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Thinking of Arizona stirs up images of marvelous land formations like red canyons, cactus deserts, and mountains as well as man-made attractions like engineering marvels, esteemed museums, vibrant cities and historic settlements. Since its admission to the Union as the 48th state, Arizona has been a popular tourist destination, and with world-famous attractions like the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam and Saguaro National Park, that is not surprising. Read on to learn more about the top tourist attractions in Arizona.

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Located in Phoenix, the Heard Museum features an impressive collection of Native American artifacts and art works. Esteemed world-wide for its contents, learning programs and festivals, the Heard Museum houses more than 400 items, a theater and auditorium. Here, visitors can view exhibits such as Native American jewelry, paintings, sculptures, photographs, textiles, Hopi Kachina dolls and more. Additionally, visitors can engage in hands-on learning activities such as basketry, pottery and weaving.

See Also: Where to Stay in Phoenix

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Formed about 40,000 years ago, the Barringer Crater is the best known and best preserved impact crater on Earth. The crater is named after Daniel Barringer who was first to suggest that it was produced by a meteorite impact. The crater is still privately owned by his family and is also simply known as Meteor Crater or Arizona Crater. Measuring about 1,0 meters (4,000 feet) in diameter and 170 meters (570 feet) deep, with a rim 45 meter higher on average than the surrounding plain, the crater lies near Flagstaff.

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Situated near Camp Verde, Montezuma Castle features one of the country’s best-preserved cliff dwellings. Dating back to the 12th century and used by the Sinagua civilization, this five-story structure of 20 rooms resembles an ancient high-rise apartment complex. Although European-Americans named it after the Aztec emperor, the dwelling actually predates the birth of Montezuma II by 100 years. The site features a visitor center and museum that displays an assortment of relics and artifacts such as shell ornaments, stone tools, bone needles and millstones once used for grinding corn.

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Owned by the Navajo Nation, the Canyon de Chelly National Monument is situated in the northeastern part of Arizona. This national monument shelters several Navajo families just as it has for more than 5,000 years. Visitors are welcome to visit the canyon floor after checking in at the visitor center. The canyon features many distinctive formations such Mummy Cave and Spider Rock, a sandstone spire that soars 750 feet (230 meters) into the sky.

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Regarded as an American engineering marvel, the Hoover Dam sits on the border between Arizona and Nevada on the Colorado River. A major tourist attraction, the Hoover Dam is a massive, concrete dam that was constructed during the Great Depression to control flooding, produce electricity and provide irrigated water. Visitors can learn all about the dam in the visitor center and opt for guided tours where they can take an elevator ride in the canyon wall and see the power plant and generators. The nearby Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, offers spectacular views of the area.

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Encompassing more than 91,000 acres of the Sonoran desert in Tucson, the Saguaro National Park protects the symbol of the American West, the giant saguaro cactus. Although the cacti are a sight to behold, the national park offers much more like prehistoric petroglyphs, historic sites and wildlife viewing. Within the vast mountain ranges of the park, there a number of activities available like scenic drives, hiking, biking and picnicking.

Appearing in television shows and magazines, Havasu Falls ranks as one of the Grand Canyon’s most photographed attractions. Owned by the Havasupai Tribe, this stunning waterfall consists of one cataract that plunges 0 feet (36 meters) into a natural swimming pool of blue-green water that stands in striking contrast against a background of red canyon wall. Shady cottonwood trees and picnic tables surround the waterfall where visitors can relax and picnic. The experience of getting to the site is every bit as fantastic as the waterfall itself. To reach it, visitors can opt for a 8 mile (13 km) hike, helicopter ride or horse ride into the Supai village.

Probably the most famous example of the classic American West landscape, Monument Valley has been the backdrop for numerous western movies, ranging from Stagecoach starring John Wayne to Back to the Future II. Technically it is not a valley at all, but a wide flat landscape interrupted by the crumbling rock formations. The buttes and mesas are all that is left from the sandstone layers that once covered the entire region and have vivid red tones from the iron oxide. It is located on the Arizona-Utah state line near the Four Corners area.

