10 Interesting Places That Will Make You Love Oro Valley Even More

Did you know that “Oro” means “gold in Spanish? This is probably the reason why Oro Valley was bestowed with that name. It may be a reference to the gold in the surrounding mountains that drew lots of optimistic prospectors in previous years. This town may be small, but you can actually find a lot of interesting places that you should include in your Oro Valley Arizona day trip.

Make sure to drop by any of these cool places that will make you love Oro Valley Arizona even more:

1. Tohono Chul

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Forget about Desert Botanical Garden. If you’re in Oro Valley Arizona, then you should just visit Tohono Chul. It’s a beautiful garden, nature preserve and cultural center located in Casas Adobes, Tucson. “Tohono Chul” actually translates to “desert corner,” and these words are borrowed from the language of the Tohono O’odham, the indigenous people of southern Arizona.

Be in awe of the wonders of art and nature in this 49-acre site! You will also be delighted by the fantastic views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and will make you wish you were hiking. It’s also the perfect place to see all kinds of wildlife as well as native fauna. If you love birdwatching, then this will surely be a sweet spot because you can find 38 species or birds who consider this place home. You may also see a variety of mammals and reptiles, including Gila monsters and bobcats.

2. Naranja Park

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There are some days when you feel like doing a different activity instead of simply visiting a famous destination. We totally get you! Shoot an arrow into the middle of a target and pretend you are Robin Hood. The Naranja Park delights its visitors to trails, a field, a wildlife viewing experience, as well as a fun archery range. There is also a separate dog area where you can take your furry buddy to. They can roam and run around because it is okay for them to be leash-free.

If you are into the hobby of playing with radio-controlled aircraft, there’s also a designated spot just for you. Now, that’s what you call a fun park!

3. Honey Bee Canyon Park

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You already know about the beautiful outdoor state parks in Arizona. Well, why not another one on that list? The Honey Bee Canyon Park is a good place to commune with nature and get some exercise without spending too much money. It is famous because here you can discover some petroglyphs and other cultural treasures. It is conveniently located on North Rancho Vistoso Boulevard in Oro Valley Arizona.

Visitors will enjoy nearly 80 acres of open space where they can run, hike, and just enjoy the fresh air. There are even well-marked trails that will help you in your breeze walk. There are also covered seating areas if you simply want to get lost in your favorite book. What do you say to a fun-filled day at Honey Bee Canyon Park? You can even watch the sun set behind the mountains to make sure you have the perfect end to your day!

4. Oro Valley Aquatic Center

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If you’re not out dining with the sharks, you might as well visit a family place where you can cool off on a hot summer day. Many locals know that Oro Valley Arizona remains hot for most of the year, so it’s a good thing there’s Oro Valley Aquatic Center. There are many pools (for all ages and abilities), a splash pad, fun slides, and fountains. You can even jump from the diving board if you’re in it for the extra thrill.

You will also appreciate their 25-yard recreation pool and the Olympic Size Competition Pool. Some portions of the Oro Valley Aquatic Center are available to rent for private parties. What do you say to a refreshing party for a change?
The entrance fees range from $5 to $14 per person.

5. Vista Sun Wheel

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Maybe you’re not familiar with sun wheels, but let us educate you. Sun wheels are objects used in the past to track the years and seasons, among other things. You will find the Vista Sun Wheel particularly interesting because it’s not like the other sun wheels in the world.

It’s not “very ancient,” but what it lacks in age it makes up for in grandness and the beautiful scenery surrounding it. You can find it next to a church, and you can simply park in the lot if you want to go admire the famous sun wheel. There’s also no fee if to visit the site. If you’re lucky, you might also meet the man who constructed it.

6. Oro Valley Country Club

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Do you want to play golf? Then you should come and be a member of Oro Valley Country Club. You will find it in the shadow of the beautiful Pusch Ridge section of the Santa Catalina Mountains, northwest of Tucson. You are in for a wonderful time because the place boasts meticulously maintained Bentgrass greens and over-seeded Bermuda fairways. Members of this club will enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness center, fine dining options, and some of the most beautiful views in Oro Valley Arizona.

If you want more recommendations on beautiful golf clubs, check out Estancia Golf Club.

7. Topgolf

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What can we say? Visiting this high-tech golf club puts you in the same league as Jamie Foxx. Well, that’s because he was spotted here one time (or several? Who knows? Who’s counting?)

This awesome place is located in Tucson (close to Oro Valley Arizona) and has everything you need to entertain your friends, family, or visiting colleagues. If you’re here, you can play lots of fun golf games or spoil yourself in the upscale bar. Plus, the beautiful thing about this golf club is that you don’t have to be a very skilled golfer just to have fun. In fact, there’s no golf experience required here. You can just hit the ball, and wait for the screen to show the distance and accuracy of your play. And the only downside? You’d probably have a hard time choosing from their selection of games.

And yes, you can take your kids here. They will surely have fun!

8. Children’s Museum Oro Valley

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Make sure your kids can also experience a great time in your Oro Valley Arizona trip. Take them to the Children’s Museum Oro Valley! This museum provides fun and hands-on experiences for children. It is designed to stimulate their curiosity and motivate learning through play. If you have a kid aged 5 and below, this place is perfect for them.

If we’re being honest, we’re pretty sure you’ll also have a great time accompanying your kid here. Is there anything cuter than seeing your kid smile at you from the other end of a mirror tunnel house?

9. Steam Pump Ranch

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Some people think that Oro Valley Arizona is just a “young community,” but in reality, it has a deep connection with history. You can actually find the Steam Pump Ranch, or a place listed in the National Register of Historic Places here. The Steam Pump Ranch is a big property that treats its visitors to an exciting trip to the past. It is open to the public and has also been the site of many special events for many years now.

This ranch is open for the Farmers Market, special events, as well as by booking a reservation. You can even enjoy a breath of fresh air by biking around the place.

10. The Gaslight Music Hall

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There is a musical melodrama theatre in Tucson and it’s worth visiting. The Gaslight Music Hall is a good place you can come to if you are looking for a fun experience. You can just get lost in the excellent tunes of the musicians while eating delicious pizza or popcorn. Since we are living in the new normal, you can just stay in your car to observe proper social distancing. Still, that doesn’t take away the delightful experience here. The entertainment is definitely superb.

This place is basically a gem if you love a great series of outdoor concerts. Don’t you think it reminds you of cool drive-in theaters? But instead of watching a feel-good movie, you’re jamming along to the beats of the musicians.

Have you visited any of these places in Oro Valley Arizona?

Before you go, check out our article on 12 reasons why visiting Arizona in the summer is the best idea!