Sahuarita, AZ
Open: Tues – Sat, 9 am to 5 pm
Nowhere else in Arizona can you find regularly scheduled, public tours of a working open-pit copper mine available without a prior reservation. On your tour, you’ll see how copper ore is mined in the open-pit and then at the center you can see how it is processed in the mill to extract the copper minerals.
Dragoon, AZ
Open: Tues – Sun, 10 am to 4 pm
The Amerind Foundation is a museum and research facility dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Native American cultures and their histories.
Hereford, AZ
Open: Sat – Sun, 2 pm (reservations required)
The story of the Arizona Folklore Preserve is the story of a dream-come-true for Mr. Dolan Ellis, Arizona’s Official State Balladeer, celebrating Arizona and our western heritage and culture could be performed and preserved.
Tucson, AZ
Open: Every day of the year, seasonal hours
The Desert Museum is ranked on TripAdvisor.com as one of the Top 10 Museums in the country and the #1 Tucson attraction. Unlike most museums, about 85% of the experience is outdoors! The 98 acre Desert Museum is a fusion experience: zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum, and aquarium.
Benson, AZ
Self tour
Founded in 1880 prior to Arizona’s mining boom, Benson developed as a stopping point for the Butterfield Overland Stage mail delivery route. Soon thereafter, the Southern Pacific Railroad came into Benson and continued to serve the area until 1997, when the line was purchased by Union Pacific Railroad.
Benson, AZ
Amid picturesque river-valley views, agreeable weather and the Home of Kartchner Caverns State Park, the City of Benson is ideally situated along Interstate-10 as the Gateway to Cochise County.
Oracle, AZ
Open: Every day (except Christmas + Thanksgiving), 9 am to 4 pm
Come tour one of the world's most unique facilities dedicated to the research and understanding of global scientific issues. The Biosphere 2 facility serves as a laboratory for controlled scientific studies, an arena for scientific discovery and discussion, and a far-reaching provider of public education.
Bisbee, AZ
Today, Bisbee's extraordinarily well-preserved early-twentieth century downtown draws visitors from around the world, who appreciate its historic architecture, it's welcoming, creative spirit and its cool climate. Bisbee also serves as an ideal overnight home-base for visitors – birders, hikers, wine-tasters, music-appreciators, and others who wish to explore our geologically, biologically and culturally rich "Sky Islands" region.
I-10, Exit 308
East of Benson
Cochise Stronghold in southeast Arizona, part of the Dragoon Mountains, which are a relatively small range, extending north-south for 20 miles, between the wide expanses of San Pedro Valley to the west and Sulphur Springs Valley to the east. The area where Cochise and his warriors held off the US Army for 11 years. A 3 mile hike to the top provides incredible views.
Willcox, AZ
A "Wonderland of Rocks" is waiting for you to explore at Chiricahua National Monument. The 8-mile paved scenic drive and 17-miles of day-use hiking trails provide opportunities to discover the beauty, natural sounds, and inhabitants of this 11,985 acre site. A fantasyland of rock sculptures erupts in the rock formations and tall spires as the result of volcanic explosions.
Vail, AZ
Tours are given daily, on the hour, year-round. First tour starts at 9:00 am.
This desert refuge has sheltered people for over a thousand years. It has been home, shrine, hideout, inspiring workplace, exciting playground, tranquil retreat. On the National Historic Register, the 2,400-acre Park showcases crystal-filled Colossal Cave and historic La Posta Quemada Ranch. Cave tours, Western trail rides, camping, picnicking.
Sierra Vista, AZ
The Coronado National Memorial commemorates the first organized expedition into the Southwest by conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado. The memorial is located in a natural setting on the international border on the southeast flank of the Huachuca Mountains south of Sierra Vista, Arizona.
I-10 to SR-186 (15 mi SE of Willcox)
There may be no better way to sample the sights of southeastern Arizona than a circumnavigation of the Dos Cabezas Mountains. (Geologically, the mountains are simply the northernmost extension of the Chiricahuas, but, historically, they are a range unto themselves.)
Douglas, AZ
There may be no better way to sample the sights of southeastern Arizona than a circumnavigation of the Dos Cabezas Mountains. (Geologically, the mountains are simply the northernmost extension of the Chiricahuas, but, historically, they are a range unto themselves.)
Fort Bowie, AZ
Fort Bowie witnessed almost 25 years of conflict between the Chiricahua Apache and the US Army, and remains a tangible connection to the turbulent era of the late 1800s. Explore the history of Fort Bowie and Apache Pass as you hike the 1.5 mile trail to the visitor center and old fort ruins.
Sierra Vista, AZ
The Museum is located in two buildings on the Fort’s historic Old Post, as well as a third co-located with the MI Library. They are all open to the public without charge. The nearby Army Intelligence Museum serves the US Army Intelligence Center of Excellence’s training mission with exhibits interpreting Military Intelligence history from 1885 to the present.
Benson, AZ
Group tours; days/times vary
Come visit our Old Western Town and Mining Camp which is a mix the 1880’s to our 1930’s side street. Gammons Gulch has a collection of Antiques and Old Cars...Not to mention well known movie set.
Gleeson, AZ
Open: First Saturday or by appointment
Between 1900 and 1920, Gleeson’s population swelled to about 1,000 people. On the website, it says, “In the downtown section of Gleeson, the population is exactly zero.” A few people live nearby, but they generally like the wide open spaces of this little ghost town.
