I always tell travelers that you can't rush your visit to the Southwest. Only have time for a quick weekend break? No problem -- you will love it and return home with impressions of beautiful landscape and friendly hospitality. But if you can plan a week-long trip, you can visit multiple towns and cities, sink your teeth into the best museums and eat some incredible food. I come for the desert sunsets and stay for everything else, every time. To me, these destinations provide the perfect quick escape. If you are in a hurry, pick and choose the activities that make you happiest.
Here are My Favorites:
Unique Southwest Weekend Getaways:
1. Santa Fe
Rating: ★★★★★
Santa Fe, NM has enough historical and cultural attractions and activities to keep visitors engaged for a weekend or a month. You can start by learning about the rich Native American and Spanish heritage of the city by visiting a few of the many museums, Indian Pueblos, and historical sites, before moving on to enjoy a rich and exciting art scene that boasts nearly 300 galleries. One of the best ways to enjoy the city is to join a guided tour or stroll through the historic districts at your own pace. Foodies can look forward to exploring the Margarita Trail, local breweries, and dozens of brilliant New Mexican restaurants.
2. Tucson
Whether you love outdoor activities or a good dose of history and culture, you will find that Tucson, Arizona, has something for everyone. For fit and energetic visitors the city and its surrounds offer opportunities for hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and horse back riding, all against the scenic backdrop of mountains and forests. In addition, there are caves to explore and wide clear skies for brilliant stargazing. Art and history enthusiasts can visit the amazing Mission San Xavier del Bac to see the wonderful frescoes adorning one of the best remaining examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the US. Other must-see attractions include the Pima Air and Space Museum and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
3. Mesa
Mesa is a city about 20 miles from Phoenix in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. The area was inhabited more than 2,000 years ago by the Hohokam people, who built sophisticated irrigation canals. Many of their artifacts and the remains of their habitation are preserved in Mesa Grande Cultural Park. The Arizona Museum of Natural History shows another side of Mesa’s past dinosaur skeletons and various archaeological finds. LDS Mesa Arizona Temple is a witness to the city’s Mormon roots, while the Tonto National Forest is a forest oasis in the heart of the Sonoran Desert where you can get close to nature. There are two rivers and three lakes in Mesa, which offer boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing. You can also join the Adventure Explorer Desert Guide to explore the world of the Sonoran Desert. Mesa is also an art mecca, and the Mesa Arts Center has four theaters, exhibition rooms, galleries, and classrooms that encourage creativity. There are more than 200 public art sculptures on the streets of downtown Mesa.
Southwest Weekend Getaways for Outdoor Fans:
4. Canyonlands National Park
Located in southeast Utah's high desert region, Canyonlands National Park provides a veritable playground for outdoor adventurers. The park boasts an incredible landscape composed of rivers, canyons, sandstone arches, and stony fins, all of which form the backdrop for a range of exciting activities. You can get an overview of what is available at the visitors center and pick up your map. Hikers have at least 15 trails to choose from, while bikers can set off along the 100-mile White Rim Road (also suitable for some 4X4 vehicles). You could also enjoy a scenic drive along a 34-mile paved road. Other activities include flat-water and whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking and camping as well as ranger-led activities for all ages.
5. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is an amazing place to visit, where you can explore a sprawling desert area dotted with over 100 very impressive natural caves. You can find out all about the activities and attractions of the park at the visitors center, where you can also watch an orientation video, have a snack at the café, and browse in the shop. Visitors can tour the two largest and most impressive chambers on self-guided tours or sign up for a ranger-guided tour, which will give you guided access to several other smaller caves. If you visit during the summer, you can join one of the rangers on the fascinating Bat Flight Program.
Relaxing Southwest Weekend Getaways:
6. Albuquerque
The vibrant city of Albuquerque lies in the high desert, at the heart of New Mexico. The city provides an excellent contrast between its modern and pulsating downtown and its roots in the Spanish-influenced old town, which dates back to 1706. You will find plenty of activities to keep you occupied, including unusual museums, fabulous art, and a wide variety of outdoor pursuits. One of the most popular vacation activities has to be hot air ballooning, and there is even a museum dedicated to the history of this sport. Outdoor enthusiasts have over 300 days of sunshine per year to enjoy everything from winter skiing to summer hiking, biking, golfing, and more. Albuquerque is also a delightful destination for foodies, who can indulge their taste buds with wonderful New Mexican cuisine.
7. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is a wonderful place to visit if you wish to escape civilization for a day or two and see the lowest, hottest, and driest national park in the country. Death Valley is located below sea level and is a place of vast diversity, where winters offer snow-covered peaks and spring rains can temporarily transform the desert into a lush meadow of wild flowers. Hiking, mountain biking, and backcountry camping are popular activities, but you can also tour a large part of the park by ordinary motor vehicle along a very extensive network of paved roads and explore backcountry roads by 4X4. Remember to bring in everything you need and carry out all your rubbish.
8. Durango
The Colorado town of Durango is located close to the Four Corners Monument, which marks the spot where Utah, Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado meet and is perfectly placed for visiting a host of nearby attractions. Outdoor activities are very popular in Durango, and energetic visitors will have no trouble filling their days with activities such as hiking, cycling, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and even horseback riding. You can also devote some time to visiting historic archaeological sites, such as the Hovenweep National Monument, Chaco Canyon, and Mesa Verde. If you prefer a more cultural visit, you will find a vibrant art scene offering many galleries and live theater productions. Be sure to enjoy a scenic train trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which can be combined with a variety of adventure sports.
