Arizona’s very first state park celebrates the history of the region in the best way possible: by preserving the antiquity of the past in the first known European settlement in the territory that would become the State of Arizona. Aside from visiting the site of the original settlement located in the tiny town of Tubac (population 1,191), a visit into the historic Tubac community only adds to the excitement of this educational and fun day trip the whole family will enjoy.

The Arizona State Historic Park of Tubac Presidio became the state's first state park and opened in 1958.
TripAdvisor/CindyLou2262
It was the first of three Spanish presidios established in Arizona.
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Among the hardscape exhibits found within the park is a rock outline and some remains (a few walls) of Tubac Presidio.
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The park also includes a museum with many artifacts from bygone eras, as well as a schoolhouse open to the public.
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Once you've explored the state park, head into historic Tubac.
Flickr/ Anza Trail NPS

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Once a part of a Spanish garrison, and then a mining community, today, Tubac is a thriving artist's community with much to see and do.
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The K Newby Gallery & Sculpture Garden (15 Tubac Rd.) is one of many art galleries, many of which spill into the outdoors with colorful and creative exhibits.
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Places to shop are in abundance as well, including the colorful clay and ceramic pottery store called La Paloma de Tubac (1 Presidio Dr.).
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And when it's time to refuel, Tubac has a variety of dining options, most of which feature some kind of outdoor seating. (Pictured below is Shelby's Bistro at 19 Tubac Rd.)
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And last, but certainly not least, any trip to Tubac to see the first Arizona state park could definitely be coupled with a side trip to Tumacacori National Historic Park (less then five miles away).
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Tubac is located approximately 45 minutes south of Tucson, near Interstate 19.
Google Maps

It’s easy to be proud of the work Arizonans do to preserve the past. You can read about twelve more amazing Arizona ruins in this previous article. Have you visited Tubac yet and explored the park and all that this thriving artist’s community has to offer?

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