The Neighborhood:

Golf:

Golf is huge up here at Dove Mountain. There are 3 major courses and some 80+ holes of legendary quality golfing and exceptional Sonoran Desert views along Dove Mountain Blvd within minutes of the house.

• The Golf Club at Dove Mountain (Ritz Carlton Golf Club) & The Gallery are the 2 preeminent courses within the Dove Mountain community. To quote their site: “With legendary designers like Jack Nicklaus, John Fought, and Tom Lehman - and a litany of honors, accolades, and high-profile professional events - the 63 holes of golf at The Gallery and Golf Club at Dove Mountain are truly second to none when it comes to total golf experiences in the Desert Southwest.”

• The Highlands at Dove Mountain is an 18-hole championship course designed by renowned golf course architect, Arthur Hills.

Some of the courses up here are private and require membership. Some do participate in Icon Golf.

Other nearby public golf courses:

Quarry Pines Golf Club: Located in Marana, this club offers an 18-hole course with a practice facility. It's built in a former quarry, offering unique views and elevation changes.

Crooked Tree Golf Course: Situated in Tucson, this par-72 course features holes lined with cacti and scenic mountain views. It also includes a pro shop and restaurant.

Arizona National Golf Club: Located in Tucson, this is an 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.. It's described as challenging with spectacular views.

El Conquistador Golf: This complex in Oro Valley offers two championship courses, a driving range, fitness facilities, and tennis courts.

Pusch Ridge Course: Located in Tucson, this 9-hole course is part of the El Conquistador Resort area and features a scenic disc golf layout in addition to the traditional course.

The Views Golf Club: This 18-hole desert course in Oro Valley boasts mountain views, a driving range, and a restaurant

Resorts:

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is a luxurious desert retreat nestled in the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains near Tucson, Arizona. This Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort is celebrated for seamlessly blending its sophisticated accommodations with the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Guests are welcomed into a serene environment with Southwestern-inspired rooms and suites, each offering private balconies with stunning desert or mountain views. The resort provides a wealth of recreational opportunities, including 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf, three distinct swimming pools, and access to over 26 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails. The world-class, Forbes Five-Star spa offers a variety of holistic treatments, while diverse dining options range from fine American cuisine to casual poolside fare. Designed to cater to both relaxation and adventure, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain offers an immersive and elegant escape into the heart of the Southwest. 

Sights and Attractions:

National Parks and Monuments:

Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Saguaro National Park is a landscape unlike any other. The park protects vast forests of the iconic saguaro cactus, which stand as silent, stoic sentinels against a backdrop of rugged mountains. These magnificent giants, some over 200 years old, create a breathtaking silhouette against the vivid Arizona sunsets. Whether you choose to take a scenic drive to admire the endless cactus forest, hike a trail to see ancient petroglyphs, or simply watch for a flash of color from a desert bird, the park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of this truly special environment. For a more comprehensive look at the region's flora and fauna, the nearby Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a world-renowned blend of a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum.

Just a short one hour drive from here, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Rising from the desert floor is the "Great House" (Casa Grande), a magnificent four-story structure built by the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People over 600 years ago. This unique architectural wonder, which served as a prehistoric gathering place and landmark, is protected by a distinctive modern roof that helps preserve its fragile adobe walls. Visitors can explore the remains of this ancient farming community and learn about the sophisticated irrigation systems and extensive trade networks that allowed this civilization to thrive in the Sonoran Desert. 

Scenic Drives:

Soaring high above the desert floor, Mount Lemmon offers a dramatic escape from the heat and a journey through a "sky island" ecosystem. The scenic drive up the Catalina Highway is an adventure in itself, winding through a series of distinct life zones that transition from the desert's saguaro-filled landscape to a cool, high-altitude pine forest, reminiscent of the Colorado mountains. At the summit, you'll find the charming village of Summerhaven, home to quaint shops and eateries, as well as the southernmost ski resort in the continental U.S. No matter the season, Mount Lemmon provides an abundance of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing at the world-class observatory, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Museums:

Spanning over 80 acres in Tucson, the Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest aviation and space museums in the world. Visitors can explore a remarkable collection of over 400 historic aircraft, from vintage biplanes and World War II bombers to modern jets and even an SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet ever built. With six indoor hangars filled with exhibits, including the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, there is something to captivate every interest. The museum also offers fascinating tours of the adjacent "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the largest aircraft storage and preservation facility in the world, providing a unique look at the history and future of flight.

