Nogales is a small city in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Located right on the US-Mexico border, Nogales is a major port for the import of items from Mexico. Aside from that, this city is also known for several tourist attractions such as Pimeria Alta Historical Society Museum and Mission Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi. Read on to see our list of the best things to do in Nogales, Arizona.
1. Las Lagunas de Anza Wetlands
Do you feel the need to reconnect with nature? If so, plan a relaxing day at Las Lagunas de Anza Wetlands. It is a beautiful park not just filled with history but natural wetlands as well. Because of this, it has become a favorite field trip destination for students. There’s an outdoor classroom in the park that offers informative lessons and seminars to visitors. Besides these, it has a Discovery Garden that is home to native plants. Not only that, but Las Lagunas de Anza Wetlands is a habitat for different wildlife, including migratory birds and species of insects. Also, it has hiking trails and a picnic area.
Las Lagunas de Anza Wetlands
Address: W Country Club Dr, Nogales, AZ 85621, United States
Website: [Las Lagunas de Anza WetlandsLas Lagunas de Anza Wetlands(http://www.laslagunas.org/)
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Nogales Border Plaza
Nogales Border Plaza is a vibrant public square in the city. It is one of the busiest places in Nogales with an eclectic mix of shops and dining spots. There are also dental offices, salons, and pharmacies in the plaza. Also, it has seating areas for people who just want to relax and people-watch. Aside from park benches, Nogales Border Plaza also features a fountain that adds allure to the place. Make the most of your visit to this bustling place by going on a food tour of Mexican eateries here.
Nogales Border Plaza
Address: 89-, 159 N Morley Ave, Nogales, AZ 85621, United States
3. Arizona Rangers Museum and Archives
Nestled in downtown Nogales, Arizona Rangers Museum and Archives is a fascinating attraction in the historic 1904 Courthouse. It features exhibits of different items that represent the history of the city, especially its police force. Here, you will find old documents, newspapers, photographs, police department items, sculptures of Texas rangers, and antique furniture. Besides preserving history, Arizona Rangers Museum and Archives aims to honor the modern-day Arizona rangers of the city.
Arizona Rangers Museum and Archives
Address: 21 E Court St, Nogales, AZ 85621, United States
Website: Arizona Rangers Museum and Archives
Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
Price: Free
4. Maquina 501
Maquina 501 is another landmark in Lomas de Nogales. It is an old train used in the movie of the same name, Maquina 501. The film centers on the life of Jesús García Corona, a 26-year-old engineer who sacrificed his life for the greater good by preventing a train loaded with dynamite from exploding. Today, Maquina 501 in Lomas de Nogales serves as a symbol of such a historic event. Many tourists take souvenir pictures of it whenever they have a chance.
Maquina 501
Address: Lomas de Nogales, Ferrocarrilera, 84080 Nogales, Sonora, Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Mariposa Shopping Center
Make the most of your Nogales holiday by treating yourself and the people close to you to a day at Mariposa Shopping Center. This bustling shopping district offers almost all of life’s luxuries. Shop until you drop in your favorites stores, such as Sephora, Forever21, Aeropostale, and Footlocker. It also has excellent dining spots that are sure to satisfy your cravings such as Dragon Buffet and Taco Bell, to name a few. Other than these, it has a Bank of America branch, Nail Salon, Sprint, and Insurance Agency.
Mariposa Shopping Center
Address: 230 W Mariposa Rd, Nogales, AZ 85621, United States
Website: Mariposa Shopping Center
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
6. Monte Carlo Trails
Set in East Calle Sonora, Monte Carlo Trails is an outdoor park with lots of amenities ideal for cardio activities. It features a newly built BMX pump track that highlights the bike concept of the park. Monte Carlo Trails showcases a less than a mile (1 km) track that is perfect for mountain biking as well as jogging and walking. The beginning of the course is located near the entrance, making it easy for fitness enthusiasts to spot. Throughout the route, visitors will get a glimpse of desert views with wildlife and flora.
