Christie & Clint's Tucson/ Oro Valley Guidebook Happy Cactus

Christie & Clint
Christie & Clint
Christie & Clint's Tucson/ Oro Valley Guidebook Happy Cactus

Sightseeing & Hiking

Must See! Hiking at its finest! Take a narrated tram tour into Sabino Canyon and learn about desert plants and animals. Hike Bear Canyon to 7 Falls! Check out the visitor center while you are there.
Sabino Canyon
Must See! Hiking at its finest! Take a narrated tram tour into Sabino Canyon and learn about desert plants and animals. Hike Bear Canyon to 7 Falls! Check out the visitor center while you are there.
Oro Valley. Beautiful hiking trails of all distances! Serious hikers may attempt Romero Pools.
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Catalina State Park
11570 North Oracle Road
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Oro Valley. Beautiful hiking trails of all distances! Serious hikers may attempt Romero Pools.
What’s better than a National Park? One that basically boasts two parks. Saguaro East & West flank the city of Tucson. Visit the West side if time is limited. Drive through “Gates Pass” en route for amazing Saguaro and Mountain views with pullouts and overlooks.
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Nationaal park Saguaro
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What’s better than a National Park? One that basically boasts two parks. Saguaro East & West flank the city of Tucson. Visit the West side if time is limited. Drive through “Gates Pass” en route for amazing Saguaro and Mountain views with pullouts and overlooks.
Must See! Mainly outdoor museum featuring native plants, animals and geology of the Sonoran Desert Region. Great place for the entire family!
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Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N Kinney Rd
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Must See! Mainly outdoor museum featuring native plants, animals and geology of the Sonoran Desert Region. Great place for the entire family!
Take this scenic and iconic road through a Saguaro lined Mountain Side en route to Saguaro National Park West or the Desert Museum. Many scenic pull outs and overlooks.
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Gates Pass Trail
6400 W Gates Pass Rd
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Take this scenic and iconic road through a Saguaro lined Mountain Side en route to Saguaro National Park West or the Desert Museum. Many scenic pull outs and overlooks.
An Oro Valley Gem! Gorgeous Desert Gardens with Art Gallery and Bistro. NEW: Children’s Museum of Oro Valley has partnered with the gardens. Take your kids and enjoy both!
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Tohono Chul
7366 N Paseo Del Norte
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An Oro Valley Gem! Gorgeous Desert Gardens with Art Gallery and Bistro. NEW: Children’s Museum of Oro Valley has partnered with the gardens. Take your kids and enjoy both!
Amazing Moderate Oro Valley suburban hiking!
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Linda Vista Trail
730 E Linda Vista Rd
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Amazing Moderate Oro Valley suburban hiking!
Located only 2 miles from Happy Cactus, this nature preserve is a wonderful place to bike, walk or run along 6 miles of paved trails.
Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Trailhead
Located only 2 miles from Happy Cactus, this nature preserve is a wonderful place to bike, walk or run along 6 miles of paved trails.
Easy suburban Oro Valley hiking park
Honey Bee Canyon
Easy suburban Oro Valley hiking park
Oro Valley Cycling (run,walk): The “Loop” is heralded as one of the best cycling/biking trail systems in the World! 130 miles of car-free paved bike paths. Access point at the Oro Valley Marketplace.
Big Wash
Oro Valley Cycling (run,walk): The “Loop” is heralded as one of the best cycling/biking trail systems in the World! 130 miles of car-free paved bike paths. Access point at the Oro Valley Marketplace.
Hike the Tortolita Mountains in Marana just down the road from Oro Valley. Great trail system starting from the Wild Burro trailhead at the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain. Grab a drink at the hotel poolside bar or the Dove Mountain Brewing Co after a stunning hike!
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Dove Mountain Resort
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Hike the Tortolita Mountains in Marana just down the road from Oro Valley. Great trail system starting from the Wild Burro trailhead at the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain. Grab a drink at the hotel poolside bar or the Dove Mountain Brewing Co after a stunning hike!
Beautiful historic indoor/ outdoor art gallery. Very close to Sabino Canyon!
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DeGrazia Gallery in het Sun Museum
6300 N Swan Rd
