Marana Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center/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 Gallery Golf Club and Golf Club at Dove Mountain.

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
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
3 out of 5
7411 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ
The price is NZ$102 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
NZ$102
per night
4 Jun - 5 Jun
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,824 reviews)
"A very nice stay. We didn't get to use the pool or hot tub, but it looked very inviting and there were several people enjoying it. The room was nice and clean with what looked like brand new appliances (mini-fridge and microwave). We figured out where the microwave was but didn't realize the mini-fridge ..."

Reviewed on 28 May 2024

3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
5 out of 5
15000 N Secret Springs Drive, Marana, AZ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$373 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
NZ$373
per night
30 Jun - 1 Jul
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Marana. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 5 restaurants. Popular attractions Golf Club at Dove Mountain and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (510 reviews)
"Was a wonderful stay we tremendously enjoyed our time at the Ritz Carlton, beautiful room loved everything."

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
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 NZ$178 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
NZ$178
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,176 reviews)
"A beautiful and comfortable place to stay. Reminded me of an oasis in the desert."

Reviewed on 28 May 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.
One bedroom, one bathroom, cozy Casita in Marana Az
One bedroom, one bathroom, cozy Casita in Marana Az
Marana
Stay at this apartment in Marana. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Heritage Highlands Golf Course and Crooked Tree Golf Course are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Casita stay
"Nice casita. Well stocked. Convenient. Nice owner who was available if needed. Parking off street. Quiet."

Reviewed on 2 May 2024

One bedroom, one bathroom, cozy Casita in Marana Az
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! (9 reviews)
Nice staying
"Clean house close to the venue and store have a great time"

Reviewed on 29 Apr. 2024

Delightful home with backyard oasis - private pool with spa, cozy patio
The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (668 reviews)
Great couple getway
"We absolutely loved our stay wished we could've stayed longer. Room was large, felt like we had our own apartment. Kitchen, dining table, sofas, amazing bathroom with tub! With couple robes, and king size bed. We cant wait to come back we felt so fancy here plus the mountain fews!"

Reviewed on 28 May 2024

The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
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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