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Planning Your Trip
Arizona’s desert climate makes it a year-round getaway. Summers are extremely hot, but fall and winter evenings amid the mountains can be crisp or even freezing. There is a lot to experience at the resort, from its three swimming pools to its three golf courses, so you will want to arrive prepared for your romantic weekend or family vacation.
If visiting in the warm summer months, be sure to pack a few swimwear options. You’ll likely want to spend lots of time by the resort pool.
Weekend Getaway
There’s so much to do in this sun-soaked desert destination, a weekend might not seem like enough time, but you can cover a lot of ground with the right guidance on what to pack.
- While the Tucson area is known for its nearly perpetual sunshine, temperatures can dip into the chilly zone during winter. Be sure to bring along warmer layers for evenings spent outdoors.
- Hikers of all levels will want to pack a pair of trail-ready shoes — The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is nestled in the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains, making it the perfect starting point for a rigorous hike or an easy morning stroll.
- In the warmer months, you’ll want to spend time poolside, so be sure to pack a bathing suit or two, along with some stylish cover-ups to take you from the pool to the patio for happy hour.
Outdoor Adventure
Home to forests of saguaros, hidden waterfalls and stunning mountain peaks, the Sonoran Desert is a truly unique outdoor paradise. Whether you’re hiking through a national park, cycling through town. Here’s what to pack to make the most of your stay.
- For trekking through the desert’s rugged terrain, leave the sandals and casual sneakers at home and opt for a sturdy pair of hiking boots instead.
- Weather in the desert can mean crisp mornings and warm afternoons; pack convertible hiking pants that you can change from pants to shorts.
- For birding or wildlife spotting, bring along binoculars. The region is home to unique flora and fauna that are worth a closer look.
Golf Getaway
The combination of world-class golf resorts, 300-plus days of annual sunshine and stunning desert landscapes make Tucson a dream destination for expert and novice golfers alike.
- Bring your own set of clubs (and gloves) if you plan to book multiple tee times.
- Standard golf attire for men consists of collared shirts, slacks and golf shorts while women may do the same, or wear dresses and skirts that fall below mid-thigh.
- A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with SPF will help keep you protected from the Sonoran sun, which can be intense in summer.
Chances are if you’re arriving from Phoenix or a even city more far-flung, you will want to spend most of your time experiencing the resort. Championship golf, a holistic spa treatment inspired by the desert, children’s activities and outdoor excursions should all be arranged prior to arrival.
Legendary golf champion Jack Nicklaus took advantage of the High Sonoran Desert setting to integrate strategy and variety into his Signature Design Tucson golf resort’s landscape at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain. Home to 27 holes with unique challenges and distinct character, the course is a must-play for any golf aficionado. If you’re looking to work on your skills, private lessons and group clinics are available and can be tailored to any skill level.
The Sonoran Desert is home to hiking and biking aplenty — just step out your backdoor at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain and onto a trailhead for a vigorous morning hike. To go even deeper into the desert, though, book a 4x4 tour with Trail Dust Jeep Tours or a horseback ride with Tucson Mountain Stables. No matter which vehicle you choose, you’ll enjoy a rugged ride into the heart of the desert, where wildlife and ancient petroglyphs are easily spotted.
Tap into your little ones’ innate curiosity by introducing them to the natural wonders and rich cultural traditions at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. Kiddos ages 5–12 can join in on a unique and exciting journey of discovery with the Dove Mountain Ritz Kids Ranger Program. The daylong agenda includes things like learning how life thrives in the desert and reveling in stories by Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein.
Recognized as the No. 1 spa in Arizona by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine, a trip to The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dove Mountain is a journey in and of itself. Treatments are inspired by the time-honored traditions of the Sonoran Desert, and peace and serenity manifest in services like the Gemstone Healing Massage and Desert Gemstone Ritual.
The resort offers the perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway from Phoenix or an annual family vacation. Hikes amid cacti forests and hidden waterfalls, a meal worthy of Tucson’s UNESCO World City of Gastronomy title, a gemstone-inspired spa treatment and an afternoon swim are among the itineraries designed by the resort’s local experts.
Eco- Adventures
Home to forests of cactuses, hidden waterfalls and stark mountain peaks, the Sonoran Desert is a truly unique outdoor paradise. With nearly 300 days of sunshine each year, there are countless opportunities to connect with the land. Whether you’re hiking through a national park, mountain biking into a canyon or stargazing at the vast night skies, the desert’s rugged beauty is sure to inspire awe.
