Catalina Foothills - Tucson, AZ Area Guide

The Outer Catalina Foothills neighborhood is a subdivision of Catalina Foothills, a community that first began as a cattle grazing range in the early 1900's. In the 1920's, a developer named John Murphey purchased several acres of land in the area and made plans for multiple subdivisions. The Catalina Foothills School District was established in 1931, followed by the construction of St. Phillips in the Hills Episcopal Church in 1936 and the establishment of the Skyline Country Club in 1963.

The DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, an art and music gallery on North Swan Road, was designed by artist Ted DeGrazia in the 1950s. The museum hosts rotating collection exhibits, as well as permanent exhibits featuring DeGrazia's artwork. The gallery also hosts La Fiesta de Guadalupe, an annual art and music festival featuring dancers, live music, multiple vendors and performances by the children of the Carrillo Magnet School.

Outer Catalina Foothills residents don't have to venture far when it comes to dining out and nighttime entertainment. With multiple eateries along East Sunrise Drive ranging from fine dining establishments to casual cafes, there's definitely something for everyone in this cozy mountain town.

When locals are in the mood for steak and seafood, they take a short trip to East Sunrise Drive and visit Five Palms Steak and Seafood Restaurant, an upscale establishment featuring a vast international menu of the finest food in town, live piano music and table-side meal preparation. Signature must-have dishes include the Five Palms shrimp and scallops, served with herbal Brie, as well as the Colorado rack of lamb featuring two double bones. If you plan on ordering appetizers, regulars rave over the Spanish cheese and ham, a savory starter consisting of Serrano ham shaved right at the table, topped with aged Manchego cheese and served with crostini bread, garlic and tomatoes.

For a relaxing breakfast or lunch coupled with a breathtaking mountain view, head on over to the Canyon Cafe on North Resort Drive. With an extensive buffet serving everything from eggs to BBQ and friendly service to boot, Canyon Cafe's regulars can't stop singing praises about this popular establishment. If you've got a hearty appetite, be sure to try the thin crust breakfast pizza, a tasty concoction of whole scrambled eggs, chorizo, queso blanco and tomatillo salsa served on top of a crispy tortilla crust.

If you're looking for the perfect place to enjoy a fun family dinner, check out Risky Business on East Sunrise Drive. With a vast menu featuring starters such as hummus, calamari and signature spitfire blackened shrimp, as well as a separate kids' menu with favorites such as mac and cheese and chicken nuggets, this family-friendly establishment definitely has its fair share of repeat customers. Best of all, Risky Business also features a sports bar with wide-screen televisions, making it a great spot to enjoy the big game with family, friends and of course, food.

For an enchanting evening of socializing over margaritas, fine wines and signature guacamole while enjoying spectacular mountainside views, locals recommend Flying V Bar and Grill at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort on North Resort Drive. Patrons feel right at home in the relaxing dining room, complete with a blazing fireplace, as well as the outdoor patio which allows for amazing views from every angle.

When Outer Catalina Foothills residents feel like star-gazing, they head to the Sky Bar on North 4th Avenue. This solar-powered astronomy-themed neighborhood bar features nightly astronomy shows, showcasing the incredible stars and constellations that are viewable for miles within the canyon area, as well as astronomy education lectures. When combined with nightly drink specials, live-music, open-mic nights and karaoke, Sky Bar creates the perfect blend of science, nature and fun.

The streets and sidewalks of the Outer Catalina Foothills community are safe for walking and bike riding, and the city of Tucson provides over 500 miles of bike lanes for riders outside the immediate community. Residents who utilize public transportation can catch Sun Tran buses at stops located on streets such as Sunrise Drive, Swan Road and North First Avenue.

Alternative ride services such as Lyft and Uber are prohibited in Tucson, and cabs do not circulate the neighborhoods for easy hailing. However, residents in need of taxi services can conveniently schedule a lift through VIP TAXI of Tucson. Locals can access Arizona State Route 77 and the Interstate 10 freeway conveniently via several streets and frontage roads in the immediate community, allowing for fast and convenient commuting.

Residents of the Outer Catalina Foothills community enjoy living within close proximity to several parks including George Mehl Family Foothills Park, Brandi Fenton Memorial Park and Catalina State Park. Perfect for families and dog owners, George Mehl Family Foothills Park on East River Road features batting cages, a shaded playground, picnic tables, barbecue grills and a designated doggie area, complete with water fountains.

Brandi Fenton Memorial Park on East River Road provides basketball courts, walking paths, horseshoes and exercise stations, making it a perfect option for exercise enthusiasts.

Catalina State Park hosts a variety of events such as First Saturdays Concert Series and the annual Festival of the Sun, featuring a potluck consisting of solar-cooked foods, as well as a solar arts and appliances exhibition.

The cost of living in the Outer Catalina Foothills community exceeds the Tuscon cost of living average by approximately 35 percent, with an approximate monthly rental average of $651 for a one-bedroom residence. Sun Tran bus fares into the city center range from $0.50 to $2.00, with free rides for children 5 years of age or younger. The typical cost of a beer at a local pub in the area ranges between $3 and $5; however, prices can vary significantly depending on the serving establishment. Gas prices in the Outer Catalina Foothills community fall approximately 12 percent lower than the national average.

Outer Catalina Foothills residents live in close proximity to several popular retailers, specialty shops and high-end merchandisers, many of which sit conveniently along East Sunrise Drive and East Skyline Drive.

Well-known stores in the area include J.Crew and Old Navy Outlet, as well as Tuesday Morning, a specialty retailer featuring unique home decorations and gifts at discounted prices. If you're looking for a unique gift for a special friend or relative, check out Candy Bouquet on East Via Palomita, a specialty retailer of gift baskets and bouquets made with candy and cookies.

For high-end merchandise, locals recommend taking a trip to La Encantada, a luxury retail shopping center on East Skyline Drive. High-value retailers include Louis Vuitton for luggage, Tiffany & Co. for high-end jewelry, and Williams-Sonoma, which specializes in upscale kitchen merchandise.

For groceries and household items, local shoppers can choose between Walmart Supercenter on North La Cholla and Safeway on North Thornydale Road. Health-conscious individuals can find a wide selection of healthy foods and produce at Whole Foods Market on East River Road, as well as St. Phillip's Plaza Farmers Market on North Campbell Avenue.