Marana, AZ

Travel Guide

Photo provided by The Golf Club at Dove Mountain/Discover Marana
Photo provided by Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center/Discover Marana
Photo provided by Desert Tortoise/Discover Marana
Photo provided by The Gallery Golf Club; photo by Pure in Art/Discover Marana
Photo provided by Ignite at The Ritz Carlton, 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

5/5(12 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Dove Mountain, Golf Club at Dove Mountain and Gallery Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Dove Mountain
Early morning ride in the desert for breakfast amongst the Saguaro Cactus
#troveontuesday

Picture Rocks

You might make a stop by Saguaro National Park while you're exploring Picture Rocks.

Picture Rocks
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Sky Ranch

Though Sky Ranch might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like El Conquistador Golf Course and Tucson Premium Outlets.

Sky Ranch
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Heritage Highlands

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Heritage Highlands and surrounding area, you can visit Heritage Highlands Golf Course and Golf Club at Dove Mountain.

Heritage Highlands
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Quail Crossing

Quail Crossing might not have many top sights, but Heritage Highlands Golf Course and Golf Club at Dove Mountain are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Quail Crossing
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

5 out of 5
15000 N Secret Springs Drive, Marana, AZ
The price is NT$10,482 per night from Sep 6 to Sep 7
NT$10,482
NT$14,072 total
Sep 6 - Sep 7
includes taxes & fees
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! (586 reviews)
"Beautiful as always!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/30

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 NT$1,490 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
NT$1,490
NT$1,825 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,299 reviews)
"Numerous places to eat around the location of the hotel. Experienced no disturbances and loved how theres a gym, jacuzzi, and pool in the middle of the property. I also love the parking lot and being able to select whether I would like a view of the pool for easier access or view of the parking lot ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/16

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 NT$2,715 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
NT$2,715
NT$3,162 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,831 reviews)
"I love the oatmeal bar!! Room is always clean."

Reviewed on 2025/8/16

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.
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! (761 reviews)
"Some of the best mountain views you can get from any resort in tucson. Quite lots of grass were you can set down and enjoy the views"

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
Landing Apartments near Tucson Convention Center

Landing Apartments near Tucson Convention Center

4 out of 5
20 S Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Tucson Mall and El Centro Cultural ...
Landing Apartments near Tucson Convention Center
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.

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