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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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Bells at Mission San Juan Capistrano 2
Posted inCalifornia SoCal Southwestern US

Mission San Juan Capistrano: a SoCal must-visit

Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of the most beautiful Spanish missions in Southern California. Located between San Diego and Los Angeles, see what there is to do at San Juan Capistrano and in the surrounding area.
Elliott looking at map in Zion National Park Utah 3
Posted inNational Parks Southwestern US Utah

Best Hikes in Zion National Park: Beautiful Wat erfalls, Thrilling Views

Zion National Park is known for its epic hikes and canyoning routes, but it's also full of fun hiking trails that are great with kids too! By now you’ve seen that…
Taylor family with Condor Wingspan at Phoenix Zoo Tempe 1
Posted inArizona Southwestern US

Best Outdoor Things to do Around Phoenix, Arizona

Outdoor things to do around Phoenix are plentiful, even in the heat. From getting on the water to hiking in Tonto National Forest, the best things to do outside around Phoenix.
Taylor Family on Smugglers Run in Galaxys Edge Star Wars Land Disneyland 2020 3
Posted inCalifornia Disney Travel Disneyland

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Best Things to Do and Nostalgia to Watch For

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is an incredible experience with so many things to do and see. Both Disney World and Disneyland have this awesome Star Wars land. This guide to Galaxy's Edge is ideal for having a great visit to galactic village of Batuu.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel: Review and Tips for the Best Stay
Posted inCalifornia Disney Travel Disneyland

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel: Review and Tips for the Best Stay

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel is the closest option to Disneyland and California Adventure. This review has all the details of staying at the Grand Californian, amenities and tips for planning the best Disneyland trip.
Morning hot air ballooning over Red Rocks Park Gallup NM 21
Posted inNew Mexico Southwestern US

Hot Air Ballooning in New Mexico: everything you need to know, from cost to events

Hot air ballooning in New Mexico is a must do. Whether you're there for the Balloon Fiesta or are visiting White Sands National Park, all the information for where to do hot air balloons and when, all over New Mexico.
Bighorn Sheep in Valley of Fire State Park Las Vegas Nevada 2
Posted inNevada Southwestern US

Hiking At Valley Of Fire State Park: Colorful Landscape in Las Vegas

Before we went hiking at Valley of Fire with kids it just looked like an Instagram heaven. That's all that we knew about it, all from photos that people had…
Full Taylor Family at Red Rock walls of Zion Canyon Zion National Park Utah 1
Posted inNational Parks Southwestern US Utah

Visiting Zion National Park: Stress Free Trips for Zion in Any Season

Visiting Zion National Park is doable in any season with helpful information and planning. Tips for using the shuttle, driving, where to stay and best hikes in Zion NP.
Taylor Family at Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix Tempe 3
Posted inArizona Southwestern US

Best Things to do in Tempe AZ with Kids

It's rare that just one of us dads gets to escape for a trip with just one of the kids. It happened though!! It really did! Oliver (our oldest) and…
Best California Missions: Easy, Beautiful Cali Road Trip Stops
Posted inCalifornia Central Coast

Best California Missions: Easy, Beautiful Cali Road Trip Stops

These California Missions make for great road trip stops as you drive from San Diego to San Francisco. Enjoy beautiful chapels and learn about California history with these missions along El Camino Real.
Taylor Family and Fall colors on Bear Creek Flathead National Forest Montana 1
Posted inCalifornia Colorado Montana

Best Fall Colors in National Parks: 10 Beautiful Autumn Trips to Love

National Parks are a great place to enjoy fall colors. From the mountains of Glacier National Park to the hills of the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Parkway, these are the best National Parks to find autumn leaves and fall fun.
Fall Colors on Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia 1
Posted inEast Coast Midwest Pacific Northwest

Awesome Places in the USA to Visit for Fall Colors

The best places for fall colors in the USA, from the Lakes Region of New Hampshire to Napa Valley. 15+ picks for easy weekend getaways for autumn foliage across the United States.
Pinnacles National Park: Everything You Need to Know for an Awesome Visit
Posted inCalifornia Central Coast National Parks

Pinnacles National Park: Everything You Need to Know for an Awesome Visit

Hiking in Pinnacles National Park in California is a beautiful and fascinating experience with caves, desert and canyons. A great addition to road trips or a weekend day trip from San Francisco, see how to plan a visit to Pinnacles.
Full Taylor Family on rocks at Devils Garden Grand Staircase Escalante Utah 2
Posted inSouthwestern US Utah

Utah State Parks: just as awesome at National Parks

Utah’s National Parks get all the attention, but there are some remarkable Utah state parks and national monuments that give the National Parks a run for their money. We have…
Sunset from Kawela Bay North Shore Oahu Hawaii 1
Posted inHawaii Travel Tips and Plans Southwestern US

Thrilling North Shore, Oahu: Best Fun, Affordable Things to Do

Thrilling and fun things to do on Oahu's North Shore are everywhere. From free things to do such as hiking and watching the perfect sunset, to tours and food trucks at night, the North Shore has the best activities on Oahu.
Oceanside Harbor Paddling Oceanside California 2020 1
Posted inCalifornia Paddling: Kayaking, SUP, Canoe & Rafting Travel SoCal

Oceanside SUP & Kayaking: Great Paddling On the Beautiful California Coast

Kayaking in Oceanside, California is a great addition to a coast road trip. See where to kayak, where to rent SUPs and what wildlife to watch for out on the water in Oceanside.
Haleiwa Food Trucks North Shore Oahu 2
Posted inHawaii Travel Tips and Plans Southwestern US

