Marana combines a dramatic desert setting with a passion for outdoor adventures. Set between the Sonoran Desert and the Tortolita Mountains, the town is a stone’s throw from Tucson but feels worlds away from the city. Hike through groves of towering saguaro cacti, summit rugged peaks and enjoy more than 350 days of sunshine a year.
Things to do in Marana
Explore a wonderland of towering cacti in Saguaro National Park. Trails wind through the park and take you past groves of enormous saguaro cacti. The Tanque Verde Ridge Trail climbs to the summit of the 2,600-metre-tall Mica Mountain, where you’ll get panoramic views over the park and sun-baked Sonoran Desert.
Family-friendly options include the paved Cactus Forest Scenic Loop Drive, which takes you past scenic viewpoints and picnic areas. Admire Native American petroglyphs on the Signal Hill Trail and saddle up for a horseback riding adventure in the foothills. You can visit in April to see the cacti dotted with saguaro flowers, which are the official state flower of Arizona.
Year-round sunshine makes Marana a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike in the Tortolita Mountains, bounce along mountain bike trails and birdwatch in El Rio Preserve. Prefer a slower pace? Tee off at one of the four championship golf courses, each offering spectacular desert views. Luxury resorts boast sparkling pools and high-end spa treatments.
Discover more than three hectares of shopping, dining and entertainment at Tucson Premium Outlets. Score huge savings on iconic American brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Forever 21.
Getting around Marana
Downtown Marana is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Marana and explore Arizona at your own pace. The town is a 30-minute drive from Tucson and 1.5 hours from Phoenix. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.