The United States is home to many beautiful sites with a rich history. Different states across the US have unique locations, and Arizona is not left out. You might not immediately think of Arizona when you think of the USA, but it’s an important state with a rich history. There are dozens of famous landmarks in Arizona, each with a fascinating story behind it.
Arizona is a beautiful state, and there are plenty of things to do there. From the Grand Canyon to the Meteor Crater, here are 20 famous Arizona landmarks you can’t miss. These are also some of the things that Arizona is famous for.
Most Famous Arizona Landmark
While there are several landmarks in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is the most famous Arizona landmark. It is also one of the most studied geographic landscapes in the world.
The Grand Canyon
It’s impossible to talk about the landmarks in Arizona (or the even United States) without mentioning the Grand Canyon. It is at the top of the list when it comes to the proud and beautiful landmarks of Arizona. It is a miracle of nature that offers numerous visitor facilities, a variety of hiking paths, mules rides, train tours, and helicopter flights.
Grand Canyon National Park provides many accommodations along the Canyon’s South Rim. The South Rim is crowded with people during summer, spring break, and holiday seasons. It is the most well-liked location from which to view and experience this unique natural phenomenon.
One of the best places to lodge as you tour the Grand Canyon in Flagstaff. It is brimming with delightful cafes, shops, and entertainment options unlike other landmarks in Arizona. There are also great campgrounds and some RVshare rentals close to the Grand Canyon.
You can either pay admission fees at the entrance stations, purchase them online, or via unofficial sellers in the gateway city of Tusayan.
A South Rim admission pass is required during spring break. However, this pass includes the North Rim when it reopens for the season, starting on 15th May.
Phoenix, Arizona Landmarks
Mystery Castle
The renowned Mystery Castle is located in the South Mountain Park and Preserve’s foothills. Boyce Luther Gulley constructed the structure in the 1930s using a strange mix of building supplies, including telephone poles, plow discs, tiles, stones, bricks, and metals.
The beautiful stone-built structure with 13 fireplaces and 18 rooms, is one of the most outstanding Arizona landmarks. Mystery Castle offers weekly tours on Thursdays through Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Phoenix’s rich past makes for a fascinating family story, and you may also admire its stunning engineering and architecture. It is a charming edifice with an extraordinary history. The castle is recognized with the Phoenix Award and is included in Arizona’s historical registry. This makes it one of the notable landmarks of Arizona.
Rosson House Museum, Heritage Square
Phoenix is known for successfully conserved one of the important historical landmarks in Arizona, known as Heritage Square. Numerous events are held at Rosson House in Heritage Square to allow guests to experience some of the splendor that once characterized Phoenix’s past.
The Rosson House, now a museum, is undoubtedly the primary draw in Heritage Square. A tour of Rosson House is like traveling back in time. The square and the buildings were built in the 1800s. The old Phoenix neighborhood’s Block 14 is where Heritage Square is situated.
If you have kids, head across the street to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, another one of the prominent landmarks of Arizona and the US. It has hundreds of interactive exhibits and activities for kids ages 10. You can be sure your kids will have a fun time out exploring and learning in the museum.
Chase Field
The hub of the sports scene in downtown Phoenix is Chase Field. It is tucked between Jefferson Street, Fourth Street, and Seventh Street. This structure is one of the outstanding landmarks in Arizona that are impossible to miss.
Chase Field provides an exciting and fun experience for locals and visitors to watch a Diamondbacks game. Thanks to its distinctive swimming pool and retractable roof, it has developed into one of the most iconic landmarks of Arizona.
Millions of baseball fans can watch the Arizona Diamondbacks games without worrying about the summer heat in Phoenix or monsoon rains since the air-conditioned stadium first opened on March 31, 1998.
Arizona Capitol Museum
Until Arizona’s statehood in 1912, the Arizona Capitol Museum served as the last place that the territorial government of Arizona called home.
Founded in 1901, this important Arizona landmark highlights the state’s history and culture and is kept as the state capitol museum. The museum has four floors, more than 20 exhibit areas, and an Arizona shop with excellent goods.
The Arizona Capitol Museum also features changing historical and artistic exhibits. It also provides tours, gift shops, reservations, volunteer and internship opportunities, and a unique educational experience. The best thing is that access is free of charge!
