Tubac, AZ Road Trips

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. 1 Tubac Chamber of Commerce, 1 Burruel Rd (in the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park), ☏ +1 520-398-2704, [email protected]. Daily 9AM-5PM. (updated Mar 2017)

1 Tumacácori National Historical Park, 1891 E Frontage Rd (Tumacácori-Carmen, 4 miles S of Tubac), ☏ +1 520-398-2341. Daily 9AM-5PM, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. 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. Park admission (valid for 7 days): $5 (adults), free (children under 16); annual pass (for pass holder + 3 adults): $20; guided tour of Guevavi and Calabazas: $25. Tickets can be purchased beforehand online, and National Park Annual Passes are accepted. 2 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.

1 Agua Linda Farm, 2643 E Frontage Rd, Amado (off of I-19), ☏ +1 520-891-5532, [email protected]. 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. $5-$8. La Fiesta de Tumacácori, 1891 E Frontage Rd, Tumacácori-Carmen (at Tumacácori National Historical Park). 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. Free. (updated Mar 2017) Anza Day Mass, Tumacácori National Historical Park. Once a year in October Catholic Mass is held in the mission church, with participants dressed in period costume. This is a very popular event, registration is required. Free. Anza Days, One Burruel St, Tubac (at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park), ☏ +1 520-398-2252. annually in October. A three-day festival commemorating Juan Bautista de Anza' 1774 arrival in Tubac. Costumed actors on horseback ride from Tumacácori to Tubac, and re-enact historic scenes. Other presentations include music and dance, as well as children's activities. Free. Christmas Eve Tumacácori Luminaria, 1891 E Frontage Rd (at Tumacácori National Historical Park). Dusk. 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. Free.

1 Elvira’s Restaurant, 2221 E Frontage Rd A-101, Tubac, ☏ +1 520-398-9421. Tu-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-3PM. Specializes in Sonoran Mexican cuisine. 2 Shelby’s Bistro, 19 Tubac Rd, Tubac, ☏ +1 520-398-8075. Su-Th 11AM-3PM, F Sa 11AM-3PM 4PM-8:30PM. A popular spot for lunch and dinner. (updated Mar 2017)

1 Tubac Deli & Coffee, 6 Plaza Rd, ☏ +1 520-398-3330. Daily 6:30AM-5PM. 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. (updated Mar 2017) 2 Gadsden Coffee Company, 16850 W Arivaca Rd, Arivaca, ☏ +1 520-398-3251. A local hangout, also has sandwiches and pastries. Wifi available.

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. 1 Tubac Country Inn, 13 Burruel St, ☏ +1 520-398-3178, [email protected]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. A bed and breakfast with free Wi-Fi; pets permitted for no extra charge. Doubles $155+. (updated Mar 2017) 2 Tubac Golf Resort and Spa, One Otero Rd, Tubac, ☏ +1 520-398-2211. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. 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. Doubles $256+. (updated Mar 2017) 3 Amado Territory Inn, 3001 E Frontage Rd, Amado, ☏ +1 520-398-8684, [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Nine rooms, some with private patios and balconies. No smoking, pets accepted (with restrictions), wi-fi. Evening wine and cheese tasting and breakfast included. Birders are welcome to visit the property without spending the night.

Tubac lies directly off of Interstate 19, about a third of the way between Nogales (Arizona), and Tucson.

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.