Southwest Weekend Getaways

Location:

Santa Fe, NM

Highlights:

If you’re craving culture, flavor, and history all wrapped in one destination, Santa Fe is calling your name. This soulful New Mexico city blends centuries-old traditions with artistic flair in the most captivating way.

We Recommend This For:

Art lovers, history buffs, foodies, and anyone who wants to explore a culturally rich American Southwest city.

What we Love:

Enthralling Native American and Spanish heritage, a buzzing art scene with nearly 300 galleries, and unforgettable food trails like the Margarita Trail.

• Discover Santa Fe’s deep cultural roots through its many Indian Pueblos, museums, and historical landmarks.
• Stroll through charming historic districts at your own pace, or dive deeper with a guided tour.
• Experience the city’s artistic heartbeat across nearly 300 galleries featuring local and international works.
• Indulge in bold flavors at New Mexican restaurants, or sip your way along the spirited Margarita Trail.
• Relax at local breweries or scenic cafes after a day of exploration.

Address:

Santa Fe, New Mexico
Phone: N/A

Location:

Tucson, AZ

Highlights:

If sunshine, adventure, and rich history sound like your kind of getaway, Tucson absolutely delivers. With desert trails, stargazing nights, and centuries-old landmarks, this city is a dream for curious and active travelers alike.

We Recommend This For:

Outdoor lovers, amateur astronomers, cultural travelers, and history buffs looking for a vibrant Southwest escape.

What we Love:

Hiking trails framed by saguaro-dotted landscapes, breathtaking stargazing, and standout sites like Mission San Xavier del Bac and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

• Explore Tucson’s desert terrain on hiking, cycling, or horseback riding excursions—with scenic mountains and forests as your backdrop.
• Discover ancient caves or enjoy jaw-dropping stargazing beneath Tucson’s famously clear skies.
• Visit the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac to admire its remarkable Spanish colonial architecture and intricate frescoes.
• Learn about aviation history at the Pima Air and Space Museum, home to hundreds of fascinating aircraft.
• Experience the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum—a top-tier mix of zoo, botanical garden, and natural history exhibits.

Address:

Tucson, Arizona
Phone: N/A

Location:

Mesa, AZ

Highlights:

Looking for a destination that blends ancient history, outdoor fun, and creative energy? Mesa is a hidden Arizona gem where culture, nature, and art collide in the best way.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, outdoor adventurers, art enthusiasts, and families craving diverse experiences in the desert.

What we Love:

Ancient Hohokam heritage, forested desert escapes, and an arts scene alive with sculpture and performance.

• Step Back in time at the Mesa Grande Cultural Park, where the Hohokam people once engineered advanced irrigation systems.
• Explore dinosaur skeletons and archaeological treasures at the Arizona Museum of Natural History.
• Visit the iconic LDS Mesa Arizona Temple, a significant landmark of the city’s Mormon heritage.
• Reconnect with nature in the lush Tonto National Forest, a surprising oasis in the Sonoran Desert.
• Play on Mesa’s lakes and rivers with activities like boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing.
• Take a desert tour with the Adventure Explorer Desert Guide to uncover local landscapes and wildlife.
• Immerse yourself in the arts at the vibrant Mesa Arts Center, home to galleries, theaters, and workshops.
• Wander downtown to admire over 200 public art sculptures that brighten Mesa’s cultural core.

Address:

Mesa, Arizona
Phone: N/A

Southwest Weekend Getaways for Outdoor Fans:

Location:

Canyonlands National Park, UT

Highlights:

If you’re itching to get off the grid and dive into epic desert landscapes, Canyonlands is where the wild beauty of Utah really shines. This park is a rugged, red-rock paradise for outdoor lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, bikers, campers, rafters, and anyone with a love for jaw-dropping natural scenery and outdoor adventure.

What we Love:

Massive canyons, sandstone arches, 100-mile biking trails, whitewater rafting, and scenic drives that deliver views for days.

• Marvel at the park’s otherworldly landscape of rivers, canyons, sandstone arches, and towering stony fins.
• Start your journey at the visitor center to get activity suggestions, park updates, and trail maps.
• Hike along 15+ trails with varying levels of difficulty, each offering unforgettable vistas.
• Bike the epic 100-mile White Rim Road, open to cyclists and 4X4 vehicles alike.
• Drive the 34-mile scenic route for breathtaking panoramic views—no hiking required!
• Raft and kayak through the park’s rivers, with options for both flat-water and adrenaline-pumping whitewater experiences.
• Climb red rock walls, camp under the stars, or backpack deep into the desert’s solitude.
• Join ranger-led programs for insightful and family-friendly exploration.

Address:

Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Phone: 435-719-2313

Location:

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM

Highlights:

If you’ve ever wanted to step into another world—deep underground—Carlsbad Caverns is a must-see. These vast, surreal caves offer jaw-dropping beauty and unforgettable wildlife encounters you won’t find anywhere else.

We Recommend This For:

Adventure seekers, nature lovers, families, and anyone fascinated by geology or wildlife.

What we Love:

Majestic underground chambers, ranger-led bat flight programs, and the thrill of exploring over 100 unique caves carved by nature.

• Explore over 100 caves beneath the desert surface, each filled with dramatic rock formations and mysterious beauty.
• Visit the Carlsbad Caverns visitor center for orientation videos, snack breaks, and trip-planning help.
• Tour the two largest cave chambers on your own, or opt for ranger-guided tours to access hidden, less-visited caves.
• Witness the jaw-dropping Bat Flight Program at sunset, when thousands of bats soar into the evening sky.
• Learn about the unique ecosystem of these caverns and the creatures that call them home.

