Situated in Southern Arizona, Globe is recognized as a historic city filled with ancient stories and influences that are present up to this day.
It’s also nestled in the heart of the Tonto National Forest, bringing tourists and locals closer to Arizona’s most spectacular canyons and sights.
The city has a rich history of having extensive mineral wealth, which is one of the reasons why Spanish conquistadors flocked to the area during the 1820s.
As the city site was laid out in 1876, it was only then that mining was made profitable and mechanized.
Today, you’ll still see that Globe maintains its image as a profitable mining district along with ancient remnants that can be traced to older civilizations, making the city an exciting area to explore.
Here are the best things to do in Globe, Arizona:
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Discover the wonders of Globe and its rich culture and heritage when you take a trip to Besh-Ba-Gowah on South Jesse Hayes Rd.
The archaeological park and museum was an ancient village inhabited by the Apaches nearly 800 years ago.
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As you walk around the park, you’ll be treated to various artifacts, pottery pieces, and botanical gardens that carry the influence of the Salado Civilization.
Also known as the “place of metal,” Besh-Ba-Gowah is recognized as the home of the most extensive collection of Salado pottery and artifacts.
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You’ll also notice that there’s quite a number of rooms in the masonry pueblo, 200 rooms to be exact.
Take a good look around the ruins, and check out the stunning view overlooking Pinal Creek.
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You can shop for souvenirs in the form of shirts and keychains, but if you want to get something that you won’t find anywhere else other than Globe, you might want to check out the Pickle Barrel Trading Post.
Located in downtown Globe, it’s your one-stop shop for one-of-a-kind trinkets, snacks, and specialty items.
The 8,000-square-foot store was the former warehouse of the Old Dominion Copper Co.
As you enter, you’ll be enchanted by the vast displays of products you can take home—all of which carry a hint of Globe and ancient history.
Take your pick from a wide selection of Native American arts and crafts like kachinas, weavings, and beadwork, or Pickle Barrel Trading Post supplies in the form of conchos, enamelware, and sunrise dance supplies, among others.
If you want something more special, you can check out the store’s collection of Native American jewelry, particularly the Sleeping Beauty or Specialty Turquoise.
Going on hikes and wandering around the streets of Globe will always be great ways to spend your vacation in the city, but don’t exclude watching the latest movies from cinemas, too.
Hollis Cinema 4 is an excellent place to spend a relaxing day lounging on comfy seats as you much on some popcorn.
Enjoy catching the latest movies from the big screen with your friends and family and simply have a good time.
Before you get there, you might want to check out showing times for the movie you’re about to watch beforehand.
You’ll find Hollis Cinema 4 on North Broad Street.
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Visiting local museums is indeed a touristy thing to do, but it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the history and background of whatever place you’re visiting.
When in Globe, swing by the Gila County Historical Museum along the old west highway to see what’s in store for visitors like you.
At the museum, learn about mining and Arizona’s rural beginnings.
You can even read stories about the state and city’s most notable infrastructures as part of the museum’s Arizona Memory Project.
As you wander the halls, you’ll see dozens of displays and exhibits featuring notable personalities and timelines of significant events.
Some exhibits you’ll see at the Gila County Historical Museum include Arizona governors headlined by Rose Mofford, a racing exhibit room, newspaper exhibits, Native American artifacts, and a mine rescue room, among others.
The wild west is filled with ancient history and stories told across several generations, and it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to know that the souls of early inhabitants could have stayed a bit longer than they would have liked.
In fact, looking for signs of the afterlife has become so popular in the area that an event was made for a night of paranormal investigations.
Ghosts of Globe Paracon is a paranormal conference where investigators explore the city, particularly historic jails, abandoned train depots, and buildings, for signs of paranormal activity.
Join the group if you’re looking to spice things up during your visit to the city, and see if you have what it takes to be a paranormal investigator yourself.
Ghosts of Globe Paracon also features celebrity headliners that partake in ghost-hunting events with all the necessary equipment—and yes, it’s exactly like those in the movies.
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Everything there is to see about Arizona art can be found in the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts along North Broad Street.
Before you even step inside the art center, you’ll already be on your way to discovering Globe’s most famed art piece in the form of the 100-year-old building that houses the exhibits and displays.
The Cobre Valley Center for the Arts was founded in 1984 and is currently inside the old, historic Gila County Courthouse inspired by the Italian Renaissance architectural style.
You can find art in all its forms as you step inside the building—fine arts, live theater, quilts, and much more.
Aside from an art gallery, Globe’s very own art hub also features a great selection of handcrafted jewelry, pottery creations, and Apache crafts, which are all up for sale.
Let your kids have fun in the batting cages, and take them to Gila County RV Park & Batting Range.
The family-owned batting range comes with excellent batting equipment ready for use, and all the players have to do is exchange their tokens for the balls.
Players can rent the cage for 30 minutes or an entire hour.
Once your activities at the batting cages are done, you can take your RV to the site for a weekend getaway with your family.
You can also rent grass tent spaces if you’re into outdoor activities and take a walk around the Globe Historic District.
You can find Gila County RV Park & Batting Range along West Ash Street.
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Get comfy from the passenger seat and get ready to blast some tunes as you go on a scenic drive along Salt River Canyon.
