historical places to visit south west

The Top 13 Destinations in the Southwestern US

Jamie Killin is a freelance contributor to TripSavvy. She began writing for the site in July 2020. She is an experienced cuisine and travel writer whose work has been published by national media outlets including Business Insider and Thrillist. 

The American Southwest, often known to the rest of the world more for its Old West history than its incredible natural sights, is a sprawling region from Arizona to Oklahoma that’s home to lakes, caves, meteor sites, canyons and one-of-a-kind rock formations unlike those found anywhere else on the planet.

The Grand Canyon alone boasts nearly five million visitors from across the globe every year, but there are several other notable sites yet to be discovered by ambitious travelers. From the avid adventurers to the casual explorers, most southwest destinations offer something for everyone – from strenuous hikes and gravity defying bridges to million-year-old histories.

Here are just a few of the top destinations the region has to offer.

Horseshoe Bend

TripSavvy / Kathleen Messmer 

The cliff above Horseshoe Bend near the northern border of Arizona offers a look at one of the most iconic views of the southwest where the Colorado River bends around a massive rock formation. It is accessible by a short, yet steep, hike. While most visitors hike up to view the thousand-foot drop, it is also possible to view the natural wonder with a 30-minute scenic flight or Colorado River rafting trip.

Grand Canyon

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

The Grand Canyon, housed in Arizona, is one of the most visited attractions in the United States. The canyon was formed by The Colorado River over the course of millions of years, creating a formation that is 277 miles long, and in some places up to 18 miles wide. The canyon offers tours for every interest and activity level, from helicopter tours, bus tours, and bike tours to raft trips and hikes. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is another extremely popular way to discover the canyon, offering a thrilling way to look down into the canyon through a glass walkway.

Monument Valley

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove 

Monument Valley on the Utah-Arizona border is home to some of the best-known rock formations in the Southwest, including the Mitten Buttes. The most popular way to experience the views is with the Valley Drive, a 17-mile dirt and gravel driving loop that can be self-driven without four-wheel drive. The other self-guided option is the Wildcat Trail hike, which is a 3.2-mile loop circling some of Monument Valley’s most popular buttes. There are also guided driving tours and hiking tours that explore less-traveled areas within Monument Valley.

Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater is the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site, giving visitors an up-close look at the 550-foot deep and nearly mile-wide hole left by a meteor crash approximately 50,000 years ago. Guests visiting the Arizona attraction can explore the crater on their own or learn the extensive history of the unique attraction through an interactive guided tour.

Cathedral Rock

Cathedral Rock is a 5,000-foot red rock formation in Sedona, Arizona, that has become one of the nation’s most photographed sites thanks to its majestic view and vibrant red coloring. The best way to experience the rock formation is by taking the short, moderately difficult 1.2-mile Cathedral Rock Trail hike.

Turner Falls

Turner Falls is Oklahoma’s largest waterfall offering stunning views, hiking trails, swimming areas, and even camping. While it’s most popular for summer recreation trips, it’s open during the winter months as well. You don’t need a tour of the falls to enjoy the incredible views, however there is a per-person, per-day cost to enter.

Royal Gorge

The Royal Gorge in central Colorado is a stunning, 1,200-foot deep and 10-mile long canyon naturally formed by the Arkansas River, that in recent years has been turned into a family-friendly amusement park. Visitors can immerse themselves in the gorge’s natural splendor thanks to a nearly 100-year-old bridge, as well as the peaceful aerial gondolas, a rollercoaster dubbed the “World’s Scariest Skycoaster,” and the thrilling Cloud Scraper Zipline positioned 1,200 feet above ground.

Hanging Lake

Hanging Lake within Glenwood Canyon is one of Colorado’s many natural wonders, known for its picturesque waterfalls flowing into an astonishingly clear lake formed by travertine to create a beautiful and geologically rare sight. Due to the fragility of the lake’s ecosystem, a permit is required to hike. The hike is short at about a mile, but not particularly easy due to the canyon’s steep and rocky terrain.

Caddo Lake on the eastern border of Texas is known for its unique and majestic views, amplified by its surrounding bald cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. Visitors can come for the day, set up camp, or rent a historic cabin to enjoy the variety of activities offered by the 26-thousand-acre lake. From easy hikes, to fishing and boat tours, there’s a lot to do around Caddo Lake, which is also known for its extensive wildlife.

Carlsbad Caverns

The Carlsbad Caverns in southern New Mexico comprise more than 119 underground caves naturally formed by dissolved limestone. The awe-inspiring caves feature several areas to explore, with one of the most memorable being dubbed ‘Big Room’ which is 4,000 feet long and more than 600 feet wide. It is currently known as the fifth largest chamber in North America. To explore the 46,000 plus acres of caves, visitors can opt for self-guided access, audio guides or ranger-guided tours.

Jacob’s Well

Jacob’s Well is an approximately 13-foot-wide and 140-foot-deep underground cave in Hays County Texas, known for its dangerous diving conditions and breathtaking beauty. The almost perfectly circular natural well serves as a great place for tourists and native Texans alike to cool off in the 68-degree water and enjoy the outdoors during the summer. Entrance to the 81-acre natural area is free but expect to pay a swimming fee to fully enjoy the well during peak season. During the winter months, morning guided tours are available.

Valles Caldera

Valles Caldera in northern New Mexico is a 13-mile wide, circular depression caused by a volcanic eruption more than a million years ago. Today, it’s known for its seemingly endless meadows, winding streams and extensive wildlife. The area offers several hikes as well as biking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and hunting. To learn more about the history of Valles Caldera, visitors can enjoy park ranger-led tours, or opt for a tour offered by one of the area’s outside agencies.

Antelope Canyon

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Antelope Canyon on the border of Utah and Arizona is one of the world’s most photographed natural wonders, known for its wave-like rock formations created by millions of years of water erosion. It is only possible to visit Antelope Canyon with a guided tour from one of the several authorized tour operators. Visitors can opt for the upper or lower canyon tours, either regular guided tours or photography tours. The lower canyon tours are generally less popular, as they are longer and provide fewer light beams. For the best views at either canyon, it’s recommended to visit during the summer months.

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45 Bucket List-Worthy Things to Do in the Southwestern United States

Colorado , North America , Texas , United States

The American Southwest is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes imaginable . Canyons, hoodoos, and dwellings left behind by ancient inhabitants are just some of the amazing things to do in the Southwest and every last one of them is bucket list-worthy. Consisting of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah, these incredible states are jam packed with incredible places to visit. Whether you’re planning a classic Southwest road trip like so many travelers before you or just looking to explore one area, the places – and photos! – on this list are sure to ignite your wanderlust.

