Going to the mall is one of Tucson's favorite entertainment activities, especially in the summer when it's just too hot to do anything outside. People relax and socialize in a cool, air-conditioned environment while getting their shopping and dining accomplished. Park Place, or Park Mall, on Broadway is no exception; in fact it's getting more popular since its recent face-lift. Several stores have been added, and more are on the way, so check back during your next visit.

Located just West of the University of Arizona campus, the bustling Square features hip clothing stores, coffeehouses, brewpubs, service businesses and a variety of eateries. There are more than 70 merchants and services to choose from, for your convenience during your stay, in the University area. Take the trolley from downtown, and after that, it's all within walking distance. Most of the stores here close by 6p, but many restaurants are open late here.

A vast Latin American marketplace in the historic town of Tubac sits 45 miles south of Tucson. This is a place where virtually everything in Latino folk art can be found including textiles, cotton clothing (from Ecuador and Guatemala), Panama Hats, Mexican clay pots, santos and retablos (small images of Mexican-Catholic saints painted on tin or tile). You name it; it's all here, and in vast quantities. Certainly the stuff is not high-end, but it's definitely colorful.

Located in an old warehouse section just south of Broadway between Euclid and Campbell is an area affectionately known as the Lost Barrio. The barrio contains a row of importers and manufacturers of custom furnishings inside its old brick and adobe walls. The shops offer southwestern antiques as well as imports of decorative items from faraway places. This is a definite stop for the lover of ethnic and exotic styles. All stores here accept major credit cards.

One of the most popular shopping centers in Tucson's northwest, Casas Adobes features a wide range of shopping and dining facilities, but most prominently premier imports and design stores. It is also known in Tucson's artist community for its art supply stores. And more, there is a popular natural food store and a flower shop with excellent selections, quite a rarity in the desert. Almost all of the stores accept major credit cards.

Air-conditioned shopping malls are the main centers for entertainment and social activities for locals, particularly during the hot summer months. The Foothills Mall is no exception. This is definitely the mall for Foothills residents, especially after its recent face-lift and expansion. Major department stores and bookstores are represented alongside specialty boutiques, restaurants, and a Cineplex Odeon Cinemas.

Shopping at Plaza Palomino is a pleasant mix of strolling among Mexican-style tiled courtyards and fountains reminiscent of large haciendas and relaxing at a restaurant table outside. This artfully designed center contains jewelry stores, galleries, women's apparel stores and specialty shops in a relaxed setting typical of the Tucson lifestyle. An additional feature here is the food fair offering culinary delights from the southwest. Please check the website for updated timings.

Arguably Tucson's most beautiful shopping environment, St. Philip's Plaza offers fashion stores and innovative restaurants as well as art galleries in an upscale setting inspired by Mexican-style tiles and fountains, surrounded by lush landscaping. Only Plaza Palomino matches its beauty. Other offerings include a salon and day spa and an all-suites hotel. The plaza is also noted for the Su morning farmers' market and Saturday night jazz concerts at the courtyard. Businesses here accept all major credit cards.

With its over 8,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles, this dealer mall cooperative is shared by 90 antique vendors. This is where antique dealers come to shop, and they know when they see a deal. The prices are incredibly reasonable. Whether its glassware, teapots, Oriental vases or period furniture you're looking for, they'll have it. Don't forget to ask for the Tucson antique shop map.

Tucson has a reputation for being a collector's heaven for a reason, as you will realize after visiting this mall in the heart of the city's antique district on Grant Road. Over 100 dealers are sharing the space here, enough to keep you there for an entire day if you're a true collector. If that's not enough, get the free Tucson antiquing map, listing 50 shops.