Most tourists would prefer walking around the city to explore everything Globe has to offer, but you’d be making a mistake if you’re not planning to go on a 140-mile drive along this scenic route.
Whip out your camera, roll the windows down, and get front-row seats to Arizona’s canyon walls, blue waterways, and historic mining towns.
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During your trip along Salt River Canyon, you’ll drive by some of Arizona’s most prized ancient towns, trails, and botanical gardens, so make sure to have a checklist ready and cross those sights out once you get there.
Some destinations you can check out include Besh-Ba-Gowah Park, Seneca Lake, and the Salt River Canyon Viewpoint.
Globe is swarming with restaurants that serve great food, but if you want to taste some of the best dishes in the city, make your way to Bravo Americano Moderno on North Broad Street.
Grab a bite of modern American dishes inspired by traditional European and Asian cooking techniques.
As their dishes are made from only the finest ingredients available, you’re sure to enjoy your stay at Bravo Americano Moderno while spending some quality time with your loved ones.
Start with a Caesar salad before moving on to favorites like the Butcher’s Block, garlic lobster ravioli, stuffed portobello, and a plate of wings and tenders tossed in the restaurant’s signature sauces.
You’ll also enjoy hanging out at the restaurant with its rustic atmosphere and brick walls that give the area a relaxing vibe.
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Globe’s scenic routes and unparalleled nature trails are only some of the reasons why the city makes an excellent place for exploring outdoor activities.
If you’re a fan of fishing in a quiet environment, you might want to check out Seneca Lake, which sits between Globe and the Salt River Canyon.
Seneca Lake is a popular spot for warm and cold water fishery, but before casting your lines, you’ll have to secure a permit from the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation.
You’ll find an abundance of bass, catfish, sunfish, and trout within the waterways.
Enjoy the quiet environment and picturesque views as you go fishing.
A waterfall sits near Seneca Lake and is also a popular destination during the summer months.
There’s no better way to end a tiring day than hanging out at a local bar with your friends, chugging a few beers, and chatting the night away.
After a busy day touring the streets of Globe, head to The Huddle on North Broad Street and enjoy a couple of cold ones while jamming along to the tunes from the jukebox.
Inspired by the Vernacular Commercial style of architecture, The Huddle is known to be housed in one of the oldest buildings in Globe.
The single-story brick building was built in 1898 and served as a restaurant and a men’s furnishing store during its early years.
In 2004, the bar was purchased by Tracy and Steve Quick, naming it The Huddle.
A few years into the business, the sports bar got a facelift by stripping the old carpeting and paneling.
Today, you’ll still see some remnants of the bar’s original interior, especially the lower half of a mural painted during the 1950s.
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Discover what made Globe the bustling area that it is today by taking a stroll along the city’s downtown historic district.
At first glance, there isn’t much to see other than business and government buildings, but hearing the stories of how they came about from a local will definitely pique your interest.
The Globe Downtown Historic District served as Gila County’s seat between 1876 and 1935.
It was also a trading center for several mining regions in Arizona.
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Some of the old infrastructures can still be seen along the Globe Downtown Historic District, which includes the Globe Post Office, Courthouse, and several churches.
Fans of old and classic architectural styles can also check out buildings inspired by Neoclassical, Romanesque, Georgian and Gothic Revival, and Beaux-Arts architecture, among others.
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If you’re looking for something unique to bring home as a souvenir or gift, you might want to check out the products at Splash of Copper on North Broad Street.
You’ll find a great selection of vases, bowls, tree sculptures, and other pieces when you enter the shop, but don’t think they’re ordinary displays that you’ll find in almost any store.
Splash of Copper is owned by a family with a rich mining history, particularly in copper mines.
You’ll notice that each product is made using melted copper infused with iron ladles, which are then splashed onto steel plates.
This technique creates a polished, abstract design, forming a beautiful centerpiece for your home.
Stop by Casa Reynoso on East Ash Street to satisfy your Mexican food cravings.
The authentic Mexican restaurant features a great selection of Globe-inspired dishes, and the best part is that everything you’ll see on the menu is made from scratch.
You’ll also enjoy the restaurant’s wild west vibe and traditional Mexican arches and colorways.
From enchiladas and quesadillas to chili plates and tamales, you can rest assured that everything is prepared using only the finest and freshest ingredients.
Casa Reynoso has been in the business since 1938, serving Arizonians with great food using family recipes passed down from generation to generation.
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Hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers are sure to have a great time exploring the trails of Round Mountain Park, located at the end of South Street from Highway 60.
Pack up your gear, and get ready to go on a fun yet refreshing hike along the trails to get some much-needed time away from the bustling city streets.
Round Mountain Park stays true to Arizona’s beauty with its natural wonders in the form of wildflowers scattered across the pathways.
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Several trails are suitable for beginners and experts, and those looking for a challenge can find one by following the rocky terrain.
If you take the west trail route, you’ll find the American flag perched on top of the mountain and a panoramic view of Globe surrounded by mountain ranges.
There’s a lot to do in the city, but if you’re looking for the best things to do in Globe, Arizona, make sure to refer to this list.
The city is indeed a unique and culturally rich place to visit, which means you won’t experience a dull day while you’re there.
So pack your bags and start the adventure by booking a trip to Globe, Arizona today!
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