Sierra Vista
Sierra Vista (Spanish: Mountain View) is a city in Southeast Arizona and the commercial hub of the region, making it a convenient base from which to explore the area. It is perhaps best known for historic Fort Huachuca, established in 1877 during the Apache Wars. Although still an active U.S. Army military base, its two military museums and historic cemetery are open to the general public.
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- Do
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- Eat
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- Drink
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- Buy
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45 places
- Eat
Angelika's German Imports
Has a good deli counter, with great potato salad. Also has a good selection of imported German groceries and other products.
T-Thu 10AM-5PM, Fri 10AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-3PM$5-10
- See
Arizona Folklore Preserve
The Arizona Folklore Preserve features outstanding musicians in concert every Saturday and Sunday.
Doors open at 1PM, show starts at 2PM$15 (adults), $6 (children under 17)
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Big 5 Sporting Goods
Besides Walmart, this is the only place in town which carries outdoor equipment.
Mon-Fri 10AM-9PM, Sat 9AM-9PM, Sun 10AM-8PM
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Brown Canyon Ranch
A historic century-old ranch in the foothills of the Huachuca Mountains, with a few easy hiking trails connecting to the trail network in the National Forest.
Daily dawn to duskFree
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Buffalo Corral Riding Stables
Has horses to rent to individuals or groups by the hour. Also offers guided horseback riding excursions as well as riding lessons. Note: as this facility is located on Fort Huachuca, visitors must comply with admission requirements as outlined above under 'See'.
Thu-Sun 9AM-3PM; last ride begins at 2:45
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Cochise College Rodeo
An annual two-day event showcasing bronc and bull riding, steer wrestling and roping, and barrel racing.
1st full weekend in March: on Sat gates open at noon and rodeo begins at 1PM, on Sun rodeo begins at 10:30AM$8 at the gate, $6 advanced purchase (Yardley Community Center, Safeway, and Cochise College campuses), free (active military personnel, children under 5)
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Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering
A three-day event held every February, featuring local and nationally-recognized poets and musicians. Tickets can be purchased at the Sierra Vista Visitor Center,, Safeway, and online.
$20 (headline performances), $10 (Saturday daytime performance), $6 (children 6-18)
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Coronado National Memorial
This memorial commemorates the expedition by conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, and has several scenic hiking trails of different levels of difficulty. Coronado Peak offers great views into Mexico, and is accessible via a short trail from the graded dirt road of Montezuma Pass.
8AM-4PM (Visitor Center)Free
- Eat
Food City
Carries Mexican food items and produce, with a take-away deli.
Daily 6AM-11PM
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Fry's Food & Drug
Has a deli section with take-out options, including soups and salads.
Daily 5AM-midnight
- See
Garden Canyon
A lovely place for hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. Follow the road up the canyon to see Apache (ca. 1700 CE) and Hohokam (ca. 400-1250 CE) pictographs in two different sites. The pictographs are protected behind fences, so they're easy to find.
Daylight hours
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Hang gliding
Carr Reef, the large cliff face overlooking Carr Canyon, is a popular jumpoff point for hang gliders.
- See
Henry F Hauser Museum
This small museum exhibits historic artifacts and photographs from the region, and also has a small gift shop.
Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat 10AM-2PM (Sep-May)Free
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Huachuca Astronomy Club
Enjoy sharing the boundless dark skies of Sierra Vista. The Huachuca Astronomy Club hosts public events, both at the Patterson Observatory (operated by the University of Arizona) and at other outdoor locations.
Free
- Drink
Jo2Go Coffee
Along with a variety of coffee options, Jo 2 Go also features such “Grab N’ Go” eats as muffins and protein bars, those ever-popular frappuccinos, smoothies made with 100 percent crushed fruit, a selection of black teas, lemonade, and flavored water refreshers.
Mon-Fri 05:30-18:00, Sat Sun 07:00-17:00
- Eat
La Casita
A busy place known for excellent margaritas and Mexican food.
Mon-Thu 11AM-9PM, Fri 11AM-10PM, Sat 11AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-8PMMains $10-20
- Drink
Livia's Coffee
Local Coffee Shop serving coffee, espresso, macchiato, cold brew, cappuccino, latte, mocha, americano, chai tea, frozen drinks, Red Bull or Monster blends, specialty drinks, and sugar free options.
Mon-Sat 6AM-4PM, Sun 9AM-4PM
- See
Murray Springs Clovis Site
One of the oldest archeological sites in North America, used by nomadic hunters 12,000-13,000 years ago to pursue large game, including woolly mammoth. The site is managed as part of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, and has several trails, including a.3-mile long interpretative trail with exhibits and shade.
Dawn to duskFree
- See
Old Post Cemetery
Has the graves of US Army Cavalry and Buffalo Soldiers, who fought in the Apache Wars, as well as several Apache scouts and their wives. Gravestones marked 'Unknown' are for victims of Apache attacks who were too badly mutilated to identify.
- Eat
Peacock Restaurant
Peacock Vietnamese Cuisine
The long-established, family-run restaurant specializes in traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and even offers a few vegetarian dishes. Their spring rolls and pho are especially recommended.
Mon-Fri 11AM-8PM, Sat noon-8PMMains $10-16
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Ramsey Canyon Preserve
More than 170 species of birds have been found here, including 14 species of hummingbirds. There is also a small bookshop and a mile or so of easy hiking trails, one of which continues on to the Hamburg Trail on National Forest land. The best time to visit is between April and September. Parking is limited to 27 spaces, and it is not permitted to park along the roadside. If the parking lot is full you will have to return some other time, or better yet arrange for someone to drop you off and pick you up.
Mar-Oct: Thu-Mon 8AM-5PM; Nov-Feb: Thu-Mon 9AM-4PM; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day$6 (adults), $3 (members and Cochise County residents), free (children under 16); visitor pass is good for one week, with multiple visits permitted
- See
Reservoir Hill Overlook
Has good views over the Fort and the neighboring Whetstone Mountains.
- Eat
Ricardo's Mexican Restaurant
A long-established restaurant which was rebuilt in 2012 after burning down in a wildfire the previous year. They offer Sonoran style Mexican food with good margaritas.
Mon-Sat 4-9PM$11-30
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Rodolfo's Taco Shop
Cheap, fast, authentic Mexican food, featuring tacos, burritos, and carne asada.
Mon-Fri 6AM-10PM, Sat Sun 6AM-11PM$3-10
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San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
The area provides opportunities for birdwatching, camping, hunting, hiking, fishing, biking and horseback riding.
Daily dawn to duskFree
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Sierra Vista Ranger District
Sells hiking maps for $10, and has updated trail and camping information.
- Eat
Tanuki Sushi Bar & Garden
For being in a spot a long distance from the sea, they offer some surprisingly excellent sushi. Very popular, and rated 'Best sushi in AZ' by Arizona Highways. Take out available.
Mon-Thu 11AM-2PM, 5-9PM; Fri 11AM-2PM, 5-9:30PM; Sat 5-9:30PM$6-20
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Texas Roadhouse
A national chain which offers steaks and fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Mon-Wed 3-9PM, Thu 3-10PM, Fri Sat 11AM-10PM, Sun 11AM-9PMMains $9-25
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The Cove
'The Cove' is a 36,500 sq-ft facility hosting a wave pool, water therapy pool, diving pool, and water slides. Good for hot summer days.
Hours vary by season$6 (adults), $4 (kids)
- Eat
The Landmark Cafe
This well-established family restaurant is especially known for large breakfasts.
Sat-Tue 6AM-2PM, Wed-Fri 6AM-8PM$5-10
40 of 45 places have map locations.