home Plan Your Tucson Golf Trip in 60 Seconds Desert golf, Mexican food, and a chill pace
Tucson flies under the radar compared to Scottsdale but has legit courses, the best Mexican food in the state, and a laid-back vibe that keeps costs down. Dove Mountain and Ventana Canyon are world-class.
The best courses, bars, and rentals in Tucson — curated for groups.
4 coursesSpring, Fall TUS (20 min drive)50-200k population
Courses Where to Stay house Sleeps 10-18
$500-$1600/night
Catalina Foothills or Oro Valley — big homes with Catalina Mountain views and pool setups
private pool hot tub mountain views outdoor kitchen fire pit
resort house Sleeps 12-16
$200-$450/night
Catalina Foothills or north Tucson resort corridor near Ventana Canyon and Sabino Canyon
resort pool on-site golf spa fitness center on-site dining mountain views
Dining
El Charro Cafe $$ mexican Oldest continuously operated Mexican restaurant in the US — famous for carne seca and chimichanga origins
4.3 stars
Vivace Restaurant $$$ italian Upscale Italian with a gorgeous Foothills patio — the bolognese and wine list are top tier
4.6 stars
Mi Nidito $$ mexican Legendary South Tucson Mexican spot that even presidents have visited — the combo plate is iconic
4.4 stars
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse $$$ steakhouse Reliable upscale chain steakhouse for the group steak night — private dining available
4.5 stars
Barrio Bread & Baja Cafe $ casual Tucson breakfast institutions — fuel up before morning rounds with huevos rancheros and fresh tortillas
4.5 stars Nightlife
Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar brewpub Chill downtown beer bar with an excellent local and craft selection — low-key group hangout
Playground Bar & Lounge Late Night cocktail Creative cocktails in a sleek downtown space with a fun party vibe on weekends
Thunder Canyon Brewstillery brewpub Tucson-brewed beers and spirits with pub food — great for a low-key group night
Tap & Bottle patio Curated craft beer bottle shop with a patio — bring your own food, drink great beer
Activities Desert Diamond Casino casino 2-4 hours $0-$200/pp
Full casino floor with table games, slots, and poker room — solid arrival-night action
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum hiking 2-3 hours $25-$25/pp
Part zoo, part botanical garden, part museum — a surprisingly awesome desert experience
Saguaro National Park hiking 2-3 hours $0-$15/pp
Easy desert hikes among massive saguaro cactus forests — iconic Southwest scenery
Tucson Trap & Skeet Club shooting 1-2 hours $30-$75/pp
Outdoor clay shooting in the desert — competitive and affordable for a group