Monte Carlo Trails
Address: 1950 N Via Madonna, Nogales, AZ 85621, United States
7. Pimeria Alta Museum
The Pimeria Alta History Museum is located on Grand Avenue, just one block north of what is known as the DeConcini Port of Entry. The museum is in a historic building itself, which was once the Nogales City Hall and Jail. The museum is complete with a lot of interesting information and exhibits that are related to the rich history of Santa Cruz County and the Battle of Ambos Nogales. Entry to this museum is free (although they do accept donations). In addition to this, the museum offers activities throughout the year including its annual tour of historic Nogales homes.
Pimeria Alta Museum
Address: 136 N Grand Ave, Nogales, AZ 85621, USA
Website: Pimeria Alta Museum
8. Nogales-SCC Chamber of Commerce Visitor & Tourism Center
At the Nogales Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Center, visitors can learn about what to do in this beautiful natural region. Particularly great for birders, Nogales and its surroundings are known to be a stopover for migrating birds. In addition, the stunning Santa Rita Mountains provide a backdrop to any tours throughout the city.
Nogales-SCC Chamber of Commerce Visitor & Tourism Center
Address: 123 W Kino Park Pl, Nogales, AZ 85621, USA
Website: Nogales-SCC Chamber of Commerce Visitor & Tourism Center
9. Oasis Cinema
As the name suggests, this is a cinema showing the latest flicks offers specially priced combo snacks & adult beverages for sale. So when you are in Nogales and want to catch the latest movie, head to Oasis Cinema!
Oasis Cinema
Address: 240 West Roper Road, Nogales, AZ 85621, USA
Website: Oasis cinema
10. Sacred Heart Parish
Sacred Heart Parish is a Catholic church in Nogales Arizona. This Roman Catholic church serves Santa Cruz County, AZ. Do check the mass timings before you head there.
Sacred Heart Parish
Address: 272 N Rodriguez St, Nogales, AZ 85621, USA
Website: Sacred Heart Parish
11. Historic Santa Cruz County Courthouse
Built in 1904, the historic Santa Cruz County Courthouse is made from tufa stone that was quarried locally. The courthouse was used by the city of Nogales and Santa Cruz County, before the county moved to a new complex. The courthouse is a prominent building that is located on Morley Avenue.
Historic Santa Cruz County Courthouse
Address: 338 N Morley Ave, Nogales, Arizona 85621
12. Paul Bond Boots
Paul Bond Boots is a company that handcrafts fine American cowboy boots with the option for purchasing bespoke boots with custom measurements. They make some of the finest custom cowboy boots in the world. If you are looking to purchase some cowboy boots of your own, drop by Paul Bond Boots in Nogales for a fitting.
Paul Bond Boots
Address: 915 W Paul Bond Dr, Nogales, AZ 85621, USA
Website: Paul Bond Boots
13. Hilltop Gallery
The Hilltop Gallery was founded in 1968 and is the only permanent art collection center in this region. Visitors will find exhibits as well as educational activities that connects two cultures: U.S. and Mexico. In collaboration with the Consulates, the Piméria Alta Historical Society, and the Chamber of Commerce, the Hilltop Gallery works as a non-profit group to bring arts and culture to an underserved community.
Hilltop Gallery
Address: 730 N Hill Top Dr, Nogales, AZ 85621, USA
Website: Hilltop Gallery
14. Patagonia Lake State Park
Patagonia Lake State Park contains the 2.5 mile (4 km) long, 250 acre (101 hectares) Patagonia Lake. This is a very popular site in southern Arizona for camping, fishing, and boating. In addition, visitors can enjoy picnics, birding, and hiking.
Patagonia Lake State Park
Address: 400 Patagonia Lake Rd, Nogales, AZ 85621, USA
Website: Patagonia Lake State Park
15. Arizona Bol
Arizona Bol is a bowling alley in Nogales. If you are looking for a fun, family-friendly indoor activity, head directly to Arizona Bol!
Arizona Bol
Address: 784 N Morley Ave # B, Nogales, AZ 85621, USA
Website: Arizona Bol
Visit Nogales
Located right on the US-Mexico border, Nogales is a cool city that offers visitors beautiful views and interesting cultural experiences. Nogales is the perfect jumping off point for a trip south into Mexico or north to the rest of Arizona.