• 1.1 Visit Grand Canyon National Park
• 1.2 Tour Lower Antelope Canyon
• 1.3 Hike to gorgeous Havasu Falls
• 1.4 Take a hike to The Wave
• 1.5 See the famous Horseshoe Bend
• 1.6 See the rainbow colors of Petrified Forest National Park
• 1.7 View the massive Meteor Crater
• 1.8 Hike the beautiful Painted Desert
• 1.9 Step back to the Wild West in Tombstone
• 2.1 Visit the top of Pikes Peak
• 2.2 Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
• 2.3 Ski Colorado’s most famous resorts
• 2.4 See Pueblo cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park
• 2.5 Explore the Breckenridge backcountry
• 2.6 Visit the Garden of the Gods
• 2.7 See the largest sand dunes in North America
• 2.8 Have tea at Miramont Castle
• 3.1 Attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
• 3.2 Visit White Sands National Park
• 3.3 Tour ancient dwellings from the Chaco culture
• 3.4 Look for UFOs in Roswell
• 3.5 Explore underground at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
• 3.6 See ancient dwellings in Bandelier National Monument
• 3.7 Tour one of the oldest houses in the United States
• 4.1 Pay your respects at the Oklahoma City bombing memorial
• 4.2 Sample unique drinks at Pops 66 Soda Ranch
• 5.1 Visit the famous Alamo
• 5.2 Explore Big Bend National Park
• 5.3 Indulge in Texas’ finest BBQ
• 5.4 See the spot where JFK was assassinated
• 5.5 Hike in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
• 5.6 Visit pretty pink Enchanted Rock
• 5.7 Go glamping in quirky Marfa
• 6.1 See the stunning hoodoos of Bryce Canyon
• 6.2 See the stunning natural arches of Arches National Park
• 6.3 Hike the famous trails of Zion National Park
• 6.4 See the Spiral Jetty in the Great Salt Lake
• 6.5 Explore the wilderness of the San Rafael Swell
• 6.6 Take a tour of Temple Square
• 6.7 Hike Coyote Gulch in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
• 6.8 Drive the scenic Burr Trail
• 6.9 Enjoy the perspective tricks of the Bonneville Salt Flats
• 7.1 Road trip historic Route 66
• 7.2 See iconic Monument Valley
• 7.3 Explore gorgeous Lake Powell

Note: This post contains affiliate links, and should you choose to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Southwest region is full of some of the country’s best National Parks, so if you’re planning on hitting several of them (and you should!) you’ll want to snag an America the Beautiful pass , which covers admission to all of them plus lots of Federal lands for one year. It currently costs only $80, so it’s a great deal! Grand Canyon National Park alone costs $35/vehicle to enter, so you can get your money’s worth in just a few stops.

Arizona bucket list items

Visit grand canyon national park.

Northwestern Arizona

The southwestern United States is full of incredible natural wonders, but the Grand Canyon is perhaps the most awe-inspiring of them all. It’s a mile deep at some points and 18 miles across at its widest point so the views are unlike anything else. The sheer size of it is hard to imagine unless you’ve seen it for yourself. Formed by the Colorado River over the course of millions of years, this natural wonder is an absolute must see when visiting the Southwest. Grand Canyon National Park is home to some of the most famous hiking, lodges, and views and should be on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list.

Casual visitors can enjoy scenic drives along the rim, while experienced hikers can tackle the challenge of hiking down into the canyon itself. Mule trains are also available for those who’d prefer to ride down. Rafting along the Colorado River is popular with thrill seekers as is skydiving. Flights over the canyon for an aerial view depart from the nearby Grand Canyon National Park Airport or several other smaller airports in the area. You can also test your nerve on the glass-bottomed skywalk operated by the Hualapai Tribe outside of the National Park.

Tour Lower Antelope Canyon

East of Page, Arizona

Photo by Priyadarshini from Glorious Sunrise

Antelope Canyon is a breathtaking natural slot canyon created mainly by flash flooding. It is divided into two parts called the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. These wonders are located close to Page, Arizona in native Navajo Tribal Park land. These canyons are federally protected and can only be entered through guided tours . Tour slots sell out pretty fast, so advance reservations are recommended if you plan on visiting these canyons.

Lower Antelope Canyon is a beautiful natural rock formation that must be added to your Arizona bucket list. There are only two tour operators that provide guided tours to this canyon namely Ken’s Tours and Dixie Ellis Lower Antelope Tours run by siblings. The official Navajo nation parks website gives more information about available tours.

This canyon shows off exquisitely created sandstone arches that spiral up majestically into the sky leaving small slots for light to get through. The walking tour through Lower Antelope Canyon takes about an hour and a half with plenty of photo stops. The guides help you with the best photo settings for iPhone and cameras, and even take your pictures at certain spots in the canyon.

There are stairs at different sections of the canyon and some flights of stairs are pretty steep. Naturally, this tour is only for those who are physically fit to tackle the stairs. But as the pace of the tour is slow, even young children can climb the stairs easily. At the end of the canyon when you climb up through a narrow gap and come out, you would be shocked to see the fissure-like openings in the ground from where you emerged. It is hard to believe that there is a whole wide world of amazing canyon rocks down there.

By Priyadarshini from Glorious Sunrise

Hike to gorgeous Havasu Falls

Supai, Arizona

Photo courtesy of Jodie from Alajode

Hiking Havasu Falls isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it may just be one of the most rewarding hikes you ever embark on . When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by one of the most impressive waterfalls you could ever see. The famous Havasu Falls are 30m of bright blue water, set against a backdrop mountains and reddish colored rock. It’s a sight unlike any other and its secluded location on the edge of the Grand Canyon only adds to the awe.

The total trek from the Havasupai trailhead to the famous blue waters is around 9 miles altogether. The first part of the hike is the longest at 8 miles in total, taking you from the trailhead all the way to the village of Supai. You begin by descending into the canyon, and then the hike takes you through a beautiful slot canyon. The hike takes around 3-5 hours in total and, during that time, you’ll see very few signs of life other than the odd mule train or fellow hiker. It’s then just a 1-mile hike further to reach the famous falls and the main camping area of Havasu Falls.

If you’re not into hiking, you can take a helicopter out. But if you’re up for a challenge – especially the uphill climb at the end! – the Havasu Falls hike is an incredibly rewarding experience you won’t want to miss.

