Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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TUBAC
& ENVIRONS
45 miles S of Tucson; 21 miles N of Nogales; 84 miles W of Sierra Vista
Located in the fertile valley of the Santa Cruz River 45 miles south of Tucson, Tubac is
one of Arizona's largest arts communities and home to a developing retirement commu-
nity. Because the town's old buildings also house more than 80 shops selling fine arts,
crafts, unusual gifts, and lots of Southwest souvenirs, Tubac is one of southern Arizona's
most popular destinations.
After visiting Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Tumacácori National Historical
Park to learn about the area's history, you'll probably want to spend some time browsing
through the shops. If you happen to be visiting between June and September, keep in
mind that many of the local artists leave town during the summer and local shops tend
to close on weekdays. During the busy season from October to May, however, shops are
open daily.
ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE
The Santa Cruz Valley towns of Amado, Tubac, and Tumacácori are
all due south of Tucson on I-19.
VISITOR INFORMATION
For information on Tubac and Tumacácori, contact the
Tubac Chamber of Commerce
(
&
520/398-2704;
www.tubacaz.com) or the
Tubac-
Santa Cruz Visitor Center,
4 Plaza Rd. (
&
520/398-0007;
www.toursantacruz.com).
ART & HISTORY IN THE SANTA CRUZ VALLEY
Tubac Center of the Arts
Tubac is an arts community, and this Spanish colonial
building serves as its center for cultural activities. Throughout the season, the center
features workshops, traveling exhibitions, juried shows, an annual crafts show, and thea-
ter and music performances. The quality of the art at these shows is generally better than
what's found in most of the surrounding stores. There is also a good little gift shop
here.
9 Plaza Rd.
&
520/398-2371.
www.tubacarts.org. Admission by donation. Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm; Sun
1-4:30pm. Closed mid-May to Labor Day and major holidays.
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Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
Although little remains of the old presidio
(fort) other than buried foundation walls, this small park does a good job of presenting
the region's Spanish colonial history. Park exhibits focus on Spanish soldiers, Native
Americans, religion, and contemporary Hispanic culture in southern Arizona. Also on
the grounds is the old Tubac School, built in 1885 and the oldest schoolhouse in the
state. Living-history presentations are staged October through March on the first and
third Sundays of the month between 1 and 4pm. Among the characters you'll meet are
Spanish soldiers, settlers, and friars.
Presidio Dr.
&
520/398-2252.
www.azstateparks.com. Admission $3 adults, $1 children 7-13, free for
children 6 and under. Thurs-Mon 9am-5pm. Closed Christmas.
Tumacácori National Historical Park
Founded in 1691 by Jesuit missionary
and explorer Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, San José de Tumacácori mission was one of
the first Anglo settlements in what is today Arizona. Father Kino's mission was to convert
the Pima Indians, and for the first 60 years, the mission was successful. However, in
1751, during the Pima Revolt, the mission was destroyed. For the next 70 years, this
