15 Best Things To Do In Marana, Arizona

things to do in marana arizona
Rob
Rob 
Updated
| 3 min read

Marana, Arizona is a must-see city in the American southwest. Shopping, hiking, and pristine golf courses are waiting for you out in the desert. Be sure to visit here if you are staying in the Tucson area. A brand new outlet mall just opened, and there are plenty of trails and historic sites to explore. Read on to learn more about the 15 best things to do in Marana, Arizona.

1. Marana Heritage River Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Seeking peace and quiet in the small town of Marana, Arizona? Then, make your way into the lovely Marana Heritage River Park. Set between Gladden Farms Drive and Tangerine Farms Road, Marana Heritage River Park is perfect for families spending some quality time together. Aside from 40 community garden plots, this open space also serves as a wedding and event venue. If you are into hiking, you have come to the right place. Here, you get quick access to Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail and Santa Cruz Shared Use Path.

Marana Heritage River Park

Address: 12375 N Heritage Park Dr, Marana, AZ 85653

Website: Marana Heritage River Park

Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)

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2. Nico's Mexican Food

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Carne asada torta and f fries. Mmmmm. Yummyyy !!!

Posted by Nico's Mexican Food on Thursday, March 2, 2017

Craving Mexican food? Then, you should check out Nico’s Mexican Food on Marana Road. At this four-star restaurant, you get to choose from a wide variety of burritos, combination plates, and enchiladas. From 4 USD onwards, you get to enjoy deliciousness in generous portions. In case you want to dine al fresco, this place also offers an outdoor seating area.

Nico's Mexican Food

Address: 11855 W Marana Rd, Marana, AZ 85653

Website: Nico’s Mexican Food

Opening hours: 6pm- 11pm (daily)

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3. Skydive Marana

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Situated just 20 minutes north of Tucson, Skydive Marana offers tourists a once-in-a-lifetime skydiving experience. With an USPA-certified instructor, you will skydive from 10000 feet (3048 meters) while soaking in the gorgeous views of Avra Valley and Catalina Mountains. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skydiver, you will be taught about the equipment you’d be using first as well as the aerodynamics of the body’s freefall position. Check off your bucket list with Skydive Marana!

Skydive Marana

Address: 11700 W Avra Valley Rd #301, Marana, AZ 85653

Website: Skydive Marana

Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)

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4. Crossroads at Silverbell District Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Crossroads at Silverbell District Park on Friday, September 7, 2012

If you want to take a break from tourist spots, there’s a beautiful park on Silverbell Road where you can take your entire family including fur babies. Crossroads at Silverbell District Park in Marana comes with a horseshoe pit, covered playground areas, volleyball courts, ramada with grills and electrical outlets, ball fields, tennis courts, and more. Another thing that guests love about this park is that it is open to all breeds of dogs.

Crossroads at Silverbell District Park

Address: 7548 N Silverbell Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743

Website: Crossroads at Silverbell District Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

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5. Harkins Theatres Arizona Pavilions 12

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Harkins Theatres Arizona Pavilion is a modern multiplex chain boasting 33 locations in 4 different states in the US. This privately owned business is known for showing both independent films as well as blockbusters. If you are visiting with kids, this movie theater also offers venues with childcare services. Book your tickets, grab your favorite popcorn, and watch the movie of your choice!

Harkins Theatres Arizona Pavilions 12

Address: 5755 W Arizona Pavilions Dr, Tucson, AZ 85743

Website: Harkins Theatres Arizona Pavilions 12

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6. Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Joe Parks used under CC BY 2.0

If you are in the Tucson/Marana area of Arizona there’s a good chance you’re there to check out one of the best national parks in all of the US: Saguaro National Park. It gets really hot out in the desert, so be sure to lather up with plenty of sunscreen. There are two visitor centers - one on the east side of the park and one on the west. Here you can learn about the famous cacti which give the park its name, and you can sign up for a guided tour with a Park Ranger.

Saguaro National Park

Address: Rincon Mountain District (EAST): 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730

Website: Saguaro National Park

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7. Tortolita Mountains hiking

Wild Mustang Trail
Source: Photo by Flickr user Laurenellen McCann used under CC BY 2.0

A hike in the Tortolita Mountains will really will take your breath away, but thankfully only figuratively. The Honeybee Canyon trail is a good choice even for newbies. You’ll get a chance to check out cacti, rock formations and a dry riverbed during this leisurely 2 mile (3.2 km) hike. The Southern Arizona Hiking club offers guided hikes.

