Need a sunny desert getaway or serene Southwest retreat? Head to Marana! Just northwest of Tucson, Marana blends Sonoran Desert beauty, outdoor adventure, and luxury resorts. Whether you’re hiking scenic canyons, golfing, or savoring Southwest cuisine, Marana offers relaxation and discovery with spectacular desert backdrops.
Marana, AZ Highlights:
- Hike the trails in Tortolita Mountains: Explore rugged desert landscapes, saguaro forests, and scenic overlooks at Wild Burro Trailhead and beyond.
- Stay in style at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain: Luxurious resort featuring spa services, golf, fine dining, and desert views.
- Stroll the Marana Heritage River Park: Family-friendly park with walking trails, demonstration farms, and seasonal events.
- Shop and dine at Tucson Premium Outlets: Find brand-name deals and enjoy local bites in a stylish open-air setting.
- Explore Saguaro National Park West: Just minutes away, this iconic park features cactus-studded trails and scenic drives.
Best Time to Visit Marana, AZ
The best time to visit Marana is during the fall through spring months (October to April). Enjoy cooler temperatures for hiking and golf, blooming desert wildflowers in spring, and vivid sunsets. Summers are hot but quieter, with resort deals and refreshing poolside escapes.
How to Get to Marana, AZ
- If you are traveling by car: Marana is just off I-10, about 25 minutes northwest of downtown Tucson and 1.5 hours southeast of Phoenix.
- By Air: Tucson International Airport (TUS) is the closest airport, with car rentals and shuttle services available. Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is also an option for wider flight selections.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Sunset Limited serves Tucson; from there, it’s a short drive to Marana.
Where to Stay in Marana, AZ
- The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain – Award-winning desert resort offering hiking, spa treatments, luxury dining, and stunning desert views.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Marana – Comfortable and convenient option near shopping, dining, and I-10 access.
- White Stallion Ranch – Family-run dude ranch offering horseback rides, Western hospitality, and desert adventure.
Best Things to Do in Marana, AZ
⮕ Ritz-Carlton Golf Course Dove Mountain
Tee off on scenic fairways and enjoy a luxurious golf trip.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Course on Dove Mountain in the heart of the Sonoran Desert is a world-class golf resort with a 27-hole golf course designed by legendary golf champion Jack Nicklaus.
As is his signature design, Nicklaus took advantage of the scenic desert setting and integrated variety, strategy, and fair shot, creating a golf course with a distinct character and unique challenges.
The luxury golf course, which is located at an elevation that ranges from 2,300 to 3,200 feet, is equally enjoyable and challenging.
The golf resort includes a pro shop offering the finest equipment, accessories, and apparel. It also has large tour-quality practice areas and a classy clubhouse.
15000 North Secret Springs Drive Marana, AZ 85658, Phone: 520-572-3000
⮕ Wild Burro Trail
Hike desert paths and enjoy a peaceful, scenic outdoor escape.
Running through Tortolita Park, the Wild Burro Trail is a 7.1-mile fairly difficult loop trail near Marana, Arizona, with the trailhead near the Ritz-Carlton in Dove Mountain and an elevation gain of 1,486 feet. The trail is known as the gateway to the Tortolita Mountains. The first half of the trail is graded dirt, coming in and out of a wash, and it gets rougher as you get closer to an old stone ruin, which once housed cattle ranchers; it becomes really steep after that. Some strenuous climbing will bring you to the top, which offers nice canyon views. The trail then goes down into a sandy basin and a shaded area with a massive cottonwood tree. After the tree, the trail turns to red dirt until you reach a gate and the end of the trail, which is the beginning of the Wild Mustang Trail.
14810 North Secret Springs Drive, Marana, AZ 85658
Attractions for Couples and Singles
⮕ The Highlands at Dove Mountain Golf Course
Play a relaxed round and enjoy a quiet retirement outing.
