Sierra Vista

A DAY IN SIERRA VISTA

Discover historical treasures and outdoor adventures while visiting Sierra Vista. Nicknamed The Hummingbird Capital of the United States, Sierra Vista is a top birdwatching destination, and 14 species of hummingbirds that call the Ramsey Canyon Preserve home. Explore the outdoors while hiking, biking or sightseeing in the Coronado National Forest, and learn about history and art while visiting a museum.

3BEST BETS

EXPLORE RAMSEY CANYON PRESERVE

The Nature Conservancy’s preserve is worldrenowned thanks to the area’s interplay of geology, biology, topography and climate that create a diverse habitat for plant and animal life. The 280-acre preserve provides a haven for more than 170 varieties of birds, including 14 species of hummingbirds — which is why Sierra Vista is nicknamed the “Hummingbird Capital of the United States.” visit.sierravistaaz.gov

VIEW STUNNING FORMATIONS AT KARTCHNER CAVERNS

Take a tour of Kartchner Caverns, one of Arizona’s most fascinating tourist attractions. On the Rotunda/Throne Tour, half of which takes place underground, you’ll see the largest column formation in Arizona. While on the Big Room Tour, which is also partly underground, you’ll see colorful formations and learn about cave fauna. The state park also has a discovery center with exhibits and a gift shop. azstateparks.com/kartchner

LA CASITA MEXICAN RESTAURANT AND CANTINA

Savor authentic Mexican cuisine at this local family-owned restaurant. The menu includes appetizers, soups and standard Mexican fare, including enchiladas, tacos, fajitas and burritos, as well as specialties such as Nana’s Mole, made from a traditional family recipe, and the La Casita Special Chimichanga. Gluten-free and vegetarian menus are available. lacasitarestaurantandcatering.com

SOME EXPERIENCES TO TRY

VISIT CHIRICAHUA NATIONAL MONUMENT

View gravity-defying rock formations, a natural bridge and a volcanic hailstone ledge at the “Wonderland of Rocks.” nps.gov/chir/index.htm

THE GERMAN CAFE

This popular neighborhood restaurant serves home-cooked and freshly prepared authentic German food. facebook.com/The-German-CafeSierra-Vista-AZ

DISCOVER AMERIND MUSEUM

Learn about Native American art, history, culture and archaeology through exhibits and an art gallery. amerind.org

EXPLORE PATTERSON OBSERVATORY

Listed as a NASA Space Place, this observatory has a 16-foot dome and houses a 20-inch RitcheyChrétien telescope. universitysouthfoundation.com/ patterson-observatory

FORT HUACHUCA HISTORY MUSEUM

The museum houses thousands of objects and documents in exhibits displaying the fort’s past and its military history. visit.sierravistaaz.gov

HOPPIN’ GRAPES

This wine and beer bar serves meat and cheese plates, as well as a large variety of wine and beer. It also has a retail shop. hoppin-grapes.com