nogales tour

On the border of Mexico, Nogales, Arizona, offers a world of culture.

Visiting Nogales, Arizona, is as close to traveling to Mexico as you can get without needing a passport. But this welcoming community has embraced many aspects of Mexican culture: warm and hospitable people, respect for history and traditions, and incredible food.

Walk to the tunes of upbeat music, pumped through indoor and outdoor speakers, as you stroll along the shops on Morley Avenue. When you’re ready for a meal, pick any one of the authentic Mexican restaurants. Naming just one would be unfair; they’re all good.

Delve deeper into local history and culture. The Pimeria Alta Historical Society and Museum contains a fascinating history on the area, including information on the military encampment “Camp Little” and Pancho Villa’s Battle of Nogales. Built in 1904, the Historic Santa Cruz County Courthouse, not far from the museum, is a stunner.

Explore the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, a route taken by a Spanish military leader of the same name on his late-1700s quest to establish a settlement at the San Francisco Bay.

If you do want to go international, you can walk or drive across the border to Nogales’ sister city, Nogales, Sonora. Browse the colorful offerings of the many storefronts and vendors lining the streets. Just be sure to carry your passport – you’ll need it for re-entry.

Visit Town Website

More to Discover Near Nogales

Madera Canyon

Just south of Tucson near Green Valley, the Santa Rita Mountains offer spectacular outdoor excursions.

Peña Blanca Lake

Reach these sparkling waters in Southern Arizona just west of Nogales.

Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

Hiking trails and wine trails intermingle at this outdoor paradise in Southern Arizona.

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From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.

The border tourism zone of Nogales, Sonora

Nogales, Sonora, Mexico

New: Read about dental tourism in Nogales Nogales is the major border entry to Sonora from Arizona.  It has approximately 225,000 residents, many of whom came from other parts of Mexico to work in one of the many cross-border manufacturing operations known as maquiladoras.

The main tourist attractions for tourists are the shops and street vendors in the neighborhood near the border crossing. Nogales is known for its difficult traffic conditions, so visitors would be well advised to park in one of the many parking lots near the border.  The parking lots typically charge $4.00 for short-term parking (no longer than a day), and you may want to give a dollar to the lot attendant for “insurance.”  Longer-term parking is also available, in a lot just north of the nearby McDonald’s parking lot.

Crossing the Nogales Border

You won’t need any special documentation to cross the border into Mexico, although you will need to present a U.S passport, border crossing card or other government-issued photo ID to U.S. Customs officials when returning to the United States. More information about documentation for crossing the Nogales border .

After walking through the metal turnstiles to enter Mexico, if carrying a bag or packages you will need to stop in the Mexican Customs area and either put your bag on the x-ray conveyor belt (if it is in operation) or push the button (that looks like a crosswalk button) next to what looks like two stoplights.  If the green light “Pase” is displayed, you can continue walking.  If the red “Revision” light is displayed, the Mexican Customs agent will inspect the contents of your bags.

After passing through Customs, you will encounter a swarm of taxi drivers.  If you just want to do tourist shopping you can politely tell them “no, gracias!”  If you need a taxi ride, make sure you arrange a price with the driver before getting in the taxi.

The Nogales tourist shopping district can be found by following the crowd of border crossers.  Basically, take a left turn after passing by the taxi drivers, and you will arrive in Plaza Pesqueira (where many of the border pharmacies are located – click here for more information ), and you’ll begin to see the stores and street vendors.

Walk farther into the Nogales tourism district and you will soon find yourself being invited (usually quite exuberantly) by salespeople standing in the doorway of stores.

Pharmacies in Nogales Sonora

Dental tourism in Nogales Sonora

Dentists in Nogales Sonora

Lodging Lodging in Nogales Sonora

Lodging in Nogales Arizona

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Arizona (AZ) » 15 Best Things to Do in Nogales (AZ)

15 Best Things to Do in Nogales (AZ)

Translated into English, the Spanish word after which the town is named means walnuts. It’s anybody’s guess why they chose that name, but it’s probably because of the walnut trees that are found in the area, mostly on the fields of commercial growers.

The town of Nogales is just a stone’s throw across the border from a Mexican town with the same name.

Though the town has plenty of restaurants, trading posts, and galleries, a big part of the local economy is its placement as a trans-shipment point for truckloads of goods passing from Mexico into the United States, much of which is fresh produce.

Below are 15 things to do in Nogales.

1. Santa Cruz County Courthouse

By southern Arizona’s historical standards, the Santa Cruz County Courthouse – which was completed in 1904 – is pretty darn new.

