Birding and Hiking
If you love birds, you'll love the Ranch! Designated by the Tucson Audubon Society as a cardinal level bird habitat, the Ranch has a bird viewing “loft ”on our private four acre mesquite bosque that leads to the Anza Trail and is located next door to the famous Black Hawk Migration viewing area. Many other opportunities to learn and study birds abound nearby as well. The Tubac Nature Center provides an in-depth look at the Santa Cruz River and its local flora/fauna as well as gives birding walks weekly. Other recommended tour companies include Nature Insight and FUN Birding Tours , both led by knowledgeable Arizona guides. For additional information about the 100 Lucy's Warblers nesting boxes mounted on our property or birding in the Southwest, contact the Tucson Audubon Society. During your stay plan to visit the Paton Center for Hummingbirds in Patagonia, another birding mecca, about an hour away.
If you enjoy hiking, set your sights on Madera Canyon, part of the Santa Cruz Mountains, in Green Valley, Trails abound and you may even spot a rare bird migrating through what's part of Arizona's emerald Sky Islands.
Tubac Arts
The many galleries and shops of Tubac offer both traditional and contemporary fine art and gifts of the Southwest. The Tubac Festival of the Arts, sponsored by the Tubac Chamber of Commerce, occurs in both fall and spring with regional and national juried participants and brings in visitors throughout the country. The Tubac Center of the Arts is the hub of community events so plan to take in an exhibit, play or concert during your stay. And if you‘re an artist, or potential one, sign up for a workshop through Leslie Miller's Tubac School of Fine Art. A talented artist in her own right, Leslie attracts a wide variety of instructors nationwide to teach in all mediums. Tubac is a plein air artist's dream so bring along your palette box and brushes and stay awhile.
History & Culture
Tubac defines itself as a place “where art and history meets”. Founded in 1752, the Tubac Presidio was constructed to curb raids by the Apache Indians. The Tubac Presidio State Historic Park transports you to another time and tells the story of how many cultures wove in and out to create the current town. The nearby Anza Trail played an important role in the settlement of both San Francisco and Santa Barbara and you can walk “in history’s footsteps” via our private access or many of its other entrances between Tubac and Tumacacori. Take time to visit the Tumacacori National Historical Park and the Rio Rico Historical Society museum further south. And on your return to Tubac, take a break from history. Stop into the Santa Cruz Chili and Spice Company for intoxicating aromas of its many spices, eat at legendary Wisdom's Cafe (make sure to save some room for a fruit burro) or purchase (or make plans for) your next custom mesquite masterpiece at the Tumacacori Mesquite Sawmill. Each of these places have their own stories to share.
Beyond the Barrio
Activities are constant and varied in the area. The Tubac Golf Resort, the setting for the movie Tin Cup, offers premium golf and dining experiences and is home to the Santa Cruz Valley Car Nuts Annual Car Show each January. The crowd-pleasing Tubac Center of the Arts Home Tour occurs the same month. It seems that something new and interesting happens in or around Tubac all the time so keep up to date with the Tubac Chamber of Commerce calendar and book your next visit well in advance!