10 of the Top Native and Indigenous Experiences in the US, According to Viator Travelers
The cultural diversity of the US is one of its strengths, but despite waves of immigration from around the world, this land has always belonged to Native and Indigenous peoples. Many Indigenous cultures still maintain distinct customs which you can explore on Native American history tours and experiences throughout the US. You’ll also gain insight into the centuries of oppression, exploitation, and alienation from traditional lands that some cultures have suffered.
However, although Indigenous peoples live throughout the vast country, their presence is more visible in certain regions. Read on to learn where you can broaden your perspective and find some of the best Indigenous experiences in the US.
1. Take a Navajo-led tour of Monument Valley, Arizona and Utah
Monument Valley—spanning Arizona and Utah—is one of the most famed attractions in the Southwest. But long before the red sandstone buttes served as a backdrop for classic Western films, the area was (and still is) sacred to the local people.
Monument Valley is in fact a Tribal Park run by members of the Navajo Nation, where you'll find Navajo-guided tours that'll give you an overview of both the area's landscape and Indigenous culture. So, take this Native American history tours led by a Navajo guide to learn more about the geology and culture of this unforgettable landscape.
What one reviewer said: “Fascinating beyond-the-scenes tour by gentleman who partially grew up in the area. He was very generous with his time and information.” Sonja_B, September 2026
2. Enjoy a Navajo dinner show in Page, Arizona
Many people visit Page, Arizona—located beside the border with Utah—to check out the incredible Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, and Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River. While you’re likely to spend your days exploring these otherworldly desert landscapes, by evening you can enjoy some entertainment.
Book this Navajo dinner show for a night of dancing, drumming, music, and storytelling, plus a meal of local favorites, including Navajo tacos made from Navajo frybread. Many of the best cultural heritage tours in the US revolve around food, and this one is no exception, so come hungry.
What one reviewer said: “Truly an extraordinary experience from start to finish. We gained so much insight into Navajo history and daily life, and we were deeply moved to see how their entire culture is rooted in a profound philosophy of living in complete harmony with nature. [...] We left the show with a genuine desire to come back and experience it all over again.” Yulia_G, August 2026
3. Opt for a Sinagua ruins tour near Sedona, Arizona
In Arizona, dramatic ruins which are remnants of ancient societies that settled here can be found tucked beneath cliffs and inside desert canyons. The Montezuma Castle National Monument is a multi-story desert “apartment” that was home to the Sinagua people who lived in the area between the 12th and 15th centuries—visiting is also one of the most unique Indigenous travel experiences out there.
Book a day trip from Phoenix to see the majestic ruins, such as this tour that also includes plenty of time to explore the artistic town of Sedona.
What one reviewer said: “We got to see so much more than we ever would have done on our own. Mark H. was a great guide. I appreciated his historical fun facts. High recommendation for this day trip.” Susan_W, March 2026
4. Tour Mesa Verde National Park from Durango, Colorado
You can also see ancient cave dwellings over the border in Colorado at the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Mesa Verde National Park, where you can explore the places in which the Ancestral Pueblo people lived for more than 700 years.
Here, you can take this guided day tour from Durango to visit the caves and other archaeological sites while learning about the history of the Puebloan people. The national park is also a Dark Sky Park, offering excellent stargazing if you want to stay the night in the nearby town of Cortez.
What one reviewer said: “Alex was awesome! [...] He shared local geography and Native American lore on the drive to Mesa Verde. [There was] plenty of time for photos and [... we saw] many of the cliff dwelling sites. [...] Alex shared other tips and tricks for local restaurants and legit locations for Native American goods that weren’t “touristy.”” Scott_M, September 2026
5. Try a Haida-guided tour of Ketchikan, Alaska
Alaska’s Inside Passage is a popular cruise destination, and while you’re on shore at any of the stops along the way, sign up for a cultural tour to learn more about the people of Alaska. Ketchikan in particular is renowned for its rich Alaska Native culture, and many totem poles can be seen throughout the small town.
