This Small Town In Arizona Is Peak Southwestern Vibes

Just 40 miles north of the Mexican border, there's a small town you've probably never even heard of. Ajo - which means "garlic" in Spanish - was voted the most southwestern town in Arizona by USA Today readers a few years ago. We couldn't agree more with the verdict and feel that it still remains true to this day. From the traditional Spanish Colonial Revival architecture to the iconic Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, this tiny town is peak Southwestern vibes.

Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Ajo is a charming small town near the Mexican border.

It's home to just over 3,000 people and boasts a rich history as a former copper mining hub.

You can still see the open-pit mine that once housed tons of high-grade native copper.

Ajo was actually the first copper boomtown in Arizona - a prestigious honor given how important the industry was to the state's growth and development. Although the mine has been closed for quite some time, the two-mile scenic overlook remains a popular tourist attraction.

Many historic buildings can be seen throughout Ajo, including the former Curley School.

A classic example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, the seven-acre campus now serves as apartments for local artists.

The heart of the city is its plaza, which was built in 1917.

Featuring shops, restaurants, a park, and two mission-style churches, the plaza is a sacred gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

Ajo is surrounded by nature, from towering mountains to lush desert flora.

Pictured here is the city's tallest mountain, atop which sits a cross dedicated to John Greenway, the founder of Ajo.

Of course, any mention of Ajo must include Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

Ajo is the closest town to this vast, 330,000-acre national monument - the only place where the organ pipe cactus grows wild. It's also a UNESCO biosphere reserve, meaning countless species of plant and animal life make their homes here.

Despite being such a small town, Ajo has a surprisingly active food scene.

Swing by the Ajo Farmers Market & Cafe, located on Estrella Avenue, to refuel after a full day of exploring.

The farm-to-table restaurants offers traditional Southwestern fare like fry bread and Sonoran dogs, plus fresh produce and other artisan goods from local farmers, ranchers, bakers, and artists.

Fill your belly, then stock up on items to fill your kitchen.

Visit the Ajo Chamber of Commerce website or Facebook page to learn more.

Have you ever been to Ajo? If so, do you agree that it's the most southwestern town in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Make sure to check out our previous article for another town that's so perfectly Arizona.