Alicia & Johnny
Alicia & Johnny
Things to Do
Southern Arizona offers a wide range of attractions and things to do, especially as we go into the fall months. October is still rather warm, but there are a variety of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed throughout the day. If you prefer to beat the heat, take advantage of cooler mornings & evenings, though many of these places offer shady places to stop for a rest if you wish to plan an activity filled day. Just remember to stay hydrated!
The Sonoran Desert's Monsoon Season typically comes to a close sometime towards the end of September, so prepare for what everyone likes to call a dry heat - natives & visitors alike say it makes all the difference. We'll let you be the judge!
Below are some recommendations of ours. We hope you'll use the time you're here not just to celebrate with us, but to enjoy what the region has to offer!
Madera Canyon Picnic Area
Located about 30 miles south of Tucson and 30 miles north of Nogales, AZ on the US / Mexico border, Madera Canyon is accessed from Interstate I-19.
From the Friends of Madera Canyon website:
"With lofty mountain peaks, forested slopes, seasonal streams, and an amazing variety of plants and wildlife, Madera Canyon has become a popular recreational destination. Madera hiking trails are applauded throughout the Southwest, and vary from paved, handicap-accessible trails and gentle walking paths in the lower canyon, to steep, expert trails leading to the top of 9,453-foot Mt. Wrightson."
Sonoita Vineyards
The oldest commercial vineyard and winery in Arizona, Sonoita Vineyards was started in 1974, opened in 1983 and now includes over 30 acres of vines. Aided by the unique growing conditions of the Sonoita Appellation (AVA – American Viticultural Area), the winery consistently creates award winning wines, including a Cabernet Sauvignon chosen by national wine critics to serve at a Presidential Inauguration Gala. Perched at an elevation of 5,000 feet among rolling grasslands, the vineyard is surrounded on three sides by soaring mountain ranges.
San Xavier del Bac Mission
"A National Historic Landmark, San Xavier Mission was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692. Construction of the current church began in 1783 and was completed in 1797.
The oldest intact European structure in Arizona, the church's interior is filled with marvelous original statuary and mural paintings. It is a place where visitors can truly step back in time and enter an authentic 18th Century space.
The church retains its original purpose of ministering to the religious needs of its parishioners.
Location
The Mission is 9 miles south of downtown Tucson, Arizona just off of Interstate 19. Take exit 92 (San Xavier Road) and follow signs to the Mission.
There is no admission charge to visit Mission San Xavier. Some 200,000 visitors come each year from all over the world to view what is widely considered to be the finest example of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States."
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Overview and History
The mission of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is to inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world by fostering love, appreciation, and understanding of the Sonoran Desert.
The Desert Museum is ranked on TripAdvisor.com as one of the Top 10 Museums in the country and the #1 Tucson attraction. Unlike most museums, about 85% of the experience is outdoors!
The 98 acre Desert Museum is a fusion experience: zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum, and aquarium.
- 21 interpreted acres with two miles of walking paths through various desert habitats
- 242 animal species
- Plants from 1,200 taxa — 56,000 individual specimens
- One of the world's most comprehensive regional mineral collections