Benson, AZ
Reservations encouraged
Kartchner Caverns is home to:
Tohono O'odaham Reservation, AZ
Days/times vary
Whether you wish to visit during the day to catch a guided tour, visit at night to learn the constellations and view through a telescope, or even reserve a telescope all to yourself, we have something for you. Daytime and evening programs, VIP Tours, programs for schools and youth groups, exhibits, and facilities are described here.
Tucson, AZ
A National Historic Landmark, San Xavier Mission was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692. Construction of the current church began in 1783 and was completed in 1797.
There is no admission charge to visit Mission San Xavier. Some 200,000 visitors come each year from all over the world to view what is widely considered to be the finest example of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States.
Nogales, AZ
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.
Tucson, AZ
Days/times vary
Old Tucson is one of Arizona’s top Wild West attractions, featuring live action stunt shows, musicals and live entertainment, vintage rides for the kids, genuine southwest BBQ and special events throughout the season. Step back in time as you make your way through town, walking the same streets made famous by movie legends such as John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Elizabeth Taylor, Steve Martin, Sharon Stone and Martin Short.
I-10, Exit 302 to SR -90 to SR-82 West
Patagonia is a renowned destination for many American, Canadian and European birders lured by the area’s spectacular array of exotic and unusual birds. The Mountain Empire contains important conservation areas, including one of the only remaining high desert short-grass prairies in America, the San Rafael Valley.
Tucson, AZ
Open: Every day, 9 am to 5 pm (last tour 3 pm)
The Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest non-government funded aviation and space museums in the world! Featuring over 350 historical aircrafts, from a Wright Flyer to a 787 Dreamliner. Sitting on 80 acres the museum opened its doors to the public in May of 1976. Over the past forty years, the museum has grown immensely and today encompasses six indoor exhibit hangars (three dedicated to WWII).
Sierra Vista, AZ
The best months for birding at the preserve are April through September. Spring weather is unpredictable, though usually cool and dry. Early summer is generally dry and warm. In July and August, brief afternoon rainstorms can be a daily occurrence. Fall days are cool and bright. Occasional snows from late November through late March bring a dramatic change in the scenery.
Tucson, AZ
Sabino Canyon, located on the northeastern edge of Tucson as part of Coronado National Forest, is one of the city’s most popular hiking destinations. This comes as no surprise given the canyon’s diverse hiking opportunities, convenient location, and gorgeous scenery, not to mention the spectacular views of Tucson’s sunsets. It is a must see for both Tucson tourists and locals!
Tucson, AZ
Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset.
St. David, AZ
A popular choice for birders and wine enthusiasts, the town of St. David makes a peaceful base for exploration of the surrounding region. Founded by Mormon settlers in the 1800s, today, it is home to the Holy Trinity Monastery, a Benedictine monastery that welcomes visitors seeking quiet time for reflection. Resident peacocks stroll the grounds, which also hold a museum and gardens for strolling.
Sierra Vista, AZ
Discover soaring mountain peaks under extraordinary skies, rich history, and room to roam. With 275 days of sunshine and a temperate climate, Sierra Vista is a year 'round destination for outdoor adventure, authentic history, and global cuisine.
Sonoita, AZ
Sonoita & Elgin are neighboring small towns in the rolling high desert grasslands of southeastern Arizona. This corner of the state is also known for birding opportunities. Scenic views and friendly locals are never hard to find & taking a breath and savoring the moment come naturally.
Tucson, AZ
Seasonal hours
This one-of-a kind museum gives visitors a rare look at the technology used by the United States to deter nuclear war. What was once one of America’s most top secret places is now a National Historic Landmark, fulfilling its new mission of bringing Cold War history to life for millions of visitors from around the world. Join us now for your own tour!
Tombstone, AZ
Site of the OK Corral and home of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, Bat Masterson, and other famous characters of the Old West. See the historic Bird Cage Theater. Enjoy lunch at Big Nose Kate's Saloon, or the Crystal Palace Saloon. Walk thru famous Boot Hill Cemetery. Walk thru famous Boot Hill Cemetary. Take a tour of the historic silver mine. See many other famous and infamous sites of the old west. All 1/2 a day or more.
Tubac, AZ
The historic Village of Tubac is about 45 minutes south of Tucson via I-19. Today, Tubac is mostly known as an arts colony, but its centerpiece is the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park.
Tucson, AZ
One of the Nation's oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Over 850,000 residents. Home of the University of AZ, Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Team, Arizona Theater Co.,, Tucson Symphony, Arizona Opera Co., and Ballet Arizona. The El Presidio District provides excellent shopping, ethnic foods and history.
Tumacacori, AZ
Tumacácori sits at a cultural crossroads in the Santa Cruz River valley. Here O’odham, Yaqui, and Apache people met and mingled with European Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries, settlers, and soldiers, sometimes in conflict and sometimes in cooperation. Follow the timeworn paths and discover stories that connect us to enduring relationships, vibrant cultures, and traditions of long ago.
Willcox, AZ
Here are a few of our recommendations for the best things do around Willcox, Arizona. Most have something to do with the area's history or its vineyards. In the past, Willcox was known for its ranches and cowboy lifestyle. Now it is quickly becoming the place to seek out wine and wineries. Hopefully, it can be both. We love its laid back, Route 66 feel.