Things To See And Do In Or Near Marana Az
Most U.S. travelers have heard of Tucson, Arizona. Far fewer are aware of Marana, Az Tucson’s next door neighbor. Perhaps this is because Tucson has been around since 1775. Marana would not officially become an incorporated town until 202 years later.
Scenic Marana Arizona
Today, Marana is a vibrant community with lots of things to see and do, as well as an ancient history. Archaeologists know that people have lived here in the Santa Cruz River Valley for at least 12,000 years. About 4,000 years ago, Paleo-Indians, predecessors of the advanced Hohokam culture, began farming in the flood plain of the Rillito River where, in 2015, they discovered human footprints 2,500 to 3,000 years old.
Today, the Town of Marana is the Northwest portion of the Tucson Metropolitan Area. This area was first called maraña by railroad workers who had to clear thick brush to lay the tracks of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1880. Up until fairly recently, Marana has been mainly farmland. While farming is still important, in the 1990’s Marana’s population grew rapidly and now , has about 42,000 residents.
“Puttin’ On The Ritz”
Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain
Southern Arizona Guide named Caton’s Burger Bistro, the restaurant at the clubhouse, #1 on its list of The 10 Best Burgers in Tucson. From Caton’s you overlook the first fairway and, in the distance, Downtown Tucson.
Bike path along the Santa Cruz River
Raptor Free Flight at Desert Museum
Arizona Zipline Adventure
Golf Marana
Biosphere 2
Free Things To Do This Month In Tucson Marana And Oro Valley
Traffic along Congress cruises by the Fox Theatre, Tucson, and its neon sign on May 17, 2017. After standing empty for 25 years, the building underwent a six-year, $14-million renovation and reopened in 2006.
The holidays are over, but our wallets are a little tight. Check out these free events to help kick off your new year.
Visit The Sculpture Garden At Tucson J
On October 24th, the Tucson J will unveil its brand new Sculpture Garden exhibit with an opening day festival! Come enjoy over 40 sculptures by local, national and international sculptors, ranging from a few feet tall to over 40 feet in height, hear from local artists, enjoy some live music and family-friendly arts programming and more!
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Pima Air And Space Museum
The Pima Air and Space Museum is the largest privately funded air museum in the world, with more than 400 aircraft and spacecraft. The collection includes historical aircraft, as well as some of the most advanced models. Featured attractions include John F Kennedy’s presidential plane and a replica of a 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer.
A couple of the newest additions are a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Orbis DC 10 Flying Eye Hospital. In addition to the aircraft, the museum is also home to over 125,000 flight-related artifacts, including a moon rock.
The planes are spread out over 80 acres and six hangars, and tram tours are led by knowledgeable guides. For an additional fee, visitors can also take a bus tour to the adjacent “Boneyard,” the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center. To visit this area, requests have to be made 10 days in advance via the website.
The larger planes at the Pima Air and Space Museum are outdoors, so plan your visit early in the day during the hotter months.
Address: 6000 East Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona
What To Do In Marana This Weekend
Sitting on Sundays or being a couch potato on Saturdays is definitely a boring plan. Move out and make memories. Discover the best things to do this weekend in Marana, foodie things, artistic love or just aimlessly cycling!Here are some the best events which is happening on this weekend in Marana.
- Food Truck: Burrotron is hosted at “Button Brew House”.
- is hosted at “Marana Heritage Farm”.
- Breast Cancer Awareness Dinner is hosted at “VFW Post 5990 Avra Valley-Marana”.
- is hosted at “12375 N Heritage Park Dr, Marana, AZ 85653-7724, United States”.
- Meet& Greet with Inked_Red_Ember is hosted at “Casa Marana Craft Beer · Wine · Spirits”.
We’ll recommend events that you would not want to miss!
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Don’t miss your favorite Events this Weekend again.
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International Travel During Covid
Do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDCs international travel recommendations for people who are not fully vaccinated.
Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19. However, international travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants.
The COVID-19 situation, including the spread of new or concerning variants, differs from country to country. All travelers need to pay close attention to the conditions at their destination before traveling.
CDC will update these recommendations as more people get vaccinated, as rates of COVID-19 change, and as additional scientific evidence becomes available.
Haunted Hayrides At Steam Pump Ranch
Ready for a haunted journey? Watch and listen to local history and stories as the dead come to life right before your eyes on this spooky ride.
When: Saturday, Oct. 16, 7-9:30 p.m.
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $5, tickets must be purchased ahead of time
Visit the event page for more information.
Logan Greene and Ondrea Levey setup a gallery in the visual arts space at Groundworks, 236 S. Tucson Blvd., on Sept. 5, 2020.
