Things to do in Patagonia, Arizona

A peachy neat artsy town 18 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border, Patagonia, though tiny, offers plenty to do. Nestled between the Santa Rita Mountains to the north and the Patagonia Mountains to the south, the incredible views envelop the area. Whether you drive from Phoenix, Tombstone, or Tubac, you will experience some of the prettiest roads in the country.

Furthermore, with a population under 950, it is easy to find locals willing to share historical details and what to do in town.

Hiking

Southern Arizona has many ‘Sky Islands,’ indicating mountain ranges above 3000 feet that support different habitats from base to peak. These mountain ranges are isolated and stand tall among the surrounding deserts. With the Santa Ritas being the largest in the south of Arizona, topping out at 9500 feet, there are many trails throughout her enormous body. Mount Wrightson is the highest point at 9453, and there are two trails to get there, Old Baldy and Super Trail.

Furthermore, Patagonia is very close to the southern terminus of the Arizona Trail. You can map out the entire trail or do chunks of it. One of my favorite segments is the Kentucky Camp Trail, a 7-mile out-and-back easy, dog-friendly trail. There is a lot of tall grass throughout, and my dog got a tick, so something to be mindful of. You will get a good idea of what it would be like to do the Arizona Trail as you pass aid homes and rustic spots to rest your eyes.

Lake Life

Patagonia Lake is a must if you are a camper, boater, fisherperson, or just someone who loves to be around water. There are over 100 developed campsites that include a picnic table, fire ring/grill, and some have a ramada. Most sites are large enough to accommodate most RV sizes. If you prefer lodging and additional amenities, there are seven rustic cabins for rent. A market and visitors center are available in the park to assist people enjoying the 250-acre manmade lake.

Take advantage of the walking trails and bridges around the lake but keep your eyes open for wildlife. As rumor has it, a mountain lion ran across the parking lot in pure daylight years ago.

Birdwatching

Whether you care about birdlife or not, you will see all kinds of birds in Patagonia. If you are an avid birdwatcher, you can set up your equipment just about anywhere and start your adventure. Or grab a bird book or chart and start guessing which is which. I don’t know much about birds, but I’ve seen almost every color hummingbird in these parts, which was pretty cool.

Restaurants

Patagonia has a wonderful selection of places to eat for the town’s size. I can be picky regarding food and wine and was pleasantly surprised by my options. I highly recommend MorQ BBQ and Bakery, formerly Ovens of Patagonia, for breakfast or lunch. They bake their bread, fudge, and bakery in-house. I had a simple ham and cheese on rye which, I must say, blew me away. The husband-and-wife team is also quite proud of their brisket.

We also enjoyed breakfast at Wild Horse Restaurant. The breakfast sandwich with sausage patty, cheese, and avocado is a great choice; they are also open for lunch and dinner. Velvet Elvis at La Misión is a nice option to enjoy pizzas, calzones, stromboli, and salads. There is also a large bar inside with a very quaffable wine list. Patagonia Lumber Co. is a fun stop for coffee, wine, or beer. They have a welcoming patio and are working on bringing in food trucks regularly.

Wineries

 

Right in the heart of town is a new winery called Queen of Cups. They make their small-batch wine on-site behind Gathering Grounds, a coffee shop with delectable-looking desserts. They bottle their wine with clever bottle-cap closures, which undoubtedly help prevent oxidation. My SOMM picks? The PAŽINOS Rosé, WAITING FOR THE PARTING, a Counoise and Grenache blend, and the [OLVI]DADO, Mourvedre, Carignan, Counoise blend. Say hi to Emmett, one of the owners and winemakers, who used to be a winemaker for Pillsbury Wine Company out of Willcox, also one of my favorites. You can also get some shareable eats with your vino.

A 15-minute drive to Sonoita/Elgin, you will find one of Arizona’s great southern wine regions. My SOMM picks? Los Milics Vineyards and Rune Wines have fantastic vineyard views and bites to eat, and Dos Cabezas has a tasting room in town where you can order pizzas and charcuterie boards.

Shopping, History, and Playtime

If you are a history buff, The Patagonia Museum preserves the history and culture of Santa Cruz County. The Patagonia Regional Visitors Center and The Patagonia Trading Post also provide information about the area. Grayce’s Gift and Candle Shop is a cute shop with clothing and southwest gems. Richardson Park Patagonia and Patagonia Butterfly Garden are in town and offer green spaces for lounging and kid-friendly entertainment. There are also two markets in town for basic needs and snacks, Patagonia Market and Red Mountain Foods.

Where to Stay

We stayed in the Vibrant ‘Casa Paloma 2’ Birdsong Airbnb, a mile from town. It is a 2-bedroom, 2-bath house with a patio and overhang to sit back and enjoy birds, rain, and of course drinks. On the property, there is another studio and home for rent. If you have a group, you can rent the whole space.
The newly renovated Stage Shop Inn in town is also a great option. It has a regal look inside and a beautiful patio and pool behind the hotel. I would stay there in a heartbeat!

I am an advocate of exploring the state I live in. To my observation, many people in the valley don’t realize what southern Arizona offers. It has cooler temperatures because of the higher elevations and is quiet and serene. While Northern Arizona has its beauty and many things to do and see, Southern Arizona does too. I encourage people to head south and take in its alluring vibe. You are missing out if you don’t.