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Beautiful historic indoor/ outdoor art gallery. Very close to Sabino Canyon!
Every Boys Dream! One of the world’s largest aerospace museums. Tram tour available.
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Pima Air and Space Museum
6000 E Valencia Rd
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Every Boys Dream! One of the world’s largest aerospace museums. Tram tour available.
Take a 45 minute drive up to the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains 9200 feet. The terrain changes you will experience are equivalent to driving from Mexico to Canada. Download the Mt Lemmon App for a free audio tour while you drive.
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Mount Lemmon
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Take a 45 minute drive up to the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains 9200 feet. The terrain changes you will experience are equivalent to driving from Mexico to Canada. Download the Mt Lemmon App for a free audio tour while you drive.
Living Cave with a WOW Factor! Two tours: Rotunda/Throne Tour & Big Cave Tour.
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Kartchner Caverns State Park
2980 AZ-90
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Living Cave with a WOW Factor! Two tours: Rotunda/Throne Tour & Big Cave Tour.
Dry Cave with nice tour. Combine with horseback riding nearby.
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Colossal Cave Mountain Park
16721 E Old Spanish Trail
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Dry Cave with nice tour. Combine with horseback riding nearby.
Active mission on the Tohono O’odham reservation. Combine with a day trip to Tubac, Titan missile museum or Casino del Sol.
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Mission San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier Rd
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Active mission on the Tohono O’odham reservation. Combine with a day trip to Tubac, Titan missile museum or Casino del Sol.
Fun Day of Adventure
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Arizona Zipline Adventures
35406 S Mt Lemmon Rd
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Fun Day of Adventure
A trip to the Southwest isn’t complete without going horseback riding! See alternative ranches offering horseback riding listed in our printed guide.
White Stallion Ranch Road
White Stallion Ranch Road
A trip to the Southwest isn’t complete without going horseback riding! See alternative ranches offering horseback riding listed in our printed guide.
Take a trip to Downtown Tucson. Pick up a map at the visitor center & take a walking tour around the city along the turquoise trail painted line. Visit historic sites like the Presidio, the “hands on Childrens Museum”, a new Gem & Mineral museum, the mural/arts scene, shops and restaurants. LaCocina courtyard restaurant is is a great lunch stop often with live music outside.
Southern Arizona Heritage & Visitor Center (fka Tucson Visitor Center)
115 N Church Ave
Take a trip to Downtown Tucson. Pick up a map at the visitor center & take a walking tour around the city along the turquoise trail painted line. Visit historic sites like the Presidio, the “hands on Childrens Museum”, a new Gem & Mineral museum, the mural/arts scene, shops and restaurants. LaCocina courtyard restaurant is is a great lunch stop often with live music outside.
Science facility operated by the University of Arizona dedicated to exploring future life on our planet. Daily Tours.
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Biosfeer 2
32540 S Biosphere Rd
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Science facility operated by the University of Arizona dedicated to exploring future life on our planet. Daily Tours.
Once one of America’s most top secret places, this national historic landmark and museum gives visitors a rare look at the technology used by the United States to deter nuclear war. Wide range of tours to suit all levels of interest including a Junior Missileers program. Combine with a trip to Mission San Xavier, Copper Mine or Desert Diamond Casino.
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Titan Missile Museum
1580 W Duval Mine Rd
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Once one of America’s most top secret places, this national historic landmark and museum gives visitors a rare look at the technology used by the United States to deter nuclear war. Wide range of tours to suit all levels of interest including a Junior Missileers program. Combine with a trip to Mission San Xavier, Copper Mine or Desert Diamond Casino.
Tour the Asarco Copper Mine. Can combine with trip to Titan missile museum or Mission San Xavier.
Asarco Mineral Discovery Center
1421 W Pima Mine Rd
Tour the Asarco Copper Mine. Can combine with trip to Titan missile museum or Mission San Xavier.
Tucson Balloon Rides
3079 West Avenida Cresta
Bucket List