Tortolita Mountains hiking trails

Address: 14810 North Secret Springs Drive, Marana, AZ

Website: Tortolita Mountains

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8. Breakers Waterpark

Breakers-Bay-598x300
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Maddox121 ForgotH... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Whoever had the bright idea to build a super fun waterpark in the middle of the desert must be rolling in the dough. Breakers Waterpark is an extremely fun place to visit for families. A 2017 season pass is only 40 USD, which makes this one of the more affordable things to do in Marana. Waterslides like the Bonzai Pipeline and Splash Canyon will excite visitors.

Breakers Waterpark

Address: 8555 West Tangerine Road, Marana, AZ 85653

Website: Breakers Waterpark

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9. Way Out West Ranch

Dehesa Boyal. Bollullos Par del Condado (Huelva)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Curiosidad~common... used under CC BY-SA 2.5

If you want a more tranquil trip through the desert trails then the Way Out Ranch is worth a visit. Instead of walking hours on foot you can enjoy a peaceful horseback ride. You’ll feel like a real cowboy as you take in the picturesque views. Animal lovers will be happy to hear that all the horses on the ranch are rescue horses.

Way Out West Ranch

Address: 38612 S Mule Deer Road, Marana, AZ

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10. Catalina Brewing Company

1516 Brewing Company - Bar 02
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Kranewitter used under CC BY-SA 4.0

A nice craft beer is a welcome respite from the scorching Arizona heat. Catalina Brewing Company is right next to Marana in Tucson. All the beers are made from local ingredients like prickly pear cactus or agave. Food trucks regularly stop by the bar, so enjoy some delicious snacks while you enjoy a cold pint.

Catalina Brewing Company

Address: 6918 N Camino Martin #120, Tucson, AZ 85741

Website: Catalina Brewing Company

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11. Ritz Carlton Golf Course Dove Mountain

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Arizona and golfing go together like mac and cheese. There are so many wonderful courses for golfers to check out, but the one that you must visit is the Ritz Carlton Golf Course Dove Mountain. It’s a challenging course, but it’s worth visiting even if you are an inexperienced golfer. This course is also a former PGA stop.

Ritz Carlton Golf Course Dove Mountain

Address: 15000 North Secret Springs Drive, Marana, AZ 85658

Website: Ritz Carlton Golf Course Dove Mountain

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12. Arizona Ultralight Aviation

Airline Training Center Arizona Inc. GROB-WERKE G 120A N865AF (4366206396)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tomás Del Coro used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Marana area has such pristine views that perhaps an aerial tour is in order. The pilots that take you up in their small planes also make excellent tour guides. They are experts when it comes to the history and geography of Marana. Lessons are also available and prices start as low as 45 USD. One day you might be able to fly over beautiful Marana all by yourself.

Arizona Ultralight Aviation

Address: 4901 N. Axtell Ave., Marana, AZ 85653

Website: Arizona Ultralight Aviation

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13. El Rio Preserve

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This pristine oasis of water in the middle of the desert is a must-visit for nature lovers. It is a birdwatcher’s dream, and the waters offer a relaxing and tranquil experience. It’s easily accessible and a nice respite from a busy day of sightseeing. It’s a popular destination for disc golfers, so you might be able to join in a game.

El Rio Preserve

Address: 10190 N Coachline Boulevard, Marana, AZ 85743

Website: El Rio Preserve

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14. Disruptive Paintballing

Paintballing
Source: Pixabay

Is there anything cooler and more exciting than paintball? Probably not. Disruptive Paintballing in Marana is a great place for you and your buddies to hang out and have some fun. It’s very affordable at just 20 USD, but the paint costs extra. The price is 30 USD if you need to rent equipment. This is also a fun excursion for families.

Disruptive Paintballing

Address: 10218 W. Tangerine Rd, Marana, AZ 85654

Website: Disruptive Paintballing

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15. Wild Burro Trail

Horseback Riding
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user D Joseph Height used under CC BY-SA 4.0

You can go hiking or experience the national park system in southwest Arizona on horseback. There are so many options to explore this amazing location, but one trail that is not to be missed is the Wild Burro Trail. If you stay at the Ritz Carlton that’s perfect because this trail starts right in the parking lot of this luxury hotel. This is just another fantastic way to experience the phenomenal Tortolita Mountains. Guides are available and they are extremely knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to teaching visitors about the Sonoran desert.

Wild Burro Trail

Address: 14810 North Secret Springs Drive, Marana, AZ

Website: Wild Burro Trail

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Experience nature in Marana

Marana AZ
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user John Hunnicutt II used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Marana is a great place to visit for nature lovers. The national parks and hiking opportunities give visitors a chance to experience one of the most interesting ecosystems in the United States. You can relax with a cold one, enjoy some world-class golf, or satisfy your urge for some thrill seeking. There is so much to do here.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Rob Cramer is a Canadian writer and travel enthusiast who loves to sample exotic food from all over the world. He spends most of his time traveling throughout Asia sampling bizarre delicacies like...Read more

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