Marana, AZ

Travel 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

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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Quail Crossing

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

Quail Crossing
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Skyranch

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Skyranch and surrounding area, you can visit 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 ¥7,707 per night from Jun 11 to Jun 12
¥7,707
per night
Jun 11 - Jun 12
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! (2,871 reviews)
"Nice to have Whole Foods so nearby. Very comfortable and great value."

Reviewed on Jun 3, 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
The price is ¥31,305 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
¥31,305
per night
Jul 2 - Jul 3
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! (509 reviews)
"Everythg"

Reviewed on May 27, 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 ¥14,787 per night from Jun 4 to Jun 5
¥14,787
per night
Jun 4 - Jun 5
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! (2,191 reviews)
"This is a really cool and unique place to stay. If you’re in the Tucson area, this is a great choice. The rooms are nice and quiet and filled with interesting art and books. They had a pool party the night I was there with a DJ, it was fun. The best part though is the pinball room. Four excellent ..."

Reviewed on Jun 2, 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 May 2, 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 Apr 29, 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 May 28, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Marana

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
7
" "5 - Excellent 53.84615384615385%
4 - Good
5
" "4 - Good 38.46153846153846%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 7.6923076923076925%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 14, 2020

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