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The Gaslight Music Hall In Oro Valley
Oro Valley’s Gaslight Music Hall is featuring a jam session with local musicians. This event is great for striving musicians to test out their skills without the stage fright. You can do anything from jamming with friends, getting some tips and tricks or just sitting back and enjoying your community symphony.
Where: The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road
When: Wednesday, Jan. 9, 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Hike Bike Or Camp At Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park, just north of Tucson, is a desert region with picnic areas, as well as good hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. One of the best hikes in the park is the 10.8-mile Sutherland Trail, which can be done in part or in full. You have a good chance of spotting wildlife. This park is also home to some of the best camping in the Tucson area.
Visitors also come to the park to see the Romero Ruin archeological site. A walking trail, less than one mile in total, takes you through the desert, past the remains of a Hohokam Indian village, which was occupied between AD 500 and AD 1450. In the 1800s, Francisco Romero used portions of the abandoned village to create a homestead. The remains of several structures, which were built over the old site, still stand.
Address: 11570 North Oracle Road, Tucson, Arizona
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Witch And Stitch Craft Circle
Join Ninth House for an open hour to work on projects such as embroidery projects, cross stitch, needlepoint, knitting, fiber or textile art. This is a casual craft circle, not a workshop materials won’t be supplied.
When: Sunday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: The Ninth House, 2563 E. Fort Lowell Road
Cost: Free
Tucson Wicked Half Marathon 10k 5k & Spooky Sprint
Take part in a half marathon, 10K, 5K or a spooky sprint. All kids registered will receive a trick-or-treat bag and will be able to trick-or-treat along the course.
When: Sunday, Oct. 17, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, 7548 N. Silverbell Road
Cost: $20-$70
Visit the event website for more information.
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The Highlands At Dove Mountain Golf Course
The Highlands at Dove Mountain is a championship 18-hole golf course that opened in 1997 and was designed by the famous golf course architect, Arthur Hills. With the scenic background of the Tortolita Mountains, the hilly terrain, and gleaming lakes, this golf course has a unique character and provides a diverse and pleasant playing environment with spectacular vistas from every hole. The first nine holes play through the flats with subtle undulation and are fun and unforgettable. The back nine holes offer a challenging change of pace, with hilly terrain, a view of the mountains, and clear lakes. The course offers opportunities to test the skills of all golfers regardless of their experience.
4949 W Heritage Club Blvd, Marana, AZ 85658, Phone: 520-579-9574
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St Philip’s Plaza Market
Enjoy your shopping in the open, cool shade and surrounded by peaceful flowing fountains. Shop for uniquely handmade, handcrafted, home grown and home baked products at St. Philip’s Plaza.
When: Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 16-17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: St. Philip’s Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, but bring money for shopping
Visit the for more information.
From left to right, roasted balsamic strawberry, coconut ash and olive oil pistachio ice cream at HUB Ice Cream Parlor, 245 E. Congress St.
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Best Things To Do In Marana Arizona
Marana is a small town in Arizona, northwest of Tucson, in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by high mountains and deep canyons, with rich plant and animal life. Marana has a large number of world-class golf courses. The surrounding desert is a fascinating place to explore on horseback, in a helicopter, on a bike, or on foot along one of many well-maintained trails. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.
Crossroads At Silverbell District Park
Editor’s Note: Photo taken from the establishment’s official social account
Posted by Crossroads at Silverbell District Park on Friday, September 7, 2012
If you want to take a break from tourist spots, theres a beautiful park on Silverbell Road where you can take your entire family including fur babies. Crossroads at Silverbell District Park in Marana comes with a horseshoe pit, covered playground areas, volleyball courts, ramada with grills and electrical outlets, ball fields, tennis courts, and more. Another thing that guests love about this park is that it is open to all breeds of dogs.
Crossroads at Silverbell District Park
Address: 7548 N Silverbell Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743
Opening hours: 6am – 10pm
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Explore The Trails In Tucson Mountain Park
Tucson Mountain Park is home to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and combining a visit to both allows you to both see and learn about this fascinating desert landscape. The park covers about 20,000 acres of Sonoran Desert landscape, just west of Tucson. You’ll find an extensive trail system for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, although many people come here simply to see the museum, and enjoy the sunsets.
Tucson Mountain Park abuts the west section of Saguaro National Park, and you can easily combine a visit to both parks. Mountain lions and bobcats, along with a host of other wildlife, live in the park, although some of these tend to frequent the most remote areas.
This park is also home to one of the best campgrounds in the Tucson area, the well-maintained Gilbert Ray Campground.
Address: 8451 West McCain Loop, Tucson, Arizona
Ghostbusters: ’80s Dance Party
Dress in a Ghostbusters theme, wear your finest ’80s attire or just come as yourself at this fun late night party at Surly Wench. DJ NoirTech will be playing beats and all your favorite ’80s music videos to keep you dancing all night long.
When: Saturday, Oct. 16, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $5 at the door, 21+ event
Visit their event page for more information.
