Green Valley and Southern Arizona offers something for EVERYONE!! Whether it’s playing a round of golf, cheering for your team at a sporting event, or participating in seasonal cultural activities; you’ll find it in here! Take a hike or go birding in Madera Canyon, tour Titan II Missile Museum , take a chance at the Desert Diamond Casino or head up to the Tucson metro area - there’s something for everyone!
Located less than 30 minutes from Green Valley Arizona, discover metropolitan area of Tucson Arizona which has numerous fascinating museums and exciting attractions to enjoy.
The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show
held in February each year is one of the world's largest gem, fossil and mineral shows. Over 3,500 dealers from around the world are participate in this well-known event.
Sonoran desert wildlife can be viewed up-close at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum and the Reid Park Zoo. The world famous Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum displays over 1,200 kinds of plants and 200 animal species native to the Sonoran desert.
Explore our Southwestern heritage, spectacular desert landscapes, mountain ranges and golf courses. Bookmark this page as YOUR resource list for arts information, day trips from Southern Arizona, sports and more!
For western flavor, residents and visitors go to Old Tucson Studios. Built in 1939 by Columbia Pictures for the movie "Arizona," the studios are now used for TV movies, big screen productions and music videos.
The Mission San Xavier Del Bac , known as the "White Dove of the Desert" provides a true historical flavor and is one of Father Kino's Sonoran missions, nearly 300 years old.
Green Valley, Southern Arizona and Tucson have so much to offer it is no wonder that this area has earned a reputation as one of the nation's top choices for corporate relocation and expansion.
Amerind Foundation Located 64 miles east in the massive rock formations of Texas Canyon. It’s one of the finest private museum collections of Native American artifacts. Historic Indian cultures from across American are represented. I-19 north to I-10 east to Dragoon exit. 520-586-3666.
Arivaca Walking Tours Discover some of the prettiest country in Santa Cruz County as well as Arizona’s oldest schoolhouse. Located in lush high desert grazing country about 25 miles south of Green Valley. Also find Arivaca Lake with great fishing. 520-398-2702
ASARCO Copper Mine Tour ASARCO Mineral Discovery Center & Mine Tour Discovery Center features exhibits on geology, mining and uses of minerals as well as informational videos. Open pit and mill tours offered daily with reservations. Gift shop with copper and Southwestern arts and crafts. From Green Valley north on I-19 to Pima Mine Road exit and follow signs. 520-625-7513
Arizona Historical Society Museum - Arizona Historical Society was formed to collect and preserve "all facts relating to the history of this Territory." The AHS was established by an Act of the First Territorial Legislature on November 7, 1864 and is Arizona’s oldest historical agency.
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - world renown museum featuring living animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert region. Many unique indoor and outdoor exhibits. Special summer evening hours. Restaurant on location. On Kinney Road north of Old Tucson Studios. Admission fee. 520-883-1380
Arizona State Museum Arizona State Museum is renowned for its excellence in preserving, interpreting and presenting the material cultural of our region. The people of the state of Arizona have many reasons to be proud of this unique treasure.
Arizona Theatre Company For over the 40 seasons, ATC has produced more than 200 plays, from the classics of Shakespeare, Shaw and Moliere to the works of contemporary writers such as Shepard, Stoppard and Fugard. ATC has also committed itself to the development and presentation of new works both on the mainstage and through special programs. This wide-ranging repertoire presents an exciting challenge to all departments at ATC - a challenge that is consistently met through the high standards that have come to be expected of the company.
Bisbee - Chariming 1800s copper mining town built on a steep hillside. Visit downtown arts and crafts shops, local breweries and tour the Copper Queen Mine - one of the world’s largest open pit copper mines. Daily mine tours with admission. From Green Valley I-19 north to I-10 east to Rt 80 and south through Tombstone to Bisbee.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Historic Park - Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is the place to discover the intricate beauty and many faces of Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. The Arboretum was founded in the 1920s by mining magnate Col. William Boyce Thompson and covers over 300 acres.
Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge Covering 116,000 acres, this national refuge allows nature lovers to stroll elevated boardwalks and discover a variety of habitats and wildlife encounters. The tall grasses and cattails provide an oasis of plant life, frogs and birds year round. 520-823-3251
Casa Grande Arizona Ruins National Monument - Casa Grande Ruins National Monument preserves an ancient Hohokam farming community and "Great House." Created as the nation’s first archeological reserve in 1892, the site was declared a National Monument in 1918
Casino del Sol & Desert Diamond CasinoDesert Diamond Casino & Casino of the Sun not quite Las Vegas, but good local fun and entertainment. Slot machines, black jack, BINGO and more. Dining and live entertainment.
Centennial Concert Hall Located on the University of Arizona campus, Centennial Hall is a trailblazer who has the ability "to connect with Tucson" while showcasing a panorama of performers. More information and performance schedules call: 520-621-3341
Center of Creative Photography The Center for Creative Photography is located in the Fine Arts complex in the northwest corner of the University of Arizona campus, between the Architecture and Harvill buildings. Convenient pay parking is available at the Park Avenue Garage on the northeast corner of Park and Speedway, with direct access to the Center’s front door via a pedestrian underpass. The Center is near several Sun Tran bus routes.
Colossal Cave - possibly the world’s largest dry limestone cavern. Safe easy walking tours during the day. Open daily. From Green Valley I-19 north, I-10 east to Vail exit and north to cave. Admission fee. 520-647-7275
Flandrau Science Center Flandrau Planetarium A fun and educational science center on the University of Arizona campus with Star Theater programs, laser light shows and science demonstrations. Free walk through exhibits. Science store, meeting rooms and 16" telescope. Special programs. 520-621-STAR
Funtasticks Funtasticks is a 5-acre entertainment park provides the perfect setting for hours of family fun. Funtasticks in Tucson offers mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages, bumper boats, a 5-ride Kiddie Land, and a state-of-the-art video arcade with all-new games recently added!
Gadsen Pacific Toy Train Museum Is a charitable, non-profit corporation dedicated to the advancement of model railroading by the collection and operation of toy trains and railroad memorabilia, as well as preserving prototype railroad history by sponsoring railroading related activities and events. The Museum contains displays of unique and sometimes rare examples of hobby and railroadiana as well. These exhibits change periodically to offer new insights into our hobby with each visit. No charge, donations accepted.
Golf & Stuff Interactive destination with miniture golf, lit’l Indy race cars, bummer boats, batting cages, arcade games and MORE! 6503 E Tanque Verde Road 520-296-2366
Grand Canyon Railroad All aboard The Train to Grand Canyon National Park! Make your reservations for this historic journey in one of four classes of service on our vintage train from Williams to Grand Canyon National Park.
International Wildlife Museum The International Wildlife Museum over 300 animals from around the world are featured, including natural history exhibits displaying animals in their natural habitats; plus wildlife art and films. The museum emphasized "hands on" learning and interactive exhibits. I-19 north, I-10 west to Speedway exit and west to museum. Admission fee. 520-617-1439
Jerome State Historic Park Jerome's modern history began in 1876 when three prospectors staked claims on rich copper deposits. Video on the Histoy of Jerome: The history of Jerome is highlighted in an entertaining 28-minute video, a great way to start your visit to Jerome. Everyday on the half hour 8:30 am – 4 pm.
Kartchner Cavern Arizona State Cave Park Kartchner Caverns is a stunning limestone cave in Southeastern Arizona and boasts many world-class features that have been protected since the cave was discovered in 1974. The cavern has been surveyed at 2.4 miles long. Kartchner is a wet, "live" cave. Park entrance fee and additional admission charge for the cave tours (there are 2 different tours - both aren’t available all year round) Advance reservations for tours are suggested & can be made on-line. THIS IS A MUST SEE!
Kitt Peak National Observatory- Established in 1958 as the country’s first national observatory. Site of the Mayall 158" telescope and the McMath Solar telescope, the world’s largest solar observation instrument. I-19 north to Ajo Way and west. Approximately 75 miles from Green Valley. Special viewing events offered.
Madera Canyon In the Santa Rita Mountains east of Green Valley, the canyon is home to many plants and animals rear in the US. One of America’s birdwatching "hotspots" Picnic areas and campground. From Green Valley, take Continental Road east, right on Whitehouse Canyon Road. Fee to park.