Best Oahu Eats: How To Find Amazing Poke and Food Trucks

The best places to eat on Oahu: from poke to kalua pork, trying local favorites to the North Shore's Hawaiian food trucks.
Crater Lake National Park FitTwoTravel 4
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

Road trip through West Coast National Parks: exploring the mountains

Perfect West Coast National Parks road trip plan, from Joshua Tree to Olympic National Park. Stops in the Sierras, Central Oregon, and the best of Washington State's mountains.
Vineyard rows at Presqu'ile Winery Santa Maria Valley California 2
Posted inCalifornia Central Coast Podcasts

Santa Maria Valley Wine Country: How To Enjoy Best Of LA’s Wine Region

The Santa Maria Valley wine country is one of our favorite wine regions. During the COVID pandemic, LA's wine country is still open with precautions and new wine experiences. See hot to visit SMV wine country RIGHT NOW!
Digging into Disneyland and chatting about each lang and its attractions and shows. Our best tips for making the most of your time in the Happiest Place on Earth. Starting in the new Star Wars land, Galaxy's Edge, we review the two main attractions and then work our way through the rest of Disneyland. We've been many times and following our most recent trip, we have done EVERY ride and attraction with the kids and have tips for having the most fun, including what you should actually wait in line for.
Posted inCalifornia Disney Travel Disneyland

Disneyland’s Best Attractions and Valuable Tips For What to Do

Disneyland. We've been so many times through the years. I used to work at Disneyland and have friends that still do. It's one of the most special places we go…
Disney's California Adventure is one of our favorite theme parks. Often we're asked if it's worth adding to a Disneyland trip. YES! This is our guide to the most fun and what's actually worth waiting for. From Pixar Pier to taking kids on Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout we talk about the attractions and experiences that are worth waiting in long lines for. Also, what shows and experiences are not to miss. Tips for having the best visit to Disney's California Adventure any time of year.
Posted inCalifornia Disney Travel Disneyland

Disney’s California Adventure Awesome, Easy Insider Tips

In this podcast episode Disney's California Adventure is our hot topic. Truth be told, we tend to spend more time in DCA than in Disneyland. Maybe it's the smaller crowds;…
Rob Taylor hiking in Grant Grove header
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

Kings Canyon National Park in Any Season

Kings Canyon National Park is beautiful and full of epic trees and view. Visiting Kings Canyon in any season is fun and interesting, but beware of snowy days. Tips and tricks for hiking at Kings Canyon and where to stay (National Park lodge!).
Chris and Rob Taylor at Entrance Sign to Joshua Tree National Park California 2
Posted inCalifornia National Parks SoCal

Unexpected Joshua Tree: Super Bloom Hiking At An Unusual National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is so unique, and hiking during the super bloom is one of the best things to do near Palm Springs. Guide to trails and the best time to visit Joshua Tree NP.
Prescott - tip of blue kayak - photo credit Visit Prescott
Posted inArizona Paddling: Kayaking, SUP, Canoe & Rafting Travel Southwestern US

Best Places To Kayak In Arizona – Small Towns & Beautiful Canyons

These are the best places to kayak in Arizona. From Page and Grand Canyon territory to kayaking and SUP near Phoenix, launch sites to explore Arizona's National Parks and beyond.
Turquoise water at Emerald Cove East Shore Trail Lake Tahoe Nevada 2020 10
Posted inNevada Southwestern US

Reno Tahoe in 4 Days: Awesome Plan For Spectacular Sights

Reno and Lake Tahoe have so many more things to do than casinos and skiing. I've created an ideal itinerary for enjoying all kinds of outdoor adventures, history, and great…
Taylor family at Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach GGNRA San Francisco 16
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

Best SF Bay Area National Parks For A Special Visit

The San Francisco Bay Area National Parks sites include breathtaking nature, historic homes, famous WWII sites and more. Perfect for learning about the USA or just enjoying the Bay Area. Explore beaches, the Redwoods and more.
Rob Taylor hiking at frozen waterfall Kings Canyon Park Carson City Nevada 2020 1
Posted inNevada Podcasts Southwestern US

Hidden Tahoe & Carson City: Best Discount Tips And Secret Spots

By now you know that visiting Carson City, Nevada is a must-do and it is a pretty cool town. After three visits I can say that it's one of my…
Ferris Wheel at Pacific Park Santa Monica Pier 2
Posted inCalifornia SoCal Southwestern US

Best of Santa Monica: Awesome Fun On the Pier And Great Hotels

The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most iconic sights on the West Coast, and though loaded with tourists, is the perfect plan for an afternoon in the Los Angeles area. From the beach to the Ferris wheel nothing could be more Southern California.
Rob Taylor on V&T Railway Tracks Rail Biking Carson City Nevada 2020 1
Posted inNevada Southwestern US

Outdoor Things to Do in Carson City and the Eagle Valley, Nevada

After traveling solely in Florida for months and months, I got to visit Carson City, Nevada to see how things were being handled during the coronavirus pandemic, and to find…
Yosemite National Park in California is a great destination for experiencing the nature of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Perfect for family travel, from camping to lodges, hiking to guided tours. 2traveldads.com
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

Yosemite National Park family travel guide

Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited or dreamed about destinations in the United States.  Can you blame everyone for wanting to explore the valleys and peaks that…

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