5 Scenic Attractions in Oro Valley, Arizona
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
There are 5 gorgeous mountain ranges in the Tucson area, with the Catalinas being the most dramatic and awe-inspiring. It’s no surprise that the area has become popular with nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. Mike and I absolutely loved living here as we had access to so much beautiful nature just minutes from our apartment.
If you appreciate the unusual beauty of the desert, then I highly recommend planning a vacation here. The mountain views and hiking here are much better than anything you will find in Phoenix. Plus there is less traffic, better local restaurants, and overall the vibe is much friendlier and more local. Oro Valley is a perfect base for your adventures. This beautiful suburb located just 20 minutes north of the city offers plenty of amenities of its’ own. In fact, a few of my favorite outdoor spots are here.
The area is surrounded by the beautiful Santa Catalina mountain range, and thus, the background is stunning for any type of recreational activity. We lived in this gorgeous suburb for over 2 years and fully took advantage of the convenient and mesmerizing hiking trails located nearby. It was nice to not always have to trek all the way to the national park or Sabino Canyon to enjoy views of the cacti and mountains.
I have highlighted 5 beautiful recreational areas throughout this suburb. If you want to do more exploring, there are endless hikes throughout Tucson too. Here’s my guide to more enchanting cacti studded hikes in the Sonoran.
1. Catalina State Park
With the incredible Catalina mountains comprising the backdrop of almost every single hike, you cannot go wrong picking any trail at this state park. Whether you are new to hiking or an expert, you will find a great trail here to suit your current fitness ability.
I recommend the 2 mile Canyon Loop as a great starting point for new visitors. This was the first hike I checked out after moving to Oro and I returned many times because it was so easy and beautiful. Along with stunning mountain vistas, you will be able to enjoy up close views of the enchanting Saguaro cactus.
No where else in the world can you see this exotic plant besides the Sonoran Desert. Do take the opportunity while you are in the region to explore the exotic beauty of the desert in person. Pics do no justice!
2. Canada del Oro riverfront path
This awesome path was located just behind my apartment, so I biked it at least 3-4 times per week. As we all know it can get really hot here during the summer so definitely save this one for the cooler season. There are plenty of attractions like museums and a historic theater more suited for this extreme time of year.
Biking along a paved trail is a wonderful way to get out there and enjoy some exercise in a fun and scenic way. It’s easier and safer than mountain biking and my preferred means of recreation after hiking. There are a number of great bike trails throughout the Tucson area with Canada being the most scenic by far. This suburban trail is flat and fast and scenic for the entirety of its’ 10 mile course.
With beautiful mountain views, green golf courses, and interesting desert vegetation along the way, there is never a dull moment. If you really want to take your workout up a notch, you have the option to connect to the Santa Cruz River trail. Tip: Stop by the Steam Pump Farmers Market (it’s held year-round on Saturday mornings) for some fresh produce.
3. Linda Vista Trail
This wonderful short trail is the perfect option if you are limited on time. The full loop trail is just over 2 miles (with a shorter loop coming in just under a mile), however, it is incredibly scenic. Highlights along this local gem include: breathtaking mountain views, a nice diverse variety of cacti, and many opportunities to see wildlife in their natural environment. I have seen a bobcat on several occasions which was scary and exciting at the same time. On a side note, this is a great birdwatching and sunset destination! Note: No dogs are allowed on this trail. Tip: After your hike treat yourself to a refreshing scoop of gelato at Frost (it’s the best treat!).
4. Honeybee Canyon trail
This is another great short hike if you are looking for something easy. While the terrain is a bit harder than Linda Vista, it’s also more scenic. I consider this one of the best bang-for-your-buck options in the metro. If you consider yourself a regular gym goer, do take the time out to complete this moderately challenging but extremely picturesque hike.
This trail receives little traffic on weekday mornings and offers uninterrupted views of the mountains via a super scenic lookout. Along the route, you can see seasonal wildflowers and petroglyphs. On one negative note, it’s poorly marked and there is a bit of sand that’s quite hard to trek through (a great workout though and I absolutely love the overlook viewpoints!).
5. Canada del Oro Riverfront Park
This was our “regular park” for basic recreational activities. Sometimes we like to take it easy instead of embarking on a 5 mile hike. Whether you are looking to play tennis, take a jog, ride a bike, play basketball or softball, or picnic, Canada offers a picturesque setting for doing so.
Highlights include a 1 mile walking path, lighted tennis and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and an amphitheater. Basically all your typical park amenities only with the added bonus of fabulous mountain scenery. Be aware that various wildlife frequent the area including javelina, coyotes, and rattlesnakes. For more info on amenities, visit the park website.
Best dining & shopping in the area
Before or after working up a sweat in the desert, you will want to fuel up. Unlike most suburbs which are overloaded with chains, Oro actually offer a pretty decent local dining scene.
Best coffee shop: Savaya, a wonderful local roaster sources only the best organic and fair trade beans. Samples of several roasts are available daily and they also offer Turkish coffee. Bonus: A beautiful patio facing the mountains. I absolutely loved sitting out here when the palo verde trees were blooming.
Where to eat: There are a few great local restaurants and regional chains in the immediate area. Also, a few of the big national chains offer nice patios facing the mountains (i.e. Chipotle and Panera Bread). Beyond Bread and Baggins’ are both great local sandwich/soup shops. Seis tacos (an amazing local Mexican restaurant) recently opened a new location here.
If you are heading out early in the morning, consider brunch at First Watch. The food is healthy and delicious and the covered outdoor patio looks out at the mountains. I recommend the Market Skillet for a “healthier option.”
Where to stay: There are many luxury resorts in the area including Hilton El Conquistador, Loews Ventana Canyon, Omni Tucson, and La Posada. If you are seeking something a bit more budget friendly, check out 3 Palms. This affordable property features an outdoor pool, hot tub, and a complimentary breakfast.
Best shopping: I love browsing through all the Talavera ceramics at Happy Saguaro. You will finds lot of beautiful pottery pieces and southwestern knick knacks. I became a big fan of cacti after moving here. My house is now fully decorated with every type of cacti imaginable with endless colorful pots like the one below I have collected! This one has survived many a monsoon!
Recommended Tucson attractions: Saguaro National Park, The Mini Time Museum of Miniatures, The Fox Theater, Sabino Canyon, Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway, Pima Air and Space Museum. Check out my Tucson vacation guide for full details. This is such an underrated city with a lot of cool indoor attractions, museums, the best hiking in the state, and so much more.
I loved having access to so many beautiful Sonoran desert hikes in suburban Tucson, but there is a lot more to this state. Limiting yourself just to the Sonoran would be a mistake. During my 5 years living here, I hiked so many incredible trails including gorgeous red rock hikes in Sedona and high altitude ponderosa pine mountain treks in Flagstaff. Phoenix offers a lot of big city amenities worth traveling for too. Check out my Arizona Travel Guide for more info.
