• Why is the American Southwest a great weekend destination?
    • The American Southwest is a diverse and exciting region offering some of the most photographed spots on Earth, making it a perfect weekend getaway.
  • What are some of the most famous landmarks in the American Southwest?
  • What national parks should visitors see in the American Southwest?
    • Zion National Park and Arches National Park are must-see destinations for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.
  • What types of landscapes and attractions can visitors explore?
    • The American Southwest offers a mix of:
      • Desert spaces
      • Lakes
      • Canyons
      • Caves
      • Guest ranches
  • Which unique cities should visitors explore in the Southwest?

Eldorado Hotel & Spa in Santa Fe

Relax in luxury and admire artful details on a romantic weekend.

Eldorado Hotel & Spa in Santa Fe

© Eldorado Hotel & Spa in Santa Fe

Eldorado Hotel & Spa in Santa Fe is a romantic getaway with a spa and stylish accommodations. The AAA Four-Diamond-rated hotel has a stylish rooftop swimming pool where you can relax in the sun on your romantic getaway. For extra romance, book a room with a private balcony and wood burning, adobe kiva fireplace. You'll be able to enjoy downtown and the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains views. If you are looking for a luxury Southwest getaway to celebrate a special occasion, the hotel also offers a selection of luxury suites. In addition to the outdoor pool, there is a fitness center with panoramic views of the city. Nidah Spa offers a selection of spa treatments inspired by a diverse range of traditions.

309 W San Francisco ST., Santa Fe, NM 87501, Phone: 505-988-4455

Edelweiss Lodge and Spa, New Mexico

Visit alpine-style lodging and enjoy mountain views during a quiet fall retreat.

Edelweiss Lodge and Spa, New Mexico

© Edelweiss Lodge and Spa

Nestled at the base of Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, the Edelweiss Lodge and Spa is an ideal accommodation option for families or couples who enjoy a home-from-home environment. The property is comprised of comfortable condos in a variety of configurations from 1 bedroom/1 bathroom to spacious 3 bedroom/3 bathroom units for families or groups. All have a comfortable seating area and a fully equipped kitchen. On-site facilities include a full-service spa (where skiers can treat their tired muscles to a deep-tissue massage), exercise room, hot tub, restaurant and bar. The resort is ideally placed for ski-in/ski-out convenience.

Edelweiss Lodge and Spa, 106 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525, 575-737-6900

Amara Resort of Sedona

Savor spa treatments and look at red rock views on a couples trip.

Amara Resort of Sedona

© Amara Resort

Amara Resort & Spa of Sedona is located at the entrance to the picturesque Oak Creek Canyon in Arizona. The resort sits next to canyons and huge red-rock formations. Guests can go trout fishing, take a jeep safari, play a round of golf or sit back and relax by the pool with views of the canyon. Visitors love the sunset and sunrise as they illuminate the area in fiery hues. Abundant sunshine and mild seasons make Amara Resort a great vacation idea for the whole family.

There is a range of rooms and suites to choose from, including patio, courtyard, spa and creek side rooms, as well as creek side suites. The spacious suites are favored by vacationers who like additional space on vacation.

Creek side rooms and suites offer the best views of nature, while the other rooms face the garden and infinity pool. All rooms have balconies or private patios. Creek side suites and rooms have jetted tubs. The use of red and white solid colors in room design reminds you of the red rocks of the desert. The red and orange furniture at Amara Resort is stylish and unique.

Relax at the spa after a day of horseback riding, hiking, golfing and fishing. There are 6 private treatment rooms, a separate area for manicure and pedicure, a yoga studio and a boutique store. Popular treatments at the spa include foot and hand rituals, facials and massages.

100 Amara Lane, Sedona, AZ 86336, Phone: 855-324-1313

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm

Explore lavender fields and savor organic dishes in a peaceful spring escape.

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm

© Los Poblanos Historic Inn

Surrounded by 25 acres of giant cottonwood trees, rolling lavender fields, and beautifully manicured gardens, Los Poblanos in Albuquerque is an exquisite example of a typical Mexican ranch. Designed in 1932 by John Gaw Meem, the region’s foremost architect, Los Poblanos is made up of a working organic and lavender farm, a fine dining restaurant, and 20 lovely guest rooms that combine comfort, luxury, and privacy for a perfect country escape.

Guest rooms and suites are designed and decorated in a classic New Mexican style with hardwood floors, carved ceiling beams, ornate wood-burning fireplaces, and antique furnishings.

Guests can savor a full organic gourmet breakfast on their Southwest vacation and dine in style at the award-winning La Merienda, which features a creative field-to-fork menu of seasonal and organic cuisine. The historic Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm hosts special events throughout the year, including cooking classes, dining events, and weddings.

4803 Rio Grande Blvd N.W., Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM 87107, Phone: 505-344-9297

The Bavarian Lodge & Restaurant

Admire cozy alpine decor and savor hearty cuisine on an unusual getaway.

The Bavarian Lodge & Restaurant

© The Bavarian Lodge & Restaurant

The Bavarian Lodge & Restaurant is a German-style lodge and restaurant located at the base of Kachina Peak in Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico that offers comfortable accommodations, excellent cuisine, and a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year. The lodge features luxury suites and a private chalet that are decorated with authentic Bavarian antiques and objets d'art, carvings, and paintings by local artists.

