What are the biggest and most important things Arizona is known for? In this article I give you fascinating facts, scrupulous tales and interesting anecdotes about Arizona, highlighting the most important things Arizona is known for. Ready to learn more? Keep reading…

Things Arizona is Known For

Home to the Grand Canyon and picturesque landscapes, Arizona is an iconic travel destination. Every year millions of tourists check the state off their bucket lists. Last year Arizona hosted 40.9 million people! That’s mind-boggling, right?

Reading the article will help you to understand the obsession that different types of tourists have with Arizona. Known as one of the best tourist spots in the USA, it offers many sights, vibrant cities, and much more. So, here is a list of things Arizona is known for, let’s get started!

Landmarks & Architecture in Arizona

Lets start off this article about the things Arizona is known for by looking at the magnificent landmarks and architecture…

The Grand Canyon

The magnificence and awe-inspiring scenery of the Grand Canyon captivates visitors worldwide. The breathtaking landscapes and marvellous view of rocks cast a spell on the sightseers. Visit it in the late afternoon and experience the yellow, red, and orange hues. The Canyon is one of the best things Arizona is known for.

Hoover dam

Ranked in the top 20 tallest dams in the world– the Hoover dam is one of America’s extraordinary engineering marvels. Besides being a historical monument, the dam has a unique natural environment. So, if you are going to Arizona, remember to drop off at the landmark.

Horseshoe Bend 

The Horseshoe Bend is an Insta tourism sensation because of the spectacular pictures! People are amazed at its uncanny resemblance to a horseshoe. It was formed due to the Colorado River looping around the sandstone and is a popular recreation area. Also, the Horseshoe Bend is famous for its location on Lake Powell– the 2nd largest artificial lake in the U.S.

Antelope Canyon

One of the most photographed locations in the USA– the Antelope Canyon is certainly aesthetically pleasing. The marvellous rock formations contain hues of red, orange, and brown. When the sunlight hits the rock formations, it creates a great shadow on the Canyon’s floor. The Canyon is a sight for sore eyes and every photographer’s dream come true. 

Biosphere 2

Biosphere 2 is an educational asset and a global research center for FEMA, NASA, and several universities. These spheres are self-sustaining communities producing food in a variety of conditions. So, if you are a science or nature enthusiast, visit Biosphere 2 and get a closer look at the Earth’s rainforests’ environment. 

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is ranked at number 105 among all the Best Colleges in the U.S., offering the best research facilities. The U.A. is a global research hub. Furthermore, the U.A.’s quality of life and sustainability initiatives make it one of the things Arizona is known for.

Monument Valley

Located on the border between Utah and Arizona, Monument Valley is a picturesque landscape of rock formations, stone spires, dunes, and buttes. Besides being one of Mother nature’s marvels, Monument Valley appeared as a backdrop for many Hollywood movies like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

Destinations that Arizona is known for

Next up on this list of things Arizona is known for are travel destinations. Where do people go when they visit Arizona and why?

Petrified Forest National Park

The Petrified Forest National Park is a paleontologist’s playground. It has fossils that are over 200 million years old. Another exciting fact about the forest is the petrified wood, which is pure quartz. During the forest tour, you will see long logs cut into segments because the logs have fractured due to the weight of the quartz.

Verde River State Park

Verde River State Park is one of the treasures and things Arizona is famous for. Nature lovers have their fantasies fulfilled when visiting State Park. They witness the wildlife, trails, scenic river, wildflower displays, and natural attractions. 

Havasu Falls

Spilling over deep-orange cliffs in Arizona’s aqua-blue Havasu Falls. The waterfall is a sight to behold. Every year tourists from around the world visit Havasu to witness the magic! But getting there requires physical preparation, as you will have to hike to admire the splendor of the waterfall that plunges about 120 feet into a natural turquoise pool. 

Phoenix

The capital city of Arizona, Phoenix, “the valley of the sun,” is known for its rich culture and history. It attracts sunseekers and golfers and is one of the best opportunities to explore Arizona while enjoying dining, shopping, hiking tracks, and much more. Some other top locations in Phoenix include Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West and Heard Museum.

Sedona

Sedona is located the North of Phoenix at 120 miles. The town is suited amidst breathtaking Red Rocks and offers a serene vibe. Another exciting aspect of Sedona is the arts community, which has about 100 art galleries and organises festivals like Sedona Jazz Festival, Sedona Arts Festival, and Sedona International Film Festival.

Also, the town has plenty of options for outdoor sports lovers, like hiking, off-roading, and mountain biking. These are some of the things this artistic town in Arizona is known for. 

Red Rock State Park

The Red Rock State Park has a stunning landscape with rust-hued mountains, rocks, and cliffs. The Park aims to preserve the Oak Creek Canyon area for generations to admire. Tourists admire this incredible natural landscape produced as the iron-rich rocks rusted into the desert. Also, the Red Rock State Park offers wildlife sightings, full moon hikes, stargazing, bird walks, and nature hikes.

Saguaro National Park

Encompassing an area of 91,000 acres is Saguaro National Park, which adds a unique charm to the desert landscape in Arizona. You will be amazed to see the saguaro cactus– exclusive in this part of the world. 

While the cactus flora is a wonder to behold, there are many other things the Park in Arizona is famous for. Adventurous activities, historical sights, and wildlife make the trip to Saguaro National Park worthwhile. 

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is one of Arizona’s appealing cities, with many options to explore. The city is a renowned golf destination, with bachelorette parties, romantic and family getaways, and extravagant spas. Between the luxurious resorts and getaways, Scottsdale has outdoor sightseeing like the Sonoran Desert and the McDowell Mountain Range. 

