We'll be in Tucson between Christmas and New Years. Would it be worthwhile to drive down to Nogales? We wouldn't go if the only benefit would be to say "we were actually in Mexico" and turn around.

It all depends on what your reason for visiting would be. Nogales is not particularly attractive. It is a fairly typical border town with no tourist attractions.

If you like to shop then there may be some interest in going. Remember that all prices are negotiable. Typical asking price is twice what the selling price should be. This does not apply of course to supermarkets and stores of that type.

We did just that a couple of years ago. All I can say about it is "we went to Mexico", just like you suggest. There was nothing of particular interest, and certainly not pretty. Basically our time would have been better spent staying in or around Tucson. But if you do go, I'd suggest you leave your car on the US side and walk over. Otherwise you will be trapped by people who will want to charge you to "watch" your car.

There are so many wonderful sights in Arizona that it seems silly to me to drive to Nogales just to say you were in Mexico. It is an ugly border town that US customs believes is the crossing point for much of the drugs that come to the US from Mexico.
If you still MUST go, by all means leave your car on the US side: Many American insurance carriers will not cover ANY damages that occur outside the US.

HELL YEAH!! I did the same, visited Tucson about 3 years ago, and Nogales was thh best part of my trip!! Amazing how different life is in that little city... be careful with your ID thought, you MUST have your driver's license to show you're a US Citizen.
I shopped my butt off, pigged out for like $10 bucks on mexican food and enjoyed giving the poor children $1 since i felt so bad for them!!
I have a crazy friend in Tucson who would probably love to give you some tips.. email me and I'll give you her email address... I really loved Nogales very much and I would highly recommend it!!!

I can't believe how negative everyone was about Nogales in the other replies.. I say you go and see for yourself.. and I agree, park on the US side and walk over.. definitely!!

I would definitely go to Nogales. Yes, it is a border town but it IS Mexico. Fun shopping and dining. You could even drive from Tucson to Tombstone and Bisbee then to Patagonia and be in Nogales by dinner time for a quick dash accross the border.

We did the trip to Nogales in the exact sequence as previous poster suggestion. Wonderful day, except for the part in Nogales. If you must see Mexico (and I'm not sure this is the part you want to see), do park your car on the US side and walk across.

I agree that one should go to Nogales, since it is in Mexico and is thus an experience, even though it is not a particularly-attractive city. I have been there several times over the last 2 decades and do not remember anything unique. By the way, I have been in many border cities from one end of the U.S. to the other -- from Matamoros to Tijuana; my favourites are Juarez (for its market) and Mexicali (for its buildings).

My wife and I lived in Tucson for 4 years.
Agree with the above posters in most respects. It does depend on what you expect to get out of the trip. Its only a couple hours drive from Tucson.
If you go, yes, park your car on the US side, there are several side streets that provide free parking and we have never had a problem with our Explorer. There are also several pay lots if you are concerned.
Nogales is a typical border town but it is nice to walk around and do a little shopping. Glassware, Margarita glasses and Pitchers a very good buy. Kahlua, other booze also good buys depending upon which State your from.

The drive is easy and if you go don't miss seeing Tubac, a small artist village on your left - takes about 2 hours plus lunch time for a quick visit.

Tombstone is in our opinion a must see if you are in the area. Yes, it is a bit touristy but very well done, not gawdy and lots of authentic sights, ie the Birdcage Theater, bullet holes and all.
Enjoy your visit.

Nogales isn't much, but there is an interesting restaurant thats partially carved out of a rock cliff. I found the area between Tucson and Nogales to be interesting, especially south of Green Valley, and I thought the Patagonia area was nice. Be sure to park your car on the American side and walk across.