You must see Nogales, Mexico on your trip through beautiful and exciting Santa Cruz County. As you enter the main gate in downtown Nogales, Arizona, you are walking in the footsteps of man's history in North America. Origins of the highway through Nogales are traced directly to an ancient foot trail that ran to the ocean near Guaymas-San Carlos at the Gulf of California. Just across the border from Nogales, Arizona, the two cities share the same name but the cultures have evolved separately. Fill you trip to Mexico with its traditions, wonderful shopping and great food. Take the time to enjoy the restaurants- La Roca and El Greco are a couple of local haunts but there are many terrific restaurants to choose from. Walking is a popular way to cross the border and Nogales, AZ has many guarded parking lots close to the port-of-entry. Just follow Interstate 19 to the end in Nogales and the lot attendants will help you park. The majority of the shopping and eating attractions are close to the border and within easy walking distance.

As you enter Mexico, you will see the Flag Island of the Americas, which has banners of al of the Mexican states-Nogales is in the state of Sonora. Turn right at Campillo Street and walk down three blocks to Obregon Street-now you can shop, browse, explore and enjoy the people, places, sights, and sounds of Mexico. If your love is pottery, glassware, furniture, baskets, rugs, leather, or jewelry you will, if you look, find unique and beautiful pieces at reasonable cost. Prices at the shops are not fixed so prepare to enjoy bargaining-negotiate a price. Business is done in English and American currency is preferred. Caveat emptor, let the buyer beware: check the quality of the product, before you begin bargaining.