It was built to last using locally quarried stone, giving it a unique and robust look.

The historic building is located on Morley Avenue downtown, and is one of the most prominent of the town’s landmarks.

Though its days as a courthouse are long since gone, it continues to demonstrate its usefulness, now housing town and county government offices and a small museum that’s worth checking out too.

Historic downtown Nogales is as close to the old west as you’re ever likely to get.

2. Hilltop Art Gallery

Founded in 1968, Hilltop Art Gallery in Nogales is the quaint town’s oldest, and home to a collection of art second to none.

Most of the exhibited works and activities are focused on the cultures of the U.S. and Mexico, which are intertwined in regions like southern Arizona and the other southwestern states.

Supported by the Chamber of Commerce, Historical society and charitable donations, the gallery’s main aim is education through art, history and cultural awareness.

Chockfull of arts and crafts of every description, most of the items are truly one of a kind, and buying them will be a great way to support the gallery.

3. Pimeria Alta History Museum

Conveniently located on Grand Avenue in downtown Nogales on Grand, the Pimeria Alta History Museum is just a block or so north of the Mexican border, and is easily recognized by its unique clock tower.

The building that now houses the museum was once a jail, and the town’s center of government.

The museum is full of artifacts, memorabilia and photographs pertaining to the history of Nogales, Santa Cruz County and the neighboring towns and population of Mexico that are so inextricably linked culturally and economically.

The museum hosts special events throughout the year, so check out their website to see what’s on the calendar.

4. Get Some New Boots

Admittedly, cowboy boots aren’t for everyone.

I had a pair made out of vinyl when I was eight, but that’s the last time I’ve worn any.

Since the ‘40s, the Paul Bond Boot Company has been handcrafting leather boots in Nogales, so it’s no surprise that the street they’re on is named after them.

They’re still family owned, and the same quality that has gone into their boots for 70 years hasn’t changed.

Custom boots made in a huge selection of materials and designs are available, and they aren’t cheap, so prepare to max out that credit card.

Check out their website for pictures and prices.

5. Tour the Queen Mine

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

At one time, the mine had one of the highest concentrations of copper in its ore than any other copper mine in the area.

The tours are given by retired mine employees and at less than 20 bucks are a good bargain.

If donning a hardhat and descending more than a thousand feet into the dark mine sounds like fun, head to Bisbee.

You’ll get a real sense of what the brave miners had to endure to make a living.

6. Old Presidio Traders

Located in historic Tubac, Old Presidio Traders is another family owned business that’s been operating since 1982.

The post features many Native American items from all over the state, including baskets, Kachina dolls, jewelry, rugs, and pottery.

Click on the ‘catalog’ feature on their website, to see clear pictures of the items for sale.

Each product has a description describing what it is, the materials that were used, which Native American group made it, and how much it costs.

If you’d prefer to see their showroom in person, it’s open every day, so swing by.

Plan on checking out the town of Tubac too if you’ve got the time.

7. Ruby Ghost Town

There’s nothing cooler than a ghost town in the middle of the desert, and Arizona is full of them.

Located in the once-was town of Ruby, Arizona, Ruby Ghost Town is a relic from Arizona’s booming mining past, which largely ended in a big bust.

The rugged prospectors and miners who once scoured the surrounding hills for gold and silver, upped and left nearly a century ago, when their way of life was no longer sustainable.

The town is near the Coronado National Forest area, and includes an abandoned schoolhouse, hardware store, and even a playground.

It’s quirky, eerie, and quintessentially Arizonan.

8. Sacred Heart Church

Due to its proximity to its Catholic majority neighbor Mexico, the Roman Catholic Sacred Heart Church in Nogales is one of many in Santa Cruz County.

The historic church was founded in the late 19th century, and the building which now stands was completed in 1928, though it has been recently refurbished.

It’s a stunning example of mission-style architecture, but also has other elements including cedar pews and stark, white plaster walls.

There are English and Spanish services if you’d like to attend, and the church is associated with a local Catholic school, so check out their website for visiting hours and worship service times.

9. Arizona Folklore Preserve

If you knew that Arizona had an Official State Balladeer, and that his name was Dolan Ellis, then you’re already way ahead of the game.

Located in the town of Hereford, not far from Sierra Vista, The Arizona Folklore Preserve’s name says it all.

They’ve been preserving Arizona’s music and folklore since 1996 on their 15-acre plot in Ramsey Canyon.

Sporting a modern and intimate theater, the preserve hosts guests throughout the year, and the founder also performs monthly.

Check their calendar of events for schedule and prices.

