Catalina Foothills

WELCOME TO CATALINA FOOTHILLS

Catalina Foothills is Tucson's premier upscale community where the dramatic beauty of the Santa Catalina Mountains meets sophisticated desert living. Located just north of Tucson proper, between Oracle Road and Sabino Canyon, this affluent enclave offers residents breathtaking mountain and city views, world-class amenities, and a refined lifestyle in one of Southern Arizona's most prestigious addresses.

Developed beginning in the 1920s when visionary John Murphey purchased land in the foothills of the Santa Catalinas, the community was designed with an emphasis on preserving the pristine Sonoran Desert landscape while maintaining maximum privacy through low-density residential development on large lots. Today, Catalina Foothills is home to approximately 50,000 residents and features two National Historic Districts, legendary golf resort communities, and some of Tucson's most architecturally distinguished homes, many designed by renowned Swiss architect Josias Joesler in the Spanish Colonial Revival style.

WHAT TO LOVE

Spectacular panoramic views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and Tucson city lights

Championship golf courses at Ventana Canyon, La Paloma, and Skyline Country Club

Direct access to world-class hiking in Sabino Canyon, Finger Rock Trail, and Pima Canyon

Highly rated Catalina Foothills School District with top-performing schools

Upscale shopping and dining at La Encantada and St. Philip's Plaza

Proximity to luxury resorts including Loews Ventana Canyon and The Westin La Paloma

Low crime rates and safe, well-maintained neighborhoods with a suburban feel

LOCAL LIFESTYLE

Life in Catalina Foothills revolves around outdoor recreation, refined living, and community engagement. Residents enjoy easy access to some of Tucson's most spectacular natural attractions, with Sabino Canyon's hiking trails, tram tours, and seasonal waterfalls just minutes away. The area's elevation provides stunning vistas, and many homes feature dramatic mountain or city light views—some fortunate properties boast both.

The community attracts professionals, retirees, and families drawn to its peaceful neighborhoods, excellent schools, and resort-style amenities. Golf enthusiasts find themselves in paradise with access to prestigious clubs like Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club, featuring 36 holes of exceptional Tom Fazio-designed championship golf, and The Westin La Paloma, home to 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus-designed courses. Tennis, fitness centers, spas, and fine dining options at these resort communities provide residents with luxurious recreation without leaving the neighborhood.

The area's architectural diversity ranges from historic Spanish Colonial Revival estates to contemporary desert modern homes with floor-to-ceiling windows embracing the natural landscape. Gated communities and golf course properties offer additional privacy and exclusivity, while the mix of single-family homes, condos, and townhomes provides options for various lifestyles.

DINING AND SHOPPING

Catalina Foothills offers an exceptional culinary scene that rivals any metropolitan area. La Encantada, an elegant Spanish-style open-air shopping plaza, serves as the heart of upscale dining in the Foothills. True Food Kitchen delights health-conscious diners with seasonal, nutrient-rich cuisine, while North Italia serves contemporary Italian fare in a vibrant atmosphere. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill offers exceptional steaks and fresh seafood with spectacular mountain views, and BLANCO Tacos + Tequila brings upscale Baja Mexican flavors to the table.

Vivace, located just across from La Encantada, has been a Tucson favorite since 1993, renowned for its outstanding Northern Italian cuisine and elegant ambiance overlooking the city lights. Bluepoint Kitchen & Bar specializes in premium seafood with stunning sunset views, while Fleming's Prime Steakhouse provides generous hospitality and expertly prepared steaks.

Shopping at La Encantada features luxury retailers including Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Apple, Coach, and Michael Kors, along with AJ's Fine Foods gourmet market, which houses a bistro, boulangerie, and extensive wine collection. St. Philip's Plaza offers a more intimate shopping experience with boutique stores, art galleries, professional offices, and beautiful fountains, tile art, and rose gardens. The plaza hosts a popular weekend farmers market featuring fresh produce, local crafts, and live music.

THINGS TO DO AND ENTERTAINMENT

Catalina Foothills provides exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities year-round. Sabino Canyon stands as the crown jewel of local attractions, offering miles of scenic hiking trails, picturesque picnic areas, and narrated tram tours through the stunning desert canyon. The hike to Seven Falls remains a popular day trip with multiple water crossings and breathtaking scenery.

For more adventurous hikers, Finger Rock Trail presents challenging terrain with spectacular overlooks of the Tucson valley, while Pima Canyon Trail offers diverse hiking opportunities for all skill levels. The Rillito River Park Trail provides a scenic multi-use path for walking, jogging, and cycling, connecting Catalina Foothills with other parts of Tucson while offering opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Golf remains a centerpiece of the Foothills lifestyle, with Ventana Canyon's award-winning Canyon and Mountain courses winding through natural desert terrain with magnificent Santa Catalina Mountain views. Skyline Country Club offers a par 71 course with panoramic desert vistas, complemented by tennis, swimming, and extensive fitness facilities.

Cultural attractions include the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, showcasing the work of legendary Arizona artist Ted DeGrazia, and St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church, a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Mission architecture designed by Josias Joesler in 1936. The area hosts live music events, art shows, and community gatherings throughout the year, creating a vibrant social calendar for residents.

For those seeking resort experiences without leaving home, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort and The Westin La Paloma offer world-class spa services, fine dining, and recreational amenities. The proximity to the University of Arizona and downtown Tucson—just a 10-15 minute drive—ensures residents maintain convenient access to cultural events, sporting venues, and urban amenities while enjoying their serene mountain retreat.