This large border town faces its sister-city Nogales, Mexico, across the southern Arizona border. It attracts a large number of shoppers from the US and is a great place to take in Mexican culture. The friendly atmosphere is enhanced by a distinctly old-fashioned feel.
While most visitors come here for the shopping, outdoor fans can also get their fill with several leisure opportunities. Catch a big one on Pena Blanca Lake or take a relaxing boat ride. Hiking and camping enthusiasts can head for the nearby Santa Rita and Huachuca mountains.
Architectural buffs will revel in the predominantly Sonoran style, as well as a hotchpotch of Second Empire, Bungalow, Spanish Colonial, Pueblo Revival and Mediterranean styles, all easily observable in downtown. Historic Morley avenue is lined with early 1900s stores, including Brackers Department Store and Capin and Company, operated by descendants of early settler traders.
Highlights
Pimeria Alta Historical Society: showcases the extraordinary history of the Old West and Mexico, and features a library, family history and archives.
Jesse Hendrix Hummingbird Ranch: is home to around 150 bird feeders and sees a huge influx of rare and hard-to-spot birds from April to October.
Peña Blanca Lake: is stocked with fresh catch such as rainbow trout, and has several shady picnic spots along its grassy shores.
Ghost towns: are plentiful around Nogales. One of the better known ones is Lochiel’s post office, a favourite spot for the notorious Pancho Villa to make off with some cattle across the border.
Sacred Heart Church: was built in 1897 and materials used in construction include Spanish cedar in the pews.
Nogales, Mexico: cross the border for a look at how the other side lives, with this lively market town value-for-money cafés, diners and shops.