Green Valley features a unique blend of Anglo, Mexican, Native American and Spanish Colonial cultures. The area has belonged to Spain as the San Ignacio de la Canoa Land Grant, then to Mexico, the Confederacy and finally the United States. Green Valley is at an elevation of 2900 feet above sea level, at the foot of the Santa Rita Mountains. Green Valley receives more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Winters are mild, the air is clean and dry, and the natural beauty is spectacular. The average annual temperature is 80 degrees in the day and 50 degrees at night. Green Valley was selected as one of the best places to retire by “Where to Retire” magazine and “New Choices for Retirement” magazine because of the climate, the recreational, cultural and social opportunities, the low cost of living, and because of the excellent medical facilities.

Area attractions include the Asarco Mineral Discover Center with exhibits, a tour of the Asarco Mission Mine, video presentations, picnic grounds and a gift shop featuring Southwestern and Native American arts and crafts made by local artisans. The Mt Hopkins/Smithsonian Observatory is situated at the base of Mt. Hopkins in the Santa Rita Mountains. The Fred Whipple Observatory Visitors Center houses exhibits on astronomy, astrophysics, natural science and cultural history. The Titan Missile Museum is the site of a former Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) complex. It is the only complex of the original Titan II ICBM sites that was preserved. The museum features exhibits, displays, and photographs. Visitors can descend 30 feet underground to see the primary peacekeeping weapon of the Cold War. South of Green Valley are the twin towns of Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Mexico offering bargains in leather goods, pottery, rungs, jewelry and furniture. There are historic towns near Green Valley, and a number of state parks and national monuments. Spelunkers will enjoy tours of Colossal Cave and the Kartchner Caverns, and don’t miss a visit to the Sonoita Vineyards and Santa Cruz Winery.