It’s one of those genuine Arizona gems that shouldn’t be missed.

10. Jacob Isaacson Pioneer Settler

Nearly 150 years ago a Jewish immigrant from Russia moved to the land on which Nogales now stands, and founded a town that bore his name from 1880 to 1883.

Sensing that his fortunes weren’t gaining traction like he thought they would, Isaacson upped sticks and moved to Los Angeles in 1883, at which time the post office changed the name of the town to what it is now, Nogales.

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

It’s an easy walk from downtown, and one of those great photo-ops you shouldn’t pass up.

11. Fred L. Whipple Observatory

Owned 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 area is premier landscape for an observatory due to its distance from any population centers capable of flooding the night sky with errant light.

The observatory was named after a famous astronomer who was its director for many years.

The observatory uses cutting edge techniques to peer into the night sky, and there is a visitor’s center and museum as well, which are great places to cool off and learn lots of fascinating things about our galaxy.

12. Kartchner Caverns State Park

With nearly 2 ½ miles of subterranean caves, Kartchner Caverns State Park is a unique way to see the area’s amazing geology from a totally different perspective.

Located near Benson, Arizona, the caverns were discovered by local spelunkers in 1974 who immediately realized the importance of their find, and contacted the state to ensure they were protected.

The cavern’s stalactites and stalagmites are still growing slowly, and since it’s now a state park they can be visited most days of the year, though the schedule changes with the seasons, so check out their website for hours and admission fees.

13. Take Some Golf Lessons

If you remember the aforementioned bit about Arizona’s wealth of top-notch golf courses, then perhaps a lesson or two is in order before you hit those links.

With so much to do in Nogales, it may be hard to find the time, but you may be surprised what an hour or two with a golf professional will do for your game.

Located on South Camino Del Sol in Madera Canyon, John Jacobs Golf School has been around for almost 40 years and is staffed with experienced instructors who know the best way to improve your game, without over-complicating things.

14. Sonoita Vineyards Winery

Though not yet reaching the level of California’s Napa Valley or the Bordeaux region of France, Arizona is a budding market for craft wines that are steadily gaining their own reputation for quality and drinkability.

Located in Elgin, Arizona, Sonoita Vineyards produces quite a few wines with lots of distinct characteristics.

There’s a tasting room and gift shop which are open daily, according to their website.

The views from the winery include scenic, grapevine strewn hills, distant mountains and that uniquely blue Arizona sky.

The winery is located on Arizona Highway 83, not far from Tucson.

15. Tin Shed Theatre

With its intimate venue that seats just 100 people, the Tin Shed Theatre is known for the performances it hosts by dancers, artists, and groups from around the world.

The shed opened in 1999 with a Halloween production called Spooky House.

Ever since, the theatre’s events have included Indian dancers, a few productions from local elementary school children, and an Aussie folk singer, to name a few.

The theatre is located in the town of Patagonia which is worth a look too, so consider arriving a little early and taking a few hours to see the town before your show starts.

15 Best Things to Do in Nogales (AZ):

• Santa Cruz County Courthouse
• Hilltop Art Gallery
• Pimeria Alta History Museum
• Get Some New Boots
• Tour the Queen Mine
• Old Presidio Traders
• Ruby Ghost Town
• Sacred Heart Church
• Arizona Folklore Preserve
• Jacob Isaacson Pioneer Settler
• Fred L. Whipple Observatory
• Kartchner Caverns State Park
• Take Some Golf Lessons
• Sonoita Vineyards Winery
• Tin Shed Theatre

Top Tours in Nogales, AZ

Nogales tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Nogales Past & Present Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Saguaro National Park East E-Bike Tour

Saguaro National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Tucson Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Historic Bike Tour in Tucson

Tombstone Trolley Historical Tour

1-Hour Tour Old Bisbee City Cart

Tombstone Terrors: Ghosts and Gunslingers of the Wild West

300 Years of Spanish History in Downtown Tucson: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Historical Guided Tour in Tucson

Bisbee After Dark: A Ghostly Tour on Wheels

Self-Guided Saguaro National Park Driving Tour

2-Hour Private Tour of Old Bisbee, the Open Mines, and Lowell AZ

A Self Guided Audio Tour in Tombstone

Tucson - Behind the Scenes Tour

Friday; The Tour Too Tough to Die - Tombstone/ Bisbee

Tucson Origins Walking Tour

Guided E-Bike Tour of Bisbee, Arizona

Tubac's Heritage Walking Tour

Saguaro NP and Mt. Lemmon Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle

Ultimate Arizona Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour Bundle

Oasis Tour of Tucson

Fine Wineing - A Wine Tasting Experience in the vineyards of the Desert!