Suites boast beautiful furnishings and deluxe amenities, including a spa-like marble bathroom and whirlpool soaking tubs with magnificent views over the vast Kachina Bowl. A full gourmet breakfast is included while the on-site Bavarian restaurant provides a menu of traditional German fare served by lederhosen-clad staff.

Winter activities at the lodge include an array of snow-based sports such as skiing, snowboarding, sledding, sleighing, and cross-country skiing, while the summer months present breathtaking landscapes to explore by hiking, biking, horseback riding, white water rafting, and fishing.

100 Kachina Road, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525, Phone: 575-776-8020

Bishop's Lodge

Discover Santa Fe charm and enjoy tranquil moments on a retirement trip.

Bishop's Lodge

© Bishop's Lodge

Bishop's Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa is located on 450 private acres ten minutes from Santa Fe, New Mexico. The resort is one of the best family vacations in the U.S., offering many activities, a relaxing spa and beautiful surroundings. In the summer, there is horseback riding, tennis and hiking. Relax by the outdoor pool, get a massage or visit the nearby town for shopping, performances and historic attractions. In the winter, the resort provides a complimentary shuttle to the nearby Santa Fe Ski Area. The resort is set on 450 acres adjacent to the Santa Fe National Forest. You can go on a self-guided nature walk using a detailed hiking map and following the marked trails. The lodge also has its own bird list and is a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System.

111 guest accommodations are situated in 15 separate lodges. The rooms feature New Mexican and Spanish Colonial decor in a traditional ranch setting. The restaurant serves delicious Southwestern dishes with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. The resort Bar and Cafe serves casual meals with outdoor dining available during the warmer months. The lodge is ten minutes from Santa Fe's galleries, shops, restaurants and museums. The most popular season is summer when temperatures are in the 70s and 80s. Skiing is available nearby in the winter.

Albuquerque International Airport is about 1.5 hours by car. You can rent a car at the airport or book a shuttle (ask the hotel when making room reservations).

1297 Bishops Lodge Road, Santa Fe, NM 87506, Phone: 505-983-6377

Conestoga Ranch

Stay in luxury tents and explore the outdoors on a summer family adventure.

Conestoga Ranch

© Conestoga Ranch

Resting on the edge of Bear Lake, “the Caribbean of the Rockies,” the luxurious Conestoga Ranch lies on 18 private acres in Garden City with beautiful views over the tranquil waters of the lake. This contemporary tented camp offers an array of comfortable accommodation in the form of Grand and Traditional camping tents and Conestoga Wagons, all of which are arranged with comfy furnishings and boast beautiful lake views.

The family-friendly Campfire Grill restaurant serves a straightforward menu of American food, ranging from gourmet pizzas and wood-fired chicken to succulent grilled steaks and burgers. Bear Lake’s turquoise-blue waters call for all kinds of fun activities, and visitors can partake in a host of watersports on the lake, from sailing, waterskiing, and jet skiing to swimming, snorkeling, and fishing.

427 N. Paradise Parkway, Garden City, UT 84028, Phone: 844-464-5267

The Grand America

Visit this elegant hotel and admire grand interiors on a quick city trip.

The Grand America

© The Grand America

Marked by a timeless grace and elegant appeal that can only be described as being fit for kings, The Grand America in Salt Lake City exudes historical elegance, colonial beauty, and old-world charm. Located in a prime downtown position in the heart of Salt Lake City, the hotel features glorious architecture, exquisite interiors, luxurious accommodation, and award-winning cuisine that create a tranquil and secluded haven from the hustle and bustle of the city outside.

Beautifully appointed rooms and suites are spacious with high ceilings and large windows that let natural light flood in. Fusing classic style with modern functionality, suites feature handcrafted Richelieu furniture, Italian marble bathrooms, and deluxe amenities, including air-conditioning, LCD TVs, and wireless high-speed Internet. Savor contemporary American cuisine at the hotel's signature restaurant, The Garden Café, and delectable pastries at La Bonne Vie.

The exclusive Grand America Spa offers a variety of indulging treatments and massages and has a spa, sauna, and indoor swimming pool.

555 South Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, Phone: 800-304-8696

Ofland Escalante

Discover stylish lodging and explore scenic landscapes on an exciting adventure.

Ofland Escalante

© Ofland Escalante

Ofland Escalante offers guests a unique, fun-filled alternative to regular camping. The resort features several Airstreams that guests can stay in and RV sites for those with their own vehicles. Eight well-appointed, custom designed, Hollywood-themed airstreams feature fully equipped kitchens, comfortable bedrooms, private bathrooms with showers, and climate control, while the RV sites have full hookups for power, water, and dumping.

The resort boasts a variety of amenities, including an outdoor theater that shows films on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings; a classic Snack Shack selling snacks and drinks; and a Resort Store for gifts, memorabilia, and merchandise.

Hike into the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument from the resort or visit the Escalante Slot Canyons and the towers of Devil's Garden.

2020 West Highway 12, Escalante, UT 84726, Phone: 435-826-4440

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