• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Antelope Canyon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© Andrea Izzotti/stock.adobe.com

2. Western Spirit - Scottsdale’s Museum of the West ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Western Spirit - Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

3. The American International Rattlesnake Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© The American International Rattlesnake Museum

4. Ashcroft Townsite

© DCrane Photography/stock.adobe.com

5. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© KENSHIRO/stock.adobe.com

6. Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© sumikophoto/stock.adobe.com

7. Crow Canyon Archaeological District

© stellamc/stock.adobe.com

8. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© spiritofamerica/stock.adobe.com

9. Grand Canyon National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© JFL Photography/stock.adobe.com

10. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Brad Pict/stock.adobe.com

11. Havasu Falls

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© skiserge1/stock.adobe.com

12. Mesa Verde National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Dominic/stock.adobe.com

13. Navajo Nation Zoological and Botanical Park

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Navajo Nation Zoological and Botanical Park

14. The New Mexico Museum of Space History

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© The New Mexico Museum of Space History

15. Petrified Forest National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Felipe Sanchez/stock.adobe.com

16. Roswell

© bodnarinq/stock.adobe.com

17. The Dale Ball Trail System

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Shiv Mer/stock.adobe.com

18. The Four Corners

© Ken/stock.adobe.com

19. The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History

20. The Titan Missile Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Vitaliy Chykov/stock.adobe.com

21. Tombstone

© Antonio Fernandez/stock.adobe.com

22. Valley of Fire State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© antonel/stock.adobe.com

23. White Sands National Monument

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© JACoulter/stock.adobe.com

24. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

© krunja/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • The American Southwest is home to some of the world's greatest natural wonders, including the red-rimmed walls of the Grand Canyon, the stunning sand dunes of White Sands National Monument, and the unique underground features of Antelope Canyon.
  • Cities like Scottsdale, Santa Fe, Phoenix, and Albuquerque are home to unique museums showcasing exhibits on topics like indigenous and Southwestern art, and the history of the region's nuclear missile testing and development.

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