Find out more on the official website .

By Jodie from Alajode

Take a hike to The Wave

Coconino County, Arizona

Photo by Yana from Beard and Curly Adventures

One of the most unique sites on earth is The Wave, located in Arizona just south of the Utah border. This sandstone rock formation looks out of this world. The formation is believed to have formed during the Jurassic Age. It was created by wind and water erosion. It is located in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Wilderness and because of its fragile nature, only 20 people are allowed in to see it each day. Ten permits can be booked online 4 months in advance, and another ten are available the day prior at the visitor center via lottery. It is known to be one of the hardest hiking permits to obtain in the United States . In the summer months, there can be over 300 people hoping to get selected in the lottery process for a permit. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall. Weather in the summer can be over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The hike is about 5.5 miles (9 km) round trip and is difficult to navigate. There is little to no signage to ensure that only visitors with permits can find it. The penalty for going illegally can be up to $10,000 USD!

See more about hiking The Wave from Yana at Beard and Curly Adventures  

See the famous Horseshoe Bend

Southwest of Page, Arizona

Photo courtesy of Heather from Trimm Travels

As I walked the last little way out to the point and the first peek of this natural beauty came into view, our little group grew quiet and I wondered how had it taken me this long to visit Horseshoe Bend. I truly had been missing out. I had visited the Grand Canyon twice and even lived in the state of Arizona for a few months (many years ago) so it was completely my own fault.

The grandeur of this natural horseshoe-shaped curve in the Colorado River is vast. Imagine walking out to an overlook that opens into a 1,000-foot drop. The striking color of the blue/green water against the red rock is eye candy and the dramatic scenery commands silence as evidenced by the hush it put over the visitors seeing it for the very first time.

Horseshoe Bend is located near Page, Arizona off Highway 89. There is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike (3/4 mile each way) to get to the overlook from the parking lot. Part of the way is uphill and part is in soft sand. Since we visited in November, heat wasn’t an issue. However, in the summer be sure to wear a hat, sunscreen and have plenty of water as there is no shade.

TIP: There is an ongoing debate about the best time to visit but mid-morning to mid-day seem to be most popular. The overlook faces the west. We were there right before sunset and although beautiful, we were facing into the sun and the bend was in the shadows.

By Heather from Trimm Travels   

See the rainbow colors of Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest, Arizona

Photo by Kaisa from Glam Granola Travel

Petrified Forest National Park is a hidden gem of the Southwest. It gets far less attention than its neighbor, the Grand Canyon, which is actually a good thing. National Parks are getting busier by the year, but solitude is still yours for the taking at under-the-radar parks like Petrified Forest.

The park has one 28-mile road running north-south. On this road you can find everything from overlooks to historic structures to hiking trails. The road takes a little less than an hour to drive in its entirety, without stopping (which you’ll do, of course)!

If you’re interested in fossils and seeing the famous petrified wood, check out the south end. Its Rainbow Forest Museum is extremely well-maintained and laid out by a team of paleontologists. There’s a short trail just behind the museum called Giant Logs, and two more longer trails leave from the parking lot. All of the trails showcase the park’s petrified wood . I can’t recommend these trails enough, especially on a slightly rainy day when the fossilized tree colors are most vibrant!

The Northern end of the park is known for scenic vistas, in an area called the Painted Desert (also the name of the North Visitor Center). It feels like there’s a new view of the striking red rock desert every 50 feet. You can hike a spectacular (if windy) rim trail along the side of the Painted Desert, if you just can’t get enough of the views.

There are no campgrounds in Petrified Forest National Park. However, if you are a somewhat experienced backpacker, they allow backcountry camping with a permit. Otherwise, the nearest town is Holbrook, which has a couple hotels. Plenty of other nearby National Forests and National Monuments, such as Canyon de Chelly and El Morro, have nice campgrounds.

By Kaisa from Glam Granola Travel  

View the massive Meteor Crater

Winslow, Arizona

Photo by Zoe from Together in Transit

One location to stop at while visiting Arizona is the Meteor Crater close to Winslow. For those taking Route 66, it is perfect as you pass right by it. The estimated impact was about 50,000 years ago. The size is really impressive, as it is one mile across, 2.4 miles in circumference and more than 550 feet deep . It’s truly hard to imagine without seeing it in person.

We easily spent an hour to two hours here, which includes the museum visit and a tour. They have some great locations as viewpoints to view the Meteor Crater. There are also telescopes that are fixed, allowing you to view specific things such as the mining entrances from previous research. One awesome thing to spot when you are there is the small airplane that once crashed at the bottom. You can hardly see it with your own eyes so you need to use the telescopes!

We highly recommend that you get there for one of their tours, as you can access the rim of the crater only with the tour. It’s great to learn about the crater from one of the employees who works there, allowing you to openly ask questions as well. Plus this is at no extra cost!

See more about visiting Meteor Crater from Zoe at Together in Transit

Hike the beautiful Painted Desert

Northern Arizona

Photo by Jamie from The Daily Adventures of Me

Many trips to Arizona center around the Grand Canyon. It is a bucket list item for sure, but when you are there it is more than worth your effort to drive just a few hours to explore the Painted Desert. The Painted Desert fills a huge area. It extends from the east side of the Grand Canyon all the way to the northern side of the Petrified Forest National Park. In different areas of it, you will find uniquely vivid colors , hence the name of the Painted Desert. The easiest way to access the Painted Desert is by crossing the highway at the northern border of Petrified Forest National Park off of the famous Route 66. At this entrance you will find an old Studebaker, rusting in the desert sun and a perfect photo op. Right after you enter that way you will find the Painted Desert Inn which was a trading post and now contains a museum about the area. Before planning my visit, I hadn’t heard of this area, but now it is one of my favorites in the US. Read this post for more information or to plan your trip to the Painted Desert of Arizona.

By Jamie from The Daily Adventures of Me

Step back to the Wild West in Tombstone

Tombstone, Arizona

Photo by Corinne from Roving Vails

There’s no place that epitomizes the Old West better than Tombstone, Arizona . A little over an hour’s drive south of Tucson, as soon as you park your car you are smack dab in the middle of the type of one-horse town seen in any western movie. Cowboys (actors) hang out on the Main Street, leaning against the wooden beams holding up the various storefronts, saloons, and diners.

A few times a day, they reenact the most infamous gunfight of all time as Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp take on the McLaury brothers at the OK Corral. In fact, there are a few different places to see shows depicting bad guys and sheriffs, all with plenty of shoot outs. Some are more humorous and some downright historical; no matter when you are there, you can watch one or two.

