America took over, the presidio was dismantled."

"Saguaros (sah-wah-ros) are icons of the American Southwest, and an entire cactus army of these majestic, ribbed sentinels is protected in this desert playground. Or, more precisely, playgrounds: the park is divided into east and west units, separated by 30 miles and Tucson itself. Both sections – the Rincon Mountain District in the east and Tucson Mountain District in the west – are filled with trails and desert flora; if you only visit one, make it the spectacular western half."

"Travel just south of Tucson to Green Valley to visit the Titan Missile Museum, a National Historic Landmark. Descend underground to explore the Titan II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Site 571-7 for an eye-opening taste of the Cold War. This is the only publicly accessible ballistic-missile complex in the world. Experience a simulated countdown/launch sequence."

"The intimate taproom at this beloved Tucson bar is home to one of the city's best-curated selections of craft brews. Tap & Bottle celebrates home-grown Southern Arizona beer, as well as many of the best regional and international brews currently being made. The brewpub atmosphere is lively and friendly, making this a great place to rub elbows with locals and fellow beer connoisseurs."

"Tap & Bottle is one of the liveliest and friendliest bars in Tucson. Known for their eclectic collection of craft beers, Tap & Bottle sports 21 beers on tap that rotate often and a wide range of bottles of beer as well. Come here for some great beers and an even greater time at Tap & Bottle."

"Easily one of the best beer bars in Tucson, Tap & Bottle is a fun and friendly beer cafe for craft connoisseurs. The 21 taps rotate very frequently, and there are numerous beer and wine options. You’ll also find one of the largest international bottle collections in Tucson."

"1912 Brewing Company came out of home brewers Alicia and Allan’s car park dating back to 2004. Their name springs from the year Arizona became a state. As natives of their special state, they wanted to interlace aspects of Arizona into their brewery and products."

"Over in El Rio Acres, check out 1912 Brewing Company, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 71 reviews on Yelp. You can find the brewery at 2045 N. Forbes Blvd., Suite 105"