Tucson Scavenger Hunt by Wacky Walks

Tucson Scavenger Hunt: Desert Oasis

Tucson Intl Airport (TUS) to Tucson Downtown area - Arrival Private Transfer

Tucson Food Tours- 4th Ave & Main Gate Square Walking Food Tour

7-Days Self-Guided Arizona Driving Tour Bundle

3 Hour Private Bisbee Food Tour

Tumacacori Mission Private Walking Tour

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The Best Things To Do In Historic Nogales, Arizona

Roman Eugeniusz / Wikimedia Commons ( CC BY-SA 3.0 )

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• United States

Nogales, Arizona, has long been known as a crossroads of cultures — a place where Native American tribes met up with Spanish explorers centuries ago, and where Hispanic and Anglo customs later merged.

That distinction continues today. As Arizona’s foremost United States/Mexico border crossing, Nogales melds the cultures, perhaps like no other place in the state.

Stroll the streets of downtown Nogales, and you’re likely to hear Spanish-language radio stations playing Mexican pop songs as you pass by stores offering colorful blankets, turquoise jewelry, and cowboy boots.

The Nogales Chamber of Commerce sums it up: “Here, Native American, Hispanic and Anglo cultures come together, and ranching traditions of the Old West are part of us.”

I had passed through Nogales a number of times over the years on trips to Mexico, and I was always struck by how the towns of Nogales, Arizona , and Nogales in Sonora, Mexico, form one large urban area while retaining their own identities.

Recently, I returned to take in the sights on the Arizona side, and I was reminded that a visit to this part of the state comes with some daunting border-town realities. Visitors are sure to notice coils of concertina barbed wire attached to stretches of the border wall that separates the two cities, as well as numerous Border Patrol vehicles on the streets.

Still, when I began exploring the area, I felt a familiar appeal of wandering into a fascinating international zone.

Along with the town of Nogales, there are a number of attractions worth checking out in the surrounding Santa Cruz County. Here are nine of the best.

Cindy Barks

Experience Early 1900s Architecture

The historic Santa Cruz County Courthouse is hard to miss, with its curving staircase, aluminum-gilded dome, and its location overlooking the town’s busy Morley Avenue.

The Society of Architectural Historians calls the 1904-era tufa stone structure “ among Arizona’s most significant territorial buildings, constituting its first Beaux-Arts courthouse. ”

The building served as a courthouse through the 1980s, and it’s now home to offices and local museums. It is a great walk-by stop on a tour of downtown Nogales.

Delve Into Local History At Pimeria Alta Museum

Another distinctive building in the downtown houses the Pimeria Alta Historical Society and Museum , which the Visit Arizona website describes as containing “a fascinating history on the area, including information on the military encampment ‘Camp Little’ and Pancho Villa’s Battle of Nogales.”

The museum — located on North Grand Avenue right in the middle of the downtown and just a short walk from the old courthouse building — is housed in the old Nogales City Hall, which was built in 1914.

Take A Shady Rest At Nasib Karam Park

For something a bit different on the cultural scene, head to the charming Nasib Karam Park in downtown Nogales. The park is named for Nasib Karam, a Lebanese American who was a well-known lawyer in Nogales for years, serving as both the city and county attorney before his death in 1975.

Nasib Karam Park is located downtown, not far from North Grand Avenue. It features benches and picnic tables under towering trees, and a pretty ramada.

Glimpse Spiritual History At Sacred Heart Church

In a parish that dates back to the late 1800s in nearby Tombstone, the Sacred Heart Church towers over Nogales with lovely white stucco walls and imposing rock walkways.

The church, which was completed in the 1920s, was built in the mission architectural style. It can be accessed off the Nogales downtown area through an enclosed walkway and steep staircase. It is a nice stop on a walking tour; or, if you’re so inclined, the church offers services in English and Spanish.

Explore The Mission Culture At Tumacacori National Historical Park

For a much earlier era in Arizona’s culture, be sure to stop by the ruins at the Tumacacori National Historical Park, where the first mission activity dates back to the late-1600s arrival of Spanish colonial Jesuit missionaries, and the region’s native people lived for centuries before that.

An interpretive guidebook for the site states: “The goal of Spanish colonization was simple: to remake New Spain in the image of Old Spain.” Once a village of the O’odham people, Tumacacori became a frontier mission, and later a headquarters mission. At the peak of activity, the mission was the backdrop to the lives of nearly 200 mission residents.