With that in mind, join a local Haida guide on this tour of Ketchikan’s Totem Heritage Center and a few local beaches, from where you might spot whales, bears, eagles, and other wildlife.
What one reviewer said: “This was an excellent opportunity to see all the best parts of Ketchikan. We saw the totem poles, the salmon, and two bears! Our guide was local, Indigenous, and shared a wealth of knowledge. It was a fantastic day!” Melissa_S, August 2026
6. Learn more on a cultural tour of Juneau, Alaska
Further north on Alaska’s Panhandle, state capital Juneau also proudly displays many Native Alaskan cultural treasures. This tour, led by an Indigenous guide, introduces you to Indigenous culture and stories on a walk through town.
You’ll also ascend the 3,819-foot-high (1,164-meter-high) Mt. Roberts via the Mt. Roberts Tramway, for sweeping views of the harborside city. Dress warm!
What one reviewer said: “Great way to learn about the history of the area and the totems of the Indigenous people! Guide was very informative and patient with all our questions! While the day was drizzly [with] dense fog, it was still a great way to spend the day. The tram ride was a nice experience, even with the limited visibility!” Eldon_B, June 2025
7. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, Alaska
Located in Anchorage, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is one of the best Native American museums in the US, offering visitors insight into Native Alaskan storytelling, carving, dancing, arts, and crafts. Here, you can talk to carvers, view replica traditional dwellings, and admire clothing made from the hides of local animals such as seals and moose.
Prebook your admission ticket to the center to simplify your plans while visiting Anchorage; this is especially handy if you’re on a quick shore excursion in the city.
What one reviewer said: “It was an excellent experience that provided [us] with insight about the Native American culture. It was fascinating to learn about the Indigenous traditions and the enduring spirit of the Native American [peoples].” Debbie_H, September 2026
8. Soak up a Polynesian warrior show and dinner in Hawaii
Indigenous tourism in the US isn’t restricted to the mainland. While Hawaii’s Native Polynesian culture shares more with other Pacific Island nations, such as Samoa, Tonga, and French Polynesia, than other Indigenous US cultures, it also exemplifies the diversity of Native American cultures.
This traditional Hawaiian luau offers an accessible way to experience Native Hawaiian culture on Oahu. During this luau, performers enact war history through traditional dance—including fire-knife performances—while you feast on a buffet of local favorites.
What one reviewer said: “We had a blast. [...] Once you get to the luau, [...] you get to partake in a bunch of activities before the main show begins. [...] The food is absolutely delicious. [...] The main show was breathtaking. You can tell they put in a lot of time, effort, and thought into each performance. [...] Overall, I highly recommend this experience.” Emily_H, July 2026
9. Explore Tocobaga history in St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida may be best known for its low-key pace of life and stunning sunset views at Clearwater Beach, but it's also home to rich Indigenous history, which you can explore on this tour of the Jungle Prada site, home to three intact mounds created by the Tocobaga chiefdom between 1000 and 1600.
Here, you'll walk through Jungle Prada de Navarez Park and learn about the history of the mounds before and after the Spanish colonized the area.
What one reviewer said: "It was truly an amazing experience! The peacocks and the grounds are beautiful [and] David was an amazing guide who took the time to explain the history of the property with passion!" Michele_H, August 2026
10. Try a Taíno experience in Puerto Rico
Another excellent Indigenous cultural tour in the US—albeit on the colonized island of Puerto Rico—this day tour from San Juan introduces you to the history and culture of the Indigenous Taíno people.
Prior to European colonization, the Taíno people lived throughout the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico. Explore many aspects of this ancient culture are still thriving here today: Check out ceremonial grounds, admire petroglyphs beside a river (where you can even take a dip), and then refuel with a farm-to-table meal at a permaculture farm.
What one reviewer said: “This place is great, [and] my son and I learned a lot of history of the Taíno people of Puerto Rico. [...] The driver we got was excellent and very knowledgeable and help[ed] out when needed—my son and I had a wonderful time.” Joanne_F, June 2026
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