Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Nogales, Arizona

Translated into English, the Spanish word after which the town is named refers to walnuts. It is uncertain why this name was chosen, but it likely relates to the walnut trees prevalent in the area, particularly among commercial growers.

The town of Nogales is situated just across the border from a Mexican town sharing the same name.

While Nogales boasts numerous restaurants, trading posts, and galleries, a significant aspect of the local economy stems from its strategic location as a transshipment point for truckloads of goods moving from Mexico into the United States, with a substantial portion of these being fresh produce.

The following are fifteen activities to enjoy in Nogales.

1. Santa Cruz County Courthouse

Considering southern Arizona’s historical context, the Santa Cruz County Courthouse – which was completed in 1904 – is relatively contemporary.

Constructed using locally sourced stone, it possesses a distinctive and sturdy appearance.

This historic building is located on Morley Avenue in the town center and ranks among the most recognizable landmarks in Nogales.

Although it is no longer functioning as a courthouse, it retains its relevance by accommodating town and county government offices, as well as a small museum that merits a visit.

Historic downtown Nogales offers a glimpse into the Old West era.

2. Hilltop Art Gallery

Established in 1968, Hilltop Art Gallery is the oldest in Nogales and features an unparalleled collection of art.

Most of the exhibits and activities center on the intertwined cultures of the U.S. and Mexico, particularly in southern Arizona and other southwestern states.

Supported by the local Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, and charitable contributions, the gallery aims to promote education through art, history, and cultural understanding.

Filled with a diverse array of arts and crafts, many of the items are unique, making a purchase a gratifying way to support the gallery.

3. Pimeria Alta History Museum

Conveniently situated on Grand Avenue in downtown Nogales, the Pimeria Alta History Museum lies just a block north of the Mexican border and is easily identifiable by its distinctive clock tower.

The structure that currently houses the museum was previously utilized as a jail and the center of the town’s government.

The museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and photographs relating to the history of Nogales, Santa Cruz County, and the culturally and economically connected neighboring communities in Mexico.

The museum hosts various special events throughout the year, so be sure to check their website for upcoming activities.

4. Get Some New Boots

It is acknowledged that cowboy boots may not appeal to everyone.

Although my last experience with boots dates back to when I was eight, since the 1940s, the Paul Bond Boot Company has been handcrafting leather boots in Nogales, so it is unsurprising that the street they occupy has been named in their honor.

As a family-owned business, they uphold the same quality standards for their boots that have persisted for seven decades.

They offer custom boots created from a wide selection of materials and designs, and while they are a premium investment, they are indeed worth it.

5. Tour the Queen Mine

Located on Dart Road in nearby Bisbee, Arizona, the Queen Mine operated by the Phelps Dodge Company until 1985, when it was closed.

At one point, this mine boasted one of the highest concentrations of copper in its ore compared to other mines in the vicinity.

Guided tours are provided by retired mine employees, and for less than twenty dollars, it is a worthwhile experience.

If the idea of wearing a hardhat and descending over a thousand feet into the darkness of the mine is appealing, then a visit to Bisbee is justified.

You will gain firsthand insight into the challenges faced by the miners in pursuit of their livelihood.

6. Old Presidio Traders

Situated in the historic community of Tubac, Old Presidio Traders is a family-owned establishment that has been in operation since 1982.

The shop features a vast array of Native American artifacts from across the state, including baskets, Kachina dolls, jewelry, rugs, and pottery.

For clear images of the available items, you can access the ‘catalog’ feature on their website.

Each product description includes details regarding its materials, the indigenous group responsible for its creation, and pricing information.

If you prefer to visit the showroom in person, it is open daily, inviting you to browse.

Consider exploring the charming town of Tubac if time allows.

7. Ruby Ghost Town

There is something captivating about a ghost town situated in the desert, and Arizona is home to numerous such locales.

Located in the remnants of Ruby, Arizona, Ruby Ghost Town serves as a testament to the state’s prosperous mining history, which ultimately faced decline.

The rugged prospectors and miners who once combed the nearby hills in search of gold and silver departed nearly a century ago, due to the unsustainability of their lifestyle.

This town, positioned near the Coronado National Forest, features an abandoned schoolhouse, hardware store, and even a playground.