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Morning
- Fuel Up. Get a healthy start to your day at Core Kitchen, where you can choose from fruit smoothies and oatmeal or heartier omelets and Benedicts.
- Take a Hike. Step out your backdoor and onto a hiking trail. Nestled in the Tortolita Mountains, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is home to more than 50 miles of trails that will challenge your stamina as they delight your senses. Tackle the upper reaches of Alamo Ridge or descend into Wild Burro Canyon to explore the historic ruins of T-Bench-Bar Ranch.
Midday
- Patio Season. Unwind after your hike with a dip in a jetted hot tub and enjoy poolside fare at Turquesa Latin Grill, where world-class cuisine is paired with Southern Arizona’s sunny weather.
Afternoon
- Garden Party. Meander the trails at the Tohono Chul, named one of the world’s 10 best botanical gardens by Travel + Leisure. Set on 49 acres of lush desert land, visitors can stroll along winding paths past soaring saguaros and through themed botanical gardens. Exhibits offer a better understanding of the region’s wonders and inspire wise stewardship of the natural world.
Evening
- Fine Dining, Tucson Style. Recently named a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy, local chefs are committed to serving innovative dishes, sourced with local ingredients. Head downtown for dinner at James Beard award-winner Janos Wilder’s restaurant, Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails, where traditional Southwestern ingredients are reimagined in creative new ways.
Morning
- Explore a Different Kind of Forest. Get an early start to your day with a sunrise hike through Saguaro National Park, home to saguaro cactuses, which grow only in the Sonoran Desert. The 4.1-mile Deer Valley Loop offers stunning views of cactus forest and, depending on the season, you may hear water running in the nearby wash.
- A Sweet Treat. Indulge in a decadent post-hike brunch at one of Tucson’s most beloved restaurants, Prep & Pastry. The fan-favorite S’Mores French Toast (graham cracker brioche, Nutella, house-made marshmallow fluff) is a well-earned treat after your morning trek.
Midday
- Rest and Relaxation. Retreat back to The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dove Mountain, where eco-holistic therapies based on the time-honored traditions of the desert melt away the stress of the day. Opt for the Indigenous Desert Experience, which rejuvenates dehydrated skin using native plant extracts.
Afternoon
- A Whole New World. Tour Biosphere 2, one of the world’s most unique facilities dedicated to the research and understanding of global scientific issues. Explore a tropical savanna, an ocean cliff, a mangrove and a rainforest — all without leaving the desert.
Evening
- Saddle Up to the (Burger) Bar. Enjoy gourmet burgers and shakes in a relaxed atmosphere at Cayton’s Burger Bistro. Bonus: breathtaking mountain views and stunning Arizona sunsets come standard.
Morning
- Pedal Pusher. Pro cyclists and their teams have been coming to Tucson to train for decades, and with a plethora of flat roads and dedicated bike paths it’s easy to see why. Ask the concierge to arrange rental bikes and head out on The Loop, a car-free bike path that circles the metro area.
- You Can Always Go Downtown. Head to the city center for breakfast at the Cup Café, tucked inside the legendary Hotel Congress. The wait can be long, but the bloody mary bar makes it more than tolerable.
Midday
- Market Share. Hop on the Tucson Streetcar and head west to Mercado San Agustin, an open-air courtyard encircled by shops and restaurants. Peruse the stylish wares at the bright and airy boutique Mast and enjoy a coffee from local favorite Presta Coffee Roasters.
Afternoon
- Go Deep. Experience a stunning limestone cave at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Discovered in 1974, this live cave is host to a wide variety of unique minerals and formations. The guided 1.5-hour tour will unveil this fascinating underground landscape.
Evening
- A Shortcut to Mexico. Tucson is home to some of the most authentic Mexican food this side of the border. Foodies flock to Boca Tacos y Tequila, where the rib-eye tacos are the star of the show.
- Astronomy 101. Thanks to its clear skies and dark-sky ordinance, Tucson is known for its stunning views of the night sky. Gather around a fire pit at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, where your own personal astronomer can help you spot your favorite constellations.
Family Vacation Fun
With vast landscapes begging to be explored, nearly 300 days of sunshine every year and a rich sense of culture and history, Tucson, Arizona, is the perfect destination for a family getaway. Bring out their inner adventurer with hikes through the sprawling desert, where nature’s unique flora and fauna are the star of the show. Broaden their palates with authentic Mexican food and the innovative Southwestern flavors that earned Tucson a designation as a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy. Tucked away into the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains, just 10 minutes from town, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain provides an ideal starting point for your Tucson adventure.