Today, the site showcases the partially restored ruins of three Spanish missions, two of which are National Historic Landmark sites.

The site is located along Interstate 19 between Tucson and Nogales — about 20 minutes north of Nogales and about 45 minutes south of Tucson.

Pro Tip: The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail from Tumacacori to Tubac allows hikers to follow in the footsteps of Juan Bautista de Anza, the captain of the Tubac Presidio who famously left Mexico in 1775 on a journey to the San Francisco Bay Area. The first section of the Anza Trail established in Arizona was the four-mile stretch between Tumacacori and the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. It is a hiking and equestrian trail only.

Check Out Early Military History At Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

Preserving the ruins of Arizona’s oldest Spanish presidio (military fort), the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park lies between the charming town of Tubac and the Tumacacori Mission site. The three attractions make a great stop on a road trip from Tucson to Nogales.

Along with showing the underground archaeological remains of the fort, the state park also offers an excellent museum that tells the story of the region’s mining, ranching, Civil War history, Arizona Territorial Period, women and children, and the printing press that printed Arizona’s first newspaper in 1859.

Dennis Swena / Shutterstock

Take A Side Trip To Patagonia

Located just 25 minutes northeast of Nogales lies the quirky little town of Patagonia. Known best for its excellent birding, the town also offers an adorable downtown made up of colorfully painted buildings, proximity to the southern terminus of the Arizona Trail, and the Paton Center for Hummingbirds . (Note that the center remained closed in early 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.)

Patagonia makes a perfect side excursion on a Tucson-to-Nogales road trip and has a number of fun breakfast and lunch options.

Pro Tip: For a scenic loop option, consider taking a slight detour southeast on Interstate 10 from Tucson rather than heading south on Interstate 19. Follow I-10 for about 20 miles and then head south on Highway 83 for the scenic drive toward Patagonia and Sonoita. The route will take you through rolling grasslands, stands of ocotillo cacti, and past a beautiful mountain range before reaching the Highway 82 intersection, where you will turn west toward Patagonia, and then on to Nogales.

Indulge In Authentic Mexican Cuisine

When you’re this close to the border, you can rest assured that the Mexican cuisine is going to be plentiful and authentic. That holds true on both sides of the border. While Nogales, Arizona, also has its fair share of fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Jack in the Box, its Mexican restaurants are known to be the real deal.

On the Arizona side, check out Cocina la Ley for Mexican specialties like traditional cocteles (shrimp cocktails) with tomato, cucumber, and onion, and birria (shredded beef) tacos. For dessert, head to Finitos for Mexican ice cream.

Or, if you get to the Mexico side, popular restaurants like La Roca and La Llorona serve up Mexican cuisine favorites such as ceviche, shrimp tacos, and chicken mole.

Walk Or Drive Across The Border

Normally, tourist traffic between the two towns of Nogales is brisk. Visitors to Nogales, Arizona, regularly walk or drive across the border to visit Nogales, Sonora, for shopping and dining, and vice versa. A passport is required.

Pharmacies are plentiful along the streets on the Mexico side, and shop vendors cater to visitors looking for pottery, jewelry, knock-off purses, and blankets. You will see the colorful shops and alleyways as soon as you cross the border.

A convenient walkway is typically available for pedestrian traffic across the border, with parking lots on the Arizona side for a small fee.

Note, however, that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions have been in effect advising visitors to reconsider non-essential travel. Be sure to check the status of the Nogales Port of Entry before heading across the border.

Before You Go

Nogales is located about an hour south of Tucson on Interstate 19, making for an easy day trip from Arizona’s second-largest city. Head here for more day trips from Tucson .

Like much of southern Arizona, the best times to make the trip are fall through spring, when average high temperatures are in the 60-and-70-degree range from November through April, and in the 80s in May, September, and October. Summers are fairly hot in Nogales, with average highs in the 90s in June, July, and August.

If you do decide to cross the border, it is advisable to check the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories for Mexico beforehand. On my recent trip, I visited Nogales, Arizona, on a day trip, and I did not cross the border.

Related Reading:

• Tucson To Bisbee: An Arizona Road Trip Through The Old West
• Exploring Saguaro National Park: What To Know Before You Go
• 9 Amazing Stargazing Spots In Arizona
• 8 Incredibly Unique Places To Stay In Arizona

Cindy Barks is an Arizona-based newspaper reporter, freelance travel writer, and travel blogger. Her blog, NearandFarAZ gives readers an insider's view of the wonders of the U.S. Southwest, and a traveler's take on far-off locales from Panama to Hong Kong to the Czech Republic. Regardless of the destination, her goal is to find the perfect scenic hike, city walk, beach stroll, or road-trip jaunt, and bring it to life in her blog. Cindy's articles about outdoor adventures have appeared in numerous regional and national publications.

