Marana Travel Guide

Tourist 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

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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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 Gallery Golf Club.

Heritage Highlands
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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
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
5 out of 5
15000 N Secret Springs Drive, Marana, AZ
The price is NZ$577 per night from 14 July to 15 July
NZ$577
14 July - 15 July
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! (582 reviews)
"We had an incredibly wonderful and relaxing time. Despite the heat, we had a wonderful spa day and enjoyed the shady pools. Dining was first rate and the staff were incredibly warm and welcoming."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

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 NZ$71 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$71
13 July - 14 July
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! (4,998 reviews)
"It was good value for the money"

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

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
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! (2,747 reviews)
Out of Town workers love the McCoy
"The hotel McCoy has been a great partner to house workers on a project we have been working on in Tucson. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the pool & bar make it even better."

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

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.
Luxe home with private pool, hot tub & amazing views of Tucson
Luxe home with private pool, hot tub & amazing views of Tucson
Marana
Stay at this vacation home in Marana. Enjoy private pools, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Heritage Highlands Golf Course and Gallery Golf ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (26 reviews)
"My daughter is getting married at the Ritz at Dove Mountain in October so we wanted to be close by to finalize the details. This property was amazing. The master bedroom and the pool cabana bedroom were wonderful. Two other en suite bedrooms as well as a media room. The pool, hot tub and firepit ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jun. 2025

Luxe home with private pool, hot tub & amazing views of Tucson
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! (749 reviews)

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

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 golf vacation home in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Tucson Mall and Tucson Botanical Gardens are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (139 reviews)
Trip to Tucson 2025
"The Casita was perfect. Clean, great space for the two of us. Well decorated. Loved the yard full of cacti. We visit Tucson regularly and will stay here every time if available."

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

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

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Cities near Marana