The Highlands at Dove Mountain Golf Course is a championship 18-hole golf course that opened in 1997 and was designed by the famous golf course architect, Arthur Hills. With the scenic background of the Tortolita Mountains, the hilly terrain, and gleaming lakes, this golf course has a unique character and provides a diverse and pleasant playing environment with spectacular vistas from every hole. The first nine holes play through the flats with subtle undulation and are fun and unforgettable. The back nine holes offer a challenging change of pace, with hilly terrain, a view of the mountains, and clear lakes. The course offers opportunities to test the skills of all golfers regardless of their experience.
4949 W Heritage Club Blvd, Marana, AZ 85658, Phone: 520-579-9574
⮕ The Ritz-Carlton Spa
Unwind with luxury treatments and enjoy a romantic wellness retreat.
Located in Marana in the heart of the magnificent Sonoran Desert, the Ritz-Carlton Spa is one of the few unique Arizona spas that turn to ancient healing rituals to slow down the pace and constant rush of the modern world. It is a world of comfort and tranquility within the ancient environment of Dove Mountain and the Sonoran Desert, a peaceful, soothing haven with incredible attention to detail. The Ritz-Carlton Spa at Dove Mountain invites its clients to indulge in the healing touch of professional therapists and watch the distractions and worries of life melt away. The spa offers a range of eco-holistic therapies that are based upon the balancing elements of nature and Sonoran Desert traditions. While the spa offers a full range of services, the most popular are the Gemstone Healing Massage and the Gemstone Radiance Journey.
15000 North Secret Springs Drive, Marana, AZ 85658, Phone: 520-572-3000
⮕ HMS Bikes
Rent a bike and explore local trails on an easy, fun adventure.
The best people to take care of your bike are those who are bikers themselves. HMS Bikes is a family-owned full-service bike shop in Marana, Arizona, close to the areas where they like to bike: Dove Mountain, Picture Rocks, Gladden Farms, and Continental Ranch. Whether they are biking beginners or experienced road runners, all their clients feel comfortable in the fun and friendly atmosphere of their shop without feeling intimidated by all the technical jargon. HMS Bikes also sell a full line of town, road, and mountain bikes from reputable brands such as Bianchi and Orbea. They also carry parts and accessories as well as biking clothing and nutritional supplements.
8225 N Courtney Page Way, Marana, AZ 85743, Phone: 520-989-0196
Where to Eat in Marana, AZ
- Core Kitchen & Wine Bar – Upscale dining at The Ritz-Carlton with locally sourced ingredients and fine wines.
- Bisbee Breakfast Club – Marana – Casual spot known for hearty breakfasts and retro diner charm.
- La Olla Mexican Café – Local favorite for Sonoran-style Mexican dishes in a cozy setting.
If you are interested in local events:
- Marana Founders Day (March) – Celebrate the town’s heritage with a parade, vendors, and community fun.
- Marana Pumpkin Patch & Farm Festival (October) – Hayrides, corn maze, farm animals, and fall family fun.
- Star Parties at Ironwood Forest (Seasonal) – Join local astronomers for guided stargazing in dark desert skies.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Marana, Arizona:
- Tucson (25–30 min) – Explore museums, historic neighborhoods, and award-winning food in this vibrant desert city.
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (30 min) – Zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum all rolled into one.
- Old Tucson (30 min) – Western movie set-turned-theme park with shows, rides, and historic charm (check seasonal hours).
- Ironwood Forest National Monument (20–30 min) – Unspoiled desert landscapes ideal for photography, hiking, and wildlife watching.
- Pima Air & Space Museum (30 min) – One of the world’s largest aircraft collections, just southeast of Marana.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Marana located?
- Marana is a small town in Arizona, northwest of Tucson, in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by high mountains and deep canyons, with rich plant and animal life.
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What recreational activities are available in Marana?
- Marana has a large number of world-class golf courses.
- The surrounding desert is a fascinating place to explore on horseback, in a helicopter, on a bike, or on foot along one of many well-maintained trails.
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