Tucson, Arizona Landmarks
Presidio San Augustin del Tucson Museum
The San Agustin del Tucson Museum is a reconstruction of the Tucson Presidio. This prestigious Arizona landmark was constructed in 1775, the same year of the Anza expedition.
You can learn about life as it might have been for early Tucsonans at the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum. You can also experience a 150-year-old traditional Sonoran Row home, the archaeological ruins of a pit house, and the historic Presidio wall.
The topics covered in docent-led tours are early settlers from the Territorial Period, the Presidio neighborhood, and the culture of the Santa Cruz Valley’s first Native Americans. You can visit this famous landmark in Arizona from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday.
Valley of the Moon
The magical, historical landmark known as Valley of the Moon focuses its theme on generosity and creativity. Valley of the Moon is one of the notable landmarks of Arizona designed by artists and provides a range of activities.
A family-friendly event is held on the first Saturday, and tours are offered on the third Sunday. The site is open to everyone for plays and other special events. You can also arrange for private access at a specific price.
You can go on tours, watch theater productions, and have private gatherings in its vicinity. Valley of the Moon stands out among other Arizona landmarks for promoting acceptance and brotherly love, regardless of race or color. This is one meaningful place to visit.
Mission San Xavier del Bac
This white adobe chapel is one of the oldest landmarks of Arizona. The structure dates back to the 1700s and perfectly demonstrates Spanish colonial architectural style. It features gorgeous murals, carvings, and sculptures both inside and out with recent restorations to help preserve the historic elements.
Visitors from near and far travel to witness the elaborate and intricate artwork, learn about the history, and admire the meticulous preservation. This beautiful Arizona landmark earned the nickname “White dove in the desert.”
Every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the church is accessible. Free church tours are generally provided Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. while not in service, but visitation can be suspended when there are construction or restoration works. Be sure to check before visiting.
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
The Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway, also known as Catalina Highway Scenic Drive, begins on the outskirts of Tucson’s northeast and ascends 27 miles to Mount Lemmon’s 9,157-foot summit.
It is regarded as one of southeast Arizona’s most beautiful drives and one of the best landmarks in Arizona for its views. This is perfect for a road trip with family or friends.
Most of the road travels through the Coronado National Forest, and many campgrounds and trailheads give you the chance to make further experiences in the climate niche of your choice. You can also prepare for a picnic and use the beautiful vistas and rest places.
Scottsdale, Arizona Landmarks
Taliesin West
Taliesin West sits at the base of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale. This handcrafted structure is one of the famous Arizona landmarks, a National Historic Landmark, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Constructed in 1937, Taliesin West now serves as the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s main office. It has a primeval appearance due to its close ties to the desert it was built from. Nonetheless, this is among the most distinctive architectural landmarks of Arizona.
Taliesin West provides museums, architecture schools, tours, historic structures, educational programs, Group Visits, Events, Cultural Activities, Rentals for Events, Summer Camps, and Gift Shops. In addition, you can always explore the Arizona desert with expert help or on your own.
Scottsdale Historical Museum
The Scottsdale Historical Museum is a one-room structure in the Single Red Schoolhouse (1909) with photographs, relics, and historical exhibits that document the history of the city.
This historical Arizona landmark presents and interprets Scottsdale and the Southwest’s prehistory and cultural heritage. You can find an exhibit of Scottsdale’s founding father, Winfield Scot, in the old schoolhouse.
This is also one of the landmarks in Arizona that provides community outreaches, scout programs, and one-room schoolhouse displays. It offers exhibitions, gift shops, adult and family programs, schools, research, & tours.
The famous schoolhouse operates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday. There are group tours and speakers available.
Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is one of the most prominent landmarks in Arizona and the most extensive urban preserve in the United States. It is the perfect place for equestrian riding, mountain biking, and hiking. The Preserve spans over 30,500 acres with over 225 miles of trails for this purpose.
In addition to offering a variety of enjoyable activities for you, this natural landmark of Arizona is home to several animal, plant, and bird species. It is a nice paradise for nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in mother nature.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Through provocative, shifting exhibitions, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) celebrates our time’s modern art, architecture, and design.
This Arizona landmark is home to Knight Rise, one of very few public “skyspaces” created by renowned artist James Turrell. It is a brilliant work of art and an inventive refurbishment of a vintage cinema theater by architect Will Bruder.
Additionally, SMoCA offers various revolving exhibits, educational activities, guided tours, and special events for adults and families.
