Rounding out our Explore the States series, we head to the sunny Southwest to explore the many sights and destinations amid the dry and desert states. From the glitz and glamour of Sin City to the national landmark of the Grand Canyon, there’s something for everyone in the Southwest. Take a look at our top five destinations to check out in this final quadrant of the country!
In this five-part series, we’re exploring the best destinations to travel to right here at home. With our coverage of the five main regions of the continental U.S. – Northeast, Northwest, Southwest, Southeast and right here in the Midwest – we’ll take a look at some of the top romantic getaways, family destinations, historic and sightseeing tours and unique locales that make the states so great!
Top City to See: Las Vegas
Touted as a party town thanks to its reputation for nightlife, gambling and entertainment, Las Vegas is so much more than just The Strip. Gamblers will obviously feel right at home here, with 15 of the world’s top 25 casinos located in town, and more than 62,000 hotel rooms available to travelers. Airfare to Vegas is affordable from nearly all corners of the U.S., with many airlines offering discount tickets year-round to the City of Lights. You can also take in concerts and Broadway shows, magicians and street performers – truly there’s something for everyone! Trying to escape the lights and excitement? Take your trip off road and visit the Nevada wilderness, exploring the desert and mountains where you’ll find many hidden jewels like canyons and other geological formations. Bring the family, head there as a couple or bring the whole gang along, and enjoy everything Las Vegas, Nevada has to offer!
Best Place for Families: Grand Canyon Village
Among the most incredible experiences on Earth is visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time, and for a child, this awe-inspiring trip could be the beginnings of a passion for geology and nature. Travel to Grand Canyon Village, Arizona for affordable hotels and great food, which makes sense considering this area has been a hotbed of tourist traffic for generations. Witness this wonder of the world, located within Grand Canyon National Park, which also offers guests many museums and bookstores on site. Hop on a mule for a one-of-a-kind ride along the edge of the chasm, or walk the Trail of Time to take the view in at your own pace. A must-see for every kid, this family trip will allow you to teach your children about natural history while you collect unique rock and crystal specimens, see desert wildlife and flora, and learn something new about our planet.
Spend a Romantic Evening in: Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico may not be the first place to come to mind when you’re thinking of a romantic destination, but the atmosphere there offers lovers a great place to unwind and enjoy the desert scenery. Dotted with romantic resort hotels that surround a historic central plaza, there is love in the air as you stroll past the famed Loretto Chapel and the Palace of the Governors. Hold hands while you pass the art galleries along Delgado Street, or sip champagne at any of the area’s fine dining establishments. If you’re looking to escape with your other half to a place where you can hike, explore, indulge and relax, Santa Fe is the ultimate getaway.
Sports: Denver
If you are searching for is a sports-themed getaway, the Mile High City is where you need to go. Denver, Colorado is host to several professional and minor league teams, including the Colorado Rockies (MLB), Colorado Avalanche (NHL) , Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Rapid (MLS) and the Denver Broncos (NFL). This town has developed a fan following that is hardly a bandwagon. Button fans also come out for the Colorado Mammoth and Denver Outlaws to see exciting professional lacrosse. Visit the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame or National Ballpark Museum to dive into a little sports history in between games. Whether at the Pepsi Center or Coors Field, grab a cold one and have a great day taking in some of the best professional athletes showing off their skills.
Can’t Miss Slice of Americana: Park City
Home of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and the yearly venue for the Sundance Film Festival, Park City, Utah has much more to offer than ski resorts, though you will find plenty of snow-sports fun in the winter months. During warmer weather, guests often enjoy biking or other outdoor activities in the great surrounding terrain, but what makes this destination a true piece of U.S. history are the 100-plus year old buildings that line its Main Street. Step back to a time when American architecture and technology were so different, and enjoy the scenery of a once booming silver mining town. Foodies will find world-class dining here, with many restaurants located inside historic buildings, offering both great food and an unmatched dining ambiance. Amid art galleries and shops you’ll feel a slower pace here, and when the sun sets, you may even find yourself venturing out on a ghost tour of the old parts of town. Step back in time and appreciate the true roots of Manifest Destiny and Olympic history in Park City.
At Blue Horizon, we have connections all around the country to help you plan your perfect domestic getaway. We can help you find great deals and excellent accommodations at an even better price. Contact one of our travel experts today and get started on planning your next vacation!
