We’re blessed in Arizona to be able to visit, admire, reflect, and worship in so many historic and beautiful churches and missions. And if there is one that is not to be missed, it’s the San Xavier del Bac Mission, located on the Tohono O’odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation, just south of downtown Tucson. It may not be “little-known” to those living in or near Tucson (or the many annual visitors to Tucson), but to everyone else, it’s not as popular as other must-see places in Arizona (like the Grand Canyon). Take a look at how beautiful it is, inside and out, and why we love it so much!

Constructed between 1783 and 1797, San Xavier del Bac Mission is considered the oldest European structure in Arizona — and one that bears much to see and admire.
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As one of the most historic churches in Arizona it is massive. And the white stucco exterior, coupled with the heavy, carved wooden doors speak to you before you ever enter the sanctuary.
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Built with a floor plan of the classic Latin cross, it has a main aisle separated from the sanctuary by the center, which has chapels at either end.
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This beautiful mission is open daily when the church is not in use for a service or special occasion.
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Adorned with lovely carvings and more, it is considered to be one of the finest examples of Spanish mission architecture in the U.S.
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The walls and ceilings are covered with an endless array of colorful paintings, carvings, frescoes, and statues. Don't be surprised if you're overwhelmed with the beauty found in the Mission, and tearfully so.

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On either side of the center aisle of the Mission, there are individual chapels, each also adorned with breathtaking artwork.
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If you wish to light a candle during your visit, you may, for a nominal donation.
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Once you've visited the inside of the Mission and stopped at the museum and the gift shop...
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...take an easy hike up Grotto Hill to discover more goodness awaiting along the way and at the top.
Just looking at it brings a sense of awe!
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Also be sure to take time to walk the grounds in this beautiful desert landscape.
Now this might be a bit of a shift, but if you’re hungry after visiting the Mission we’ve got a great suggestion!
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Located approximately 12 miles northeast, you’ll find one of two locations of one of the best restaurants in Arizona - Café Tumerico.
The food here is nothing short of amazing!
Lysa Allman-Baldwin/OnlyInYourState
Serving up unique twists on traditional Mexican food, the restaurant motto is “The food feels like home, it's like family.”

The mission is located at 1950 San Xavier Rd., Tucson, AZ 85746. It’s open to the public and they have regular in-person and online Masses where everyone is welcome. You can learn more about this beautiful landmark on the San Xavier del Bac Mission website.

Have you ever been to the San Xavier del Bac Mission? If so, what was your favorite part? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

To learn about one of Arizona’s oldest neighborhoods, be sure to read this article about Barrio Historico in Tucson.

If you’d like to explore hikes around the Tucson area, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

Still in the mood for more Arizona adventures? Take a look at this video about the beautiful town of Sedona:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

More Adventures in Arizona

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | October 02, 2023

Where can we find small towns in Arizona?

  • Crown King is known for its hiking trails, old general store, and saloon dating back to 1910.
  • Ajo is a former mining town and now a burgeoning artist enclave and is ranked as one of the best small towns in the country.
  • Chloride is a great hidden gem full of great restaurants, murals, and other public art.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other charming small towns in Arizona. 

Where can we go hiking in Arizona?

  • The Dorsey and Kelsey Springs Trails in the Coconino National Forest combine to make a 7.3-mile loop that traverses through beautiful Sycamore Canyon.
  • The Bell Trail at Wet Beaver Creek in Wet Beaver Creek is one of the most beautiful and popular trails in the state.
  • Horton Creek Trail #285 is a 7-mile round-trip trail meandering along the Horton Creek and features verdant trees and stunning waterfalls.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fantastic places to go hiking in Arizona.

Where can we find the best breakfast restaurants in Arizona?

  • Darbi's Café in Pinetop serves up sizeable and affordable breakfast items.
  • The Bisbee Breakfast Club in Bisbee serves all-day huevos rancheros, omelets, biscuits, and other traditional breakfast fare.
  • The Bread & Butter Café in Tucson serves huge portions and is known for its outstanding cinnamon rolls.

Read on to learn more about the many delicious breakfast restaurants in Arizona.

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Featured Addresses
San Xavier del Bac Mission, 1950 W San Xavier Rd, Tucson, AZ 85746, USA