Something about the Southwest brings families closer. Maybe it’s the endless skies, the deep quiet of the desert, or the mountains that seem to cradle each moment. We chased sunsets, roasted marshmallows under star-filled skies, and found stillness in places we didn’t expect. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of trip they’ll tell their own kids about someday.” Whether you’re hiking red rock trails, floating on a lake, or exploring a historic town, these family getaways offer more than fun — they offer memories that stick.
Best Family Vacation Ideas in the Southwest
The Inn at Entrada, Utah
The Inn at Entrada gave us something rare — a family trip that felt equal parts relaxing and luxurious. Surrounded by red rock cliffs and desert silence, we found time to reconnect between morning hikes and evening swims. I remember thinking, “This isn’t just a vacation — it’s a total reset.”
What We Loved Most: Stargazing from our private patio, wrapped in blankets and telling stories while the desert sky lit up above us.
Our highlights? A quiet dinner at The Grille — I had the herb-roasted chicken and a sweet prickly pear lemonade, while the kids devoured gourmet mac and cheese.
Travel Tips:
- Location: St. George, Utah
- Vibe: Peaceful, upscale, nature-centric
- Highlights: Pool, golf, spa, proximity to Snow Canyon
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for cooler hikes
- Cost: Mid-to-luxury
- Address: 2588 W Sinagua Trail, St. George, UT 84770
Strater Hotel, Colorado
Walking into The Strater felt like stepping into a storybook — vintage wallpaper, old west charm, and live piano music floating through the lobby. The kids were wide-eyed with curiosity, and I remember thinking, “This is exactly the kind of history lesson they'll never forget.”
What We Loved Most: Riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad by day, and curling up by the fireplace at night with board games and cocoa.
Our highlights? Breakfast at Mahogany Grille — the cinnamon roll French toast was a favorite for all of us.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Durango, Colorado
- Vibe: Historic, charming, adventurous
- Highlights: Train rides, ghost tours, walkable downtown
- Best Time to Visit: Summer or holiday season
- Cost: Moderate
- Address: 699 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
Hotel Parq Central, New Mexico
Hotel Parq Central was our stylish home base in Albuquerque — close enough to the action, but quiet enough for true downtime. It had a boutique feel, yet felt totally family-friendly. I remember thinking, “This is how you do city trips with kids — thoughtfully.”
What We Loved Most: Watching hot air balloons float by in the early morning light from the rooftop lounge.
Our highlights? Green chile breakfast burritos from Apothecary Lounge, served with a side of that unbeatable desert view.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Vibe: Sleek, quiet, convenient
- Highlights: Rooftop views, nearby Old Town, hot air balloon sightings
- Best Time to Visit: Fall during the Balloon Fiesta
- Cost: Moderate
- Address: 806 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Lake Powell Resort, Arizona
Lake Powell Resort was all about wide open water and adventure. We kayaked in narrow canyons, swam off the dock, and watched sunsets that didn’t look real. I remember thinking, “This is what childhood summers should be made of.”
What We Loved Most: A boat tour through Antelope Canyon, where the kids gasped at every twist in the red rock walls.
Our highlights? Grilled fish tacos and cold lemonades at the Rainbow Room, eaten outside while the lake shimmered gold behind us.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Page, Arizona
- Vibe: Scenic, active, adventurous
- Highlights: Boating, swimming, scenic tours
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or early fall
- Cost: Moderate
- Address: 100 Lakeshore Dr, Page, AZ 86040
Sundance Resort, Utah
Sundance Resort had this peaceful creativity to it — mountain trails in the morning, art classes in the afternoon. Everything felt slow and meaningful. I remember thinking, “We’re not just having fun... we’re making memories with intention.”
What We Loved Most: Riding the scenic chairlift up the mountain, then hiking down together with mountain air in our lungs and wildflowers all around us.
Our highlights? Flatbread and tomato soup at the Foundry Grill — warm, comforting, and exactly what we needed after a long hike.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Sundance, Utah
- Vibe: Artistic, peaceful, rustic-lux
- Highlights: Nature hikes, outdoor art, family workshops
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall
- Cost: Mid-to-high
- Address: 8841 N Alpine Loop Rd, Sundance, UT 84604
Slot Canyons Inn
Nestled in the iconic Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument area of the state of Utah, Slot Canyons Inn is set amidst a stunning landscape of mountains, creeks, and canyons, and offers visitors a cozy bed and breakfast experience under the crystal clear stars. There is onsite dining in the form of the North Creek Grill where you can dine in an outdoor setting and enjoy grass fed beef and brick oven pizza.
You will probably need a good dinner after an active day of exploring and trekking in the rugged but spectacular outdoor terrain. At night, relax in the cozy and homely guestrooms.
3680 West State Highway 12, Escalante, UT 84726, 435-826-4901
If you are interested in photography, watch this spectacular Reflection Canyon, Utah video
Grand Lodge at Brian Head, Utah
Brian Head felt like a snow globe come to life — ski slopes, cozy fireplaces, and giggles echoing down snowy trails. At Grand Lodge at Brian Head, we played hard all day and snuggled up at night. I remember thinking, “I want every winter to feel like this.”
What We Loved Most: Tubing together on the powdery slopes, then warming up with cocoa while snowflakes collected on the windowpane.
Our highlights? Cheeseburgers and hot pretzels at Lift Bar and Patio — simple, delicious, and exactly what everyone wanted.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Brian Head, Utah
- Vibe: Cozy, snowy, activity-packed
- Highlights: Skiing, snow tubing, hot tubs
- Best Time to Visit: Winter
- Cost: Moderate
- Address: 314 Hunter Ridge Dr, Brian Head, UT 84719
Capitol Reef Resort, UT
Capitol Reef Resort put us right on the edge of the wild — red cliffs in every direction, starry skies, and peaceful evenings. We stayed in a family cabin, and I remember thinking, “It feels like the edge of the earth — in the best way.”
What We Loved Most: The view from the porch — we watched the sunrise paint the cliffs and spotted a jackrabbit hopping by just as we sat down to breakfast.
Our highlights? House-made granola and fresh fruit parfaits from the Pioneer Kitchen — healthy, tasty, and perfect before a day of hiking.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Torrey, Utah
- Vibe: Remote, scenic, restful
- Highlights: Views, glamping options, access to Capitol Reef National Park
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall
- Cost: Moderate
- Address: 2600 UT-24, Torrey, UT 84775
Why We’d Go Back
Each of these spots had its own rhythm — some slow and soothing, others filled with adventure. But they all shared that easy sense of connection that makes traveling with family feel effortless. And when you find places like that, you don’t just remember the trip — you remember how it felt to be together.
Plan your Southwest getaway:
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