In Tucson with free Sunday afternoon
 

In Tucson with free Sunday afternoon (11/14). Need ideas on what to do or see that afternoon. I usually would just ride around and look at things but interested in seeing the area and maybe take in one of the local sites. I do not play golf and like nature, but not sure I want to turn it into a desert hike. Also, if I wanted to get some "knock your socks off" Mexican or Tex-mex type food, where should I go? I will be staying at the Hilton East--I think on Broadway. May also hit a bar the night before. Anything near--looking for any suggestions. Thanks

If you have a car, then go to Sabino Canyon. Take the tram up the canyon and walk down. It's one of the best things about Tucson!

Sabino will be beautiful. Another idea if you have a car is to drive west on Speedway,into the foothills, over Gates Pass and visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
www.desertmuseum.org
Get there by 1:30P and you'll enjoy the
raptor free flight!
R5

I suggest going to Kartchner Caverns. Call ahead for tickets.

Kartchner Caverns is too far for one afternoon. The Desert sonoran museum sounds like a perfect fit to me. It's not a museum as much as a botanical garden with some animals. Really lovely, gives you a close up, short walk through the desert without doing the 'desert hiking' thing that I think you are trying to avoid. Kick ass Mexican - go ask over at Chowhound.com

Another vote for Desert Sonoran Musuem.
You might also like the Mission San Xavier del Bac. It is one of the best examples of mission architecture and is very beautiful inside. They have been doing some restoration but I think the inside is complete.

For some really good Mexican food , and if you have a car, go to South Tucson - to Mi Nidito. Check first to make sure they are open on Sundays. For upscale Southwest/Mexican food try Cafe Poca Cosa in downtown Tucson. On Broadway in the opposite direction of your hotel (going towards the city) is El Parador and it's pretty good. The Hilton Braodway is a good property but it's in more of a neighborhood area - I don't know of any good bars near by. Those will be more by the University or some nicer ones in the foothills. Again, if you have a car, you can drive around Saguaro National Monument East and get out and walk in areas that look interesting to you. Sabino Canyon suggestion is a good one!

Well, everyone stole my thunder! You've gotten some great advice here, so I'll just second, or third: Az-Sonora Desert Museum; Saguaro Nat'l Monumnet, which is "next door"; Mi Nidito and Cafe Poca Cosa for different, but great, versions of Mexican food; a ride out to San Xavier del Bac, if time permits.

Enjoy!

For Friday night fun:

The Cactus Moon!
Great country bar with good music and great dancing--fun to watch or participate.

(Sorry, can't help with the location, but its on the east side of town--hope its still open!)

The Cacrus Moon is on Craycroft, just south of Broadway.

Sorry, I meant the Cactus Moon.