Location: Patagonia
Top Things to do in Patagonia
Top Restaurants in Patagonia
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What to do and see in Patagonia, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Patagonia is a town in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, United States. As of the 2010 census Patagonia had a population of 913. Patagonia was formerly a supply center for nearby mines and ranches. It is a tourist destination, retirement community and arts and crafts center.
Restaurants in Patagonia
1. Patagonia Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 229 reviews
Tucked away in the rolling hills of southeastern Arizona is a hidden treasure.Patagonia Lake State Park was established in 1975 as a state park and is an ideal place to find whitetail deer roaming the hills and great blue herons walking the shoreline. The park offers a campground, beach, picnic area with ramadas, tables and grills, a creek trail, boat ramps, and a marina. The nearby Lakeside Market offers boat rentals and supplies. The campground overlooks the lake where anglers catch crappie, bass, bluegill, catfish, and trout. The park is popular for water skiing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking. And the tracks of the New Mexico/Arizona railroad lie beneath the lake and remnants of the old historic line may be found at the Nature Conservancy in Patagonia. Hikers can stroll along the creek trail and see birds such as the canyon towhee, Inca dove, vermilion flycatcher, black vulture, and several species of hummingbirds.
Reviewed By martinroyle443 - Tucson, Arizona
An overgrown man made puddle surrounded by scrub. The hikes are naff, not well sign posted or maintained. Staff, especially at the marina, can be rude and ignorant, deliberately ignoring you and giving you wrong information. I cannot recommend this as a destination unless you are desperate to have your intelligence insulted.
2. Tucson Audubon's Paton Center for Hummingbirds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
The Paton Center for Hummingbirds is a place to explore and experience the birds of Southeast Arizona. The site is dedicated to the observation and conservation of hummingbirds--and all of southeast Arizona's astounding biodiversity--through recreation, education, and sustainable practices. Over 200 bird species have been reported at this 1.4-acre residential property on the outskirts of Patagonia, including: Violet-crowned Hummingbirds, Gray Hawks, Varied Buntings, Thick-billed Kingbirds, and many more! Gates are open dawn to dusk. Entry is free of charge, but donations to the "Sugar Fund" help Tucson Audubon maintain the grounds, feed the birds, improve the habitat, and provide educational opportunities. Visit the Paton Center on social media: facebook.com/patonhummingbirds youtube.com/channel/UCYPdH8qgMhXwvgrsfemNZ5g
Reviewed By kayakgirl2016 - Snohomish, Washington
Everything good that you've ever heard about this legendary spot is true! There are many feeders sprinkled around the property, offering varied bird treats in addition to the fabled hummingbird station. The grounds are lovely and are maintained with birds and butterflies in mind. There are also many seating options, with benches around the property as well as covered seating with loaner bird guides. The suggested donation to help pay for seed and sugar is well worth it! A great place for quiet contemplation. Not good for small children unless they are really interested in nature, and can keep from bothering serious birder.
3. Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area (SCSNA) is located in Santa Cruz County downstream from Patagonia Lake State Park along lower Sonoita Creek, a perennial tributary of the Santa Cruz River. Twenty miles of trails are available for hiking and eight miles of trails are shared with equestrians. A 1.5 mile hike of moderate difficulty called the “Overlook Trail” is close to Patagonia Lake State Park and is a great way to see 360 degrees of spectacular scenery. Most of the trails are more remote and the shortest round trip hike to the creek is three miles on the Sonoita Creek Trail. Sonoita Creek State Natural Area and Patagonia Lake State Park are designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. If you are a bird watcher you may hit the jackpot here. During spring migration, late January through early April, a guided bird walk of a few hours could bring over 60 species to your attention. The complete bird list is over 300 species.
Reviewed By fotobug - Iowa
There is a cost if you are not a Nature Conservancy Member ($6) but it goes for a good cause. There are numerous trails that run along the creek or in the open or wooded areas. Very peaceful. We were there on a cold January day and didn't see too much but still enjoyed the walks and saw a few birds of note - ruby-crowned kinglet, black phoebe and vermilion flycatcher - and some fun, sassy, gray squirrels. The little trail map they give out helps a lot and the trails are marked at intersections. There is also a nice collection of bird books available to identify what you see! A new 1-mile trail goes to the Paton House down the road. Plan carefully: they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
4. Parker Canyon Lake
Overall Ratings
4 based on 41 reviews
This beautiful lake has comfortable summer temperatures and is great for fishing and boating.
Reviewed By BaldnRed - Fayetteville, North Carolina
Well worth the drive (which is very scenic itself). The lake is off the beaten path but if you get that chance make it a destination. If you like camping then this would be a fantastic place to do it. There is a small store and lots of quiet and scenery.
5. Roadside Rest
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Prime birdwatching spot located 3.5 miles southwest of Patagonia.
Reviewed By LaurettaYoung - Portland, Oregon
so if you just want a place to picnic--- go somewhere else-- no bathroom facilities and the sole table is not that attractive. But go across the street at the northern end to Sonoita creek where there is a very short trail and you'll be rewarded with many birds. We watched a Gray Hawk repeatedly gather leaves for a nest and fly off. Great spot for a short visit.
6. Patagonia Regional Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Visitor Center for the Mountain Empire area, including Patagonia, Sonoita and Elgin, AZ. We are open 7 days a week from 10 am - 4 pm from October through May.
Reviewed By NYU62 - Tucson Arizona
While walking around Patagonia yesterday (3/24), we chanced upon this little "shack type" house, which houses the Regional Visitor Center. During high season (October through May), they are open seven days a week from 10-4. The staff is one very knowledgeable person, and we had a lovely time talking to her. Also, we were never sure if "The Empire Ranch" on Route 83 was something we might be interested in seeing, but she assured us that since we love Historical Societies, and such, that we would find it very interesting, and we did.
This person knows everything there is to know about this area, and she is a wonderful resource for getting information on what to see, do, where to eat, etc. It's really helpful when you can avail yourself of such particulars.
7. The Patagonia Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
The Patagonia Museum was incorporated in the state of Arizona in 2004. The Patagonia Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting and preserving the culture and history of eastern Santa Cruz County.The Patagonia Museum has two immediate goals: (1) preserving and restoring the historic territorial one room Lochiel Schoolhouse and (2) maintaining the 1914 Grammar School as the facility
Reviewed By KatieScarlettLeeds - Leeds
The Patagonia Museum is situated in the beautiful, old (1914) school house. It's up a slight hill and therefore has absolutely beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The museum itself is very interesting and you can find out about the mining and ranching history of the town. It's full of old maps, photographs and lots of anecdotes from local people about life in the old days. The two local men who run the museum were a mine (no pun intended!) of information and it was a pleasure to find out about the area. The room dedicated to the Cow Belles was excellent too. A tribute to the fine local women. Don't miss it if you're in town!
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