Overview
Tubac is a small town in South Central Arizona. In the mid-20th century an art school was established here, and today it is known primarily as an artists' colony, drawing visitors to its many art galleries as well as to the nearby Spanish missions.
6 sights · 5 things to do · 2 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Tubac
Tumacácori National Historical Park
This park protects the photogenic ruins of three Jesuit Spanish missions in an area of 360 acres. The first and oldest mission in the area was established in 1691. Only the Mission San José de Tumacácori is generally ope…
Mission San José de Tumacácori
This structure was completed in 1757 as a replacement for an earlier abandoned church. Following the expulsion of the Jesuits from New Spain (Mexico) in 1768, the Franciscan Order took over its operation. The mission was…
Mission Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi
Established in 1691, the existing structure was built in 1751 and abandoned in 1775 due to persistent attacks from Apaches. Now in ruins, it was added to the park in 1990, and can be visited only as part of a guided tour…
Mission San Cayetano de Calabazas
Founded in 1756, the church was completed in 1773. The mission was abandoned in the late 18th century and again in the early 19th century because of Apache attacks, and was finally completely abandoned in 1878. Also adde…
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
The park preserves the ruins of the Presidio San Ignacio de Tubac, a Spanish fortress, as well as a few other historic buildings, one of which houses a small museum. The park also hosts a number of cultural events, inclu…
La Fiesta de Tumacácori
A colorful two-day fiesta held annually on the first full weekend in December. The fiesta features food, crafts, and performances by regional Native American and Mexican dancers and musicians.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 101°F; winter lows dip to about 40°F. Very hot (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Aug. (climate data from nearby Tucson)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TUS Tucson International Airport, Tucson — 35 mi away (major hub). Directions
- AZA Mesa Gateway Airport, Mesa — 122 mi away. Directions
Tubac lies directly off of Interstate 19, about a third of the way between Nogales (Arizona), and Tucson.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $155–$155 a night (typical $206), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$200, mid-range ~$280, comfortable ~$320.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Tumacácori National Historical Park, Mission San José de Tumacácori, Mission San Cayetano de Calabazas
- Lunch Shelby’s Bistro
- Afternoon La Fiesta de Tumacácori, Christmas Eve Tumacácori Luminaria
- Dinner Elvira’s Restaurant
- Evening Tubac Deli & Coffee
Day 2
- Morning Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Tubac Center for the Arts
- Afternoon Agua Linda Farm, Anza Days
- Evening Gadsden Coffee Company
Day 3
- Morning Mission Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi
- Afternoon Anza Day Mass
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Tubac (from Spanish Tubaca, derived from the original O'odham name Cuwak – 'rotten') was established as a Spanish colonial garrison in 1752 to protect the nearby Jesuit missions of Tumacácori, Guevavi, and Calabazas from Native Americans in what was then New Spain. It is the first and oldest European settlement in what is now Arizona, and was the starting point for explorer Juan Bautista de Anza's search for an overland route to the Pacific coast, eventually leading to the founding of San Francisco.
In the 19th century Tubac became Mexican after the Mexican War of Independence, and then American following the Gadsden Purchase. During this time the town faced persistent Apache attacks and was twice abandoned, by both Mexicans and Americans; it remained a quasi-ghost town until the early 20th century.
Get in
By car
Tubac lies directly off of Interstate 19, about a third of the way between Nogales (Arizona), and Tucson.
Get around
There is no public transportation, but Tubac is very small and the core is easily traversed by foot. To go to Tumacácori National Historic Park, four miles south, a car is necessary.
See
See Tumacácori National Historical Park
This park protects the photogenic ruins of three Jesuit Spanish missions in an area of 360 acres. The first and oldest mission in the area was established in 1691. Only the Mission San José de Tumacácori is generally open to the public; the other two missions can be visited only with guided walking tours January through March, on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, from 9AM-1PM. The tours must be reserved in advance online. A gift shop at the entrance sells Tohono O'odham handicrafts as well as books on the region.