Field Guide: Nogales, Mexico (day trip from Tucson)

If you’re planning a visit to JTH Tucson   and want to experience a really unique day trip, then do n’t forget to pack your passport! The vibrant border town of Nogales, Mexico is just a short, scenic drive away from us.

From JTH Tucson, it’ll take you about an hour and a half to reach the American side of Nogales (Nogales, Arizona, USA and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico are sister cities).

We recommend parking on the American side and walking across the border. Most of the shops and restaurants are easily walkable from the border crossing. Parking is easy, as there many lots on the US side of Nogales where you can pay to park for the day (it usually costs about $5 to park). Then you stroll to the pedestrian crossing area, pass through the turnstile, and enter a whole new world!

Read on for our favorite ways to pass the afternoon exploring Nogales:

What to Do in Nogales, Mexico: 

No trip to Nogales is complete without a meal at the iconic restaurant La Roca . The location of La Roca is an experience unto itself, because the historic building (originally built as a guesthouse in 1800) is set in a natural cliff.

Classic Sonoran cuisine is on the menu. It’s a great place to sample this cuisine since everything is fresh and delicious. They cook with fresh caught seafood and meat and veggies sourced from local farms.

Downstairs from La Roca, there are two beautiful shops filled with artisanal Mexican art. Our favorite, El Changarro, features homewares. We especially love their handblown glass pieces- in fact you may recognize their wine glasses from our pantry. The other shop, La Granada, also features handmade Mexican art, but is focused on wearables; clothing, shoes and accessories.

If you’d like to continue shopping, wander over to Obregon Street, which is the most popular street in town for browsing. Here you can find little stalls and shops selling everything from cute little trinkets to custom cowboy boots. Prices are negotiable, and bartering is expected. Vendors are happy to take US dollars, so there’s no need to exchange currency.

Make a Day of It

Be sure to take some time on the way to or from Nogales to stop by the ‘White Dove of the Desert’, San Xavier Del Bac Mission . Located on Tohono O’odham land, this Mission is designated as a historic landmark and considered one of the best examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the United States. It was founded as a Catholic mission in 1692, and is still in use today. You can choose to book a tour or just enjoy wandering the grounds, as there’s no admission charge to visit.

You may also like:

If you’re looking for another fun day trip from Tucson, then check out our field guide to Mount Lemmon here .

Looking to explore a little closer to JTH Tucson? Check out our trail guides for hikes in the west side of Tucson, AZ: Hugh Norris Trail , & Valley View Trail.

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Finitos' Italian ice comes in over a dozen refreshing flavors. Pictured here is a small ($2) pineapple with Tajín — sprinkled on, complimentary!

• Ellice Lueders, This Is Tucson
• Copy article link

Finitos is located on a shady street, greener than any I've seen in Tucson!

This combo #1 platter includes a taco dorado (this one is shredded beef), a chile relleno and a cheese enchilada, plus beans and rice, for $11.50.

A paddle boarder and a motor boat make their way along Patagonia Lake in 2019. Established as a state park in 1975, Patagonia Lake is a longtime destination for recreational enthusiasts throughout Southern Arizona.

• Griffin Riley for the Arizona Daily Star

Though Cocina La Ley calls itself a seafood establishment, they are also known for their incredible birria. The juice is key to a powerful flavor.

Rancho Grande, 270 N. Grand Court Plaza in Nogales.

• Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star

A replication of a courthouse office inside the Pimeria Alta Historical Society Museum, 136 N. Grand Ave. in Nogales. The museum is housed in the Old Nogales city hall building which was built in 1914.

Looking for a day trip in Southern Arizona? Here, we're making the argument for a visit to Nogales, Arizona. The small town packs a big punch. Here are our recommendations for food and things to do!

Better than Eegee’s?! A foodie day trip to Nogales, AZ

Try finitos' italian ice and birria at el zarape.

Ellice Lueders

• Jul 24, 2023
• Jul 24, 2023 Updated Sep 27, 2023

Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2022 and updated in 2023.

Leer en español

In her decade-long tenure, my benevolent predecessor Andi Berlin wrote at least three articles about the Sonoran side of the border. First, she went on a Spanish immersion program through community center HEPAC , where she sampled regional Oaxacan food at a festival, was welcomed into a fish barbecue in someone’s home and ate churros downtown. Then she went on a Border Community Alliance gastronomic tour . Finally, she went on a private tour with a local foodie .

