Ready to experience the natural beauty of the desert and mountains on your next getaway? These Arizona landmarks are some of the best places to visit in the Grand Canyon State.
Whether you’re visiting for an epic hiking trip to The Wave or want to see one of the great civil engineering projects in the world up close at Hoover Dam, Arizona isn’t short on eye-opening landmarks towering high into the sky.
From otherworldly impressions (ahem, Meteor Crater Natural Landmark) to immersive learning experiences at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, I promise you that Arizona’s landmarks are in a league of their own.
These are the ones you need to visit.
Famous Landmarks in Arizona
Grand Canyon
Visiting Arizona without hitting up the Grand Canyon might *just* be a crime. It’s arguably the most famous landmark in Arizona and one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the USA.
Nearly six million people visit the Grand Canyon each year. So, as you can imagine, certain parts are hella overcrowded. You’ll want to know where to go for the best views off the beaten path – I’ve got you.
If it’s within your budget, schedule a helicopter tour for incredible views of the massive geological anomaly that’s over millions of years old. You’ll enjoy this Arizona landmark’s priceless vantage points without elbowing through hordes of tourists to capture the best photo.
But don’t worry; there are plenty of great places to view the Grand Canyon from land (and without spending a serious wad of cash).
Hiking to Redwall Bridge or taking the Cape Royal hike to Angel’s Window are two great ways to explore the Grand Canyon, away from the hustle and bustle of Grandview Point.
Top Tip: read my guide to the best hikes in the Grand Canyon to help you plan your trip.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Second up is one of my favourite landmarks in Arizona that I visited on my most recent trip, Montezuma Castle.
I’ll be honest: learning about Native American history was something I was very keen to do while in the state, and visiting Montezuma Castle offers a chance to see an anthropological site with well-preserved artefacts from the Sinagua culture.
Here you’ll find pueblos from a civilization dating back to 1100 AD (at least). And the village etched into the limestone cliffs is in surprisingly great shape for its age.
You’ll need to be content checking out the attraction from below (you can’t go inside), but the walking trails allow you every opportunity to see it from several impressive angles. Chat with a ranger if you can find one, and learn historical tidbits about this impressive Arizona landmark.
It’s a short drive from Sedona and an easy day trip from other destinations in Arizona – so make it a point to stop by.
Top Tip: if you’re basing yourself in Phoenix, booking this day trip to Montezuma Castle, Jerome and Sedona is the easiest way to explore some of the top Arizona landmarks and attractions.
Hoover Dam
Want to explore the Nevada and Arizona border? How about adding one of Arizona’s famous landmarks while you’re at it?
The Hoover Dam is one of the tallest dams in the world and a hugely important structure for the Southwestern region of the USA. Built to prevent flooding along the massive Colorado River, it’s a water source for over 16 million residents.
Want to see it for yourself? For one of the best free things to do in Arizona, walk over the extraordinary Hoover Dam. You’ll need to park a bit further away to see the Hoover Dam for free, but that just gives you more time to appreciate the enormity of it all anyways.
Camelback Mountain
If you’re adding Phoenix to your Arizona travel plans (you should), don’t miss the chance to hike Camelback Mountain.
The moderate 3.86 km climb rewards you with views of Phoenix you won’t find on many other hiking trails.
Do you have a penchant for natural drama? Try to plan the trip near sunrise, and you’ll capture Phoenix waking up from one of the highest points in the city – get your camera ready.
Top Tip: discover the best hikes in Phoenix and add a few to your itinerary.
Antelope Canyon
If you’ve been on Instagram anytime in the past decade, chances are you’ve seen photos of Antelope Canyon. Trust me, visiting IRL is about 100x more impressive.
But when planning an Arizona itinerary, there’s only so much time to see all the sights. So you may be left facing the decision of choosing between upper or lower Antelope Canyon. There’s no wrong answer.
They both offer amazing vantage points of the sweeping sandstone canyons. But Upper Canyon is most famous for the sunshine sneaking through for particularly epic photos.
My advice? Stay longer and do both. You can also spend the night in a hotel near this Arizona landmark and enjoy both sides of the Antelope Canyon over two days.
Top tip: book a tour of both upper and lower Antelope Canyon and see why it’s a growing tourist destination every year.
Saguaro National Park
Visitors to Tucson usually make it a point to visit Saguaro National Park, generally only seeing the western side. Big mistake.