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Spanning an area of 177 miles of the Colorado River is Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It is a beautiful park with stunning scenery and activities like camping, swimming, and fishing. The lake is essential to Hoover Dam as it provides the water for hydroelectric power generation. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is the best place to spend your holidays and is one of the things Arizona is known for. 

Jerome Ghost Town

As the name indicates, Jerome Ghost Town is known for its spookiness and haunting history. This makes the town a unique stop for tourists. This is a must-visit place if you are a fan of ghost town excursions. The town has an intriguing past which adds to the trip’s excitement. Jerome Ghost Town is named the “largest ghost town in America” and “America’s most vertical city.”

Navajo Nation

The Navajo Nation is among the most considerable tribal reservations in the United States. It has a variety of landscapes, from the magnanimous mountains to barren deserts. The Nation also has marvelous museums preserving Navajo history. 

One trip to the Navajo Nation and people realize that the land has resisted the modernized society. So, tourists can experience the Nation’s customs and ceremonial and sacred sites. 

Tucson 

The 2nd largest city in Arizona and one of the most enchanting destinations in the U.S., Tucson is renowned for its delicious Southwestern foods, stunning Sonoran Desert, and pollution-free air. Another popular feature of Tucson is the diverse community of hobbyists, from rodeo enthusiasts and astronomy to photography and vintage collection.

Kartchner Caverns State Park

The Kartchner Caverns State Park offers an unforgettable experience to tourists. The Park has a remarkable limestone cave with world-class features. It was discovered in 1974 and is home to unique calcite, stalactites, and stalagmites formations and minerals. 

Furthermore, the Kartchner Caverns State Park has a Discovery Center featuring a museum, regional displays, educational information, and a theatre. And that’s not it, there are many recreational activities you can indulge in, like hiking, bird sighting, camping, etc. 

Tonto National Monument

Tonto National Monument is Arizona’s magnificent prehistoric site, an easy day trip from Phoenix. The Monument has two colossal Salado-style cliff dwellings discovered 700 years ago. This historic place tells the tale of the Salado people who once inhabited this region. 

During your trip, you can learn about agriculture, architecture, artifacts, and poetry while enjoying the breathtaking view of Roosevelt Lake and Tonto Basin. 

Lost Dutchman State Park

Interestingly, the Lost Dutchman State Park was named after an excavator who claimed to have buried gold somewhere in the mountains. Some people visit the site to look for the lost gold, while others come to experience the biking and hiking trails or to admire the sky at camping sites. No guarantee that you will get rich overnight, but you will go home with cherishable memories. 

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a fantastic site stretching from the Grand Canyon to the Orange Cliffs of Utah. It is recognised for water-based recreation like boating, fishing, swimming, backcountry hiking, and four-wheel drive trips. 

So, if you are looking for a premier boating destination, you will fall in love with Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Encompassing geologic wonder, scenic paranoia, and human history, the recreation area is of the things Arizona is known for. 

Cuisine that Arizona is known for

What other things is Arizona known for? Well food of course! Lets take a look at some of the most unique and famous food in Arizona…

Chimichanga 

Chimichanga is a symbol of marriage between American creativity and Mexican cuisine. Invented in Tucson, it is a deep-fried burrito that is flavorful, crispy, and Deadpool’s favourite. One bite of this scrumptious burrito will leave your taste buds demanding more. So, if you are heading out to Arizona, do not forget to try Chimichanga.

Navajo Tacos

Having a crunchy top and a chewy and soft center, Navajo Tacos are one of the things Arizona is known for. These nachos are made with Indian Fry Bread topped with beans, seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream. Try it once, and you will crave more!

Tamales

Named Arizona’s unofficial delicacy, Tamales are in high demand during the holiday season. Tamales are made of corn dough wrapped in a corn husk, steamed, and then served with spicy sauce. Tourists devour the savory Tamales treating their taste buds to flavorful bursts. 

Rivers and lakes that Arizona is known for

Arizona is also known for its famous rivers and lakes, lets take a deeper look…

Lake Powell

Lake Powell is an artificial reservoir between the border of Arizona and Utah. Today, the lake is the best destination Arizona is known for. If you adventure, plan your next trip to Lake Powell to enjoy jet skiing, water skiing, fishing, boating, and hiking. 

The Colorado River

The Colorado River is known for its picturesque canyons, 11 National Parks, and whitewater rapids. In addition to being nature’s marvel, the river is an essential water source for 40 million lives. The river attracts tourists for its splendid landscapes, deserts, forest, canyons, and mountains. 

Other Things Arizona is Known for

Lets finish off this list with some other things Arizona is known for that do not neatly fit into any of the above categories…

Copper

Arizona was once known as the copper state. And why is that so? Because More than 50% of the copper produced in the USA comes from Arizona. If you plan to go to Arizona, stop at the six major copper areas: Ajo, Clifton-Morenci district, Bisbee (Warren district), Globe-Miami district, and White Mesa district. This will help you to understand why copper is one of the things Arizona is known for. 

Turquoise Jewellery

This is the last on this list of things Arizona is known for. Turquoise is Arizona’s official gemstone and is a symbol of native American jewellery. This makes it one of the best in the world. If your next vacation spot is Arizona, remember to spend a few bucks on this jewellery so you can flaunt them back home!

Summing up- Things Arizona is known for

Arizona is every Globetrotter’s dream come true. Given the diverse attractions, it is no surprise that the state lures tourists worldwide. I hope you enjoyed reading this article about the 30 things Arizona is known for and that you will take a look at one of these articles next:

• The 3 Best National Parks on The East Coast
• 20 fascinating facts about the glaciers of Alaska
• 50 Enchanting Landmarks in California + photos
• 99 of the most important landmarks in the US (with photos)
• The 8 best ski resorts in Vermont + top tips for your visit