Ajo Plaza — Attraction in Arizona

🌟 Ajo Plaza – The Heartbeat of a Resilient Town 🌟

We rolled into Ajo on a sleepy Sunday afternoon with plans to visit Organ Pipe National Monument the next day, but our unexpected day in town turned into one of the highlights of our trip—thanks to the Ajo Plaza! If you’re passing through, this is the perfect place to start your visit.

First Impressions: The Plaza, with its historic charm and vibrant energy, immediately drew us in. We took our time strolling around, reading the informational panels that tell the story of Ajo’s beginnings and its mining past. It was fascinating to learn how this town is reinventing itself after the mine’s closure in the 1980s, transforming into a haven for artists, dreamers, and history lovers.

Unexpected Delights: Just as we were soaking in the atmosphere, live musicians showed up and filled the air with music—an unplanned treat that made the Plaza feel even more alive! Around the corner, we discovered stunning murals by local artists, including the work of Al, whose vibrant creations added so much color and soul to the town.

Why You Should Go: The Plaza isn’t just a pretty space—it’s the cultural and historical hub of Ajo. Whether you’re interested in mining history, local art, or just want to relax under the shade of a palm tree with a coffee (there’s a cute café nearby!), this spot has something for everyone.

Final Thoughts: Ajo is a town with heart, and the Plaza is where you’ll feel it most. Don’t just drive through—stop, wander, and let this little desert gem surprise you. We’re so glad we did!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 – A must-visit to truly experience Ajo’s spirit!

P.S. Pair your visit with a stay at the Zen Garden Inn (check out my review!) and a trip to the Ajo Historical Society Museum for the full...

We stopped by the Plaza for a stroll for Saturday artist market. Several local vendors were out with their creations from mosaic tiles, pottery, paintings, yard adornments, plants, wooden boxes, jewelry and more. Cabeza Prieta Wildlife Refuge had a booth with books and info on local desert life. The park at the Plaza has a large grassy play area and plenty of benches. The old train station sits at one end and some local stores/cafes and a Mexican restaurant surround it. Across from the Plaza are 2 beautiful churches built in early 20th century. Grab a coffee at Oasis or send a post card from the Post Office while you walk...

My off-road group loves Ajo. We come from Yuma and spend the day enjoying the town. After a night at a motel, we head for Yuma on El Camino del Diablo. We are mostly Jeep’s but we have had side by side’s joint us. Last time 2 couples came in one Quad cab pickup with 2 side by sides on a trailer. In the morning we hit the trail. The 2 wife’s headed for Yuma on the highway. Friends in Yuma were ready to come to the aid of the wife’s if they were to have a problem. A great way to...