While you are in town, you can mosey up to a bar in the saloon, take a comedic cable car tour through town, eat some southwestern fare, and of course get yourself a shiny new pair of cowboy boots. The whole day is spent enjoying the feeling of being in the wild, wild west, and everyone will love it.

See more about visiting Tombstone from Corinne at Roving Vails

Colorado bucket list items

Visit the top of pikes peak.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Summiting a fourteener (a mountain more than 14,000 feet tall) is considered to be quite an accomplishment. But why hike it when you can drive or take a train? Pikes Peak is a fantastic place to visit because you can actually drive right to the top of the mountain . The road to the top twists and turns through curves and slightly-scary switchbacks, but the views are definitely worth it – unless you’re the one driving in which case you might want to keep your eyes on the road. The day we visited, we were looking down on puffy white clouds, which is something I’d only done from the window of an airplane before.

If you’re looking to reach the top with even less effort, sit back and ride the inclined railway to the top instead. The beautiful red trains arrive at a station right at the summit, allowing you to get out and look around before riding back down. If you’re in better shape than I am, you can hike or bike to the top as well, but I was quite content behind the wheel of my car, cruising along “America’s Highway” as the park has named the road. Check out my guide for more tips and info for making the drive up Pikes Peak .

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park, Colorado

Some of my favorite hikes I’ve ever done are in Rocky Mountain National Park . Visitors can find hikes suitable for all skill levels from easy walks around paved trails to summiting the park’s tallest peak. My favorite was the Dream Lake Trail which falls somewhere in between, but includes the reward of the gorgeous view pictured above. Alberta Falls is another relatively easy trail with a nice payoff in the form of the small but impressive waterfall – and you can keep going to visit places like Sky Pond if you’re a more serious hiker.

If you’re more into scenic views that you don’t have to work for, take a drive along Trail Ridge Road , which winds from the Estes Park side in the east across the Continental Divide. It’s the highest continuously paved road in the US and a feat of engineering in and of itself. Plan your visit for the summer or early fall if you want to check it out – it closes for the winter and typically doesn’t reopen until late spring depending on the amount of snow.

Ski Colorado’s most famous resorts

Throughout Colorado

Colorado is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding resorts in the United States, and a chance to ride the slopes at its top resorts is on the bucket list of many winter enthusiasts. Iconic ski resorts are scattered among the state’s Rocky Mountains, and places like Aspen , Vail , Breckenridge , Steamboat Springs , and Telluride are enough to make skiers drool. All of them offer excellent world class skiing and are great destinations for a weekend trip or more.

Beginners will still be able to enjoy some of the terrain, as each resort features green level runs. Take a lesson at one of the fantastic ski schools to brush up on your skills and get comfortable on the mountain at the beginning of your trip. Eventually you may work your way up to a blue level run. Vail and Telluride both have beginner terrain near the top of the mountain, so you can enjoy the views too. If you still want the Colorado skiing experience without the hefty price tag, check out budget-friendly Cooper Mountain , just a short drive from Vail. Checkout some of these amazing ski packages at Colorado’s top resorts.

See Pueblo cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park

West of Durango, Colorado

Photo by Tara from Back Road Ramblers

For an incredible look into the life of the ancient Pueblo people, Mesa Verde National Park is a must-visit. Located in the Four Corners area in Colorado, the park protects 600 cliff dwellings and more than 4,300 archaeological sites dating from 600 -1300 CE. The Pueblo cliff dwellings are some of the best preserved and most notable in the United States, and the park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park is during the summer and fall. While the park remains open in the winter, frequent snowfall makes many of the roads impassable and the hiking treacherous. The biggest attractions at Mesa Verde are the incredibly preserved cliff dwellings, which you can tour during a ranger-led hike . Tours include Cliff Palace, which is Mesa Verde’s largest cliff dwelling, Balcony House, and Long House. All of the guided tours are rated as strenuous, as hikers must walk up and down ladders at the cliff dwellings.

There are several self-guided tours of archaeological sites available that are easier on the knees, and you will also find more than 20 miles of hiking trails and two informative museums. Lodging is available within Mesa Verde National Park at Far View Lodge, or you can pitch your tent at Morefield Campground. Because of the delicate nature of the historic sites, backcountry camping is prohibited. Mesa Verde National Park makes a great addition to any Southwest road trip, as it is very close to Monument Valley and the Four Corners Monument.

By Tara from Back Road Ramblers

Explore the Breckenridge backcountry

Breckenridge, Colorado

Photo by Renee from Renee the Wanderess

Breckenridge Nordic Center offers a dual cross country ski and snowshoe rental for around $40/day. The idea is that you can swap out between skis and snowshoes halfway through the day and try both activities in a single day.

For those of you who want to experience a backcountry winter wonderland but aren’t quite up for the thrill of downhill skiing, Nordic skiing is the perfect alternative. You really break a sweat out there because you’re mostly propelled by your own efforts. Cross country skiing is the slow, contemplative cousin to downhill skiing.

Then, you have snowshoeing, which is even more mellow. That’s better for the second half of the day when you’re winding down and want to relax a bit. The Breckenridge Nordic center has perfect trails for both activities. You’re in a somewhat secluded, wooded and snowy area, yet you can get back to the lodge to warm up within a half hour of most trails. There are a few fun things to see on the trails, such as a historical house. You are allowed to take the gondola up to the alpine skiing area as well to say hi to the downhill skiers. All in all, there is a lot to explore in a single day, and for just 40 bucks, it’s a steal.

By Renee from Renee the Wanderess

Visit the Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods was one of my favorite Colorado attractions – and to make things even better, it’s free to enter. The park is full of incredible red rock formations that were formed over years and years of erosion, leaving fascinating shapes and opportunities for hiking and rock climbing. The most popular area of the park is the Perkins Central Trail . Most of the area is paved and relatively flat, and it allows you to see features like the Kissing Camels – a rock formation that really does look like two camels smooching.

My favorite trail at Garden of the Gods was the Siamese Twins trail, which is a bit more difficult, but not too challenging for a couple of out-of-shape Midwesterners. The payoff is a view of Pikes Peak through a natural rock window , in addition to the alien-like rock structures. After hiking that trail, don’t miss out on Balanced Rock, located right along the road nearby. This massive boulder seems like it should’ve toppled over ages ago, yet remains balanced in a spot great for photo ops. You can easily spend a day hiking in the park, so either bring a picnic lunch or check out the on-site restaurant that was serving up impossibly cheap buffalo burgers the day we visited. Find out more on the official website .

