Amado Territory Inn
At the gateway to Santa Cruz County sits the tiny town of Amado, once called Amadoville after the three brothers who first settled in the area as Spanish soldiers in the 1790s. Part of the brothers’ legacy—the Amado Territory Inn Bed & Breakfast, a quiet inn situated on 17 acres and surrounded by protected riparian habitat. Evoking memories of simpler pioneering times, the Inn still serves a “High Tea” and Mystery Theater, both with reservations.

Rex Ranch Resort & Spa
Hollywood stars have long been drawn to Southern Arizona, and local legend has it that many utilize the Rex Ranch Resort & Spa as a private hideaway, a place where they can secretly indulge, relax, and rejuvenate their minds and bodies. And it’s little wonder why they choose this spot—the resort is nestled on the edge of the Santa Cruz River Valley in an area known as “the palm of God’s hand,” a site that has been a sanctuary for centuries.

Tubac Golf Resort & Spa
Lush, green, rolling fairways and cottonwood canopies ensconce you in serenity as you enter the peaceful park-like 900-acre oasis that is Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. The jewel of the resort—a championship, state-of-the-art Red Lawrence designed golf course—nestles on land alive with the energy of its historic past. The ranch was part of the first land grant awarded by the King of Spain in 1789 to the ranch’s founding family, the Oteros.

Tubac-Santa Cruz Visitor Center at La Entrada de Tubac
Strolling through modern-day Tubac means stepping in the footsteps of at least five distinct cultures, the presence of which can still be felt—and nearly tangibly touched—here. Tubac enjoys quite an illustrious history, replete with legendary pioneers and several “firsts” as its claim to fame, but it may be the elusive heartbeat of inspiration that continues to pulse throughout this magical artists’ village that keeps visitors coming back.

Rio Rico Nature Center
This spot is the future site of what is to become one of Arizona’s largest state park. Part of the extensive multi-phase project includes a 3,000-square foot visitor and nature center, which will be built here at the Juan Bautista de Anza Trailhead. For now, it provides entry to the much-celebrated de Anza Trail—a historic trail that marks the route Juan Bautista de Anza took when he lead an expedition to discover what is now San Francisco, California.

Esplendor Resort at Rio Rico
One can’t help but feel inspired by the unspoiled, rural, and rustic ambiance of Rio Rico. At its centerpiece, set against the backdrop of the Sonoran desert, sits a luxury four-diamond resort and Par 72 Robert Trent Jones, Sr. golf course—a historic site in its own right. Recently refurbished to capture the essence of local history and traditions, the resort offers travelers an opportunity to be immersed in old-world Spanish colonial charm.

Nogales-Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce
Nogales, Arizona is a thriving port of entry, comprised of a border culture that sprouted from the ancient US-Mexico trade route that first put it on the map. Visitors strolling the sidewalks of modern-day Nogales—with its ethnic shops, historic buildings, and streets bustling with Mexican-tagged cars—can’t help but be aware that they are at standing at the intersection of two distinct countries, and Mexico is only steps away.

Kino Springs Golf Course
Tucked away at the base of the Patagonia Mountains, Kino Springs Country Club—named after Padre Kino, a Spanish explorer who took refuge here—was a secret playground to stars such as John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Eva Gardner, and Elizabeth Taylor. Founded in 1807 through the Estancia Yerba Buena Spanish Land Grant, the property once belonged to the late actor Stewart Granger. Today, Kino Springs is a golf enthusiast’s paradise and a birding destination for those in the know.

Mountain Empire Visitor Center
The magical spirit of community that has shaped Patagonia’s evolution—from its 1800s glory days as a mining, railroading, and ranching town to the mecca for original thought and artistic expression it is today—is evidenced in every experience that awaits you here. Known worldwide as a premier birding destination, modern Patagonia is a living celebration of diverse philosophies and cultural proclivities and a standing testament to the unique beauty that can be created through the freedom of individual expression.

La Mision de San Miguel
“ If you dream it, we can build it” is what owner Cecelia’s construction crew promised her when she embarked on her long, arduous journey to transform this 1915 adobe building into the masterpiece of a nightclub and cultural center that dwells in the heart of Patagonia today. Stepping inside the churchlike entrance doors of La Mision transports one to another world—a world where 60-foot rainforest murals come alive to greet you. Enter curious; depart inspired.