Entertainment & Social Activities

This movie studio and theme park is back in business for 2023 after a 2 year shutdown during Covid. 🤠!! Check their website for hours of operation Thurs-Sun.
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Old Tucson
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This movie studio and theme park is back in business for 2023 after a 2 year shutdown during Covid. 🤠!! Check their website for hours of operation Thurs-Sun.
Located just a few minutes away from Happy Cactus, this western themed theater is a branch of the original famous gaslight theater in downtown Tucson. Enjoy a night out with dinner and live music! Check the website for showtimes.
Gaslight Music Hall of Oro Valley
13005 N Oracle Rd
Located just a few minutes away from Happy Cactus, this western themed theater is a branch of the original famous gaslight theater in downtown Tucson. Enjoy a night out with dinner and live music! Check the website for showtimes.
Winery & Tasting Room. Picturesque grounds with knowledgeable staff. Enjoy a tasting flight paired with a boxed charcuterie. Open 7 days/ week by appointments. 12:00, 2:00, 4:00pm. Call 520-551-1011 or email info@oldpueblocellars.com. Only 15 minutes away.
Old Pueblo Cellars
10088 North Saint Patrick Road
Winery & Tasting Room. Picturesque grounds with knowledgeable staff. Enjoy a tasting flight paired with a boxed charcuterie. Open 7 days/ week by appointments. 12:00, 2:00, 4:00pm. Call 520-551-1011 or email info@oldpueblocellars.com. Only 15 minutes away.
Driving Range/ Bar/ Restaurant. Fun outing for a group of up to 6 -8 people. Half off Tuesdays!
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Topgolf
4050 W Costco Dr
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Driving Range/ Bar/ Restaurant. Fun outing for a group of up to 6 -8 people. Half off Tuesdays!
Olympic size pool, water slide, park… open to residents and the public.
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Oro Valley Aquatic Center
23 W Calle Concordia
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Olympic size pool, water slide, park… open to residents and the public.
Visit the Oro Valley Farmers Market. Open year round on Saturday mornings. Check their website for seasonal events including concerts and Holiday activities.
Steam Pump Ranch
10901 N Oracle Rd
Visit the Oro Valley Farmers Market. Open year round on Saturday mornings. Check their website for seasonal events including concerts and Holiday activities.
Self contained Old West town with restaurants, train, old fashion kids rides and Stunt Show in the evenings. Kids love it! Can combine trip for dinner after hiking at Sabino Canyon.
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Trail Dust Town
6541 E Tanque Verde Rd
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Self contained Old West town with restaurants, train, old fashion kids rides and Stunt Show in the evenings. Kids love it! Can combine trip for dinner after hiking at Sabino Canyon.
There are many Golf courses in Oro Valley and the surrounding area. Please refer to printed guide for list of comprehensive options. The views has a nice outdoor patio/ restaurant and often live music on weekends.
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The Views Golf Club
1555 E Rancho Vistoso Blvd
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There are many Golf courses in Oro Valley and the surrounding area. Please refer to printed guide for list of comprehensive options. The views has a nice outdoor patio/ restaurant and often live music on weekends.
2 locations. Downtown Tucson (flagship) and Oro Valley (located inside Tohono Chul Gardens) Combine the downtown location with a tour of the city walking the turquoise trail (see Downtown Tucson Sightseeing info)
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Children's Museum Tucson
200 S 6th Ave
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2 locations. Downtown Tucson (flagship) and Oro Valley (located inside Tohono Chul Gardens) Combine the downtown location with a tour of the city walking the turquoise trail (see Downtown Tucson Sightseeing info)
Theater with a western vibe featuring casual food & concessions along with comedies 6 nights a week. Call ahead as this place is extremely popular.
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Gaslight Theatre
7010 E Broadway Blvd
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Theater with a western vibe featuring casual food & concessions along with comedies 6 nights a week. Call ahead as this place is extremely popular.
Reid Park Zoo is Awesome! Get really close to the Animals.
East Zoo Court
East Zoo Court
Reid Park Zoo is Awesome! Get really close to the Animals.
Probably the nicest of the 4 Tucson Area Casinos.
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Casino Del Sol
5655 W Valencia Rd
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Probably the nicest of the 4 Tucson Area Casinos.
Off the Beaten Path. Children’s fantasy Park and listed on the national register of historic places and was constructed in the early 20th century. Regularly open the first Saturday of each month for family friendly events and the third Sunday of each month for docent- led tours. Check website.
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Valley of the Moon
2544 E Allen Rd
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Off the Beaten Path. Children’s fantasy Park and listed on the national register of historic places and was constructed in the early 20th century. Regularly open the first Saturday of each month for family friendly events and the third Sunday of each month for docent- led tours. Check website.

