Skyline view of Downtown Nogales. Photo from the City of Nogales

At the southern point of Arizona, just a stone’s throw from Mexico, the City of Nogales is a center of culture and connection. Downtown Nogales is filled with historic architecture, unique local stores and restaurants, and picturesque views.

Morley Avenue is home to classic boutique department stores and local shops, serving as the nucleus of the Nogales Downtown. Owners of the shops hail from all over the world, each with a unique story and collection of goods. Avenida Obregon is a peek at another world of shopping – small shops, vendors, restaurants and clubs give this area character of “Old Mexico” and many annual festivals are held right here.

Nogales City Hall serves as the political center of the city. Photo from City of Nogales.

The park in front of City Hall boasts the Santa Cruz County Wall of Honor, a splash pad for children, and an LED fountain. Photo from City of Nogales.

Visitors will also experience history and architecture, with the Historic 1904 Courthouse and Old City Hall and Pesqueria and Ochoa Plazas offer areas of activity, arts and culture for visitors and residents alike.

Historic 1904 Courthouse, an architectural masterpiece that houses a gorgeous period courtroom. Photo from the City of Nogales.

This historic park preserves the ruins of three early Spanish colonial missions. The area was originally visited by the Jesuit Father Eusebio Francisco Kino in 1691. The King of Spain expelled the Jesuits and replaced them with Franciscans in 1767 and construction was begun by the Franciscan Catholics on the massive adobe church about 1800, but it was never finished.

The Tumacacori National Monument (now the National Historical Park) was established in 1908

These ruins and the culture among it has changed over time; people are encouraged to visit and experience this changing heritage. The unique park also provides opportunities for walkers, bird-watchers and equestrians. There is a popular 4.5-mile stretch of trail between Tumacacori and Tubac for those looking for a good hike filled with remnants of Arizona’s past.