Top 15 Budget-Friendly Things To Do In Sierra Vista, Arizona

1. Step back in time at Murray Springs Clovis Site

If you want to make your holiday in Sierra Vista more exciting, plan a trip to one of the early human sites in North America. Set along the banks of the San Pedro River, Murray Springs Clovis Site was once an ancient hunting camp. Evidence of buried animal kills and stone tools has been found here. The early hunters have been named Paleoindians and were known for their distinctive artifacts. This site is an important archeological find and is quite well-documented. You can go hiking here and even enjoy a picnic in a shady spot before going back home.

Murray Springs Clovis Site

Address: N Moson Rd, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, United States

Website: Murray Springs Clovis Site

2. Stroll around Veteran's Memorial Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Veteran’s Memorial Park is a well-maintained space that is good for getting your dose of fresh air and greenery each day. It is quite clean and perfect for walking and jogging. The park hosts a variety of events on a regular basis and the ample parking ensures that you do not have to jostle for space each time. Veteran’s Memorial Park has a playground for kids with equipment such as a carousel to add to the fun. There is also a community center attached to the park.

Veteran's Memorial Park

Address: 3105 E Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, United States

Website: Veteran’s Memorial Park

Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

3. Get a dose of history at Henry F Hauser Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Henry F Hauser Museum, which was named after a former mayor and prominent member of the society, has a fascinating collection for you to browse through. It houses memorabilia, photographs, and archival materials about the history and evolution of Sierra Vista. The displays and exhibits are segmented into different collections. The museum co-hosts educational presentations and programs that seek to impart education about the state. An interactive area with vintage pieces such as rotary telephones and typewriters is sure to appeal to children and the child within! There’s also a gift shop if you’d like to take home souvenirs.

Henry F Hauser Museum

Address: 2950 E Tacoma St, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, United States

Website: Henry F Hauser Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 4pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 1pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

4. Make the most of the outdoors at Len Roberts Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Are you looking for a green space where you can have fun with the entire family for free? If yes, visit Len Roberts Park on E Theater Drive. The park is ideal for leisurely strolls and brisk walks or jogs. If you’re visiting with kids, there is a playground and designated picnic areas. The picnic areas have electricity which makes them suitable for gatherings even after the sun has set. The park also has an immensely popular splash pad that offers a great way to cool off on sultry afternoons.

Len Roberts Park

Address: 101 E Theater Dr, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, United States

Website: Len Roberts Park

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

5. Hike along Huachuca Canyon Trailhead

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This moderately busy trail is located close to Fort Huachuca. This 4.2-mi (6.8 km) trail is suitable for hikers of all skill levels and can be accessed throughout the year. You might get an opportunity to spot wildlife as you walk along this trail that is not steep and doesn’t require any climbing. You can take your dogs along, but ensure that they are on a leash. Take along your camera to click splendid shots of the canyon along the way.

Huachuca Canyon Trailhead

Address: Huachuca Canyon Rd, Sierra Vista, AZ 85613, United States

Website: Huachuca Canyon Trailhead

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

6. Indulge in delicious steak at Tandem Upscale Dining and Lounge

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Tandem Upscale Dining and Lounge is a restaurant that offers some of the best food in Sierra Vista. Offering the benefits of a steakhouse and seafood restaurant in one, there is no dearth of lip-smacking delicacies to choose from. The chef here has been trained in France and can whip up French gourmet dishes with an innovative twist. They offer lunch and dinner specials along with a kids’ menu, a brunch menu, and a bar menu with great happy hour specials. Don’t forget to indulge in the delicious lobster and steak

Tandem Upscale Dining and Lounge

Address: 2047 South Highway 92 At the Windmere Hotel, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, United States

Website: Tandem Upscale Dining and Lounge

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 9am - 2pm (closed on Mon)

7. Visit Fort Huachuca Museum

Located in, of course, Fort Huachuca, is a museum that showcases the story of the place and the US Army in the American southwest, giving emphasis on the Buffalo Soldiers during the Apache War. The museum also displays dioramas with automatic voice narration and illustrates the life during frontier days, and historical statues outside where you can just sit and enjoy the view of the location. Fort Huachuca Museum also features a gift shop where you can find memorabilia, books and souvenirs to take home. All visitors are free of charge. Civilians without DOD ID card must pass a criminal background check before being allowed to enter the gate.

Fort Huachuca Museum

Address: Grierson Ave, Fort Huachuca, AZ 85613, USA

Website: Fort Huachuca Museum

8. Hike through the Ramsey Canyon Preserve

Though this place would require you a lot of hiking, your eyes will definitely be satisfied by the plenty wildlife of the place. The 280 acre (113 hectare) preserve is the home of 170 varieties of birds with 14 species of hummingbirds. Dubbed as the “Hummingbird Capitol of the United States”, this place is where bird watchers flock together from all over the world to see and take photos of the different bird species. Admission is free every first Saturday of each month!

