Location: Florence
Top Things to do in Florence
Top 10 Things to do in Florence, United States
Florence (O'odham: S-auppag) is a town, 61 miles (98 km) southeast of Phoenix, in Pinal County of Arizona, United States. Florence, which is the county seat of Pinal County, is one of the oldest towns in that county and is regarded as a National Historic District with over 25 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The population of Florence was 30,770 at the 2015 census.
Restaurants in Florence
1. St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By Rumples - Tucson, Arizona
This is one of my favorite places to take our out-of-town guests. Just 62 miles north of Tucson, this beautiful monastery covers more than 100 acres and features a small vineyard, citrus orchards, an olive grove, a church, many chapels and stunning landscaped grounds. The complex sprawls way off the beaten tourist track, just south of the town of Florence.
On my most recent visit, a friend and I ensured that we arrived with clothes that met the monastery's dress code. For women visitors, that means a long skirt, long-sleeved blouse and scarf for the head (no hat). Men must wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. The bookstore, however, has a limited supply of appropriate clothes on loan should anyone show up without the required attire.
We began our visit by stopping just beyond the gatehouse at the bookstore area for a welcoming drink of water, cookies and hard candy. Visitors can also get a free brochure here that that includes a map and describes a self-guided tour of the grounds, complete with details of each attraction. The store has myriad items for sale, including nuts and homemade bread. I bought two pieces of freshly made baklava, which dripped honey and proved to be delicious.
The self-guided tour starts at the red St. Anthony's Church, which displays traditional Byzantine style with a domed basilica. Inside, standouts include lovely icons and a hand-carved bishop's throne. Most items came from Greece. Tall seats line the walls and participants in the daily services here stand by them, sitting only when tired.The tour ends with St. Seraphim's Chapel, one of four chapels on the grounds. There are many other buildings that cannot be entered, such as the monastery dining hall. But the brochure clearly indicates what is closed to visitors.
Lush gardens appear throughout the complex, connected by pathways; and fountains provide a soothing sound and an evaporative cooling effect. We especially liked the stone gazebo with fountain in the main courtyard and sat there for a while, enjoying the shade on this hot weekday and the area's serenity.
There were only a few other visitors here in early afternoon. We hardly noticed them because they were quiet and respectful of this home to more than 40 monks. No admission is charged to enter the complex, which is currently open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (last admission). As we started to leave after about 90 minutes here, a staff member invited us to take lemons from baskets near the exit area. They came from the monastery's citrus orchard
2. Arizona ATV Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By Cheryl M
Looking for adventure, look no further. Exciting ATV trip through the Coconino Forest with George as our guide. Everyone went through a test run prior to our actual trip. The staff at Arizona ATV Adventures was courteous and friendly. Lots of stops for pictures and water. George was an excellent guide and provided informative commentary about the terrain we traveled through. During our trip, we saw a herd of antelope prancing through the forest as we rode by. The whole family thoroughly enjoyed this adventure.
3. The Windmill Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By Robonski - Carlsbad, CA
I was at Windmill Winery for a wedding. We came early in the day to help get stuff set up and got a tour of the grounds. The staff is SOOOOOO nice and this place is absolutely beautiful! It's a gem in Florence, AZ, where there is not much else. The barn, where the wedding was held, was beautiful. There were good restroom facilities, easy to walk around, lots of outside seating, a fire pit, and a horse and carriage. Seriously a gorgeous location. Could only imagine how busy they would be in a more populated city.
4. Pinal County Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Ed W - Port Charlotte, Florida
I was directed here by the docent at the McFarland State Historical Site. For a history nut it takes over an hour. I may have been here for two. Nice collection of 19th century firearms, farm implements, etc.
5. McFarland State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 20 reviews
The history of the park's building provides visitors with a look into the past. The building represents a transition between Sonoran and Anglo-American architecture with its wood-shingled pitched roof surmounting traditional adobe brick walls. Like most buildings in Territorial Arizona, the original 1878 structure was constructed by hand using native materials. Soil from the area was used to make adobe bricks which were laid on a trench foundation filled with river rocks. All lumber for the floors and roof was hauled by wagon from northern Arizona.
Reviewed By WeOwnAFatCat - Florence, Arizona
One of the original buildings, renovated over the years, with depictions and artifacts from the early sheriffs, jailers, and early history of the area. The life of Senator McFarland is also cataloged. I enjoy history, but learned a great deal about the man who wrote the GI Bill and served in so many capacities. Very well worth the visit and the tourguide is wonderful, too.
6. Happy Adobe
Overall Ratings
5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By JustFlyingAround - Gold Canyon, Arizona
Nice destination east of Apache Junction. The Happy Adobe offers an impressive selection of Mexican crafts - metal or ceramic lizards, pots of all sizes, wall art, lamps, placemats, framed art - all at good prices. Good parking, good restaurants in the area - all make for a fun destination.
7. AZ Rentals and More, LLC
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
We offer you the chance to see just why RZRs, Mavericks, and other Side by Side UTVs have become so popular by helping you rent one for your next outdoor adventure. We offer the latest Side by Side models, so that you’ll have the latest and greatest in UTV technology at your disposal when you choose to rent from us. We offer onsite rentals in Florence near Box Canyon. Just show up and ride.
Reviewed By imroxy84 - Gilbert, Arizona
My family rented the Ranger Crew 6 seater. We had an awesome time the views were amazing. Since they are onsite we didn't have to deal with trailers or pay for trailer time. gas and cleaning was included so there were no hidden fees. The paperwork was all done ahead of time so everything was ready when we got there. We can't wait to go again!
8. Tom Mix Memorial
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By WeOwnAFatCat - Florence, Arizona
Not alot to see, but a plaque and little statue that keeps the memory alive of a great cowboy movie star who died on this spot in a car wreck.
9. Moonshine Willy's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By dmrass - Minneapolis, Minnesota
We went to Moonshine Willy's on a week night, driving though the desert to a point where it almost seemed the road ends and you are just driving through the desert toward the light emanated by Moonshine Willy's. We didn't eat here, had drinks which were good, listened to the live music which was VERY good, and watched bull riding which was awesome! They have a large covered out door area with picnic tables and clay fireplaces. There were two sessions of bull riding that night. This place is a great example of modern southwestern Americana. There is a cover charge to enter.
10. Rocking LT Ranch
Rocking LT Ranch offers horseback riding lessons to students of all ages and experience levels. We offer both Western and English disciplines, including Barrel Racing, Hunter/ Jumper, Trail, and more! Lessons are $25/ half-hour or $45/ hour.
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