Marana

Travel Guide
Photo provided by The Golf Club at Dove Mountain/Discover Marana
Known as the Gateway to Southern Arizona, this town is a hotspot for desert adventurers, stargazers, intrepid photographers and mountain hikers.

Tread upon a breathtaking landscape that has been traveled and enjoyed by humans for over 4,000 years in Marana, the town that crests Southern Arizona. Find history around every corner and scenery that begs to be explored in this stunning desert region, where the Tortolita and Silverbell mountain ranges shelter the lush agricultural basin of the Santa Cruz Valley.

The Marana community is centered in the heart of a lush farming region of the same name. Check out the community’s Santa Cruz River Path and Heritage Park to see the pretty town from a local’s perspective. The Santa Cruz River is the lifeblood of the Marana community, supplying the agricultural region with the desert’s most precious resource.

Rent a bike and explore the pastoral roads that ring the town. In fall, you’ll be treated to views of a vast blanket of white as the local farmers begin their cotton harvest. If it’s wintertime, Marana and its surrounding region offer some of the best stargazing around. The crisp nights and lack of bright city lights means that you can clearly see a wonderful array of constellations.

Summers in Marana bring more turbulent weather to the desert, so grab your camera and capture photographs of storm clouds brewing over saguaro cacti plains. Check out Tortolita Mountain Park and explore the rugged ranges on foot, by bike or on horseback.

The attractions and shopping malls of Tucson are within easy reach of Marana. Go to Tucson Premium Outlets for a wide range of outlet stores. Have a deluxe resort experience at the Ritz-Carlton on Dove Mountain and enjoy the resort’s golf and spa facilities.

Marana is located 40-minutes’ drive northwest of Tucson. The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is less than 90-minutes’ drive away. This region is best explored at your own pace by car. Stunning desert reserves, such as Saguaro National Park, Tucson Mountain Park, Tonto National Park and the Santa Catalina Natural Area can all be reached within a few hours’ drive from Marana.

Where to stay in Marana

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Dove Mountain

While visiting Dove Mountain, you might make a stop by sights like Golf Club at Dove Mountain and Gallery Golf Club.

Dove Mountain
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Picture Rocks

If you're spending some time in Picture Rocks, Saguaro National Park is a top sight worth visiting.

Picture Rocks
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Sky Ranch

While Sky Ranch may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like El Conquistador Golf Course and Tucson Premium Outlets.

Sky Ranch
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Quail Crossing

While Quail Crossing may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Heritage Highlands Golf Course and Gallery Golf Club.

Quail Crossing
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Skyranch

While there might not be top attractions in Skyranch, you can explore the larger area and discover places like El Conquistador Golf Course and Tucson Premium Outlets.

Skyranch
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
5 out of 5
15000 N Secret Springs Drive, Marana, AZ
The price is €623 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
€623
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Marana. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (559 reviews)
"Beautiful property and grounds. Great hiking. Isolation and a smaller property make for a uniquely tranquil setting."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
3 out of 5
7411 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ
The price is €64 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
€64
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,865 reviews)
"👍"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
3 out of 5
720 W. Silverlake Road, Tucson, AZ
The price is €96 per night from 3 Dec to 4 Dec
€96
includes taxes & fees
3 Dec - 4 Dec
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,306 reviews)
"So very Funky. It was fun."

Reviewed on 5 Nov 2024

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Delightful home with backyard oasis - private pool with spa, cozy patio
Delightful home with backyard oasis - private pool with spa, cozy patio
Marana
Stay at this vacation home in Marana. Enjoy private pools, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Heritage Highlands Golf Course and Gallery ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Awesome
"This property was far and away the best we have ever stayed at. The neighborhood is beautiful and quiet. The house is immaculate. The pictures do not do it justice. When we visit Tucson again we will definitely look to stay there again."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2024

Delightful home with backyard oasis - private pool with spa, cozy patio
Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
4 out of 5
6200 N Club House Ln, Tucson, AZ
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (691 reviews)
"Liked the hillside location and amenities."

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2024

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**
Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**
Tucson
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Tucson Mall and Tucson Botanical ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (110 reviews)
The right choice
"Comfortable …. Private… home away from home. I’ve stayed here three times…. Will stay three more. I highly recommend this place"

Reviewed on 29 Sep 2024

Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do