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Southwestern US

Travel in the Southwestern USA is fun for the whole family or for a solo hiking trip. We’ve spent many road trips and vacations exploring Utah, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and California. Whether you’re looking to have an adventure in Yosemite National Park or if you want to take a couples trip to Las Vegas, we’ve got suggestions.

One of the best road trips our family has done multiple time is the Utah National Parks road trip, starting in either Vegas or Salt Lake City. Trips from Joshua Tree NP to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are always a hit with our kids. We do lots of hiking and visit lots of museums, so have a ton of information to help you plan.

And yes, California does fall into the Southwest and that’s where you’ll find a few of our repeat destinations such as San Diego, the Central Coast and Disneyland! We have spent many happy days on California beaches and touring wine country. We love California.

Clearly the Southwest is one of our favorite regions in the US. If you have any questions, please let us know. Enjoy browsing and finding your perfect Southwestern USA itinerary!

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Rob Taylor in Lower Antelope Canyon Page Arizona 4
Posted inArizona Southwestern US

Antelope Canyon: Arizona’s Beautiful Corkscrew Surprise in NW AZ

Visiting Antelope Canyon in Northern Arizona is a must do when you're on a road trip. It's not as easy as just hiking to it or driving up, as it's on protected Navajo Nation land. We've got all the info to plan a visit and tips for making it worth your time.
Puebloan Ruins at Hovenweep National Monument Southeast Utah 10
Posted inNational Parks Southwestern US Utah

Visiting the Fascinating Hovenweep National Monument Ruins in Southeast Utah

Hovenweep National Monument is an easily overlooked spot that's worth the visit in Southeast Utah. Located south of Arches National Park on the way to Monument Valley, this is a great place to see Puebloan ruins and learn about the ancient indigenous peoples of Utah and Arizona.
Westward Look Resort – the Perfect Southwest Getaway in Tucson, Arizona
Posted inArizona Southwestern US

Westward Look Resort – the Perfect Southwest Getaway in Tucson, Arizona

The Westward Look Resort in Tucson, Arizona is a great place to go for either relaxing or to have a home base for exploring the desert. Near the city of Tucson and Saguaro National Park, this beautiful vintage Arizona stay is family friendly AND peaceful all at the same time.
Aa Lava Flow at Sunset Crater National Monument Arizona 2
Posted inArizona National Parks Southwestern US

Beautiful Sunset Crater Volcano – Unexpected Lava Hiking in Arizona’s High Desert

Did you know that you can actually hike through lava beds in Arizona and it looks just like Hawaii? At Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument you'll find lava flows, forests and unique landscapes to explore. See what there is to do and how to add Sunset Crater Volcano to your Arizona road trip.
Sinagua Ruins at Toozigut National Monument Arizona 1
Posted inArizona National Parks Southwestern US

Beautiful Toozigut National Monument: Fascinating Ruins and Museum in Arizona

Toozigut National Monument is a small but really cool historic site in northern Arizona on the way to the Grand Canyon. Take a look at what you'll find here at this Sinagua hilltop town, from the structures to the museum space and why it's worth visiting.
Anasazi Pueblo Ruins at Wupatki National Monument Arizona 11
Posted inArizona National Parks Southwestern US

Wupatki National Monument – Incredible Ruins and Beautiful Landscapes in Arizona

Wupatki National Monument in Northern Arizona is amazing and one of the coolest places to explore with kids. From Anasazi ruins to wildlife watching, this is a great addition to any Arizona road trip.
Hohokam Building Ruins at Casa Grande National Monument Arizona 1
Posted inArizona National Parks Southwestern US

Visiting Casa Grande National Monument -Ancient Ruins an Arizona Birdwatching

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Arizona is different from any other ruins we've visited in the American Southwest. See what you'll find at the archaeological site and museum, including amazing birdwatching in the Arizona desert.
Montezuma Castle National Monument Verde Valley Arizona 1
Posted inArizona National Parks Southwestern US

Visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument – an Arizona Icon Worth Stopping at

Montezuma Castle National Monument is one of the icons of Arizona you need to visit. Easy to add to a road trip to the Grand Canyon, Montezuma Castle is a great spot to learn about ancient Sinagua culture, and it's an amazing structure to behold.
Rob Taylor on Wild Dog Valley View Trail in Saguaro National Park Tucson Arizona 1b
Posted inArizona National Parks Southwestern US

