Overview
Nogales is a city divided by the US-México border, which runs through the middle of town on what was International Street. The city is one of the most important border crossings between Mexico and the USA by all measures.
This portion of the city is in South Central Arizona; see Nogales (Sonora) for the portion in Sonora, Mexico.
4 sights · 4 things to do · 6 places to eat · 5 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Nogales
Pimeria Alta Historical Society and Museum
This museum is housed in the former City Hall, built in 1914 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rotating displays focus on the history of the region, and include artifacts as well as documents and ph…
Santa Cruz County Courthouse
On the National Register of Historic Places, the courthouse was built in 1904 from stone quarried in Nogales itself. The building now houses the Nogales branch of Cochise College as well as the Arizona Ranger Museum, whi…
Morley Avenue
A historic row of shops in buildings dating from the early 1900s. Many stores, including Kory's Company, Cinderella, and Bracker's Department Store are still run by the descendents of the original merchants.
Ruby ghost town
One of the best preserved ghost towns in Arizona, with ongoing conservation efforts. The site is entirely on private land with a resident caretaker. Pima Community College also occasionally offers tours.
Charles Mingus Jazz Festival
Held annually in April in commemoration of Nogales-born Charles Mingus, the two-day festival features regional jazz, food, and entertainment.
Fiestas de Mayo
This annual celebration includes live music, art, entertainment, and Mexican food.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 101°F; winter lows dip to about 40°F. Very hot (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Aug. (climate data from nearby Tucson)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TUS Tucson International Airport, Tucson — 53 mi away (major hub). Directions
- AZA Mesa Gateway Airport, Mesa — 141 mi away. Directions
Take Interstate 19 (I-19) south until the valley becomes narrow. Here you will find the narrowest point, where Nogales is located.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $15–$81 a night (typical $77), from 4 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$60, mid-range ~$150, comfortable ~$250.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Pimeria Alta Historical Society and Museum, Festival Fiestas Patrias, Santa Cruz County Courthouse
- Lunch Las Vigas Steak Ranch
- Afternoon Morley Avenue, Fiestas de Mayo
- Dinner Cocina La Ley
Day 2
- Morning Ruby ghost town, Charles Mingus Jazz Festival
- Lunch Nickel's Diner
- Afternoon Day of the Dead Tour
- Dinner Safeway
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The origin of the name Nogales is Spanish and derives from the word walnut, since walnut trees used to grow here. International Street, which separates Arizona and México, was once a wide main street much like any other. This changed on August 27, 1918 when American authorities opened fire on a Mexican civilian attempting to return to Sonora, igniting an international gun battle (the Battle of Ambos Nogales) which raged for days and ended with the construction of the first permanent border fence right down the centre of the village. The honorific "Heroica Nogales" was conferred on the Mexican portion of the community in recognition of this history.
Get in
Take Interstate 19 (I-19) south until the valley becomes narrow. Here you will find the narrowest point, where Nogales is located.
Get around
The historic core of downtown Nogales is most easily seen on foot, particularly if you want to cross the border. To go further afield, you'll need a car.
By rental car
See
See Santa Cruz County Courthouse
On the National Register of Historic Places, the courthouse was built in 1904 from stone quarried in Nogales itself. The building now houses the Nogales branch of Cochise College as well as the Arizona Ranger Museum, which displays artifacts from the Territorial Arizona Rangers and the modern Arizona Rangers.
See Morley Avenue
A historic row of shops in buildings dating from the early 1900s. Many stores, including Kory's Company, Cinderella, and Bracker's Department Store are still run by the descendents of the original merchants.
Do
Do Fiestas de Mayo
This annual celebration includes live music, art, entertainment, and Mexican food.
Do Day of the Dead Tour
In observance of the Mexican holiday Día de Muertos, the Pimeria Alta Historical Society conducts tours of the historic Nogales Cemetery. Tickets are available in October at the Pimeria Alta Museum (see listing above), as well as at the start of the tour.
Do Festival Fiestas Patrias
An annual event celebrating Mexican Independence Day, with an evening of traditional mariachi music and folklorico dancers.
Buy
For souvenirs most visitors like to walk across the border and explore Nogales, Sonora.
Eat
Eat El Zarape
Homemade Mexican food. On Wednesdays they have a chicken mole special.
Eat Cocina La Ley
Very popular with locals for Mexican seafood. Especially good are their shrimp tacos and seafood soup.
Eat Las Vigas Steak Ranch
Authentic Mexican food, with great machacas and carnitas.
Eat Nickel's Diner
Very popular, with free wi-fi too.
Grocery stores
Eat Safeway
Has a pharmacy and Starbucks onsite.
Drink
Finitos is a very famous local drink of the shaved ice type. It is not the same shaved ice that one typically finds at a ballgame; this one is extremely unique. It is definitely a city favorite and known by all who live in and around Nogales for its high quality. In addition, it comes in a large range of flavors to meet any personal preference. Don't hesitate to try this local treat.
Sleep
Stay Frida's Inn
Operated in a historic home, with wi-fi, laundry facilities, and multilingual staff. Bookings can be made online via expedia.com or venere.com.
Stay safe
America's appetite for various contraband street drugs has ensured a steady stream of US dollars and US weapons southward to dangerous organised gangs on the Mexican side at all major crossings, in return for drugs which transit Mexico on their way north.
This has created dangers for travellers continuing westward into Mexico from the Nogales area; see the current travel warning issued by the US State Department. If you intend to cross at Nogales, it may be best to stay on the main toll road (México 15), travel by day and avoid display of jewels or valuables in order to keep a low profile.
Go next
- Tumacácori National Historical Park is located 15 minutes north of Nogales.
Nearby
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