But she never talked about the Arizona side of the border. Admittedly a smaller town, Nogales, Arizona, still has a lot to offer.

You can try local renditions of the Sonoran food we enjoy in Tucson at cozy neighborhood favorites like El Zerape or Rancho Grande, both recommended by Arcadio Alvarez, a local mail carrier (and a colleague of my uncle’s, who runs the route between Amado and Arivaca).

“On the weekends, you won’t find any parking. It’s that good,” he said of El Zarape.

You can also try a local spin on Italian ice (our version here would be Eegee’s) at Finitos, which my colleagues and Nogales hometown heroes, Jamie Donnelly and Genesis Lara, say is the best in Southern Arizona. 

But there’s even more! We’re throwing in a few ideas of activities to flesh out the day trip possibilities.

Cocina La Ley

While this casual restaurant builds its reputation on its seafood, Jamie, who grew up in Nogales, recommends their “AMAZING cabeza and birria tacos.”

Location: 226 W. Third St.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

For more information, check out their website .

If I could marry a restaurant, it would be this one. This is the kind of food you want to come home to, every night. Hearty and bursting with flavor, the combo plate #1 made me agree with my family friend Arcadio that you cannot go wrong at this restaurant.

Arcadio’s testimony: “Very famous for their birria, and menudo too. But you can order a Mexican plate, they do everything well. They’ve been open for the longest time, a bunch of customers — people keep coming back. On the weekends, you won’t find any parking. It’s that good.”

Location: 694 N. Grand Ave.

Hours: 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday | 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday

For more information, check out their Google Maps site .

Locals will say it’s “like Eegee’s, but better.” Their Italian ice comes in tons of flavors, nearly two dozen, and you can get it decked out with tamarindo candies or ice cream.

The lady filled my cup halfway before sprinkling a generous amount of Tajín, then loading up the small serving (which, at $2, felt like more than enough). A medium costs $3 and a large costs $4! It’s the best of both worlds of raspados and Eegee’s.

The location, tucked away on Perkins Avenue, is tree-lined unlike any street I've seen in Tucson. I saw kids in bathing suits stopping by with their families after a session at the pool. It felt like pure summer.

Location: 775 N. Perkins Ave.

Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday | Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday

For more information, check out their Facebook page .

Rancho Grande

Rancho Grande was the first place Arcadio told me about.

“Anything you order is authentic, really good Mexican food. Menudo, posole, any Mexican drink you can think of — that place is really good. It’s not expensive at all,” he said. It’s the kind of place with regulars.

Location: 270 N. Grand Court Plaza

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

For more information, check out their Yelp page .

Tacos & Tarros

While Rancho Grande and El Zarape give off more traditional vibes, Tacos and Tarros brings a modern twist. They have a fun vibe on the weekends and an extensive salsa bar.

Location: W. White Park Dr.  by the Walmart

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday | Noon to 8 p.m. Sunday

Day trip activities

Pimeria Alta Historical Society Museum

This museum, housed in the old city hall, is a destination for territorial history. They frequently host events and offer rotating historical exhibits, alongside standby attractions like a fire truck with a hand-operated pump and a tour of the old jail.

Location: 136 N. Grand Ave.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Hilltop Gallery

This art gallery and event venue has been a cultural institution in Nogales since 1968. They often host live music, along with rotating fine arts exhibits.

Location: 730 N. Hill Top Dr.

Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

Guided Border Hike

Borderlandia is a cultural organization that hosts all kinds of events on both sides of the border region, from taco crawls in Hermosillo to historical tours here in Tucson. Occasionally, they host urban hikes along the U.S.-Mexico border in Nogales.

For more information, check out the events page on their website.

Border Community Alliance also runs a regular cross-border tour in Nogales, Sonora.

Charles Mingus events

Legendary jazz musician Charles Mingus was born in Nogales in 1922. While Nogales hosted a blowout centennial celebration last year, the city often hosts a music festival on his birthday in late April.

For more information, keep tabs on their website, The Mingus Project .

Paul Bond Boot Co.

This is an authentic cowboy boot company with over seven decades of history. The handmade boots cost hundreds of dollars, so I’d almost treat it like a museum or window shopping, but it’s a cool slice of country western culture regardless. The shingled barn contains the factory, ready-to-wear retail, seats for custom sizing and design, and signed photos of country stars like Johnny Cash.

Location: 915 W. Paul Bond Dr.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday

Duty-Free Shopping

Looking to stock up? There are two duty-free stores near the border in Nogales. While they’re best known for discounted liquor and cigarettes, you can also find fun imports and fine gifts like designer perfume.