See the largest sand dunes in North America

Mosca, Colorado

Photo by Lotte from Phenomenal Globe

Great Sand Dunes National Park is one the 4 National Parks in Colorado and located in the southern part of the state (about a 4-hour drive from Denver). These are the tallest dunes in North America, and the highest one is Star Dune (755ft/230m). In the backdrop you can see the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, the combination of the Sand Dunes and the Mountains is one of the most spectacular sights you’ll ever see .

There are lots of fun things to do in the park, and the first thing on your itinerary should be a visit to the Visitor Center to learn more about the park, how the Sand Dunes came to be and the fragile ecosystem that keeps them intact.

At night you can join a free tour led by rangers to stargaze and even spot Saturn if you are lucky. In the early morning you can climb High Dune (699ft/213m), but be sure to bring enough water and to wear closed toe shoes. Also, don’t attempt to do this hike in the afternoon as you’ll risk burning your feet or getting struck by lightning from the afternoon thunderstorms (July/August).

After your hike, cool off in Medano Creek or relax at the beautiful Piñon Flats Campground ($20/night for a maximum of 8 people and 2 vehicles).

By Lotte from Phenomenal Globe Travel Blog

Have tea at Miramont Castle

Manitou Springs, Colorado

Photo by Martha from Quirky Globetrotter

When it comes to visiting Colorado, Manitou Springs is often an overlooked location. The town is a beautiful, scenic getaway with numerous attractions, one of which is Miramont Castle . Miramont Castle was built in 1895 by French Catholic Priest Jean Baptiste Francolon. Visitors can tour the house and learn about the castle’s importance in the Manitou Springs community and how the church across the street greatly shaped how the castle was perceived in the community.

The castle is a large stone mansion, rightfully called a castle, nestled in downtown Manitou Springs. The castle is surrounded by luscious gardens that separate the castle from the city’s hustle and bustle and offers visitors a little escape.

The main purpose of Miramont Castle was to incorporate nature in all elements of the house . Throughout the house, there are expansive picture windows that look out on the Rocky Mountain vistas. The house is filled with warm-toned woods, which juxtapose perfectly against the regal artwork and fabrics. Though the house aims to invite nature in, it maintains its regal feel with Renaissance-style and Gothic-style architecture. The house is nothing short of fabulous and immaculate.

A beautiful tradition that Miramont Castle has upheld over the years is inviting visitors to enjoy an afternoon tea in the house’s large dining room. Tea is held throughout the year and is a highly coveted event by locals and other fellow travelers during the winter season. Regardless of the time of year, Miramont Castle is an ideal destination all year long.

By Martha from Quirky Globetrotter

New Mexico bucket list items

Attend the albuquerque international balloon fiesta.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Photo by Jessica from Independent Travel Cats

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest annual balloon fiesta in the world and it takes places each year in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The festival normally takes place over 10 consecutive days in October each year. During this time, visitors have the opportunity to watch hundreds of colorful hot air balloons take to the skies.

Each day of the festival, different events take place. The most popular are the morning mass ascensions where hundreds of balloons go up within a couple of hours. Balloon glows are another popular event that take place in the evening where hot air balloons are inflated and their burners are lit, but they stay grounded. These are usually accompanied by a fireworks display and/or light show. Other events usually include hot air balloon competitions, concert events, and chainsaw carving. At the festival, there are also food vendors, rides and games for children, a craft tent, local business demonstrations, and gift shop stalls.

The event is one of the most colorful and most photographed festivals in the world and I am lucky to have been to the event three times so far. It is good to plan well in advance for the event as accommodation prices rise during this period and many hotels sell out. If you want to do a hot air balloon ride, you’ll want to book these in advance as well. You can pay for parking and purchase entrance tickets on site or in advance. Read more tips to plan your trip in our  Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta guide .

By Jessica from Independent Travel Cats 

Even if you can’t make it for the Balloon Fiesta, you can still take a ride in a hot air balloon in Albuquerque. Find out more here !

Visit White Sands National Park

Southern New Mexico

Photo by Hannah from That Adventurer Blog

If you find yourself in El Paso, Texas near the US/Mexican Border make sure you head 1.5 hour’s drive north to discover White Sands National Park in New Mexico. During our  three month USA road trip we were told to make sure we visited this national park by a man in a Home Depot parking lot back in Austin. He wasn’t wrong when he said this area was very impressive.

White Sands National Park, and the military area around it, form the largest gypsum sand dune in the world . In total there are 275 square miles of dune fields and these dunes seem to appear out of nowhere when you approach it from the south. You can explore the monument by car since most of the roads are paved, but I’d highly recommend getting out every now and again to hike some of the shorter trails. If you do hike then make sure to take plenty of water with you – it gets extremely hot in the dunes!

One of the best times to view these super white sands is at sunset when the sky goes through a series of beautiful colors and everything’s a little cooler too!

By Hannah from That Adventurer

Tour ancient dwellings from the Chaco culture

Northwestern New Mexico

Photo by Emese from Wanderer Writes

Home to one of the most famous archaeological sites in the American Southwest,  Chaco Culture National Park  is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few International Dark Sky Sites. It stands to reason, since it sits in the middle of nowhere, far from any towns or inhabited area, on the Navajo Reservation at the end of a dirt road. To experience the darkest skies you can imagine, set up camp for a night in the Gallo Campground. You will not only see the Milky Way like never before , but you will camp by a cliff dwelling, surrounded by petroglyphs, in a high desert environment.

Stop at the Visitor Center and the enclosed museum to learn about the ancient Chacoans and the site’s significance, then visit the park by driving through it on a nine-mile loop. Stop at each structure and walk through it. You’ll get to experience a few big houses, called so because they have over 100 rooms each, some of them reaching four stories high. The highlight of the site is Pueblo Bonito, where you get to walk through the rooms, some of them covered, and one with the ancient plaster still on the walls. You might not realize walking through it, but this structure alone has over 650 rooms, and 35 kivas, that you get to walk around. And if you are so inclined and have the time, climb up on the mesa top, where you get a great view of the site.