Marana Arizona Sky Diving Center Although the center no longer provides Sport Parachuting services to the public the facility remains available for military contract and research programs, as well as special products.
Montezuma Castle National Monument Gaze through the windows of the past into one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff, tells a 1,000 year-old story of ingenuity and survival in an unforgiving desert landscape. Located approximately 3 hours from Green Valley.
Mount Lemmon A forest of aspen and ponderosa pines. At 9,000 feet at its highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountain Range. Picnic areas, trailheads, viewpoints and campgrounds at various elevations. Skiing in the winter months. From the east side of Tucson, Tanque Verde Road to Catalina Highway. Base of Mt Lemmon 45 minutes from Green Valley Arizona. Daily usage fee.
Nogales Old Mexico. Visit the colorful international city of Nogales, Sonora. Most park on the US side and walk across the border. Rules change regarding need of US ID and/or passport - check with local government offices for current requirements. From Green Valley Arizona take I-19 south approximately 40 miles and follow signs to International Border.
Old Tucson Studio - Famous movie location and family fun western theme park. Significant fire in 1994 destroyed nearly all movie sets and memorabilia. Special events, concerts and rodeos held at Last Territory. North on I-19 to Ajo Way west to Kinney Road and north to Old Tucson Studios. 520-883-0100
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument In the Sonoran Desert featuring the rare organ pipe cactus. Exhibits, guided walks, scenic drive, picnic areas. Limited facilities. From Green Valley Arizona I-19 north, exit Ajo Way Hwy 85 to National Monument. Entrance Fee.
Patagonia Lake State ParkOne of Arizona’s newest recreational lakes with fishing and boating. Stop in the town of Patagonia and visit arts and crafts shops and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. I-19 south to Nogales and then Hwy 82 northwest towards Patagonia and follow signs. Approximately 60 miles from Green Valley Arizona. 520-394-0077
Pena Blanca Lake - 52 acre lake in remote area near Mexico border. Fishing, boat rentals, picnic and campgrounds. From Green Valley Arizona take I-19 south to Ruby Road and west to Lake. Approximately 48 miles from Green Valley Arizona.
Picacho Peak State Park Located between Tucson and Phoenix, Picacho Peak was often used as a landmark by early explorers. Hike to the top of this rock outcropping and see all the way to Tucson and Phoenix. With sufficient rainfall, poppies make a spectacular splash of color in spring at Picacho Peak State Park.
Pima Space and Air MuseumPima Air and Space Museum Displays of 180 airplanes and aircraft memorabilia. Extensive WWII collection in air-conditioned hangars. Open daily 9-5 call to confirm at 520-574-9658. Admission Fee. From Green Valley Arizona take I-19 north to Valencia Road, east to Museum.
Ramsey Canyon Preserve Ramsey Canyon, located within the Upper San Pedro River Basin and 10 minutes from Sierra Vista, is renowned for its outstanding scenic beauty and the diversity of its plant and animal life. Visitors from all over the world come to see the more than 170 species of birds found in the preserve and surrounding national forest. Daily use fee.
Reid Park Tucson Arizona Zoo Tucson’s zoo is home to over 400 exotic animals and involved in captive breeding of several threatened species including the giant anteater, white rhino, zebra and others. In Tucson, off 22nd Street at Country Club. 520-791-4022
Rocky Point Puerto Penasco, Mexico Known by the locals as Puerto Penasco and is a beautiful Mexico resort with comfortable beachfront homes, new condos and modern Mexico hotels. Approximately 4 hour drive from Phoenix & Tucson (Mexican vehicle insurance required). Fresh shrimp & seafood. Check passport & USA return requirements. Rocky Point is on the Sea of Cortez in the Baja Peninsula.
Roper State Park After a long day of driving or hiking, the natural hot springs at Roper Lake are not only inviting, they're invigorating! Roper Lake State Park provides a great place to spend a few days or just a few hours. Desert vegetation, a peaceful lake and a view of Mount Graham, just a few miles away, frames a beautiful picture for visitors to enjoy.
