Golf
Every year thousands of people come to Southern Arizona for the year-round golf and, with no less that ten courses within thirty minutes, Tubac is an ideally situated destination. The Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, designed in 1959 by a group including the late Bing Crosby, offers an exceptional 27 hole championship course that skirts the riparian perimeter of the lush Santa Cruz River. The nearby Esplendor Resort at Rio Rico continues the tradition of fine Robert Trent Jones, Sr. courses with it's par 72 gem that offers challenges to golfers of all skill levels.
Hiking and Camping!
The mountains and dirt roads around Tubac offer hikers numerous opportunities to experience the desert up close. Summer temps sometimes exceed 100°, so always bring plenty of water. In Tubac, all camping is at the Tubac Trailer Tether.
Anza Trail -- Depending on your point-of-view, the Anza Trail begins at either the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park or the Tumacacori National Historic Park. Either way, the 3.2 mile trek between parks takes the hiker through a rare and vibrant desert riparian region. The trail is mostly level with a few traverses across the Santa Cruz River that occasionally result in a wet foot. There is no shuttle service between the two parks, so bring two cars if you want to make it a one-way hike.
Madera Canyon -- Scenic high desert vistas surround Tubac, and the highest of these is nearby Mount Wrightson, accessible through Madera Canyon. Besides numerous trails of varying degrees of difficulty, Madera Canyon offers camping and Bed & Breakfast accommodations.
Patagonia Lake -- Though not exactly in Tubac, we mention Patagonia Lake State Park because it's just a short 45 minute drive. The lake offers boating, full RV hookups, and desert access hiking.
Picnicking -- The picnic grounds adjacent to the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park (1 Burruel Street) are an excellent spot to enjoy a break. The tables are at the Anza Trail trailhead. Picnic tables are also available in the Tubac Plaza, at Ron Morriss County Park (east end of Calle Iglesia), and at the Tubac Community Center (50 Bridge Road).
Sightseeing around Tubac!
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park (In the center of Tubac)
Located in Tubac's Old Town, the park's museum offers a fascinating look at the history of the Santa Cruz Valley. The park is Arizona's first state park and marks the location of Arizona's first European settelment. Featuring an underground archaeological display of the Presidio adobe ruins and Arizona's first printing press. The furnished 1885 Schoolhouse, Otero Hall and Rojas House are all on the National Register of Historic Places. The park is open Thursday through Monday from 9 AM to 5 PM (closed Tues and Wed). Living history and printing press demonstrations on alternate Sundays from October through March. Call (520) 398-2252. More about the Tubac Presidio.
Tumacacori National Historical Park (A few minutes south of Tubac)
Located just 4 miles south of Tubac on the East Frontage Road, the Tumacacori National Historical Park is not to be missed. The main unit of the park preserves the remains of the Spanish mission church San Jose de Tumacacori and the associated cemetery, mortuary chapel and portions of the convento. An adobe visitor center and museum displays exhibits. The adjacent patio garden features plants of the mission period. Open everyday 8 AM to 5 PM, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For information call (520) 398-2341.
Titan Missile Museum (25 minutes north of Tubac)
Take a tour of a cold war era relic! The fascinating tour through the Titan missile silo is often lead by folks who were there when it was an active military installation. In Green Valley, about twenty miles north of Tubac.
Asarco Mineral Discovery Center (30 minutes north of Tubac)
Copper mining is part of the region's growing economy, and the Asarco Mineral Discovery Center gives visitors to the area a chance to learn first hand where their pennies come from. Its fascinating!
Peña Blanca Lake (25 minutes south of Tubac)
About twenty miles south of Tubac, Peña Blanca lake is a pleasant spot for a picnic and a hike.
Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (30 minutes northeast of Tubac)
Our crystal clear night skies draw astronomers from all over the world. The Observatory offers tours, and popular evening programs. Popular, so call ahead.
Madera Canyon (30 minutes northeast of Tubac)
Part of the Coronado National Forest, Madera Canyon offers great hiking, birding, mountain biking and picnicking. Accommodations include a campground and a lodge with cabins.
Tourism Resources for Tubac & the Santa Cruz Valley!
Besides the art and history of Tubac, Santa Cruz County offers visitors to Southern Arizona a cornucopia of activities. In Tubac there are two places to begin discovering what the county has to offer. Visit either the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park in the historic district or the Tubac - Santa Cruz Visitors Center, located at the entrance to Tubac.
In addition, the Green Valley - Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce and the Nogales Chamber of Commerce each offer visitors generous amounts of information on their respective communities! If your travel plans include either community, you'll find both Chambers of Commerce web sites to be overflowing with useful tips and information.
Where the Birds Are
Tubac rests along the Santa Cruz River where high desert scenery mixes with a lush riparian cottonwood forest. The results make this location an exceptional one for birders seeking many of Southern Arizona's lesser observed birds. Of special interest for birders is the Anza Trail, which winds a leisurely pace from the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park through the cottonwoods on its way to the Tumacacori National Historic Park, just three miles south. Nearby Madera Canyon, with easy access from Green Valley, is also very popular.