Food scene

Multiple locations with the original restaurant in downtown Tucson. The Oro Valley location has a hip “ Day of the Dead” inspired atmosphere and awesome Happy Hour Food & Drink Specials 3-6 daily.
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El Charro Café
311 N Court Ave
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Multiple locations with the original restaurant in downtown Tucson. The Oro Valley location has a hip “ Day of the Dead” inspired atmosphere and awesome Happy Hour Food & Drink Specials 3-6 daily.
Downtown Tucson Favorite! Rustic Cantina with outdoor seating and located within the walls of Old Town Artisans (quaint cultural shopping). Often live music in the courtyard.
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LaCo Tucson | Outdoor Downtown Tucson Restaurant
76 N Court Ave
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Downtown Tucson Favorite! Rustic Cantina with outdoor seating and located within the walls of Old Town Artisans (quaint cultural shopping). Often live music in the courtyard.
Oro Valley Favorite. Best  Molcajete around!!
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La Hacienda Family Mexican Restaurant
11931 N 1st Ave
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Oro Valley Favorite. Best  Molcajete around!!
Oro Valley Golf club restaurant with outdoor seating, great views and occasionally live music on weekends. Open to the public for dining.
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The Views Golf Club
1555 E Rancho Vistoso Blvd
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Oro Valley Golf club restaurant with outdoor seating, great views and occasionally live music on weekends. Open to the public for dining.
Oro Valley: Craft Beer 🍻 Daily Happy Hour 4-6 pm. Live Music 🎶 Sun/Wed 5-8 pm. Patio Dining.
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Noble Hops
1335 W Lambert Ln
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Oro Valley: Craft Beer 🍻 Daily Happy Hour 4-6 pm. Live Music 🎶 Sun/Wed 5-8 pm. Patio Dining.

Unique Shopping

Oro Valley’s One Stop Shop: Many Restaurants (Salted Pig, Olive Garden, Keg, In N OUT Burger, Thai, Charred Pie etc…) Big Box Stores (Walmart, Ulta, Best Buy etc…), Movie Theatre and Big Wash Trail Access for Cycling, Running etc…
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Oro Valley Marketplace
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Oro Valley’s One Stop Shop: Many Restaurants (Salted Pig, Olive Garden, Keg, In N OUT Burger, Thai, Charred Pie etc…) Big Box Stores (Walmart, Ulta, Best Buy etc…), Movie Theatre and Big Wash Trail Access for Cycling, Running etc…
Oro Valley: Cultural home goods & accessories with a Southwest Flare.
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The Happy Saguaro
7974 North Oracle Road
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Oro Valley: Cultural home goods & accessories with a Southwest Flare.
Oro Valley National Park Store with emphasis on the Sonoran Desert. Great for desert souvenirs.
Western National Parks Association (WNPA) - The National Parks Store
12880 North Vistoso Village Drive
Oro Valley National Park Store with emphasis on the Sonoran Desert. Great for desert souvenirs.

Day Trips

Take a day trip to a real Old West Town
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Tombstone Historic District
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Take a day trip to a real Old West Town
Quaint Village with artisan shops and restaurants. Break up your drive with stops at Mission San Xavier, Casino del Sol or Desert Diamond Casino (Sahuarita) or the Titan Missile Museum.
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Tubac
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Quaint Village with artisan shops and restaurants. Break up your drive with stops at Mission San Xavier, Casino del Sol or Desert Diamond Casino (Sahuarita) or the Titan Missile Museum.

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Photographers

IG Brian Halbach #brianhalbachphotography & Audria Abney #audriaabney