Address:

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Phone: 575-785-2232

Relaxing Southwest Weekend Getaways:

Location:

Albuquerque, NM

Highlights:

If you’re after bold culture, delicious food, and a mix of old and new, Albuquerque hits all the right notes. This desert city charms with sunny skies, stunning scenery, and a flavor all its own.

We Recommend This For:

Culture seekers, outdoor adventurers, hot air balloon fans, and foodies with a craving for authentic Southwestern cuisine.

What we Love:

The contrast between modern downtown and historic Old Town, the legendary hot air balloon rides, and the unforgettable kick of red or green chile.

• Wander through Old Town Albuquerque, founded in 1706, filled with Spanish-style architecture, local shops, and rich heritage.
• Explore the city’s quirky museums and lively art scene for a cultural fix.
• Soar above the desert in a hot air balloon—a bucket-list experience that’s uniquely Albuquerque.
• Play under the sun with 300+ days of sunshine perfect for hiking, biking, and golfing.
• Hit the nearby mountains for a dose of winter skiing when the season shifts.
• Dive into New Mexican cuisine—a bold fusion of Native American and Spanish flavors.
• Savor regional specialties like spicy red and green chile dishes that locals are proud to debate over.

Address:

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Phone: N/A

Location:

Death Valley National Park, CA & NV

Highlights:

If you want to experience extremes in the most awe-inspiring way, Death Valley is the ultimate adventure. This vast park stuns with dramatic contrasts—from blistering salt flats to snow-dusted peaks and seasonal wildflower blooms.

We Recommend This For:

Hardcore adventurers, nature photographers, stargazers, and anyone curious about desert landscapes like no other on Earth.

What we Love:

The otherworldly terrain, epic sunrises and sunsets, and the chance to explore the hottest place in America from paved roads or wild backcountry trails.

• Discover the park’s unique claim to fame as the lowest, hottest, and driest national park in the U.S.
• Marvel at the landscape’s diversity, from snow-capped peaks in winter to wildflower meadows in spring.
• Hike through striking desert canyons and salt flats that seem to stretch forever.
• Bike designated trails or camp under endless stars in the remote backcountry.
• Drive scenic routes in an ordinary vehicle, or head off-road on backcountry tracks with a 4X4.
• Prepare wisely with plenty of water, food, and emergency supplies—especially in extreme summer heat.
• Respect the desert environment by following Leave No Trace principles and taking all waste with you.

Address:

Death Valley National Park, California & Nevada
Phone: 760-786-3200

Location:

Durango, CO

Highlights:

If you’re after a perfect mix of mountain adventure, Native history, and Wild West charm, Durango is your go-to. Nestled near the Four Corners, it’s a basecamp for epic trails, ancient ruins, and unforgettable rail rides.

We Recommend This For:

Outdoor adventurers, history lovers, art enthusiasts, and families looking for a fun, scenic Colorado getaway.

What we Love:

Access to iconic archaeological sites, the legendary Durango & Silverton train, and the thrill of whitewater rafting all in one vibrant town.

• Find Durango just a short drive from the Four Corners Monument, making it a strategic hub for regional exploration.
• Explore historic wonders like Hovenweep National Monument, Chaco Canyon, and Mesa Verde National Park.
• Hike, bike, rock climb, or ride horseback across scenic high-desert and mountain landscapes.
• Raft the exciting rapids of the Animas River for an unforgettable outdoor thrill.
• Experience local culture through a thriving art scene and live theater productions.
• Ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for jaw-dropping scenery and optional adventure add-ons.

Address:

Durango, Colorado
Phone: N/A

Family-friendly Southwest Weekend Getaways:

Location:

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Highlights:

If you’ve never seen a hoodoo before—those towering rock spires—you’re in for a treat. Bryce Canyon’s surreal landscape, starry skies, and scenic hikes make it an unforgettable escape in Utah’s high desert.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, stargazers, nature photographers, and anyone who loves dramatic views and wide-open spaces.

What we Love:

Otherworldly rock formations, night hikes under the moon, and quiet campgrounds tucked into the pine forest.

• Marvel at stone spires (hoodoos) and naturally carved amphitheaters unique to Bryce Canyon.
• Hike through a web of scenic trails, whether you’re up for a quick loop or a full-day adventure.
• Ride the park shuttle or join a 3.5-hour guided tour for stunning overlooks and insider tips.
• Drive the scenic route on your own, just be mindful of seasonal traffic and limited parking.
• Stay overnight at Bryce Canyon Lodge for comfort or set up camp at North or Sunset Campgrounds with your tent or RV.
• Experience the magic of a Full Moon Hike with park rangers or stargaze beneath one of the clearest night skies in the country.

Address:

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Phone: 435-834-5322

Location:

Flagstaff, AZ

Highlights:

If you want fresh mountain air, tall pine trees, and easy access to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff checks every box. This high-desert town is packed with outdoor adventures, Wild West stories, and fun for the whole family.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, history fans, families, and anyone looking to blend outdoor activity with cultural depth.

What we Love:

The towering Ponderosa pines, mix of Navajo and Hopi heritage, thrilling winter sports, and the unbeatable proximity to the Grand Canyon.

• Explore scenic trails for walking, cycling, and hiking through the world’s largest Ponderosa pine forest.
• Play a round of golf or whitewater raft for a more adrenaline-fueled outing.
• Hit the slopes in winter for some of Arizona’s best skiing and snowboarding.
• Visit nearby Navajo and Hopi reservations to learn about rich Indigenous traditions and stories.
• Take a trip to Tombstone for a peek into Arizona’s legendary Wild West past.
• Stroll through Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village—a beautiful stop for culture, shopping, and Southwest style.
• Bring the kids to Bearizona Wildlife Park for a fun and educational animal encounter featuring bears, bison, wolves, and more.

Address:

Flagstaff, Arizona
Phone: N/A