Turning the very concept of a traditional museum "inside out," the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a world-renowned fusion of a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum, with 85% of its exhibits outdoors. This unique approach allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich, diverse ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert. As you wander along the two miles of walking paths, you'll encounter over 230 animal species in naturalistic habitats, from mountain lions and bighorn sheep to hummingbirds and Gila monsters. The museum also showcases over 1,200 varieties of plants and features an impressive aquarium highlighting the marine life of the Gulf of California. It's a place where you can watch raptors soar in free-flight demonstrations, explore a replica limestone cave, and truly appreciate the intricate web of life that thrives in this seemingly harsh landscape. 

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is a unique and charming museum that transports visitors into a magical world of miniatures. It features a vast collection of tiny, intricate displays, from dollhouses and room boxes representing various eras to imaginative scenes. The museum's incredible attention to detail and creative displays make it a captivating experience for both children and adults. 

Located on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium offers a fascinating and educational look at the universe and the natural world. Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences, including planetarium shows that explore the cosmos, laser-light shows, and interactive exhibits on diverse topics from space exploration to gems and minerals. Its engaging and hands-on displays make it an ideal destination for families seeking a fun activity, especially when trying to escape the Tucson heat. 

The University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, located on the university campus, showcases the stunning geological history of the region and the world. It features a world-class collection of gems, minerals, and meteorites, making it an ideal destination for anyone with an interest in geology or beautiful mineral specimens. 

Entertainment:

Live music and dining:

• Circle S Saloon

  • This casual Western-style saloon offers live music, karaoke, and comfort food like burgers and tacos. It's known for its friendly atmosphere and lively evening scene.

• Dove Mountain Brewing Company

  • Located on Dove Mountain Blvd, this neighborhood brewery offers an expansive selection of on tap brews and a good bar menu. Live music is featured on some weekends.

• Button Brew House

  • This award-winning craft brewery in Northwest Tucson hosts a variety of events, including trivia nights, markets, and live music. It has a spacious outdoor area for socializing.

• Growler's Taphouse

  • Enjoy a rotating list of craft beers and ciders, along with American comfort food. The tavern features a patio and live music in the evenings.

• Tohono Chul Gardens, Galleries, and Bistro

  • Explore an elegant desert sanctuary where stunning gardens, captivating art, and delicious food meet. Discover your own peaceful escape at Tohono Chul, a true Tucson treasure.

Family and outdoor activities:

• Ghost Ranch Exotics and Funny Foot Farm

  • A quirky and popular petting zoo where you can interact with animals like capybaras, kangaroos, and tortoises.

• Marana Heritage River Park

  • This public park hosts events like the annual fall festival and features beautiful gardens.

• Topgolf Tucson

  • Located near Marana, this high-tech driving range offers golf games, lessons, and a restaurant, all in a climate-controlled environment.

• Other Hiking and Biking Trails:

  • The area offers abundant outdoor adventures, including miles of trails at the Tortolita Preserve Trailhead and the Chuck Huckelberry Loop, a paved shared-use path.

• Marana Aquatic & Recreation Center:

  • The Marana Aquatic and Recreation Center (MARC) is a comprehensive facility offering a wide range of activities for all ages and interests. The aquatic center features a competition pool with multiple lap lanes and diving boards, along with a recreation pool that includes a zero-depth entry, two large water slides, a resistance channel, and a splash pad with a giant tipping bucket.

  • Indoors, the recreation center boasts a three-court gymnasium for sports like basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. Visitors can also use a fitness loft with various equipment, group fitness studios for classes like Zumba and spin, and an indoor walking track. The center also provides dedicated spaces such as a teen room with all the latest video games and big screen TVs and a child watch area, making it a family-friendly destination for both exercise and fun.

Annual Festivals & Events:

• Marana Founders' Day Parade & Festivities:

  • Held on the third Saturday in March, this event celebrates the town's incorporation with a parade, live music, dance performances, food trucks, and a car show.

• Desert Bluegrass Festival:

  • This weekend-long festival in early March features live bluegrass performances, workshops, and jamming sessions from some of the Southwest's best musicians.

• Gem & Mineral Show Season:

  • Starting in late January and running through February, the Tucson area hosts over 50 shows, including Marana's exclusive Miner's Co-Op Rock Show at Sports Park Tucson.

• Eggstravaganza:

  • Around Easter, this event features egg hunts, games, and activities for families at local parks.

• Gladden Farms Food Truck Roundup:

  • This recurring event brings together a variety of local food trucks for a fun evening of music and food.

Links and other information:

Islands Article about the City of Casa Grande

Living Marana

Arizona Highways Magazine

Visit Tucson

Dove Mountain

Discover Marana

Islands Article about Arizona / Tucson Road Trip