Ajo appeals to travelers with two distinct highlights: a historically planned town center with arts venues and the surrounding desert landscape. In Ajo, you can focus on architectural history and local culture; the Ajo Scenic View Loop Drive and nearby protected areas offer a different emphasis. This makes it easy to focus either on architecture and art or on landscapes and outdoor activities.

Plaza and Architectural History

Ajo Plaza is a main street that is easy to explore on foot. Arches in the Spanish Colonial Revival style line the street and surround a lush central park; a historic train depot also defines the Plaza. Built in 1916, the Ajo Historic Train Depot now houses the Ajo Visitor Center. Together, the buildings and open spaces at the Plaza showcase different aspects of the town center. The arches connect a walk along the main street with a distinctive architectural theme.

The Ajo Townsite Historic District was designed as a planned company town; its layout and resources are historically significant. The district includes 27 surviving buildings or resources in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The Plaza arches also reflect this architectural style. The Curley School was built in 1919 and later converted into studios for artist residencies. The Catholic church in Ajo was built in the mid-1920s. The construction dates of the Curley School and the church provide two points of reference for the town’s architectural history.

Art and Activities in Ajo

The Ajo Museum preserves and presents the history, art and culture of Ajo. The murals in Artists Alley, created by local artists over the years, offer another way to experience local art. Art Under The Arches is an arts venue in historic Ajo Plaza, with exhibitions, workshops and performances. If you want to plan your trip around a particular program, check the current schedule in advance.

The Plaza itself is also a venue for community events, hosting a series of signature events throughout the year. If a particular date matters for your trip, it is worth checking the current events calendar. Another recreational option is the Ajo Community Golf Course, a public nine-hole course founded in 1946. Check whether the course is currently operating before you arrive. Shooting sports are available at the Virgil Ellis Shooting Range in Ajo Regional Park.

Desert Landscape and Nearby Protected Areas

The Ajo Scenic View Loop Drive passes through Sonoran Desert landscapes and offers views of rugged mountains, distinctive cacti and historic mining remnants. The drive thus combines scenic views with traces of mining history. Check road conditions before setting out.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument lies 15 miles south of Ajo on the border with Sonora, Mexico, and is an International Biosphere Reserve. Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge is near Ajo and offers opportunities for birdwatching, camping, hiking and wildlife viewing. The natural areas offer different highlights: the Scenic View Loop Drive features scenic views and historic mining remnants, while the refuge offers specific activities such as hiking and birdwatching. The monument is distinguished by its location south of Ajo and its status as a biosphere reserve.

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For the main travel overview: Pima.