Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Have a travel bucket list? How many of your top stops on that list are Arizona locations? If your answer is “few to none” then let us help you out. Arizona not only has beautiful landscapes to offer travelers and budding photographers but also plenty of historical sites and top notch museums.
Whether you are an Arizona native, a recent transplant from another state, or simply a visitor, here are the top 10 places in Arizona that should be on your bucket list.
Please note, Canyon de Chelly and Hubbell Trading Post are temporarily closed.
Who wouldn't have this on their list? Even if you decide not to attempt hiking down to the bottom, you can still enjoy the beauty from any of the look-out points on the north and south rims.
More of the iconic red rocks you'll see throughout the desert southwest. While you're here, check out one of the vortices to see if you really do sense anything unusual.
If you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply love to revel in beautiful architecture, be sure to check out San Xavier del Bac. It is one of the oldest missions in the US and the building is a true knockout.
Take a look at how life was like for settlers and indigenous peoples by checking out this still-operating trading post that sits outside of Ganado on the Navajo Nation. You can get a guided tour of the property and be sure to check out the rug room.
Still pine for Pluto? This observatory was not only the place where Pluto (or Planet X, as it was known upon its discovery) was discovered but it is also one of the oldest observatories in the US.
On the walk to the observatory, you can get a better understanding of how large our solar system is. Don't forget to check out the original telescope, which is massive.
For a little more modern history, check out the Titan Missile Museum near Tucson to see the largest nuclear missile that, thankfully, was never used. Also, if you're a Trekkie, you ought to know that the 1996 film "First Contact" shot a few scenes here. Can you name the scene?
Sitting in downtown Phoenix along the light rail, the Heard Museum is considered one of the best places that features indigenous art. They routinely host events throughout the year such as the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest and the Indian Fair and Market.
Are there any other places that you think people absolutely must see? Tell us about them in the comments below!
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