Sonora : A State of Mind

There are two states as far as Sonora is concerned. The actual land mass that borders the US, Chihuahua and the Gulf of California and the Sonoran state of mind with its wealth of cultural diversity, stunning beaches, legendary cities, recreation, delicious food and spectacular natural beauty.
 
One of the most popular destinations in Sonora is the lovely Puerto Peñasco, better known as Rocky Point. A great destination for the quick weekend getaway or the perfect place to park your RV and stay a while, Rocky Point is located on the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California).

San Carlos is another resort community on the Sea of Cortez with plenty of amenities including a golf course, tennis courts, a bowling alley and numerous gift shops and galleries. Two marinas are available with paved launch ramps, dry storage facilities, repair and maintenance services, fuel docks and reasonable rates.

Other destinations include Kino Bay with its white sand beaches; Guaymas and its "El Sauhuaral," a grove of giant cactus; Alamos, a silver mining town in the 17th century; and Caborca, commonly known as "The Pearl of the Desert" where amid the scenic beauty you can visit a working cattle ranch or old mine, book a guided hunting tour, or view many spectacular petroglyphs. Nogales is a popular Arizona border town and Sonora's state capitol, Hermosillo, is referred to as the "sun city".

Sonora is home to majestic natural ecotourism such as Tiburon Island, stunning San Jorge Bay, the tropical Chuchujaqui reserve and the magnificent El Pinacate & Great Altar desert. The state is also home to many native groups rich in heritage; eight tribes continue to preserve their history and traditions, and many of them also sell their wares at local markets and plazas.

Another popular tour is to follow the "mission trail" of Father Kino. Explore the many he helped build in Sonora over 300 years ago such as the Oqauitoa, Pitiquito and Tubutama missions and discover why the natives called him "the priest on horseback."

A location such as Sonora is a state you cannot miss!