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Famous for its red sandstone formations, the town of Sedona one of the most popular tourist attractions in Arizona because it offers so much to see and do. Interspersed with impressive natural landmarks like Cathedral Rock, Coffeepot and Thunder Mountain, Sedona also offers many man-made attractions that range from wineries to spiritual retreats, museums, art galleries and world-class performance theaters. With its gorgeous landscapes and state parks, Sedona presents many fun activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, horse riding and birdwatching as well as golf, tennis and scenic drives.

See Also: Where to Stay in Sedona

One of America’s most famous attractions, the Grand Canyon is a massive canyon carved over several million years by the Colorado River. The national park is itself divided into two main areas: the remote North Rim and the more accessible South Rim. In addition to scenic drives, visitors can enjoy adventurous activities here such as hiking, mountain biking, rafting, fishing, and helicopter tours. What’s more, walking out on the glass-bottomed floor of the Skywalk to see exceptional views of the canyon makes for an unforgettable experience.

See Also: Where to Stay in Grand Canyon

Located in Southeast Asia, the country of Malaysia is known for its many exotic islands that feature stunning beaches, tropical rainforests and diverse cultures. A great number of these islands present popular diving and snorkeling destinations because of their crystal clear waters and colorful coral reefs. However, the islands of Malaysia are not just about beaches and diving. There is much more to experience here such as colonial villages, beautiful temples, vibrant resorts and adventurous activities. Find out more about the best Malaysian islands.

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Pulau Pangkor, meaning “beautiful island,” provides a scenic escape from the busy world. Most tourists visit Pangkor for its quiet atmosphere and gorgeous beaches that include Niphah Bay, Teluk Belanda, Pasir Bogak and Coral Bay. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing attractions here such as the Chinese Fu Lin Kong Temple, the Kali Amman Temple, and the remnants of a Dutch fort that shelters a historic rock called Tiger Rock. Plenty of leisure activities abound here like banana boating, jet skiing, jungle trekking and swimming at night amid the blue-glowing plankton. Just next to island of Pangkor is the smaller island of Pangkor Laut, home to one of the most luxuries resorts in all Malaysia.

See Also: Where to Stay in Pulau Pangkor

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Just off the coast of mainland’s Marang lies Kapas Island. Pulau Kapas means Cotton Island, a name given to it by locals, due to its soft white beaches. Snorkelers and scuba divers visit the island because of the beautiful, calm waters filled with a variety of marine life.

See Also: Where to Stay in Pulau Kapas

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Historically regarded as the Pearl of the Orient because of its important location among the sea trade route, Penang is a large and colorful island shaped by its diverse culture, heritage and world-famous cuisine. A must-do here is a stroll or rickshaw ride around the historic Georgetown to see its colonial buildings, stately mansions, lovely temples and impressive hotels. Visitors will find plenty of activities that range from excellent shopping and culinary experiences to horse riding on the beach, photographing snakes in the Snake Temple, and cable car rides up to Penang Hill.

See Also: Where to Stay in Penang

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Tenggol Island offers visitors the feeling of being on their own private tropical island. The island was traditionally uninhabited, but now contains several hotels. Tenggol Island’s brilliantly white beaches are framed by the emerald tropical forests of the island’s interior. The small island is a treasured location by both fishermen and scuba divers.

See Also: Where to Stay in Pulau Tenggol

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Located off the east coast of Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan is a legend among expert divers. The area is full of exotic species including a rainbow of reef fish, sea turtles, and hammerhead sharks. Recenlty, Sipadan has become a protected area and all the resorts on the island are now closed. Diving is still allowed but divers are ferried in and out from the mainland and other islands. A great base to explore Sipadan is Mabul Island (see below) which Is home to a number of high end hotels and a few hostels.

