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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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Greetings from Houston Mural in IAH Airport Houston Texas 1
Posted inSouthwestern US Texas

Weekend Trip to Houston: Fool-proof Plan for a Fun Texas Adventure

A weekend trip to Houston is just what you need to have a fun city break and I think it'll rewrite your impression of what Texas is like. From the arts to public parks and sporting events, Houston has so many things to do.
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

Unique 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.
Taylor Family at Mission Beach San Diego California 34
Posted inCalifornia SoCal

Inexpensive San Diego Vacation: Exciting Travel Plan That You’ll Actually Love

Travel plan for an inexpensive San Diego family vacation that you'll love. Free things to do in San Diego, best beaches, and where to stay to keep the costs down and still have an awesome SoCal trip.
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!
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.
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.
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…
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.
Taylor Family at Spanish Art Village at Balboa Park San Diego California 5
Posted inCalifornia SoCal Southwestern US

Three Days in San Diego: Awesome Itinerary for SD Fun!

This three-day San Diego itinerary is awesome for enjoying the beaches, history, culture and nature of SD. Ideas for planning a long weekend trip to San Diego.
Disneyland vs Magic Kingdom - what's the similar, which has better attractions, food, and overall better experiences. We break down our favorite elements of the Disney Parks which are ALL OPEN NOW.
Posted inCalifornia Disney Travel Disneyland

Disneyland vs Magic Kingdom: Which Is the Best Disney Park

Disneyland vs Magic Kindom - what's the similar, which has better attractions, food, and overall better experiences. We break down our favorite elements of the Disney Parks which are ALL OPEN NOW.
Road Through Sequoias in the Snow Sequoia National Park 3
Posted inCalifornia National Parks Southwestern US

Awesome California National Parks Road Trip You Need to Do

Great road trip plan through the California National Parks, from the Golden Gate Bridge to hot springs at Lassen National Volcanic Park. See Yosemite, Pinnacles Sequoia and more.
Exterior of Lafayette Hotel Swimclub and Bungalows San Diego California 1
Posted inCalifornia SoCal Southwestern US

Vintage San Diego Stay at the Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club and Bungalows

San Diego's Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club and Bungalows is a great vintage stay close to Balboa Park. See what to expect from this old Hollywood destination hotel, one of the most fun places in San Diego.
California Screamin and Paradise Pier Disneys California Adventure 2
Posted inCalifornia Disney Travel Disneyland

Complete Guide to Disney’s California Adventure with Kids

By now you know how much fun we’ve had through the years in Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and now especially with our kids in the Parks.  Both Disneyland and…
Colorful balloons at Disneyland on Main Street USA at night 2
Posted inCalifornia Disney Travel Disneyland

10 Most Instagramable Spots in Disneyland and How to Photograph Them

The most Instagramable spots in Disneyland include everything from the Castle to finding the details in the park. Photography tips and best ways to enjoy Disneyland.
Taylor Family Hiking at Goblins Lair Goblin Valley State Park Green River Utah 3
Posted inSouthwestern US Utah

10 Unique Utah Road Trip Stops and Sights Not to Miss

There are so many unique Utah road trip stops to make, but what to choose? We've picked our favorite sights and hikes that are great with kids and perfect for both adventure and learning. Lesser known road trip stops that will make you fall in love with Utah.
Taylor Family at Mono Lake Tufa Area Mammoth Lakes California 5
Posted inCalifornia Education Southwestern US

Unique Geologic Sites to Visit in Mammoth Lakes, California – Hot Springs and More!

Mammoth Lakes, California has so much cool geology to experience. From hot springs to bizarre petrified springs, you'll be amazed and what you'll find just outside Yosemite.

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