Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Florence is a historic town of about 27,000 people in Pinal County, Arizona, on the Gila River roughly an hour southeast of Phoenix. Founded in 1866, it is one of the oldest non-Native settlements in the state and has been the county seat since 1875.
The town's original townsite is a National Register historic district with more than a hundred adobe and brick buildings along Main Street and surrounding blocks. Highlights include the 1878 adobe courthouse now known as McFarland State Historic Park, the restored 1891 Pinal County Courthouse with its painted clock faces, and the Pinal County Historical Museum, which covers pioneer, ranching and prison history. Florence is also home to several state and federal prisons, which are a major local employer.
Outside town, Poston Butte holds the tomb of Charles Poston, often called the father of Arizona, and the Tom Mix Monument marks where the cowboy film star died in 1940. St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery, with its domed chapels and gardens, lies in the desert to the southeast.
Florence's original townsite holds more than a hundred historic buildings from the 1860s onward, many of them adobe, along Main Street and nearby blocks. Walk past old storefronts, churches and homes, and pick up a walking tour map from the visitor center. Visit in cooler months and start early on warm days.
Completed in 1891, this brick courthouse with a tall clock tower is famous for its clock faces, which were painted on because the town ran out of money for a real clock. It has been restored and is in use again for county government. Admire the exterior anytime and check whether the interior is open to visitors.
Founded in 1995 in the desert southeast of Florence, this monastery has Byzantine-style chapels with domes and icons, set among lush gardens, fountains and palms. Visitors are welcome at set hours for the grounds and chapels. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and legs; skirts or wraps are expected for women.
Built in 1878 as Pinal County's first courthouse, this adobe building later served as a hospital and holds exhibits on early Florence and on Ernest McFarland, a U.S. senator, Arizona governor and state supreme court justice. It is now run with local partners, so check current opening days before visiting.
South of Florence on State Route 79, a roadside rest area marks the spot where silent film cowboy Tom Mix died in a car crash in 1940. A stone monument topped by a riderless horse silhouette honors him. It makes a quick stop on the drive to Tucson; there are picnic tables but few services.
This museum on Main Street covers the history of Pinal County, with pioneer furniture, ranching gear, Native artifacts and a well-known collection related to the Arizona State Prison, including hangman's nooses and prison photographs. A small display honors Tom Mix. Admission is by donation; check seasonal hours.
A short but steep trail climbs this rocky butte north of town to the pyramid-shaped tomb of Charles Poston, an early promoter of Arizona territory, with wide views over the Gila River valley. The hike takes about an hour round trip. There is no shade, so go early in the morning and carry plenty of water.
Held each winter, the Junior Parada is one of Arizona's longest-running community celebrations, with a parade down Main Street, a rodeo, live music and local food. It draws families from around Pinal County and keeps alive the town's ranching traditions. Check dates with the town, as events vary by year.
No reviews yet. Been to Florence? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Florence? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Tony the Marine (talk), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Tony the Marine (talk), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Philcomanforterie, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Scotwriter21, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Scotwriter21, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Bagabondo, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Beyond My Ken, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Tony the Marine (talk), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Tony the Marine (talk), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Tony the Marine (talk), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Tony the Marine (talk), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Tony the Marine (talk), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: The original uploader was Willjay at English Wikipedia., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Larry & Teddy (nee Schlueter) Page from Everywhere (traveling & living fulltime , Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Tony the Marine (talk), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Tony the Marine (talk), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Marine 69-71, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Philcomanforterie, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Tony the Marine (talk), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Ken Bosma, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: davidpinter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: davidpinter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: davidpinter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: davidpinter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