Sabino Canyon Tucson Arizona Sabino Canyon/Seven Falls beautiful natural park, hiking trails and recreation. Daily tram tours, plus monthly full moon special events. In Tucson take Tanque Verde Road to Sabino Canyon Road and head north. Daily usage fee or annual pass. 520-749-2861
Saguaro National Park MonumentSaguaro National Monument - see the magnificent Arizona-Sonoran Desert on Tucson’s east and west sides. East: Rincon Mountain Section with Headquarters, loop road and exhibits on Old Spanish Trail 520-733-5153 and West: Tucson Mountains Section exhibits on Kenny Road north of W Speedway Blvd 520-733-5158.
San Xavier Del Bac MissionSan Xavier del Bac Mission The "White Dove of the Desert" Considered by many to be the finest example pf mission architecture in the US. Open daily 9-6. Frem Green Valley Ariozna take I-19 north to San Xavier Rd exit and west to the Mission. 520-294-2624
Sonoita Vineyards & Santa Cruz Wineries Arizona wines are becoming a drink of preference. A number of vineries offer tours. Seasonal special events and tasting. Located near Sonoita and Patagonia.
Sedona, AZ Slide Rock State Park Slide Rock State Park, originally the Pendley Homestead, is a 43-acre historical apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon. As one of the few homesteads left intact in the canyon today, Slide Rock State Park is a fine example of early agricultural development in Central Arizona. The park is named after the famous Slide Rock, a stretch of slippery creek bottom adjacent to the homestead. Visitors may slide down a slick natural water chute or wade and sun along the creek.
Smithsonian Astrophysical & Whipple ObservatoryFred Lawrence Whipple/Mount Hopkins Observatory - This world renowned astronomical observatory is set atop the second highest peak in the Santa Rita Mountains over looking Green Valley. Guided tours from March through November with advance reservations required. From Green Valley take I-19 south to Canoa Exit, east to Frontage Road, right on Frontage Road, east on Elephant Head Road and follow directional signs. Approximately 15 miles from Green Valley. 520-670-5707
Ted DeGrazia Art Gallery DeGrazia opened his first adobe studio in 1944 on the outskirts of Tucson at Prince Road and Campbell Avenue. The city quickly engulfed him, so he and his wife Marion bought the then-remote foothills site to build the Gallery in the Sun. His artwork gained enduring international acclaim when his painting Los Nińos was chosen as a UNICEF greeting card that sold millions worldwide in 1960. As the value of his original artwork soared, his fame and finances flourished.
Titan Missile MuseumTitan II Missile Museum Visit the site of one of the Titan ballistic missiles that for more than 20 years formed a ring around the Tucson metro area. On this underground tour, you can see the massive 740 ton roll back silo door, visit launch control center and watch a demonstration and countdown procedures. Located in Green Valley. Admission fee. 520-625-7736
Tohono Chul Park Tohono Chul Park begins when its benefactors, Richard and Jean Wilson, started piecing together patches of the desert that would form its core -- ultimately owning 37 acres. Tohono Chul Park was formally dedicated as a 37-acre desert preserve on April 19, 1985. Enjoy visiting this urban oasis.
Tombstone ArizonaTombstone "The Town too Tough to Die" Historic silver boomtown. Visit Boothill Cemetary, OK Corral and western museums. From Green Valley Arizona take I-19 north to I-10. East to Benson exit Hwy 80 south to Tombstone. 520-457-2211
Tony Berger Performing Arts Center Built in 1991 and dedicated in 1992, the Berger Performing Arts Center is located on the campus of teh Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind and is a modern theatre mixing classic Southwestern architecture with state of the art amenities including pristine acoustics, excellent sight lines throughout the theatre and wheelchair accessibility. Check calendar for upcoming performances.
Tubac Artists Colony VillageTubac - Visit the European settlement, today a thriving arts and crafts village. Galleries, shops and dining. 15 miles south of Green Valley on ITucson Greyhound Park www.tucdogtrak.com
Tucson Arizona Botanical GardenTucson Botanical Gardens - a little desert oasis in the middle of Tucson, featuring exhibits of arid, semi-tropical and tropical plants. Exhibits in intimate garden setting around an adobe home. Tours, lectures, classes and gift shop. Midtown Tucson at Alvernon and Grant. 520-326-9255
Tucson Arizona Convention Center Located Downtown Tucson, The Convention Center - hosts numerous events, concerts, activites and festivals annually.
