Starr Pass - Tucson, AZ

Jesuit missionary Eusebio Francisco Kino established the Mission San Xavier del Bac west of Tucson in 1700. A separate settlement was soon founded downstream from the Santa Cruz River, near what is now the Starr Pass neighborhood. Hugh O'Conor, Tucson’s founding father, authorized the construction of a military fort near Starr Pass’ western border in 1775. In 1885, the University of Arizona was founded and has helped grow the area’s population throughout the 20th century via its many employment and educational opportunities.

Residents can learn more about their town's history by visiting the museum within the Mission San Xavier del Bac, which is open from 8-4:30 daily. Staff advise that you start any visit watching the 20 minute video on the mission and its restoration.

Pima Community College’s West Campus provides Starr Pass with high-quality cultural offerings. The college’s Center for the Arts complex, which includes two theaters and a recital hall, hosts frequent dance and theater performances from students and national groups. Or stroll through the Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery to admire pieces from regional, national and international contemporary artists. The gallery sponsors a student exhibition every spring.

Starr Pass feels somewhat remote, and there aren't many restaurants here, however the dining options that do exist are high quality. For hearty food in a fun Southwestern setting, slice into a certified Angus filet mignon or porterhouse at Daisy Mae's Steak House. Award-winning Daisy Mae's was selected as one of the top-25 steakhouses in the United States by the American Academy of Restaurants for two consecutive years. JW Marriott Star Pass Resorts' Signature Grill offers a tantalizing Southwestern menu with an upscale flair and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner is the standout meal here. Begin with fiery pork pozole and jalapeño-cheddar cornbread followed by mango cinnamon-glazed salmon. The restaurant's extensive wine list features selections from around the world that pair perfectly with dinner items. For a quick but satisfying meal, fried chicken fits the bill, and Lucky Wishbone serves up everything from single-serving snacks to family-size feasts. Add steak fingers, fried fish or shrimp to your meal, and round it off with a generous side order of fries or potato salad. Call in your order in advance so that your food is fresh, hot and ready to go when you arrive.

Nightlife is scarce in Starr Pass. Residents typically drive to greater Tucson for an evening out. The JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, however, has two appealing bars that are worth a visit. Catch a game at the Catalina Barbeque Company and Sports Bar while enjoying smoked meats doused with house-made sauces and rubs, or check out the Salud tequila bar for a variety of top-shelf tequilas and scratch margaritas. The bar's outdoor patio features gorgeous views of Starr Pass' cactus-lined hillsides.

Starr Pass’ curvy roads are most easily navigated by car or bicycle, and free parking is standard. Interstates 10 and19, the city’s major freeways, are within a 10-minute drive. Tucson’s Sun Tran offers one bus line (route 5) through Starr Pass, though service is known to be inconsistent. If you prefer to have someone else drive, several local taxi companies serve the Tucson area, including Starr Pass, and Uber is an option here as well.

If you favor emission-free transit, hop on your bike. Tucson is bicycle friendly, and Starr Pass’ remote location and stunning views make for a fantastic ride. There are no bike-only lanes here, but copious signs advising motorized vehicle drivers to watch for bicycles help ensure the safety of cyclists. Residential pockets within Starr Pass are walkable, but most roads here have narrow shoulders, so caution is advised.

Starr Pass features several lovely parks, all of which are kid-friendly and allow dogs on leashes. Santa Cruz River Park, along the banks of the Santa Cruz River, draws exercisers with hiking and biking trails and a disc golf course. Children enjoy the park’s playground, and use of the park is free.

To fully experience Starr Pass’ flora and breathtaking views, venture to Tucson Mountain Park or Saguaro National Park. With camping sites, extensive trails and shooting ranges, Tucson Mountain Park is a great stop for the adventurous. The park’s scenic overlook is one of the most picturesque in Tucson. Entrance to the park is free, though if you plan to camp you need a camping permit, which is readily available throughout the park.

Tucson is home to the saguaro, the nation's largest cacti. These statuesque plants are protected by the Saguaro National Park, which is the perfect place to view them up close. Hike one of the park’s many trails (there are options for all ages and activity levels), or attend an informative outdoor lecture to learn more about the saguaros and their ecosystem. Park visitors must purchase a daily or weekly park pass.

The cost of living in Starr Pass slightly outpaces that of greater Tucson. Starr Pass’ natural beauty comes at a price. Rent in the neighborhood, which averages $845 for a one-bedroom unit, is higher than rates found elsewhere in Tucson. Expect a beer to set you back about $3, which is in line with Tucson's prices. Gas prices in Tucson are roughly 8 percent below the national average. Bus fare from Starr Pass to Tucson’s center costs $1.50.

Shopping opportunities are scarce in Starr Pass, and the neighborhood does not include any significant retail areas. The area’s few shops are worth a visit, however. Pima Community College’s West Campus features a well-stocked bookstore where you can pick up fiction and nonfiction works as well as office and art supplies. Head to the JW Marriott Star Pass Resort's Hashani Spa boutique to pick up high-end bath and beauty products that are perfect for pampering yourself at home.

For grocery needs, Safeway and Albertson’s both serve the Starr Pass area. Locals venture further into Tucson to find a farmers market, co-op or organic grocery store.