Top Things to do in Arizona
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What to do and see in Arizona, United States: The Best Architectural Buildings
The state of Arizona is one that features a fantastic diversity of landscapes and areas of geological interest. North Arizona is famous for the Grand Canyon, a colorful chasm with steep rocky walls more than a mile deep and stretching some 277 miles alongside the Colorado River. Other notable destinations in North Arizona include Flagstaff set alongside the San Francisco Peaks which has the largest ponderosa pine forest, Museum of Northern Arizona, and is close to a number of national parks and monuments. On the south side of Arizona lies the city of Phoenix, the largest in Arizona. Notable day trips in Phoenix include the Heard Museum which is one of America's largest collections of Native American art, Phoenix Museum of History, as well as the Desert Botanical garden which has a great collection of desert plants.
Restaurants in Arizona
1. Bella Union
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Mission San Xavier del Bac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,326 reviews
Built in the 1700s, this recently restored white adobe church, representing a wonderful example of Spanish colonial architecture, is beautiful inside and out, with colorful frescoes, sculptures and carvings.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
The Mission San Xavier del Bac is an historic Spanish Catholic church located about 10 miles south of downtown Tucson, Arizona, on the Tohono O'odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation, along the Santa Cruz River. Founded in 1692, the original church destroyed during a Apache raid in 1770. The mission that survives today was built between 1783 and 1797 and is the oldest European structure in Arizona. An outstanding example of Spanish Colonial architecture, it features an elegant white stucco, Moorish-inspired exterior with an ornately decorated entrance with massive, carved mesquite-wood doors. The interior features paintings, carvings, frescoes and statues with a rich ornamentation that mixes New Spain and Native American artistic motifs. The floor plan of the church resembles the classic Latin cross with a main aisle separated from the sanctuary by the transept, which has chapels at each end. The dome above the transept is 52 feet high and supported by arches and squinches. The church is considered to be the finest example of Spanish mission architecture in the United States. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. The mission made a cameo appearance in Willa Cather's 1927 novel Death Comes for the Archbishop when it was described as "the most beautiful church on the continent." Today, it continues to be actively run by the Franciscan Order and continues to serve the native community.
3. Chapel of the Holy Cross
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,360 reviews
This chapel, located among dramatic rock formations, offers spectacular views, especially at sunset.
Reviewed By SengaMilne - Toronto, Canada
Absolutely loved our visit; awe inspiring views and peaceful serenity. The complimentary golf cart ride (tips appreciated) is a wonderful bonus for those with mobility issues or seniors although the privilege seemed to be available to everyone. We visited around 11 am on a Monday and had no trouble finding parking. Nice gift shop with lots of religious options but also beautiful note cards and postcards. Good idea to check out the postcards for ideas/information. Without them I would have missed the eagles overlooking the chapel. The beautiful home in the foreground is for sale for a mere $28 MILLION!
4. Taliesin West
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,062 reviews
Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert through the eyes of Frank Lloyd Wright. Deeply connected to the land from which it was forged, Taliesin West is a celebration of the Arizona desert — a celebration you can step into and explore on a tour, either guided by a Taliesin West expert or at your own pace with an audio tour.
Reviewed By Bob1775 - Houston, United States
We took the night lights tour and highly recommend it. You need to make reservations. Start times range from 6, 6:30 or 7 depending on the time of year. The tour lasts for 2 hours and even had a snack stop of cookies and lemonade towards the end. The tour starts with everyone walking to Frank Lloyd Wright’s office where everyone sits down and listens to a history of Wright and the facility....it is still an active architecture school conferring Masters Degrees in Architecture. You then walk outside and see the night views of the valley and the facility. Here you get an explanation of the facility in the early days and how it closed up for the summer and how the canvas roofs were stored. Next stop is Wright’s living room where again you sit down and the architecture of the facility is discussed. We then walk back to Wright’s living quarters and hear about his bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. Also discussed how every year the place received tweaks with rooms being moved or reconfigured. Next we go to Wright’s movie and entertainment room. You are offered snacks and the sit down to hear about Wright’s connections to the motion picture industry. Also we hear about how Wright entertained his apprentices and visitors. Next we walk to the cabaret, which is our final stop. We walk through the school seeing the dining facility and student work areas. Don’t miss the fire breathing dragon...see attached photo. At the cabaret which is a tiered theater type room we sit again. We hear about Wright’s dinner parties and performances put on by the apprentices. We also hear more about Wright’s thoughts on right angles and acoustics. Over all a fascinating two hours. It was very informative, interactive and never boring. Bruce our guide. who is a retired employee of the architecture school, did an outstanding job giving us a fun and interesting learning experience.
5. Lookout Studio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By KayteeHC - Norfolk, United States
Another opportunity for some stunning views and a chance to see some of the park's items for sale. Interesting building too.
6. Fox Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
Reviewed By 112RobertM - Leawood, United States
We became Tucson locals seven years ago, having been accustomed to large city challenges for access to cultural venues. Fortunately, we didn't wait too long to explore an event at the Fox and discovered how easy and wonderful it is to engage in events at the Fox. Parking is plentiful, affordable and within an easy walk - particularly in pleasant Tucson weather. There are many really good restaurants downtown, so it makes for a great evening with a loved one! The facility itself is well preserved and operated with loving care by a great staff. Seats are comfortable and viewing is great as there are no bad seats in the house. We're now back several times each year and thoroughly enjoy each visit!
7. Copper Queen Post Office
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Cher1AZ - Payson, United States
Was hoping the library was open for visitors upstairs, but sadly not due to Covid. So we browsed the post office to take a gander at a painting on the wall depicting the old days!
8. David & Gladys Wright House
9. Grand Canyon Railway Depot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By RICART75 - Peru, United States
We experienced the depot on our arrival to and departure from the Grand Canyon Village, on the Grand Canyon Railroad. It was like a step back in time, seeing this turn-of-the-last-century wooden structure greeting our arrival. It's a picturesque reminder of a bygone era. (Thankfully though, there was a current century courtesy van, to take us up to the Bright Angel Lodge).
10. The Promenade
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By Y4209MUcindyp - Morris, United States
Awesome shopping mall with Nordstrom Rack, Steinmart, Michael's, Lowes, World Market, Trader Joe's, etc. Variety of restaurants from fast food to high end. Something for everyone!
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