Arizona's Sunny Secret Town Blends Starry Skies, A Charming Lake Park, And Quirky Roadside Wonders

Sedona and Tucson might be the first cities that come to mind when Arizona is mentioned, but there's a secret city that is just as travel-worthy. Sahuarita, a lesser-known city that is big on sunshine, nature, and starry nights, is located within the Santa Cruz Valley. Just a quick jaunt down I-19 South outside of Tucson, or a 20-minute drive from the Tucson International Airport, traveling to Sahuarita is convenient, regardless of transportation mode. And, with the weather generally consisting of mild winters (mountainous areas generally have heavier snowfall amounts) and hot summers, there's really never a bad time to visit. 

Visitors can learn about the Cold War and the area's old mining days at insightful local museums, while a lake-centric city park provides year-round beauty for outdoorsy types. Sahuarita also houses additional activities and attractions within its borders. Whether daytime adventures or starry sky exploration, Sahuarita provides plenty to see and do, both day and night.

Sahuarita boasts a variety of daytime exploration options, including nine different city parks, one-of-a-kind museums, and discovery centers. The city's oldest and largest facility, Anamax Park, offers shaded areas for picnics, off-leash dog parks, and a place for skateboarders and BMX bikers. Those looking to cast a line or hear live music will enjoy time at Sahuarita Lake Park, while walkers and runners can soak up the views from the 0.9-mile paved path that surrounds the lake. 

Another popular hiking destination is the 10-mile Anza Recreation Trail. This easy, out-and-back trail will take a bit more than three hours to complete. While there are five walking trails in Sahuarita, the exceptional trails of nearby Madera Canyon are a must-visit. For a challenging hike, Hunter Trail is farther outside town and offers extraordinary mountain views and tough terrain.

For a look at the last of the 54 missiles that were on standby during the Cold War years, stop by the one-of-a-kind Titan Missile Museum. This entertaining and educational museum, located 10 minutes from Sahuarita's center, provides underground silo tours year-round, with seasonal days and hours. The 45-minute tour includes descending 55 steps to reach level two of the missile silo, where you can visit the launch control center and gain a close-up look at the deactivated missile. For more underground exploration, make a stop at the Asarco Mineral Discovery, where you can take a mine tour and peruse the mine museum. 

Exploration is also plentiful at night in this secret town. Clear, starry skies are often readily available in Sahuarita, and the sparkling stars, moon, and the occasional meteor can be seen with the naked eye. Bringing a telescope along on your search is recommended for a closer look at possible planet sightings and star constellations. Anamax Park is a great place to see the stars; an unobstructed view of the night sky can easily be seen from the middle of the park's soccer field No. 4.

For visitors and locals alike, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association offers free events in and around Sahuarita. It provides telescopes for registered guests to use as an aid for spotting star clusters, galaxies, nebulae, and planets. Follow the organization's Facebook page to register for events and keep an eye on changes or cancellations due to weather. While stargazers will have plenty of viewing options throughout Sahuarita, one of the world's best stargazing destinations is just 30 minutes away in Tucson and shouldn't be overlooked.