Find out more about Chaco Culture National Park by Emese at Wanderer Writes

Look for UFOs in Roswell

Roswell, New Mexico

Photo by Kristal from Adventure Dawgs

For years, I had wanted to go to Roswell, New Mexico . Call it a pilgrimage for an avid conspiracy theorist. The city certainly did not disappoint. The entire town has not only claimed its alien reputation but embraced it with a fervor that one would expect to see in theme parks. Wandering downtown, I was met by giant aliens at storefronts, aliens painted on the walls, even alien eyes on the streetlights. The biggest highlight for me was the International UFO Museum : a sizeable building dedicated to not only documenting the crash of a UFO (or weather balloon or top secret surveillance balloon if you believe what the government says) but the alien and UFO phenomena in general. As an added bonus, the museum is dog-friendly as are many of the gift shops, and I even found a cafe where my dogs could sit inside with me.

For those that aren’t interested in (alleged) government cover-ups, there is still lots to do around Roswell.  Bottomless Lakes State Park has a series of trails for hiking and mountain biking as well as several lakes for fishing. You can also watch for lights in the sky if you decide to camp out there overnight. Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge provides an excellent place to bird watch without even leaving your car but there are trails that will take you far from the road and are easy to hike.

Whatever your reason for going to Roswell, it is truly a special place to visit.

Read more about visiting Roswell from Kristal at Adventure Dawgs

Explore underground at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad, New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to more than 100 caves full of unique limestone features. Carlsbad Cavern, the park’s most visited area, features The Big Room, which is a spectacular 255 feet high and is the fifth largest known cave chamber on the continent. The caves in the park were formed when groundwater combined with hydrogen sulfide to form sulfuric acid. The acid then dissolved the limestone deposits leaving behind the many chambers.

Visitors to Carlsbad Cavern can hike down into it from its natural entrance on the surface or ride down in one elevators from the visitor center. If exploring underground isn’t your thing, there are plenty of hiking trails and an unpaved scenic drive that takes you through the desert portions of the National Park. It’s also officially designated as an Important Birding Area due to its large colony of cave swallows.

See ancient dwellings in Bandelier National Monument

Los Alamos, New Mexico

Photo by Catherine from To and Fro Fam

Less than an hour from Santa Fe, New Mexico’s Bandelier National Monument is a must-see destination you definitely want to make time for while traveling in the Southwest US. When I visited this 33,000-acre desert park, I was wowed by the canyons and cliffs, but what makes Bandelier a bucket list destination are the cliff dwellings and other centuries-old ruins you can explore firsthand.

About 11,000 years ago, the Ancestral Pueblo people lived in the area that is now protected as Bandelier National Monument. They carved homes into the sides of the cliffs, and you can climb wooden ladders to actually step inside these ancient dwellings . They also left behind stone buildings, where you can peek inside the toppled ruins and imagine what life was like so long ago.

If you’re not scared of heights—or, if like me, you’re terrified of them but refuse to let your adventures be limited by a little ol’ phobia—continue another half-mile past the Main Loop trail to the Alcove House. Here, you’ll climb 140 feet up the canyon on a series of four ladders to a large dwelling carved into the cliff face. I was shaking by the time I reached the top, but the views and the experience were well worth the challenge.

You’ll want to plan a half-day at Bandelier National Monument to hike its trails, explore the many cliff dwellings and see the petroglyphs left behind centuries ago.

By Catherine from To & Fro Fam

Tour one of the oldest houses in the United States

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Photo by Laurence from Finding the Universe

Found by the Spanish in 1610, Santa Fe is the oldest state capital city in the USA , and also the oldest city in New Mexico. It’s a city we love to visit, and whenever we go to New Mexico we stop by. One of our favorite attractions in Santa Fe is the De Vargas Street House , which dates from around 1200 AD, when a Pueblo building stood here.

The house has undergone a few changes over time, although elements of its structure are known to date from at least as early as 1742, based on dating of the wood in the structure. It formerly had two stories, although damage in the early 20th century meant that that second story was removed. It has been inhabited by a number of occupants, including the Spanish Territorial Governor, who lived here temporarily from 1709 – 1710.

Today, this adobe structure is a popular visitor attraction in Santa Fe, and it can be found at 215 East de Vargas Street. It’s not a huge place, but the interior is well worth a visit, and there’s a little gift shop on site as well. Entry to the oldest house in Santa Fe is free of charge. If you’re planning on visiting Santa Fe, take a look at our guide to  things to do in Santa Fe  for more ideas!

By Laurence from Finding the Universe 

Oklahoma bucket list items

Pay your respects at the oklahoma city bombing memorial.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Photo by Stella Jane from Around the World in 24 Hours

As a native New Yorker, the first place I wanted to visit in Oklahoma City was the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. The September 11th attack in New York City and the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building are the two deadliest terrorist attacks in American history. I wanted to go to the Oklahoma City Memorial to pay my respects to the dead and understand more about how this terrible event could have occurred.

I’ve been to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, but I was unprepared for how devastating the Oklahoma City Memorial would be. The museum takes you through every moment of the attack. The exhibit begins with life in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building before the bomb went off and continues through the trials of perpetrators Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols. For me the hardest part of visiting the museum was seeing the memorial to the young children who were killed in the attack. (There was a daycare center in the Alfred P. Murrah Building.) Each child is memorialized by one of his or her favorite toys.

I almost had to leave the museum several times because I felt too emotional. Yet I felt that I owed it to the victims and their families to stay and listen to their stories. When you are finally ready to exit the museum, spend some time in the outdoor symbolic memorial. Each victim is honored with an empty chair with their name on it. Even though it’s emotionally challenging, everyone should visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial – to remind us to never allow something like this to happen again.

By Stella Jane from  Around the World in 24 Hours

You can purchase tickets to the memorial here .

Sample unique drinks at Pops 66 Soda Ranch

Arcadia, Oklahoma

Pops 66 Soda Ranch is basically the epitome of the perfect road trip roadside attraction . It has a giant 66-foot pop bottle outside, more than 600 flavors of soda, and it’s in the middle of nowhere in Arcadia, Oklahoma. This is the perfect stop on Route 66 to stop and stretch your legs and get some crazy sodas at the same time. If you’re passing by and hungry, you can stop in to eat before you make your soda selections.

What kind of flavors are there you ask? Well, you can get a traditional cola, pear soda, bacon soda, chocolate soda, and even hot wing soda. They’re a little pricey at $2 and up so you’ll have to be choosy unless you really want to splurge. These are so fun to try and even if you aren’t a regular soda drinker, I’d recommend trying one or two. Hey, you might even find something you like. Pumpkin spice cream, anyone?

By Megan from Red Around the World  

Texas bucket list items

Visit the famous alamo.

