I Grew Up in Arizona—This Tiny Town is a Hidden Gem in the Grand Canyon State

A Hidden Gem in Southern Arizona

Tubac, a small village just under an hour south of Tucson, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of history, art, and natural beauty. With walkable streets, epic stargazing, and the first state park in the state of Arizona, Tubac offers a unique experience that captures the essence of the Sonoran Desert.

Stay in Style

For a cozy stay, consider the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, a former cattle ranch that has transformed into a luxurious retreat. This resort, which was once invested in by Bing Crosby, offers a range of accommodations, including casita rooms, suites, and a ranch house. Each room features tile floors, exposed wood beams, and private in-room fireplaces. The resort also boasts a 27-hole championship golf course, an expansive wellness spa, and a seasonal dude ranch pop-up program with horseback riding and archery lessons.

Another great option is the Tubac Country Inn, conveniently located near the village shops and restaurants. The inn features six suites with historic accents and southwestern decor. Outside, there are numerous sitting areas across the half-acre garden, including a picnic spot and fire pit seating.

Explore the Area

Tubac is rich in history and culture. Start your exploration at the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Arizona’s first designated state park. This site features historic ruins dating back to 1752, with multiple gardens showcasing heritage plants, succulents, cacti, and herbs. You can also explore the museum exhibits highlighting ranching and mining history, as well as the 1885 preserved schoolhouse and an 1880s Sonoran “row house” with original furnishings.

Just about four miles south of town, Tumacácori National Historical Park protects the remnants of three missions from the Spanish colonial era. Here, you can see preserved construction of the adobe and limestone plaster Spanish mission structures up close, walk among centuries-old orchards with peach and quince trees, and visit the mission San José de Tumacácori church.

Immerse Yourself in Art

Tubac is a celebrated creative destination. The Tubac Center of the Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to artistic expression since the 1970s, hosts exhibitions, educational opportunities, and workshops. Many artists show and sell their work in local village galleries. Spend an afternoon walking around town, popping into artist studios and galleries, and admiring the pottery, paintings, garden sculptures, and jewelry on display.

Adventure Awaits

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail offers a four-mile stretch connecting the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and the Tumacácori National Historical Park. This path can be hiked or explored on horseback as you wander through mesquite and cottonwood trees along the Santa Cruz River.

Tubac is also a certified International Dark Sky Community, making it an excellent spot for stargazing. Watch the stars from just outside your hotel, or head to a star party or guided hike at the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park or Tumacácori National Historical Park. The Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, a Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory satellite facility, is also about 20 miles from Tubac. It has live demonstrations and exhibits that help visitors learn more about astrophysics.

Savor Local Flavors

Tubac offers a variety of dining options that showcase the region’s culinary delights. Stables Ranch Grille, located in a former stable at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, is dedicated to historic preservation and locally sourced ingredients. Their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus feature Arizona-grown greens, hatch green chiles, and housemade pastas, potato chips, and freshly baked baguettes.

Elvira’s, a family-owned restaurant since 1927, serves elevated Mexican food. The fine-dining-inspired menu includes a selection of moles, grilled seafood, and the “Frida Kahlo” Chile Poblano, a seasonal dish made with roasted poblano and squash blossoms. Pair your meal with the extensive tequila menu and finish with a traditional flan made with vanilla bean, orange liqueur, and a strawberry glaze.

Tubac Deli & Coffee Co. offers a full case of freshly baked goods, including bear claws, cinnamon rolls, and danishes, as well as fruit and cream pies sold by the slice. For something savory, order a breakfast sandwich on a housemade biscuit or grab a panini for lunch. Sip on coffee roasted fresh weekly and settle into a seat on the covered patio.

The Gatsby channels a vintage vibe with preserved stone walls, moody Jazz Age lighting, detailed leather barstools, and cocktails crafted to transport you to the 1920s. Drinks are served in stylish glassware and paired with flatbreads, making it an excellent afternoon or evening stop.

Best Time to Visit

As is typical in southern Arizona, summer temperatures in Tubac are hot—the average high in June falls in the mid-90s. In the winter months, nighttime lows are quite chilly, leading to moderate daytime highs of 65 degrees. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Tubac, as temperatures during the day are usually in the 70s and 80s.

Getting There and Around

Driving is the best option for getting to and from Tubac. It’s about a 45-minute drive from both downtown Tucson and Tucson International Airport (TUS). The international airport is served by several major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Delta, Frontier, and American.

Once you arrive in Tubac, the easiest way to explore its shops, restaurants, galleries, and historical highlights is on foot. The village is incredibly walkable, but parking is also plentiful in front of the town shops.