Tubac
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Understand
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. 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.
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phone: +1 520-398-2704address: 1 Burruel Rd
Get in
By car
Tubac lies directly off of Interstate 19, about a third of the way between Nogales (Arizona), and Tucson.Get around
See
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Tumacácori National Historical Park
phone: +1 520-398-2341address: 1891 E Frontage RdThis 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.
Mission San José de TumacácoriThis 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.
Mission Los Santos Ángeles de GuevaviEstablished 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.
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Mission San Cayetano de CalabazasFounded 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.
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
Do
Festivals and events
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address: 1891 E Frontage Rd, Tumacácori-CarmenA 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.
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address: Tumacácori National Historical ParkOnce 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.
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phone: +1 520-398-2252address: One Burruel St, TubacA 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.
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Christmas Eve Tumacácori Luminaria
address: 1891 E Frontage RdIn 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
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phone: +1 520-398-9333address: 27 Tubac RdA family-owned and operated trading post which sells handmade items by Native American artisans, including by Zuni, Navajo, Hopi, Apache, and Tohono O'odham tribal members.
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phone: +1 520-398-2591address: 1868 E I-19 Frontage RdA small family-operated shop which manufactures its own spice and herb mixes, and sells cookbooks as well as gourmet items. The shop also has a small museum with displays relating to regional history.
Eat
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phone: +1 520-398-9421address: 2221 E Frontage Rd A-101, TubacSpecializes in Sonoran Mexican cuisine.
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phone: +1 520-398-8075address: 19 Tubac Rd, TubacA popular spot for lunch and dinner.
Drink
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phone: +1 520-398-3330address: 6 Plaza RdServes 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.
Sleep
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phone: +1 520-398-3178address: 13 Burruel StA bed and breakfast with free Wi-Fi; pets permitted for no extra charge.
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phone: +1 520-398-2211address: One Otero Rd, TubacOriginally 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.
Go next
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