Guide to Visiting Beautiful Saguaro National Park 

Visiting Saguaro National Park is awesome if you're prepared for the heat and the hikes. From wildlife watching to bringing dogs into Saguaro NP, here are all the tips and trick you need for a great visit.
Exterior of Yavapai Lodge at Grand Canyon National Park Arizona 1
Posted inArizona National Parks Southwestern US

Staying at the Yavapai Lodge at Grand Canyon National Park

The Yavapai Lodge at the Grand Canyon is one of the best options for staying in the park, having a central location and is one of the best budget places to stay, particularly in the off season. See what to expect and great things to do on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Best Sights in the Southwest – Beautiful Desert Icons Not to Miss
Posted inPodcasts Southwestern US

Best Sights in the Southwest – Beautiful Desert Icons Not to Miss

The iconic places to visit in the Southwest stretch from California to Texas. We've picked our favorites for the most beautiful canyons, amazing desert landscapes, and best wildflower blooms in the American Southwest.
Rob Taylor at South Rim Grand Canyon National Park in the Snow Arizona 3
Posted inNational Parks Nevada Southwestern US

Wonderful Things to do Near Las Vegas (and National Park visits!)

There are really fun, interesting things to do near Las Vegas that can be day trips or short overnight visits. From hiking in local conservation areas to visiting 6 different National Parks near Vegas, you can turn a Sin City trip into an amazing vacation.
Fremont Street Vintage Las Vegas Nevada 2
Posted inNevada Southwestern US

Las Vegas for People Who DON’T Like Vegas: Things to Do and See

If you're like me, you need to know how to do Las Vegas for people who don't like Vegas. Avoiding the casinos and smokey environments is easy, and there are many fun things to do in Las Vegas that aren't gambling. You just need to know where to look, which we've got covered!
Hawk on Saguaro Cactus at Saguaro National Park Tucson Arizona 1
Posted inArizona Southwestern US

Epic Arizona Road Trip: From the Grand Canyon and Magical Sedona to Saguaro National Park

You will be stunned by how surprising an Arizona road trip can be. Yes, there are cactus and roadrunners, but there's so much more. From Grand Canyon National Park to ruins and even hipster nightlife, we've got an awesome plan for a road trip around Arizona!
Nighttime Lava Glow at Hale Ma'uma'u Volcano Crater Overlook Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Big Island Hawaii 4
Posted inHawaii Travel Tips and Plans National Parks Southwestern US

Hawaii Volcanoes at Night: Best Lava Glow and Starry Skies

Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at night for the Kīlauea lava glow is awesome. Everything you need to know to plan a nighttime trip into the park, including where to see flowing Hawaii lava, how to photograph lava glow and more.
La Jolla Cove at Sunset San Diego County California
Posted inCalifornia Paddling: Kayaking, SUP, Canoe & Rafting Travel SoCal

Southern California Kayaking: Getting on the Water in San Diego County

Kayaking in San Diego County is a fun addition to visiting Southern California. Check out our recommendations for sea kayaking in La Jolla, estuaries and more.
Chris Taylor in sea cave at Hanakapi`ai Beach Na Pali Coast Kalalau Trail Haena State Park Kauai Hawaii 1
Posted inHawaii Travel Tips and Plans Southwestern US

20+ Unique Things to Do on Kauai – Easy Fun in a Beautiful Place

Kauai is a beautiful island with so many things to do. We've picked our favorite activities and beaches on Kauai to make planning a trip to the Garden Island easy and enjoyable. See what we recommend, including great food and where to stay on Kauai.
Stream in palm oasis Palm Canyon Indian Canyons Palm Springs California 2
Posted inCalifornia SoCal Southwestern US

Best Hiking in Palm Springs: Canyon Hikes and Wildlife to Watch For

Hiking at Palm Springs is one of the most unique things you can do in Southern California. Tips for the best trails and oases near Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, when to visit, wildlife and more.
Balboa Park in Golden Hour San Diego California
Posted inCalifornia SoCal Southwestern US