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Morning
- Fuel Up. Start the day with one of Tucson’s most beloved breakfasts at Prep & Pastry. With hearty dishes like Chicken and Toast (fried chicken and rosemary brioche with a blueberry reduction) and the kid-favorite S’Mores French Toast (graham cracker brioche, Nutella, house-made marshmallow fluff), there’s something for everyone.
- A Living, Breathing Museum. With 230 animal species and 1,200 types of plants, the 98-acre Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is part zoo, part botanical garden, making it the perfect place for young minds to explore the Sonoran Desert — and catch safe glimpses of things like mountain lions, snakes and scorpions.
Afternoon
- An Afternoon Swim. Retreat back to your desert oasis for a refreshing dip in the heated pool at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. The kids will be thrilled to practice their cannonballs, and parents can enjoy watching from a lounge chair.
Evening
- The Wild West. A Tucson institution for nearly 50 years, El Corral serves steaks and ribs cooked the old-fashioned way — over a mesquite fire. It’s not uncommon to see a real, live cowboy at the next table.
Morning
- Take a Hike. Step out your backdoor and onto a hiking trail. Nestled in the Tortolita Mountains, Dove Mountain is home to more than 50 miles of trails that will challenge your stamina as they delight your senses. Tackle the upper reaches of Alamo Ridge or descend into Wild Burro Canyon to explore the historic ruins of T-Bench-Bar-Ranch.
Afternoon
- Back to School. Head down to the lively University of Arizona area, where the locally sourced pizzas at Time Market make for a lunch that kids and adults alike will love.
- Market Share. Hop on the Tucson Streetcar and head west to the Mercado San Agustin, an open-air courtyard encircled by shops and restaurants. Peruse the stylish wares at the bright and airy boutique Mast and enjoy an afternoon treat at local favorite La Estrella Bakery.
Evening
- You Can Always Go Downtown. End your evening in Tucson’s revived city center, where places like Penca, which serves authentic Mexico City fare in a beautifully restored warehouse, have helped put the Old Pueblo on the culinary map. For a family-friendly nightcap, head to Hub Ice Cream Factory, where ice cream cones can be served virgin or spiked.
Morning
- Breakfast in Bed. Indulge in everyone’s favorite room-service treat with fresh pastries, coffee and juice delivered right to your room.
- Thrill Ride. Journey deeper into the desert on an off-road adventure. A guided Jeep tour provides just enough excitement to suit kids of all ages and can give you access to otherwise impenetrable sites, like ancient ruins and petroglyphs.
Afternoon
- Off to the Races. Head back to the resort’s pool, where the kids can compete to be the fastest one down the water slide.
Evening
- Saddle Up to the (Burger) Bar. Enjoy gourmet burgers and shakes in a relaxed atmosphere at Cayton’s Burger Bistro. Bonus: breathtaking mountain views and stunning Arizona sunsets come standard.
Morning
- Tee It Up. Take to the links at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Golf Club at Dove Mountain. Sneak in a quick nine if the kids are short on patience, or enjoy a full round with the family.
Afternoon
- Take Flight. Explore the Pima Air & Space Museum, where future astronauts can revel in the hundreds of aircraft and spacecraft housed on-site.
Evening
- Dinner and a Show. Head back downtown for dinner at the Cup Café inside the legendary Hotel Congress. Ask for a patio table — more often than not, there’s live music that lends the space an animated atmosphere. And don’t miss the mini museum that recounts the hotel’s history as a John Dillinger hideout. It’s tucked in a back hallway but worth seeking out.
- Go Glamping. Spark young adventurers’ imaginations with the in-room camping experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, where staff will deliver and set up a tent in your guest room.
Morning
- Ride Off Into the Sunrise. Beat the heat with an early morning horseback ride that will take you along desert washes and through seas of saguaros, the iconic cactus that can be found only in this corner of the world. Novices are welcome — the hotel partners with nearby Tucson Mountain Stables to offer guided trail rides suited for all levels.
Afternoon
- A Shortcut to Mexico. Tucson is home to some of the most authentic Mexican food this side of the border. Foodies flock to Boca Tacos y Tequila, where the rib-eye tacos are the star of the show.
- Arcade Fire. Make a stop at D&D Pinball on quirky Fourth Avenue, where the classic games reign supreme, and there’s not an Xbox in sight.
Evening
- Astronomy 101. Thanks to its clear skies and dark-sky ordinance to reduce artificial light, Tucson is known for its stunning views of the night sky. Gather around a fire pit at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, where your own personal astronomer can help you spot your favorite constellations.