LANDMARKS IN USA |
Top Historical Landmarks In Arizona
Tombstone Historic District, Tombstone
The National Park Service and Department of Interior designated the Tombstone Historic District as a National Historic Landmark District on October 1, 1962.
This Arizona landmark has an incredible history and is the ideal illustration of a boomtown from the past that is still in existence. The Tombstone Historic District spans six city blocks in downtown Tombstone, Arizona.
One of Arizona’s top craft breweries can be found in Tombstone. If you love a good brew, stop by Tombstone Brewing Company to experience this small town’s primary expertise.
Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is an aesthetic construction finished in 1935 and produced in Lake Mead. It is one of the most well-known landmarks of Arizona and also one of the most famous structures worldwide.
This lake connects Arizona and Nevada and is about 110 miles long. Visitors can gaze at the recently finished Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge and even cross it if they like.
A fascinating and engaging method to see what the Hoover Dam is all about is through a tour. The more extended Hoover Dam Tour than the Powerplant Tour offers you the chance to explore minor well-known areas of one of the most famous landmarks of Arizona.
You will also catch expansive views of the bridge and the area’s topographical characteristics and dizzying views gazing directly down the dam.
It is a popular attraction with visitors coming from both Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Monument Valley
The valley, which is halfway between Arizona and Utah, is a stunning example of Western rock formations. If you’re interested in vistas and photography, Monument Valley is ideal for you.
This is one of the most significant landmarks in Arizona and is home to magnificent works of sandstone that rise 400–1,000 feet into the air. These sandstones are framed by beautiful clouds gracefully casting shadows on the desert bottom. The beautiful patterns are highlighted by the sun’s perspective, creating a simply mesmerizing sight.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
In the red rock canyons of Sedona, inside the Coconino National Forest, the Roman Catholic chapel known as The Chapel of the Holy Cross was constructed between 1954 and 1956.
This magnificent structure stands out among famous landmarks in Arizona. Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a Frank Lloyd Wright student who worked alongside August K. Strotz and Richard Hein on the project, was the inspiration for and the one who commissioned the creation of the chapel.
Arriving guests ascend a ramp to the chapel from the parking lot. Textured concrete was used to build the long, curved ramp.
The 90-foot (27.4 m) tall iron cross on the southwest wall of the chapel is its most prominent feature. It acts as both a decorative accent and a structural element.
The Best Natural Landmarks of Arizona
Antelope Canyon
The Antelope Canyon is one of the famous landmarks of Arizona that is a part of the Navajo Nation reserve. This loop canyon is a year-round destination for both amateur and expert photographers. The Upper and Lower are the two sections of this attraction.
Only guided visits are available because the canyon is still subject to flooding and flowing water. You can explore the enchanted world of this Arizona landmark while on a fully guided trip by meandering along the sandstone walls of the Upper Antelope Canyon.
Havasu Falls
The Havasu falls have stunning views of the pools at its base, which give the impression of having two falls. You get to enjoy this breathtaking sight after a 20-mile climb around one of the best Arizona landmarks.
The area around Havasu falls was home to the Havasupai Indians, who lived in the area and guarded its natural resources. It stands out as a gorgeous tourist destination with its tranquil swimming pools.
Havasupai will genuinely wow you if you’re prepared to do the climb to get there. This waterfall paradise tucked away deep within one of the famous landmarks of Arizona (the Grand Canyon) is only accessible to the fit and daring who don’t mind an adventurous journey.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area encompasses over 2,000 miles of shoreline, featuring a beautiful landscape of blue water and barren plains. With 1.2 million acres of available land and water-based activity, you can travel through this Arizona landmark for days without seeing the same sights.
The second largest man-made lake in the United States, Lake Powell, is in Glen Canyon. The park provides amenities for swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, and diving excursions. Glen Canyon has something for anyone, whether you’re traveling independently or with a guide. It can’t be left out of the famous landmarks in Arizona.
When it comes to nature in this state, there are also many nice beaches in Arizona where you can enjoy an amazing beach getaway.
A Trip To Arizona Landmarks
Arizona is a state with a storied past and vibrant culture. There is much to view and be amazed by, from contemporary museums to historical buildings and national historic and recreation areas.
This list doesn’t cover all the famous landmarks of Arizona. You simply must see for yourself to learn more about this beautiful state’s history and culture. Therefore, during your trip, you’re sure to discover other fascinating and appealing landmarks in Arizona.
