Tubac, about 45 minutes south of Tucson on I-19, is the oldest European settlement in Arizona (Spanish presidio, 1752). Today it is a small artists' colony with around 100 galleries and shops lining its old adobe streets — a popular cool-season half-day trip from Tucson.
A few miles further south is Tumacácori National Historical Park, the ruined Spanish mission that pre-dates San Xavier del Bac. The roofless adobe church, mortuary chapel, and Anza trail walk along the Santa Cruz River make a quietly beautiful counterpart to its more polished northern sibling. Combine the two in a single trip.