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A small island off the south-eastern coast of Sabah featuring fine beaches of coconut trees, soft white sand and turquoise water, Mabul Island is one of the world’s best destinations for muck diving. What’s more, Mabul Island also boasts one of the world’s most concentrated reserves of small marine life that includes species like frog fish, scorpion fish, cuttlefish, squids, gobies and various shellfish. Visitors here can easily walk around the island within an hour to explore attractions like the conventional villages with their thatched huts.

See Also: Where to Stay in Pulau Mabul

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One of the largest islands located off the east coast of Malaysia, Redang is favored for its beaches of powdery white sand and crystal clear blue waters. The surrounding coral reefs are home to a variety of species like nemo fish, baby sharks and jellyfish, making Redang a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. Visitors wishing to snorkel and dive here will find no lack of operations offering tours and equipment. While much of the island’s dense interior is impassable, there are several trails for jungle trekking.

See Also: Where to Stay in Redang

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Considered by many as one of the world’s most beautiful islands, Tioman served as a scenic backdrop in the 1958 movie, “South Pacific.” Although one of the most commercially developed Malaysian islands, Tioman still preserves much of its natural beauty and wildlife diversity that includes monitor lizards. Because Tioman is surrounded by coral reefs, the island is a hot spot for diving and snorkeling. Tourists here can also enjoy jungle trekking, swimming under waterfalls, visiting a turtle farm and experiencing the local culture at the traditional village on Juara Beach.

See Also: Where to Stay in Pulau Tioman

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Located off the coast of northeastern Malaysia not far from the Thai border. The Perhentian Islands are the must-go place in Malaysia for budget travelers. The two main islands are Perhentian Besar (“Big Perhentian”) and Perhentian Kecil (“Small Perhentian”). They have some of Malaysia’s most beautiful beaches and great diving with plenty of cheap accommodation. Visitors can also explore the tropical jungle that covers much of the islands’ terrain.

See Also: Where to Stay in Perhentian Islands

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Malaysia’s best-known holiday destination, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 Malaysian islands in the Andaman Sea. The islands are located close to the Thai border in the Andaman Sea. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of about 65,000, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba. With its many diverse landscapes of beaches, mountains, rainforest and mangrove wetlands, Langkawi offers tourists the greatest variety of things to see and do. A popular activity here is to take a cable car ride up to Gunung Mat Chinchang and walk across the Sky Bridge to see incredible views across to Thailand. Nearby is Langkawi’s highest peak, Gunung Raya, which features a resort hotel, restaurant and splendid lookout tower at its summit. Many attractions abound here like the Laman Padi Rice Garden, the indoor aquarium at the Underwater World, and Oriental Village where visitors can enjoy cultural shows, watch snake charmers and ride elephants.

See Also: Where to Stay in Langkawi

Located in Central America, Honduras is a tropical paradise attracting many tourists every year to its gorgeous islands, lush rainforests and picturesque mountains. With its immediate access to the world’s second largest barrier reef, Honduras presents some of the best diving and snorkeling opportunities in the Caribbean. What’s more, this beautiful country offers many attractions like ancient Mayan ruins, colonial villages and festive celebrations. From whitewater rafting to hiking and exotic wildlife viewing, there is no end to the fun and adventure here. Learn more about the top tourist attractions in Honduras.

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Consisting of two main islands and several smaller cays, Cayos Cochinos provides a peaceful retreat for those who want to experience the natural beauty of Honduras without the hustle of tourist crowds. There are no roads or automobiles here, but there are hiking trails that link the beaches to the quiet villages. One of the popular hikes here is a climb to the lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views of the area. Additionally, the islands feature stunning beaches that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

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A popular site for thrill-seekers, Rio Cangrejal is Central America’s premier destination for kayaking and rafting. With its long stretches of white water rapids rushing around boulders and plunging over drop-offs, the river offers plenty of adrenaline rushes. Four different sections of the river are designated according to skill levels, ranging from inexperienced to advanced. There are several tour operators available in the area to arrange tours as well as trained guides to help novices learn the basics of rafting and kayaking.