Tucson Museum Of ArtTucson Museum of Art Located downtown, The Tucson Museum of Art offers a fine collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts and numerous traveling exhibitions.
Tucson Old Town Artisans Old Town Artisans is located on the site of El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson Stroll through the shops and you will see original ceilings made of saguaro cactus ribs, packing crates, and whiskey barrel staves with remnants of imported wallpaper and gold-leaf mouldings. Find unique gifts created by local artisans.
Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale, AZ)The 38-mile Verde Canyon Railroad was built in just one year, from 1911 to 1912. It took 250 men using 200 mules, picks and shovels and lots of Dupont black powder explosives to lay these rails. Built to transport mining material to the copper smelter in Clarkdale, which was located just below the Jerome mines. Used until 1952, the smelter had its final 400-foot high stack blown in 1962, signaling the end of an era and an industry on which a community had been built and prospered. Take a ride on this historic railway line.
Willcox Playa & Sandhill Cranes Annually in late January, watch raptors soar in the sky, cranes dance in the fields, and sparrows skulk in the grass! Or perhaps view the grandeur of the Chiricahuas, Texas Canyon, or Cochise Lake. Or even learn all about the intricacies of a 100 acre greenhouse, an electric power station, or a working ranch.
Zoo Reid Park Zoo Tucson’s zoo is home to over 400 exotic animals and involved in captive breeding of several threatened species including the giant anteater, white rhino, zebra and others. In Tucson, off 22nd Street at Country Club. 520-791-4022
Shopping Malls in Green Valley Arizona
In Green Valley Arizona find several retail shopping centers including: Green Valley Mall with a number of small gift, floral, clothing shops; Italian, Mexican and Chinese restaurants, and an Ace Hardware store. At the Continental Mall find additional gift, clothing shops, a barber shop, travel agency, True Value hardware store as well as Coldwell Banker offices. Both Green Valley malls also have investment brokerage, insurance and other financial service providers. Nearby in Sahuarita at the I-19 & Duval Mine Road exit find a Super Wal-Mart, several furniture stores, car parts and a growing number of retail stores. Tucson AZ offers many Shopping Malls; some of the destination shopping centers include: 1. La Encantada
Upscale shopping area in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains offers an eclectic mix of new-to-the-area specialty retailers, gourmet restaurants, and outdoor plazas.
For more information: 520-299-3556 or 2905 E. Skyline Dr. 2. Tucson Mall
Tucson's largest indoor shopping mall offers more than 200 specialty stores and restaurants, including six major department stores.
For more information: 520-293-7330 or 4500 N. Oracle Rd. 3. Park Place
Centrally located mall features three major department stores, 120 specialty shops, a 20-screen movie theater, and children's play area.
For more information: 520-748-1222 or 5870 E. Broadway Blvd. 4. Foothills Mall
Billed as a "fun place to save money" thanks to a collection of designer outlets as well as a mix of over 80 retail stores, seven restaurants, and a cineplex with 15 screens.
For more information: 520-219-0650 or 7401 N. La Cholla Blvd. 5. El Con Mall
Anchor Tenants of JC Penney, Home Depot, Ross Stores, Target, and one of Tucson's largest cineplex with 21 screens.
For more information: 520-795-9958 or 3601 E. Broadway Blvd
Southern Arizona Performing Arts Tucson Rodeo tucsonrodeo.com
Theatre - though not quite Broadway, performances in Tucson can provide a professional theatre fix for the cosmopolitan appetite. Arizona Theatre Company 520-622-2823 Invisible Theatre 520-822-9721 Borderlands Theatre 520-822-8607 Southern Arizona Light Opera Company 520-323-7888Symphony - the Tucson Symphony Orchestra’s season regularly includes special concerts plus expanded "pops" and "classics" sessions. Performances held at Pima Community College Prescenium and Pima Community College Center for the Arts LINK.
GVR Performing Arts Series - link
Green Valley Arizona and So AZ Accommodations
