Three Day Getaway to Old Pueblo, a.k.a. Tucson, the soul of the Sonoran Desert

Located just an hour north of the Mexico border in the southern half of Arizona, Tucson is surrounded by big sky views, rugged desert peaks and stunning landscapes dotted with cacti. The light and colors that saturate the sky simply take your breath away and have you constantly clicking photos. Whether you are headed to Tucson for a getaway weekend, or visiting for a conference or work, here’s some great activities and not-to-be-missed things to see during your stay.

Where to Stay:

It depends on whether you like golf or not. There are several great resorts that offer golf from the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain to the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort or Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge. We aren’t golfers so based on a recommendation from a good friend who grew up in Tucson, we stayed at Hacienda Del Sol. As she described it, “It’s a magical place.” And that it was!

Originally built as a ranch in the Santa Catalina foothills by the Murphey’s in 1929, the Spanish Colonial architectural style was influenced by 18th and 19th century Moorish architecture and the original owners, Helen and John Murphey added their personal touches to the construction of the ranch. Today as you sip hot chocolate in the library filled with books from the 30’s, you can gaze at Helen’s artistic hand in the intricate carved patterns in the library’s beamed ceilings. From 1929 to 1941, the Murphey’s desert hacienda was a home away from home for girls only. The opening of Hacienda del Sol Ranch School for girls offered a college preparatory curriculum and a taste of western outdoor activities for prominent families including Pillsbury, Vanderbilt, Kellogg, Westinghouse, and Spalding, just to name a few. In the late 1930’s renowned Swiss architect Josias Joesler was commissioned to rebuild areas of the Hacienda that were damaged by a fire.

In 1948, the ranch turned into a guest ranch. As a guest ranch it became a popular hideaway for legendary personalities such as Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn, John Wayne, Clark Gable and Howard Hughes.

The Hacienda, however, changed hands several times and fell into disrepair. In 1995, a group of Tucson residents had a vision of returning the ranch to its former glory. Respecting and taking care to improve the original buildings, keeping the natural surroundings intact and adding to the 34-acre property, Hacienda Del Sol is an architectural showpiece that touts thick adobe walls, beehive fireplaces, custom tile work, expansive gardens and outdoor areas.

The Grill, the resorts premier restaurant, serves stunning views along with gourmet cuisine and an impressive wine list. The bar and casual restaurant offer indoor/outdoor dining and when we stayed, there was nightly piano music which only added to the charm.

Truly, between the restaurants, gardens, spa, pools, and well-appointed rooms, you could just spend a long weekend never leaving the Hacienda. However, there are many things to do in Tucson, I highly suggest taking a few side excursions.

Visit Mission San Xavier del Bac

Known as the “White Dove of the Desert,” the Mission San Xavier del Bac is an architectural masterpiece and a must-see historical gem in Tucson. Founded in 1692, this stunning Catholic mission features a mix of Moorish, Byzantine and Spanish Renaissance architectural styles. Its brilliant white façade stands in striking contrast against the desert landscape, while the interior shines with intricate frescoes, carvings and historical works of art. There is a distinct connection between Indigenous and New Spanish influences throughout the Mission. Father Kino, a Jesuit missionary, was instrumental in the building of this mission and development of the area. A well-respected figure in Arizona and Mexico’s history, ironically he was originally from the Tyrolian region where my husband grew up.

Take a Hike in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Whether you are wanting just a walk along well-groomed trails where you can snap Instagram worthy landscapes and maybe see mule deer or other wildlife, or if you want to do more of a trek and picnic, Sabino Canyon offers a great place to start your day. Located in the Catalina Mountains, and part of the Coronado National Forest, this canyon offers outdoor recreation including hiking, swimming, biking and picnicking. For an overview of the area, you also can take the tram instead of hiking.

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, wandering the grounds and strolling through the gallery opens you to the world of Ted DeGrazia. Designed and built by acclaimed Arizona artist Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia, the Gallery in the Sun has six permanent collections of paintings that trace historical events and native cultures of the Southwest. Rotating exhibitions display some of the 15,000 DeGrazia originals housed at the Gallery. A consignment room displays DeGrazia originals available for purchase, while the gift shop offers a wide selection of reproductions. The grounds include the Mission in the Sun, with rock floors, interior murals, and open-air roof.

In the early 1940’s, DeGrazia apprenticed under Diego Rivera in Mexico. Over his lifetime he lived his life through his art, his passion for the west and his conviction to his work. Just like touring Georgia O’Keefe’s residence in Santa Fe, NM, visiting the Gallery in the Sun, you realize you are witnessing iconic American artistic history.

Lunch and Shopping

We aren’t much for shopping however, near the Hacienda is the delightful St. Philips Plaza. We stopped there and wandered through the farmer’s market, window shopped and enjoyed lunch at Reforma. This modern Mexican restaurant offers a diverse menu and serves up generous portions. The bowls we each had were enough to serve two people. If you are up for tequila or mezcal tasting, they have an extensive selection to choose from.

Local Art and a Locally Owned Restaurant

We had a late return flight to San Diego, so on our final day we decided to stop at the Madaras Gallery. Owned by Diana Madaras, an artist renowned for her brilliant use of color, the 2,800 sq. ft. gallery features the largest selection of Tucson art which includes her work as well as work by guest artists. The gallery offers original paintings, prints, sculptures, ceramics and even carved mesquite. It is a joy to wander, take in the art and find the perfect piece to take home.

We enjoyed lunch at a nearby locally owned restaurant, Indian Twist, with a savory menu of vegetarian, tandoori and seafood selections. A perfect spot for lunch that would keep us full for a late afternoon flight.

Tucson, nestled in the soul of the Sonoran Desert, is steeped in history, surrounded by natural beauty and offers everything from outdoor activities to golf, art, cuisine, and culture.

Next time you are considering a 2-3 day getaway, think Tucson!

@VisitTucson