Locations: 421 N. Mariposa Road and 78 N. Terrace Ave.

Hours: Mariposa Road location is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday | Terrace Avenue location is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and is closed Sunday.

For more information, check out Duty Free Americas’ website .

Outdoor recreation

Maybe the above dining options will be great respite and indulgence after a morning hike or kayak expedition. Southern Arizona offers a lot of beautiful nature. Here are a couple options en route from Tucson:

Patagonia Lake State Park 

If you take the scenic route, down the 82 instead of the 19 from Tucson, the Patagonia Lake State Park is just a brief detour. Otherwise, it’s about half an hour from Nogales.

Temperatures are usually around 10 degrees cooler there than in Tucson. The lake has a beach and options for swimming, boating and fishing. You can camp in tents, your RV or in rustic cabins on site as well.

Location: 400 Patagonia Lake Road

Fee: As a state park, there is an entrance fee of $15-$20 per vehicle or $3 per person/bicycle.

Las Lagunas de Anza Wetlands

If you want to grab takeout from any of these restaurants, this could be a great spot in town for a picnic. There’s a mesquite grove with picnic tables and umbrellas to keep you cool even in the summertime.

Location: W. Country Club Dr. in Nogales

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End of trial nears for Nogales rancher accused of fatally shooting migrant on his property

After four weeks, testimony in the trial for the Nogales rancher charged with shooting a Mexican migrant finished on Wednesday.

George Alan Kelly, 75, is facing one count of second-degree murder in the death of Gabriel Cuen Buitimea and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for putting another man, Daniel Ramirez, in danger.

While prosecution led by the Santa Cruz County Attorney's Office argued that Kelly, armed with an AK-47 semi-automatic assault rifle, opened fire on two unarmed men, the defense argued Kelly's testimony was changed by law enforcement and that the investigation into the shooting was biased .

On Wednesday defense questioned Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway about a border tour he gave during which he was asked about vigilantes. He responded that there was a case of a rancher who shot at two migrants, killing one of them, and that “there are some people that they want to go hunt them some Mexicans."

Although Hathaway didn’t say Kelly’s name, he admitted to referring to Kelly in that sentence when asked by defense.

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The defense team also questioned retired detective Raul Rodriguez who interviewed Ramirez during the investigation.

The detective recalled that some of Ramirez's testimony was inaccurate, such as the distance of the Kelly house from the border wall, and where near Nogales the shooting happened.

"Did it ever concern you that what he said just didn't make sense?” asked defense attorney Brenna Larkin, shedding doubt on the detective’s handling of the witness’ testimony.

The detective said no because Ramirez was identified as a victim. When asked how he knew Ramirez was a victim, the detective said it was mentioned in the initial reports.  

“Somebody can make a false report to law enforcement and claim to be a victim of a crime. That's possible. Right?” Larkin asked. Ramirez answered yes.

When questioned by prosecutors, the detective recalled Ramirez saying he was suffering from mental health issues after the shooting and he had nightmares. Rodriguez said the witness seemed unwell and nervous during the interview.

Prosecutor Kimberly Hunley, Santa Cruz County chief deputy attorney, said there could be many reasons why the witness' distances were "were not appropriate."

At the end of Wednesday's hearing, the judge announced closing statements for the trial will begin Thursday followed by jury deliberation.

Reach the reporter at  [email protected] . The Republic’s coverage of southern Arizona is funded, in part, with a grant from Report for America. Support Arizona news coverage with a tax-deductible donation at  supportjournalism.azcentral.com.

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Nogales Mexico Day Trip From Tucson - Nogales Forum

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If you go, take I-19 to its end. There will be a large parking area on the right against the border. Walk east to the main street and then right to the border. Driving over would prove difficult as there is a lot of traffic. Make sure you have your passport.

Having said that, a more interesting trip would be to Tubac and Tumacacori about 40 miles south of Tucson. Tubac is Arizona's oldest settlement established during Spanish rule. Has lots of shops and dining places. Tumacacori National Monument is a Spanish mission site established in the 17th century. It has interesting ruins. The best place to eat would be Wisdom's Cafe on the frontage road between Tubac and Tumacacori. Just a little south of Tumacacori is Santa Cruz Chile which has a wide assortment of chile products.

Thanks for the feedback and recommendations. I've seen good posts about Tubac.

Is there such service on Sundays?

It's not like it used to be. Also if you are walking make sure when you come back you get in the right line - the citizen of US line .

Depending on time of day, expect a long line to cross back to the US.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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