Ramsey Canyon Preserve

Address: 27 E Ramsey Canyon Rd, Hereford, AZ 85615, USA

Website: Ramsey Canyon Preserve

9. Reflect at Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine

I know it’s obvious that visiting a shrine is free, but this is not just an ordinary shrine. It holds a lot of history about Sierra Vista. The shrine itself went through a lot, even being engulfed by fire in June of 2011 but due to perseverance, Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine was restored to its original beauty. Inside the chapel you will see the magnificent mural of the risen Jesus standing with outstretched arms greeting the visitors.

Outside the chapel you will find statues such as the Celtic cross, a statue of The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Angel of Revelation. There are over seventy priests and three bishops who have celebrated the mass in the shrine. With its spectacular view of Huachuca Mountain, this is one of the best places to relax and reflect.

Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine

Address: 10310 S Twin Oaks Rd, Hereford, AZ 85615, USA

Website: Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine

10. Try the trail of Brown’s Canyon Ranch

This ranch is situated on the foothills of Huachuca Mountain, just a short distance from Sierra Vista. Also known as “Barchas Ranch”, visiting this place would definitely give you the feel of the 20th-century. Due to its many land owners, from around 1,800, different names were given to the ranch the one that stood out is “Brown’s Canyon Ranch” with its short and descriptive name. The ranch offers its visitors easy and difficult parts of trail that leads its hikers into a small canyon offering a picturesque view of the city. The ranch is free of charge to hikers and picnickers for day use only.

Brown’s Canyon Ranch

Address: Sierra Vista, AZ 85650, USA

Website: Brown’s Canyon Ranch

11. See the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

The area of San Pedro Riparian National Conservation is where the local ecosystem is being preserved and protected. This is also a good location for bird watchers where it is said that more than half of the well-known bird species in the US have been spotted. You can hike solo but guided river walks are available, led by the staffs from the San Pedro House. Visitors of the place can enjoy a lot of outdoor activities such as bird watching, camping and hiking. Of course, admission is free!

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

Address: BLM Business Office, 1763 Paseo San Luis Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, USA

Website: San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

12. Take a quick dip at The Cove

One of the most popular and go-to places of residents and visitors, this aquatic center features a wave pool with diving boards, two enclosed tube slides, a snack bar and eight lap lanes for competitions or just exercise. This venue is great for visitors, most specially those traveling with kids. One visit will just cost you 2.50 USD for youth ages 6-17, 4 USD for adult ages 18-54 and 3.25 USD for senior citizen ages 55 and above, but if you plan on visiting them more often, I would suggest to check the website to see the full prices and schedule for the year to save more!

The Cove

Address: 2900 Martin Luther King Jr, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, USA

Website: The Cove

13. Rent a bike

I know you will not think of bringing a bike when having a vacation, that’s why this city has them for you! Sierra Vista is the home of bicycle and bicyclists! They love it so much that most of the places you can visit, whether a trail or the foot of the mountain, are accessible by bike. It is also the favorite activity of the residents when they go to public parks. This is surely an exciting activity which gives you a changing landscape and a panoramic view of the mountains. There are actually two bike shops where you can rent bicycles, one is M&M Cycling and the other is Sun ‘N’ Spokes. BUT! You might want to check Sierra Vista Public Library; they offer different types of bikes for adults and even a few bikes for kids to loan at no charge! Just visit or call the library to check on the availability.

M&M Cycling

Address: 1301 E. Fry Boulevard, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, USA

Website: M&M Cycling

Sun ‘N’ Spokes

Address: 156 E. Fry Boulevard, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, USA

Website: Sun ‘N’ Spokes

14. Visit Coronado National Memorial

This is located south of Sierra Vista, Arizona. It serves as the tie that binds Mexico to the United States. This is the beginning of the popular Arizona trail where you can have a magnificent view of wildlife as well as the superb experience of hiking. While at the Coronado National Memorial you can also visit Coronado Cave, one of the few and undeveloped caves in the southern part of Arizona. Just follow the rules and guidelines and you can experience the beauty this place has in store for you. Remember, this national memorial is a fee free park!

Coronado National Memorial

Address: Hereford, AZ 85615, USA

Website: Coronado National Memorial

15. Buy local products at Sierra Vista Farmers Market

Are you wondering where the good food and the freshest ingredients are coming from in the city? Go visit Sierra Vista Farmers Market. Packed with nutritious and locally raised foods such as fruits and vegetables, the market is open every Thursdays of the year from 10 am to 2 pm. This may not be free, but maybe you can score low-priced, garden-fresh local products from the hard-working farmers themselves!

Sierra Vista Farmers Market

Address: 3105 E Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, USA

Website: Sierra Vista Farmers Market

Nature tripping

Sierra Vista, Arizona surely has a lot of outdoor activities to choose from. Prepare yourself as you face your fear in some of the thrilling experiences this place has to offer. Just don’t forget to pack a lot of energy as you will need for exploring the whole city!