There are several reasons for why Ozamiz is known as the historical, cultural and pilgrimage destination in Mindanao.

Ozamiz is home to the Fuerte de la Concepcion y del Triunfo also known as Cotta Fort and Shrine, a fort built in 1755. The Cotta Fort houses the image of the Our Lady of Triumph of the Cross, engraved on the wall of the fort facing the bay. The said image is said to be miraculous growing and is the object of pilgrimage. The Birhen sa Cotta (Virgin of the Fort) was later adopted as the second patroness of the city, after the Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion whose feast day is celebrated every December 8. Today, after 255 years, Cotta has become one of the most precious jewels of the Ozamiznons, even to the Misamisnons.

The Birhen sa Cotta's feast day is celebrated on July 16, coinciding with the charter anniversary of Ozamiz City. Also on the same date, the city stages the Subayan Keg Subanen Festival featuring the lumads or indigenous people known as the Subanon, their cultural values and traditions.

Interesting places and things to visit in the city include the Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion Pipe Organ, the only existing pipe organ in Mindanao and one of a few in the country; and the Bukagan Hill which has a view of Ozamiz City and Panguil Bay and is home to four great bells installed in 1948. Also, while touring around, check out the various Ozamiznon establishments which specialize in seafood like crabs, seashells, and the famous 'laya' fish.