While Saguaro National Park West offers a snapshot of the desert beauty with numerous cacti and the famous Bajada Loop Drive, it’s also just a sneak peek into all the serene nature this national park offers.
But I have a hunch you’re not an everyday tourist and want to dig deeper. If so, head to Saguaro National Park East and prepare for a day (or longer) of amazing sightseeing, hiking and even camping.
Be sure to hike the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail, cool off near Bridal Wreath Falls, or (for the adventurous souls) go backpacking through Saguaro East National Park.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Visiting a museum in Arizona wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t in… well, the desert. But the nearly 100-acre Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum near Tucson offers so much to see besides the beauty of the rocky cactus-laden backdrop.
Inside you’ll find an art gallery, aquarium and seasonal events where you can celebrate with food, cocktails and live music. If you’re more into exploring nature, the botanical garden and zoo are also worth a visit while you’re here.
So plan on spending a half day, or a bit longer, if you attend one of the festivals or the upcoming Desert Gala – highly recommended.
Grand Falls
Keen to explore waterfalls when you visit Arizona? Be sure to head to Grand Falls and take in the over 180-foot cascades in the Painted Desert.
Okay, so these aren’t the deep blue waterfalls you see all over your Instagram feed, they are a murky brown colour from the mud in the nearby section of the Colorado River. But trust me; this is a uniquely beautiful destination you need to explore.
Because you’re in the desert, the window to see the raging rapids is short, with spring typically being the ideal time to go. So plan your Arizona road trip accordingly.
Sonoita Wine Region
I know what you’re thinking – wine tasting in Arizona, for real? Facts. Arizona is home to one of the best wine regions you’ve never heard of.
Where to go wine tasting when visiting Arizona? The Sonoita Wine Region is one of the top places to go for excellent glasses of wine and incredible scenery to go along with it.
Winemaking in this region has a long history, with a decades-long ban until the 1980s. Now wine isn’t just permitted in Arizona; many chefs and wine enthusiasts across the USA celebrate the vineyards (also check out the Verde Valley Wine Trail).
Sound right up your alley? Head to Sonoita Wine Region for some wine tasting, hiking, or exploring the nearby caves.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Thought I left you with a cliffhanger? The caves near Sonoita Wine Region aren’t just any ordinary caverns, so let’s go into more detail.
This subterranean sightseeing hotspot etched into the limestone cliffs is actually a relatively new attraction. Found by two adventurous hikers who made it their mission to locate a cave no one knew about; it’s so spectacular they reported it to local authorities for safekeeping.
What to see when you’re here? A stalactite over 20 feet long, the nearly 60-foot column Kubla Khan and other incredible geological formations you won’t find anywhere else. Add this as a day trip to your Tucson itinerary.
The Wave
Is there a more famous place on the ‘Gram in the past few years than The Wave? If you know of one, let me know, as this Arizona landmark is as hard to access as it is beautiful.
Trust me. I tried unsuccessfully more than once to secure a visit to The Wave in the lottery that permits you to visit The Wave via Coyote Buttes North.
Why is this desert attraction suddenly so popular? The sand and rock formation has layer after layer of intricate details that create an effect similar to the waves of an ocean etched into the desert landscape.
You’ll need to hike nearly 7 miles round trip, and you’ll want plenty of extra time to walk around and explore while you’re there.
Top tip: If you’re keen to explore this highly coveted hiking locale, apply online during the designated lottery window for a spot about three months from when you (hopefully) win a chance to see it. Fingers crossed.
Taliesin West
Heading to Scottsdale? Make sure you visit the UNESCO World Heritage site designed by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
What was once a residence and lab for Wright is now open to the public for tours, events and educational experiences. It’s truly an oasis in the desert and one of the more interesting of Arizona’s historical sites, even if that history is relatively recent.
If you’re heading there soon, you’re in for a treat. Visit from now until October 2023, and you can see the infrastructure project underway that gives you a chance to see live maintenance underway in this famous landmark.
Horseshoe Bend
I’ve visited plenty of canyons in the southwest, but Horseshoe Bend in Arizona surprised me with its undeniable uniqueness.
The U-shaped canyon along the Colorado River is most famous for the large rock formation that towers above the sparkling blue river waters.
You can hike about 1.5 miles to the viewpoint for Horseshoe Bend, and there’s a parking lot nearby. But recently, the park has been undergoing maintenance, so check ahead of time to ensure the park is open before you head there.