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During the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, the quiet colonial village of Comayagua bursts into a flurry of activity and color with its street carpet tradition. Made with layers of colored sawdust and other natural materials like rice and flower petals, the huge carpets are elaborately designed to depict Biblical figures and events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The community then joins in a procession of reenacting the events of the crucifixion by walking on the carpets in costumes, carrying religious icons and reading from scripture. Even for non-religious visitors, the tradition is a must-do to see the artistic beauty of the carpets.

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A must-do for nature lovers, the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve protects some of the Honduras’s largest surviving, unspoiled ecosystems as well as several endangered species. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing and rafting expeditions here as well as tours through the tropical rainforests to view exotic birds, monkeys, jaguars, crocodiles and iguanas. Additionally, the reserve shelters a great number of archaeological sites such as Mayan ruins and a spot visited by Christopher Columbus.

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The picturesque island of Guanaja offers tourists an idyllic escape where they can relax or engage in fun outdoor activities. With its year-round warm temperatures, high levels of visibility and coral reef, the ocean waters surrounding Guanaja are ideal for diving and snorkeling. Other things to do include jungle trekking, hiking to Grant’s Peak, viewing a lovely waterfall, and exploring the shopping, cuisine and culture of the local villages.

See Also: Where to Stay in Guanaja

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Once used as a haven for pirates, the protected territory around Punta Sal is today a popular place to encounter the natural beauty and wildlife of Honduras. Amid diverse landscapes of sandy beaches, mangrove swamps, rainforests and coastal lagoons, tourists here can see a wide variety of wildlife species like tropical birds, sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, crocodiles, monkeys and boas. The reserve also features a traditional village of thatched huts where visitors can learn about the local culture.

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A hot spot for many tourists, the largest natural lake in Honduras offers many things to see and do. With its abundance of fish and bird species, Lake Yojoa is ideal for fishing and birdwatching. Travelers can also enjoy dipping in nearby hot springs, exploring caves, hiking to stunning waterfalls, touring coffee plantations and investigating ancient Mayan ruins. What’s more, visitors will find plenty of restaurants and hotels in the lake area.

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One of the Bay Islands, Utila is regarded as one of the best diving destinations in the Caribbean. With the cheapest Open Water courses available in the Caribbean, Utila certifies more new divers than any other place in the world. However, diving is not the only feature that makes Utila a popular tourist attraction. In addition to other water activities like swimming, snorkeling, paddle-boarding and kayaking, visitors can hike or horse ride through the jungle, explore caves and climb Pumpkin Hill to enjoy panoramic views.

See Also: Where to Stay in Utila

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Located in western Honduras, Copán is a relatively small Mayan site famous for its remarkable series of portrait stelae. The stelae and sculptured decorations of the buildings of Copán are some of the very finest surviving art of ancient Mesoamerica. Some of the stone structures at Copán date back to the 9th century BC. The city grew into one of the most important Maya sites by the 5th century with more than 20,000 inhabitants but was mysteriously abandoned a few centuries later. The nearby town of Copán Ruinas has all types of accommodations and other facilities for tourists.

See Also: Where to Stay in Copan

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Roatán is one of the Honduras Bay Islands in the Caribbean Sea. A popular port-of-call for cruise ships, the island of Roatan is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Honduras because of its beautiful scenery and variety of activities. With its gorgeous beaches and coral reef, Roatan provides opportunities for diving, snorkeling and swimming. The island also features many attractions like the Iguana Farm, the Caramola Gardens and the Roatan Butterfly Garden.

See Also: Where to Stay in Roatan

The capital city of Italy’s Tuscany region, Florence is internationally esteemed for its high concentration of Renaissance art and architecture. Because it served as a wealthy and important center for medieval trade and commerce, the city gave birth to the Italian Renaissance movement. Simulating one enormous outdoor art museum, the city of Florence attracts millions of tourists every year. An overview of the top tourist attractions in Florence.

Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour