Discover Marana, Arizona: Your Next Southwest Adventure

Are you looking for a new travel destination in the Southwest? Let travel writer Sarah Korus introduce you to Marana!

Marana is a hidden gem just north of Tucson. Whether you’re an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, or traveling with family, this destination offers something for everyone. Here’s how to make the most of your trip.

PicturedThe 80 armed saguaro in the Ironwood Forest National Monument
CreditSarah Korus
Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch
Ghost Ranch Exotics
Saguaro National Park West
Where to Stay
Ironwood Forest National Monument

Start Your Day with Adventure at Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch

Kick off your day with a bang at Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch, conveniently located right off I-10. This spot is a dream come true for animal lovers. You can enjoy unique experiences like monster truck rides, kissing goats, and feeding ostriches—and if that’s not wild enough, you can even feed stingrays! The interactive animal encounters here make it a must-visit for families.

PicturedGet up close and personal with ostrich and other animals at Rooster Cogburns!
CreditSarah Korus

Get Up Close with Wildlife at Ghost Ranch Exotics

For an even more hands-on animal experience, head over to Ghost Ranch Exotics, where you can feed and pet capybaras, porcupines, warthogs, and even a kangaroo. This is the perfect stop for those who want to engage with exotic animals up close. Kids (and adults) will love the opportunity to interact with these creatures in a personal and safe environment.

Explore the Sonoran Desert at Saguaro National Park

In the afternoon, take in the beauty of the desert at Saguaro National Park West. The Bajada Loop Drive offers a scenic tour through the Sonoran Desert, allowing you to experience the unique landscape without leaving your car. Make sure to stop at the Signal Hill Trailhead for a short hike that rewards you with incredible ancient petroglyphs—perfect for a bit of history and stunning views.

CreditSarah Korus

Where to Stay

Wrap up your day in comfort by staying at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. After a day of adventure, relax by the pool or enjoy a delicious meal on-site. If you’re up for an early start the next morning, the Wild Burro Trail is a great option for a morning hike. This out-and-back trail connects to several others, so you can choose a route that fits your energy level and preference.

Before you leave, make sure to check out the Ritz-Carlton’s ranger program. It’s a unique opportunity for your kids to learn about local wildlife like scorpions, lizards, and snakes. They’ll even get a chance to touch some of these creatures in a safe and educational setting—a memorable experience for the whole family.

CreditSarah Korus

BEST Family-Friendly Resort in Arizona!

Sarah says it’s safe to say this is the best resort her family has ever experienced!

3 pools and an epic waterslide 🏊‍♂️
26 miles of scenic trails for hiking and mountain biking 🚴‍♂️
Ranger Kids Program with hands-on reptile encounters 🦎
Stunning desert views in the heart of the Tortolita Mountains 🌄

Don’t Miss the 80-Arm Cactus at Ironwood Forest National Monument

While you’re in the area, make sure to visit Ironwood Forest National Monument to see one of the most impressive natural landmarks—a towering 80-arm saguaro cactus that’s over 100 years old. This iconic cactus is a rare sight and makes for an unforgettable photo opportunity. For directions and more details on how to find it, visit the Friends of the Ironwood Forest National Monument website or download the helpful guide here.

Sarah Korus Shiva with daughter
PicturedThe 80 armed saguaro in the Ironwood Forest National Monument
CreditSarah Korus

Add Marana to Your Travel Bucket List

With its blend of adventure, wildlife, and relaxation, Marana, Arizona is the perfect destination for your next Southwest getaway. From feeding exotic animals to exploring the Sonoran Desert, there’s something here for every type of traveler. Don’t forget to add Marana to your bucket list—you won’t regret it!

To read Sarah's full story visit her website.

For more inspiration

Traveling without kids? This 2-Day itinerary is a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and culinary exploration!

This itinerary/blog post showcases local businesses in our community. We feature partners that serve food and drink, offer recreational opportunities, places to stay, and shopping. We value accuracy, fairness and balance in our advertising and marketing. We would love to showcase your business to our visitors. These advertising and marketing opportunities (social media, articles, website, and ads) are open to all businesses within Marana and the designated two-mile “Pima County Tourism Partner Zone” around the town limits that meet this criteria. If you want to be featured on our website or in social media, please contact us at MaranaInfo@Maranaaz.gov.

Sarah Korus

Author

Sarah Korus

Travel Writer/Content Creator

I'm Sarah, and on my website you'll see my daughters Sophie & Sienna and my German husband Steffen. We love nothing more than to travel whenever we get the chance.
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