There’s always something fun to do right in Green Valley, but when you feel like taking a drive, there are plenty of exciting destinations, easily explored on a day out.

Here are the top ten day trips from Green Valley, Arizona.

1

Conveniently close to Green Valley, Madera Canyon is in the Coronado National Forest with miles of hiking trails and picnic areas near seasonally rushing streams. Madera Canyon provides your best chance of seeing a coatimundi, a raccoon-like animal that roams this area.

2

Both the quirky town of Patagonia and nearby Patagonia Lake are fun to visit. You’ll find neat bars and restaurants in Patagonia and a couple of museums about the town’s history. You can camp, hike, swim, and boat at Patagonia Lake.

3

Sabino Canyon is a treasured outing for everyone in Pima County. The park operates an open shuttle to the top of the road with free headphones for narration about the geology and history of the canyon. You can walk or ride down. Sabino and adjacent Bear Canyon are very popular with hikers, walkers, campers, and at certain times of the year, anyone who wants to take a dip in the many natural pools created by Sabino Creek.

4

The day-long drive to Mt. Lemmon is genuinely as much about the journey as the destination. The winding road passes through several ecological zones past strange hoodoos – weird rock towers shaped by wind and rain. For decades, folks have been enjoying the cooler temperatures in Summerhaven at the top of the mountains. Would you believe you can even go skiing there?

5

In the southeast of Arizona, you can watch a reenactment of a gunfight in Tombstone and visit the quaint shops and famous old Copper Queen Hotel in Bisbee.

6

La Encantada is an upscale shopping center located in front of the stunning Catalina Mountains. Explore Anthropology, Crate and Barrell, West Elm, Soft Surroundings, Sundance, Loft, Lululemon, Madewell, and many other exclusive stores and restaurants.

7

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is a multi-week, multi-location phenomenon that brings gemstones, rocks, jewelry, and the people who buy and sell them from all over the world.

8

We’re fans of the Division 1 University of Arizona Wildcats. Stop by the world-class campus to enjoy sporting events and cultural outings. Experience the lively atmosphere of the shops, bars, and restaurants on nearby Fourth Avenue.

9

It’s hard to miss the giant letter “A” on Sentinal Peak from Tucson. “A” Mountain is a park open from sunrise to sunset. It’s very popular to watch the sunset from a comfortable rock. Park at the top to hike and see a 360 view of Tucson. Near the base of “A” Mountain, at the west end of the trolley line is Mercado San Agustin, a small market with shops, restaurants, and casual open seating.

10

First mentioned by the Spaniards in 1726, Tubac today is a fascinating mix of history, art, shopping, and fine dining. Nearby Tumacácori is a National Historical Park with a complex and interesting history. Almost across from the Park is Santa Cruz Chili and Spice Company. It’s worth walking in just for its enticing aromas. You can find a unique Arizona-themed gift here or a way to liven up your own cooking.

If you want to shop, relax, hike, or learn some local history, there’s a perfect day trip from Green Valley just waiting to be experienced.