Even though the hike is short, it can be gruelling depending on the time of day and weather, which changes quickly and may involve sweltering temperatures or high winds. Pack accordingly.
Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
Thousands of years ago, a massive asteroid smashed into the earth’s surface in Winslow, Arizona, creating an enormous crater at Meteor Crater Natural Landmark.
Whether you’re deep into space exploration and discovery or just want a terrific way to pass some time if you’re staying in Flagstaff, this is a must-see Arizona landmark.
Top tip: book a guided tour and learn some fun facts about the Arizona landmark, or walk around the rim and find the perfect angle for a photo with this extraterrestrial destination.
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Kartchner Caverns State Park isn’t the only underground landmark in Arizona worth travelling to. In fact, Colossal Cave Mountain Park is well worth a visit whether you’re staying in Tucson or driving a bit further from Phoenix, or another part of the state.
Why? There are more than 3.5 miles of trails showcasing many of the most impressive geological formations in the Southwest.
After taking a guided cave tour, head out and see why outdoor adventure isn’t just underground. There are great opportunities for hiking, bicycling and plenty of nature in the desert to admire.
Wupatki National Monument
Looking for fun things to do in Flagstaff? Wupatki National Monument is a great way to spend a day exploring the red rocks and ancient ruins of the Hopi and Zuni cultures.
Want to experience more of the beautiful land? Arrive early, pack lots of water and try the Crack-in-Rock hike. You’ll likely need a few days, as going overnight lets you avoid walking in the peak summer heat.
You’ll be happy to extend your stay when you look up at the stars above you in the peaceful desert sky.
Museum of Northern Arizona
Want to learn about the state’s history of indigenous cultures? You can see over five million artefacts firsthand at this nationally acclaimed museum, one of Arizona’s fascinating historical landmarks.
Be sure to research the rotating exhibitions, as they include fascinating looks at the Native American people through collections of artwork and anthropological discoveries.
After you learn about the history of ancient cultures, explore nearby nature trails, which are gorgeous. It’s also under an hour from Sedona and only about ten minutes from Flagstaff.
Lower Salt River
Looking for a lesser-known Arizona landmark? Head to the lower portion of the nearly 200-mile Salt River and explore the wild side of Arizona nature.
You can travel alone or book a kayaking tour to add a slice of adventure to your Arizona itinerary. I strongly recommend the latter.
When you visit the Lower Salt River, prepare for some superb birdwatching and opportunities to see wildlife and nature around every river bend.
It’s also a famous area for trout fishing, so bring your gear and try your luck at casting a line into the picturesque river waters.
Petrified Forest National Park
If you’re making the storied drive down Route 66, you need to plug Petrified Forest National Park into your GPS. Trust me.
The Northeast Arizona landmark is well worth a visit for the kaleidoscope of colours the petrified trees display throughout the vast forest.
You may see ancient fossils (hundreds of millions of years old) amongst the many petrified trees and desert landscapes. Speaking of ancient landmarks, the towering Chinle Formation is a 200 million-year-old geological feature you need to see for yourself.
Standin’ on the Corner Park
Remember earlier when I mentioned Meteor Crater Natural Landmark is in Winslow, Arizona? Well, if it sounded familiar, you may be thinking of that famous Eagles song “Take it Easy,” which mentioned the small Arizona town. You’re not wrong.
This public park is an homage to the famous rock song about the small town near Route 66. Go to the intersection of Kinsley & East 2nd St and snap a photo at the musical landmark.
This isn’t a destination I’d go far out of my way to visit – but if you’re passing by and want a cheeky snapshot of American rock and roll history, it’s worth a five-minute detour.
Practical Tips for Visiting Arizona Landmarks
- If you’re planning a trip to the most popular locations in Arizona, booking a tour may be the best way to visit. You can learn a lot more about these incredible landmarks if you schedule a guided tour.
- Try to plan a few landmarks on the same day. Except for the Grand Canyon, which may require a full day between transportation and sightseeing, many Arizona landmarks only take an hour or two to visit.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Nearly every landmark on this list is in the desert, mountains or canyons. You’ll stay a lot happier if hydrated.
- Dress in layers. I can’t stress the importance of packing warmer clothes for the nighttime enough, especially in the winter. Deserts are famous for scorching hot temperatures, but the nights can be surprisingly frigid.
Arizona Landmarks: Map
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