San Antonio, Texas

Everybody remembers the Alamo, right? I grew up watching Davy Crockett movies, so I’d always wanted to visit this historic site right in the heart of San Antonio. Originally built as a Spanish mission, it was eventually turned into the fortress and was the site of a famous battle during the Texas Revolution. Even though the Mexican army won that battle, their actions there turned the battle of the Alamo into a rallying cry for the eventually successful revolt.

Despite its notoriety as a battle site, the Alamo was originally constructed as a religious mission – one of several that make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the area. Modern day visitors can learn about both aspects of its history via a free independent tour or pay for audio guides or guided tours. There are also special tours geared toward kids available. Find out more about visiting the Alamo in my guide to San Antonio or check out this tour that takes you to the Alamo and other missions.

Explore Big Bend National Park

Southwest Texas

Photo by Paige from For the Love of Wanderlust

Big Bend National Park is an incredibly underrated national park. Big Bend is tucked away in rural southwest Texas just across the river from Mexico. Big Bend is the ultimate desert national park , in my opinion, because it truly has it all! You’ll find mountains, canyons and rivers all packed into one 800k+ acre park. In addition to having more than 100 miles of hiking trails you can raft the Rio Grande, check out Native American petroglyphs, visit a ghost town and even soak in a natural hot spring . Trails for day hikes here vary in length from less than a mile to up to 14.5 miles so there’s truly something for every level of hiker. Also, it’s the perfect destination for star-gazing, if you’re into astronomy or astrophotography! In addition to these amazing outdoor experiences, you can also get a unique cultural experience by taking a boat across the river. Within the national park is a small border patrol office and you can go across the river into Boquillas del Carmen for lunch or stay and explore a little longer, so don’t forget your passport. I would recommend visiting Big Bend between October and March when the temperatures are much more moderate, but remember the desert can get cold at night and the temperature can vary by up to 20 degrees up in the mountains. No matter the time of year, or your interests, you’re sure to enjoy a visit to Big Bend National Park .

By Paige from For the Love of Wanderlust

Indulge in Texas’ finest BBQ

All over Texas

Eating Texas BBQ is an essential US southwest experience. From the sweet, slow-smoked pork of East Texas to the dry rubbed briskets of Austin, you could plan an entire road trip around the Lone Star State’s famous smokehouses.

Starting in Lockhart, the birthplace of Texas-style barbecue , visitors can enjoy meats cooked pit-style. Here, the original Black’s BBQ serves up juicy brisket, sausages, and classic sides like they have since the 1930s: wrapped in butcher paper on a cafeteria tray. You can smell the smoke from Lockhart’s BBQ pits a mile away.

A short hour’s drive from Lockhart will bring you to Austin, the vibrant city known for live music and amazing food trucks. There are dozens of excellent BBQ options in the state capitol, from the upscale Lambert’s to the popular gas station/BBQ chain Rudy’s. But the most iconic spot is Franklin’s Barbecue. Aaron Franklin and his team of pitmasters serve BBQ so good, the line starts forming hours before they open at 11am. By 1pm, expect everything to be sold out. However, if standing in line all morning isn’t in your travel plans, try this local tip to get a much-coveted and affordable Franklin’s meal. If you arrive just before 1pm on a weekday, you could score a heaping plate of whatever random bits of trimmed meat and sides are left from the day’s rush.

Heading east to Houston, stop in at Pinkerton’s Barbecue for epic smoked meats and mouth-watering sides like jalapeno cheese rice. The restaurant may be huge, but this popular spot gets packed with locals and tourists alike for lunch and dinner.

For down home BBQ in the big city, travel north to the Dallas suburb of Grapevine for a meal at Meat U Anywhere. Here, slabs of oak-and-hickory smoked brisket, sausage, and ribs are served in a cozy, down-home setting. Try and save room for dessert: the banana pudding is delicious.

By Chelsea from The Portable Wife

See the spot where JFK was assassinated

Dallas, Texas

Photo by Anisa from Two Traveling Texans

There are so many different theories on who killed JFK. Why not go to the spot where the shots were fired to learn more about it? The Sixth Floor Museum tells the story of that fateful day in the Texas School Book Depository building.

The exhibit starts out by telling you about the time period and the plan for JFK’s trip to Texas. Next, you learn about November 22, 1963 , the day the president was assassinated, in detail. Then, there is a lot of interesting information about the investigation. The artifacts in the museum bring the history to life.

You can also see the corner of the building where investigators believe the fatal shots were fired. They don’t allow anyone to stand in that corner, though, in order to preserve the crime scene. You can get a better idea of what the gunman saw on the seventh floor, where they let you stand in that corner. Notice the X’s on the road where the shots hit.

There have been a lot of theories about what actually happened – were there also shots from another location (the grassy knoll) and was this part of a larger conspiracy? There were five different formal investigations; the Warren Commission is the most famous.  The museum does a good job of providing information so that you can you form your own opinion. It gives you a lot to think about!

The Sixth Floor Museum is popular so be sure to book online in advance to avoid the long line.

By Anisa from Two Traveling Texans

Get your museum tickets here!

Hike in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Western Texas

Photo courtesy of Kristen from Yonderlust Ramblings

Many people may not be aware that Texas has two National Parks within its borders. Guadalupe Mountains National Park may be the lesser known of these two resident parks, but it has rugged seclusion, peaceful solitude, and stunning topography that easily rivals big sibling Big Bend.

The best way to appreciate Guadalupe’s ruggedness is by hiking through the forests, canyons, deserts, and mountains that make up this area’s uniquely varied topography. My top choice for a challenging yet rewarding hike is the Guadalupe Peak hike – 8.5 miles and 3,000 feet in elevation gain to the highest point in Texas. Along the way hikers pass expanses of desert shrubbery, ponderosa forests, and a rocky summit that looks out over the El Paso salt basin, peaks of neighboring mountains like El Capitan, and the entirety of Guadalupe.

If hiking up is not your thing, Guadalupe has a plethora of additional day hike options at lower grades. The Smith Spring Trail is a 2.3 mile hike that highlights the vegetation of Guadalupe, with the potential for wildlife sightings and a gorgeous water feature. Another great forest and lushly foliaged option is the Bowl Trail, a 9.1 mile long trail. The Devil’s Hall Trail is a 4.3 mile hike that highlights Guadalupe’s canyons, as visitors traverse rocky, narrow, “hallways” through the canyon walls of Guadalupe. Those looking for a desert-highlighting trail should check out the 11.3 mile long hike that makes up the El Capitan Trail, which traverses the shrub laden base of the mountain. For those looking for an easy, paved, 0.75 mile nature walk, visit the Pinery Nature Trail, which passes the historic remnants of Piney Station, an old stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail route. For a hike that transitions over multiple environments, take on the McKittrick Canyon Trail. This 5.7 mile long hike encompasses canyons, desert, forest, water features, a grotto, and moderate elevation gain.