See Mission San José de Tumacácori
This structure was completed in 1757 as a replacement for an earlier abandoned church. Following the expulsion of the Jesuits from New Spain (Mexico) in 1768, the Franciscan Order took over its operation. The mission was ultimately abandoned in 1848 and lay in ruins until the establishment of Tumacácori National Monument in 1908. Although no longer functioning as a church, mass is held here twice a year: on the first Sunday of December in conjunction with the annual Tumacácori Fiesta, and once in October during Tubac's annual Anza Day celebration. On the grounds is a museum with displays illustrating daily mission life, and there is also a small gift shop by the main entrance.
See Mission Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi
Established in 1691, the existing structure was built in 1751 and abandoned in 1775 due to persistent attacks from Apaches. Now in ruins, it was added to the park in 1990, and can be visited only as part of a guided tour.
See Mission San Cayetano de Calabazas
Founded in 1756, the church was completed in 1773. The mission was abandoned in the late 18th century and again in the early 19th century because of Apache attacks, and was finally completely abandoned in 1878. Also added to the park in 1990, this can be visited only with a guided tour.
See Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
The park preserves the ruins of the Presidio San Ignacio de Tubac, a Spanish fortress, as well as a few other historic buildings, one of which houses a small museum. The park also hosts a number of cultural events, including the annual Anza Days celebration and various demonstrations, guided tours, and concerts.
Do
Do Agua Linda Farm
A privately owned farm/ranch which opens to the public for seasonal events, including the Easter Egg Hunt, Garlic and Onion Festival, and the Fall Festival.
Festivals and events
Do Christmas Eve Tumacácori Luminaria
In an annual Mexican tradition, thousands of paper lanterns are set in and around the mission church and grounds. It is a beautiful experience, and well worth the effort to see. People start queuing about an hour before dusk.
Buy
Given Tubac's current incarnation as an artists' colony, unsurprisingly most shops and galleries cater to visitors looking to buy art and handmade crafts. The diverse offerings on hand range from outright kitsch to more tasteful items, and include garden furnishings, Mexican and Guatemalan imports, Native American jewelry, and paintings and sculpture. Most shops are clustered in the area bounded by Plaza Road, Tubac Road, and Burruel Street.
Eat
Eat Elvira’s Restaurant
Specializes in Sonoran Mexican cuisine.
Eat Shelby’s Bistro
A popular spot for lunch and dinner.
Drink
Drink Tubac Deli & Coffee
Serves a full range of hot and cold brews, with the coffee freshly roasted in nearby Arivaca. Also serves quiche, pastries, and soups and sandwiches, with all breads and pastries baked onsite. Free Wi-Fi available.
Drink Gadsden Coffee Company
A local hangout, also has sandwiches and pastries. Wifi available.
Sleep
Most people visit Tubac on a day trip from Tucson or Green Valley, but there are several accommodation options for visitors who want to stay longer.
Stay Tubac Golf Resort and Spa
It was established in 1789 as a farm in a Spanish land grant. The estate evolved into the seat of the largest ranching operation in Arizona, staying in the same Spanish family until 1941. In 1959 it was acquired by a group of businessmen headed by Bing Crosby, who restored the historic ranch buildings and developed the property into a golf resort. Facilities include two onsite restaurants and one bar, tennis courts, spa and fitness center, outdoor heated pool, gift shop, and bicycle rentals. Free Wi-Fi, pets accepted.
Nearby
Madera Canyon
Rural area · 7 listings · 11 mi away
Green Valley
City / town · 12 listings · 17 mi away
Patagonia
City / town · 18 listings · 18 mi away
Nogales
City / town · 29 listings · 19 mi away
Sonoita
City / town · 8 listings · 24 mi away
Altar Valley
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Tucson
City / town · 142 listings · 41 mi away
Sierra Vista
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My experience
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