It is an intriguing, eerie, and distinctly Arizonan site.

8. Sacred Heart Church

Due to its nearness to the Catholic-majority nation of Mexico, the Roman Catholic Sacred Heart Church is one of several within Santa Cruz County.

Founded in the late 19th century, the church building currently in use was completed in 1928 and has undergone recent renovations.

It stands as a splendid example of mission-style architecture, complemented by features such as cedar pews and stark, white plaster walls.

Offering services in both English and Spanish, the church is linked to a local Catholic school. To ascertain visiting hours and service times, refer to their website.

9. Arizona Folklore Preserve

If you are aware that Arizona has an Official State Balladeer named Dolan Ellis, then you are already well-informed.

The Arizona Folklore Preserve, found in Hereford, not far from Sierra Vista, is dedicated to preserving Arizona’s music and folklore since its establishment in 1996 on a 15-acre site in Ramsey Canyon.

Featuring a modern and intimate theater, the preserve invites guests throughout the year, with monthly performances by the founder.

Consult their events calendar for scheduling and pricing information.

It represents one of those authentic Arizona treasures that should not be overlooked.

10. Jacob Isaacson Pioneer Settler

Approximately 150 years ago, a Jewish immigrant from Russia settled on the land that now comprises Nogales and founded a town named after himself from 1880 to 1883.

Realizing that his prospects were not progressing as anticipated, Isaacson relocated to Los Angeles in 1883, after which the post office officially changed the town’s name to Nogales.

Now situated near Sacred Heart Church, between North Arroyo Boulevard and North Grand Avenue, a small monument commemorating the town’s founder rests in relative obscurity.

This location is easily accessible from downtown and presents a great opportunity for photography.

11. Fred L. Whipple Observatory

Managed by the esteemed Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the Fred L. Whipple Observatory is the largest of its kind in the region.

Located near Amado on Mount Hopkins, the observatory benefits from an advantageous landscape, far from populations that might interfere with stargazing due to light pollution.

This establishment is named in honor of a renowned astronomer who directed it for many years.

The observatory employs state-of-the-art techniques to explore the night sky, and features a visitor center and museum, offering an excellent opportunity to cool off while learning intriguing facts about our galaxy.

12. Kartchner Caverns State Park

With nearly 2.5 miles of underground caves, Kartchner Caverns State Park offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the region’s unique geology from an altered perspective.

Discovered by local spelunkers in 1974, the significance of the caverns was quickly recognized, prompting contact with the state for their preservation.

The caverns’ stalactites and stalagmites continue to grow slowly, and as a designated state park, they are open for visitation on most days of the year, although schedules vary by season; refer to their website for visiting hours and admission details.

13. Take Some Golf Lessons

If you recall the earlier mention of Arizona’s many excellent golf courses, perhaps a lesson or two is advisable before you hit the links.

Given the plethora of activities available in Nogales, finding time may pose a challenge; however, you might be surprised by what a brief session with a golf instructor can do for your game.

Located on South Camino Del Sol in Madera Canyon, John Jacobs Golf School has been operational for nearly 40 years, employing proficient instructors who can enhance your skills without complicating your technique.

14. Sonoita Vineyards Winery

While Arizona has not yet attained the prestige of California’s Napa Valley or the Bordeaux region of France, it is emerging as a prominent market for quality craft wines.

Situated in Elgin, Arizona, Sonoita Vineyards produces an array of wines, each with distinctive attributes.

The tasting room and gift shop are open daily, according to their website.

Visitors can enjoy scenic views from the winery, featuring grapevine-cloaked hills, distant mountains, and the unique blue Arizona sky.

The winery is conveniently located on Arizona Highway 83, near Tucson.

15. Tin Shed Theatre

With a cozy venue accommodating only 100 guests, the Tin Shed Theatre is renowned for hosting performances by dancers, artists, and groups from around the globe.

The theatre inaugurated in 1999 with a Halloween production entitled Spooky House.

Since then, its events have featured Indian dancers, productions by local elementary schoolchildren, and performances by an Australian folk singer, among others.

Located in Patagonia, the theatre is situated in a town worth exploring, so consider arriving early to discover the area before your show commences.