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Things To Do In Marana Arizona
Theres something really special about Marana, Arizona. Thanks to the beautiful weather thats perfect nearly all year long, the spectacular views, and the close proximity to a number of mountain ranges, there is an endless array of entertainment options in Marana. From culture and class to activities that will get your heart rate going, you can rest assured, you shouldnt find yourself bored in this town any time soon.
Here are just a few of the many fun things to do in Marana:
Ora Mae Harn Park
This kid-friendly public park is the perfect place for the whole family to play. Pack a picnic and a tube of sunscreen, and get ready to watch the kids burn off some energy in the great outdoors. Its a clean park that welcomes visitors of all ages. For the younger ones, the playground is a crowd favorite. The pool is a perfect plus when the Arizona sun makes its presence known on sweltering summer days.
Other great features of Ora Mae Harn Park include:
- Huge baseball fields
- A walking/running path complete with exercise stations
- Bike-friendly surfaces
- Public restrooms
Youll find Ora Mae Harn Park right at I-10 and Marana. Look for the post office, fire department, and library, and you should happen upon the park.
Golf at Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain
Way Out West Ranch
Home Depot Kids Workshop
Kids get to use hammers and screwdrivers to build their craft. Paint, stickers and other tools are included too. All kids attending the workshop must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a certificate of achievement, a workshop apron and a commemorative pin. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin.
Where: Local Home Depot
When: Saturday, Jan. 5, 9 a.m.
Cost: Free, while supplies last.
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Where To Stay In Tucson For Sightseeing
If you are in Tucson to soak up the sun and beautiful scenery, staying at one of the top-end, full-service resorts clustered in the Catalina Foothills, in the northeast of the city, is a good option. If you prefer to spend more time seeing the sights and exploring the history, staying downtown is the best plan. Below are some highly rated hotels in these areas:
Luxury Hotels:
- If you prefer something a little more mainstream, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tucson – Reid Park is located close to downtown near Reid Park and the zoo.
- About 10 minutes from downtown and offering very good rooms at an exceptional price is the Red Roof Inn Tucson North – Marana.
Harkins Theatres Arizona Pavilions 12
Editor’s Note: There’s no photo available at the time of writing
Harkins Theatres Arizona Pavilion is a modern multiplex chain boasting 33 locations in 4 different states in the US. This privately owned business is known for showing both independent films as well as blockbusters. If you are visiting with kids, this movie theater also offers venues with childcare services. Book your tickets, grab your favorite popcorn, and watch the movie of your choice!
Harkins Theatres Arizona Pavilions 12
Address: 5755 W Arizona Pavilions Dr, Tucson, AZ 85743
If you are in the Tucson/Marana area of Arizona theres a good chance youre there to check out one of the best national parks in all of the US: Saguaro National Park. It gets really hot out in the desert, so be sure to lather up with plenty of sunscreen. There are two visitor centers – one on the east side of the park and one on the west. Here you can learn about the famous cacti which give the park its name, and you can sign up for a guided tour with a Park Ranger.
Saguaro National Park
If you want a more tranquil trip through the desert trails then the Way Out Ranch is worth a visit. Instead of walking hours on foot you can enjoy a peaceful horseback ride. Youll feel like a real cowboy as you take in the picturesque views. Animal lovers will be happy to hear that all the horses on the ranch are rescue horses.
Way Out West Ranch
Address: 38612 S Mule Deer Road, Marana, AZ
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Th Annual Tucson Tattoo Expo
Visit the expo and see live tattooing. You will have the chance to see over 100 local artists and tattoo contests.
When: Friday, Oct. 15, 3-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road
Cost: $10 one-day pass and $15 weekend pass
Visit the event page and website for more information.
Drive Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway
If you are looking for a break from the city and interested in a beautiful drive, take the time to drive the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway. Starting approximately 15 miles outside of Tucson, this route is one of the must-do attractions in the Tucson area.
This 27-mile one-way road winds its way up the Santa Catalina Range on the Catalina Highway, and allows you to experience several completely different ecosystems in a short period of time. It also provides some of the most spectacular views out over the surrounding mountains and valleys.
A cool escape from Tucson’s heat, the drive will take you from a dry desert floor with cacti right up to towering pine trees, small streams, and beautiful lakes. At the top is the small community of Summerhaven. A tradition for many families, and one you may want to try while in town, is a stop in at the Mount Lemmon Cookie Cabin for one of their signature giant cookies, an ice cream, or a slice of pizza.
Several wonderful campgrounds are located along the way, as are some challenging hikes into the backcountry. The road is well engineered and not a scary drive, and plenty of lookouts with large parking areas are located at strategic stopping points. Road bikers relish the challenge of climbing the inclines and racing back down, keep an eye out for their brightly colored jerseys.
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