'The Hummingbird Capital Of The United States' Is An Overlooked Arizona City Packed With Art And History

Set at the foot of the Huachuca Mountains in Southeastern Arizona, the appropriately named city of Sierra Vista ("mountain view" in Spanish) Arizona is often overlooked by visitors for places like nearby Tucson, a destination considered absolutely perfect for a winter camping adventure. Sierra Vista, however, has enough charm to make it well worth your while to visit this beautiful city surrounded by mountains. Known as "The Hummingbird Capital of the United States," Sierra Vista is jam packed with natural wonders, plenty of art, and unique history that will make you reconsider where to spend your next vacation in the South West.

While the town has existed during the 19th century as an outpost for the army and prospecting ranchers, Sierra Vista as it is known today was officially incorporated as a city in 1927. It grew over the years to become the largest city in Southeastern Arizona, renowned for its high quality of living standards, local history, and stunning natural surroundings.

Thanks to its proximity to Tucson International Airport, access to Sierra Vista is a breeze. Rent a car at the airport and drive a little over an hour south to your destination. Along the way you'll see the serene desert landscapes and remember you why so many people love traveling to this part of the country.

If you're a birdwatcher and Sierra Vista is not on your list as one of the best birdwatching destinations in the United States, then you are missing out. Officially the Hummingbird Capital of the United States, Sierra Vista is home to at least 15 different species of hummingbird –– as well as 300 other bird species –– that can be seen throughout the year. This is likely thanks to the year-round mild climate that barely fluctuates between 72 and 49 degrees Fahrenheit. These are perfect conditions for hummingbirds, and comfortable bird watching for that matter.

The place to be in Sierra Vista if you want guaranteed hummingbird viewing action is the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Conserved by Congress in 1988 specifically for the purpose of preserving the natural area surrounding the upper 40 miles of the San Pedro River, it is a fantastic location for hummingbird watching. Team up with the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory for their Spring and Fall hummingbird banding at the San Pedro House in the park. It's a great opportunity to get up close and personal with these strikingly beautiful birds.

The month of August has also been designated as Hummingbird Month by the City of Sierra Vista. Filled with events including poetry readings, rummage sales, and hummingbird-themed metalworking contests, coffee, and pastries, Hummingbird Month is not to be missed when visiting Sierra Vista.

While birdwatching for hummingbirds is certainly the main tourist priority when it comes to visiting Sierra Vista, Arizona, it's hardly the only reason to come. The city is also home to a tremendous art scene, which is fostered brilliantly by the Huachuca Art Association (HAA). The hub for artists in and around Sierra Vista, the HAA displays local painting, photography, fresco work, woodwork, handmade jewelry, and ceramics. The HAA also sponsors the yearly Art in the Park Fair, which brings together artists, food vendors, and other local businesses together for a weekend of celebrating local arts and crafts.

History buffs will also find plenty to love about Sierra Vista. Check out the Fort Huachuca Museum and Annex to see how the fort grew from an army outpost during the Apache Wars to a Military Intelligence Academy during the 1970s to the world's largest unmanned aerial systems training center that it is today. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. admission to the museum is free, making it an extremely budget friendly option for history-conscious travelers.

Another unique spot is the nearby Coronado National Monument in Hereford. The monument and surrounding park commemorate the first expedition to the Southwestern United States by Spanish conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado in 1540. It's one of the earliest recorded expeditions to what is today the United States, and a spot of history that is totally unique to this area.