Best Things to do at Balboa Park: Guide to San Diego’s Cultural Center

San Diego's Balboa Park is the cultural and activity center of the city. From the San Diego Zoo to art museums and gardens, everything you need to know to enrich your San Diego trip with Balboa Park.
Hawaii Podcasts Feature Cover (1)
Posted inHawaii Travel Tips and Plans Podcasts Southwestern US

Hawaii Podcast Episodes for Awesome Travel Planning and Inspiration

Hawaii podcast episodes are so helpful for understanding the Islands and planning an unforgettable visit. Listen to podcast episodes about the Big Island of Hawaii, exploring Kauai and more. Travel tips and easy planning ideas.
LittleMan on Tram tour in Yosemite National Park 1
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

The Yosemite Valley Tram Tour: an Amazing and EASY Way to See Yosemite NP

The Yosemite Valley Tram Tour is a great way to experience the highlights of Yosemite National Park if you're short on time or energy. See what to expect, how to book it, and find our why it's one of the best National Park tours available.
Driving the Kamehameha Highway in Alamo Jeep on North Shore Oahu 1
Posted inHawaii Travel Tips and Plans Southwestern US

Planning Oahu with Kids: Stress-free Hawaiian Vacation Tips

Oahu with kids is a great family vacation. While it's one of the most expensive destinations to travel to with kids, it's beautiful, has unique things to do and you'll enjoy every minute. Tips for planning a stress-free trip to Oahu with kids and budget friendly ideas.
Rob Taylor Hiking in Waimea Canyon Kauai Hawaii 3
Posted inHawaii Travel Tips and Plans Southwestern US

5 Day Kauai Itinerary: the Perfect Plan for What to Do on the Garden Island

Kauai itinerary for five or more days on the Garden Island. From the most beautiful views and hikes to relaxing on perfect beaches, this plan for a trip to Kauai is ideal for every level of traveler.
Exterior of Kauai Shores Hotel Kapaa Kauai Hawaii 7
Posted inHawaii Travel Tips and Plans Southwestern US

Review of the Kauai Shores Hotel in Kapa’a on Kauai’s East Shore

Review of the Kauai Shores Hotel in Kapa'a on the East Shore of Kauai. See what we loved about staying here and what we wish was different. Plus, ideas for things to do on a trip to Kauai.
Unique (and mostly free) Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii
Posted inHawaii Travel Tips and Plans Southwestern US

Unique (and mostly free) Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii has so much nature and unique things to do, it's the perfect Hawaiian experience. From volcanoes to snorkeling or just watching sea turtles on the beach, these are the sights and activities not to miss from Kona to Hilo.
View from SCP Hilo Hotel Big Island Hawaii 1
Posted inHawaii Travel Tips and Plans Southwestern US

Review of the SCP Hilo Hotel on the Big Island: Eco Friendly and Community Focused

Top pick for an eco-conscious, community focused hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii, the SCP Hilo Hotel is a wonderful retreat. Located on the waterfront and near the airport, this hotel is beautiful, peaceful and a thoughtful choice when visiting Hawaii.
Partners Statue with Cherry Blossoms Disneyland 2020 1
Posted inCalifornia Disney Travel Disneyland

Tips for Planning an Awesome Disneyland Vacation

There is no one destination on Earth that we've been to as many times as Disneyland. It's actually shocking to start calculating how many hours we have spent in both…
Colorful waters at Sharks Cove Oahu North Shore 4
Posted inHawaii Travel Tips and Plans Southwestern US

Top Pick for the Best Beaches on Oahu (and snorkeling spots too!)

These are the best beaches on Oahu that AREN'T Waikiki, perfect with kids. Recommendations for snorkeling and boat tours around Oahu. #hawaii #oahu #familytravel
Chris Taylor and kids Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park 2traveldads.com
Posted inCalifornia National Parks Southwestern US

Review of the Wuksachi Lodge at Sequoia National Park

The Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park is set in a beautiful location and has (surprisingly) spacious rooms. Find out about staying at the Wuksachi, things to do in Sequoia National Park and planning a trip to the Sierras of California.
Giant Redwood on Jedidiah Smith River Trail Redwood National Park California 1
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

Favorite Things to Do in Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a great family destination for getting into nature and learning about the giant coastal forest. Get ideas for things to do and parts of the park to visit on your California Coast road trip.

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