As far as staying within Guadalupe’s borders, there are two designated, first come first serve, campgrounds, the Piney Springs Campground and the Dog Canyon Campground. Campsite fees are $8 per night. Unfiltered, unobstructed views of the Texas night sky are priceless.

By Kristen from Yonderlust Ramblings

Visit pretty pink Enchanted Rock

Fredericksburg, Texas

Photo by Lindsay from Excursion Everywhere

Enchanted Rock is the whimsical name for a mountain (or really big hill) made out of pink granite in the Texas Hill Country. The hill is so large that it can be seen for miles around. Conveniently located in the middle of Texas Hill country, it’s just to the west of Austin and northwest of San Antonio. The location makes Enchanted Rock an easy detour for anyone seeking out Texas BBQ, visiting the vineyards in the Hill Country, or going antiquing in the historic town of Fredericksburg.

Visitors to Enchanted Rock can snap pictures from the ground, or the more adventurous can hike to the summit which is about 400 feet above the ground level. If you are planning to hike to the top, plan on spending a few hours at the site and be sure to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a pretty steep climb. Unsurprisingly, the rock, which has a very smooth appearance, can be quite slick in places, particularly if there’s been a recent rain. From the top of the mountain there are even some narrow caves that the adventurous (and non-claustrophobic) can climb through. We enjoyed our morning visit to Enchanted Rock as part of our mini-moon after our Texas Hill Country destination wedding. The weather was perfect that April and after our climb we worked up an appetite for some Texas BBQ!

By Lindsay from Excursion Everywhere

Go glamping in quirky Marfa

Marfa, Texas

Photo by Rebecca from Rebecca and the World

Head far enough into Southwest Texas and you’ll come across one of the state’s coolest spots: Marfa. Despite its remote location, the arty hub of Marfa (population: 1,700) draws artists, celebrities and visitors looking for the perfect Instagram profile pic. Originally put on the map when the Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean movie Giant was filmed there, it grew in popularity thanks to minimalist artist Donald Judd, who filled the landscape with artwork when he moved here in the late 70s. Visits skyrocketed after Beyoncé was spotted here in 2012.

To get to Marfa requires some effort. The closest airport is in El Paso, which still leaves a three-hour journey by car to Marfa. You’ll drive for hours through flat desert and past ramshackle towns that you’ll speed by in the blink of an eye.

When you do finally arrive, you’ll want to shack up at El Cosmico , arguably Texas’ trendiest glamping spot . Here you can choose from teepees, safari tents, yurts or restored trailers. We chose the Royal Mansion trailer and loved the comfy bed and colorful furnishings. The trailer had a stove, fridge and a great deck to hang out on. The provisions shop has snacks, drinks and cool Marfa-branded clothing to prove you visited. Staff will heat up the outdoor wood-fired hot tubs, a perfect spot for chilling out with friends and a few drinks.

When you’re not enjoying your chic digs, there are plenty of things to do in Marfa . Head to the Prada store about 40 minutes outside of town. Snap a few pics in front of this faux store – an art installation erected in the middle of nowhere. Explore Donald Judd’s art at the Chinati Foundation, the highlight being “15 Untitled Works in Concrete” – large concrete works scattered across the desert. Or snuggle up under a blanket at Marfa Lights in the evening and see if you can spot UFOs. It’s possibly the most un-Texas-like place in Texas.

By Rebecca from Rebecca and the World

Utah bucket list items

See the stunning hoodoos of bryce canyon.

Bryce, Utah

Photo by James from Travel Collecting

Bryce Canyon National Park is home to hundreds of hoodoos – pinnacles of white and orange rock dramatically crowding a natural amphitheater. Seeing the “Silent City” of spires is awe-inspiring and getting up early to see them bathed in the soft light of early morning is well worth the effort. Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, Sunset and Sunrise Points are all great viewpoints. Even better than seeing the canyon from above is  hiking among the hoodoos .

There are several trails around the valley, but the most popular (with good reason) is the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop trail. This 2-3-hour moderate hike is spectacular. Pass through arches carved into the hillside, and walk past hoodoos towering above you. At the bottom is a hoodoo shaped like Queen Victoria (there is a photo of her nearby for comparison). Then proceed through the ponderosa pine forest to the Navajo Loop. There are two choices of trails back up the rim – the narrow Wall Street or the stunning Two Bridges. Either way, there is a crazy steep series of switchbacks – take it slow and take lots of photos to save your breath.

Nearby Thor’s Hammer is perhaps the most famous of the hoodoos. To relax after the hike, hop in your car and drive for about 40 minutes to Rainbow Point at the end of the road, then slowly makes your way back via a series of lookouts over various side canyons. Bryce Canyon doesn’t take too long to experience (two or three days is most typical), but is one of the most spectacular national parks in the United States’ Southwest.

By James from Parks Collecting

See the stunning natural arches of Arches National Park

Near Moab, Utah

Located in eastern Utah near the Colorado border, Arches National Park is full of a lifetime’s worth of gorgeous natural rock formations, including – you guessed it – numerous natural arches formed by centuries of erosion. In fact, the park is home to the highest density of natural arches anywhere in the world with over 2000 in its boundaries. This was the first national park I visited in the Southwest, so my memories of the red rocks set against the bright blue sky are the most striking from that Southwest road trip we took.

Some of the must-see features include Delicate Arch, the park’s most famous formation. It’s accessed via a 1.5 mile-long trail, or it can be viewed from afar from a couple of lookouts along the road. Another top attraction is the Park Avenue trail, an easy mile-long trail through a canyon between monoliths, towers, and fins that include some of the park’s most recognizable features. Landscape Arch is a long, impossibly-thin arch in the Devil’s Garden area of the park. It takes a 3/4 mile hike along a gravel trail to view it up close, so don’t miss the chance to see it.

Hike the famous trails of Zion National Park

Near Springdale, Utah

Zion National Park in southwestern Utah is home to an endless array of striking scenery. Casual visitors will love the scenic drive that takes them through Zion Canyon and offers views of landmarks like the Three Patriarchs – massive rocky monoliths overlooking the canyon – and Weeping Rock – a rock that drips spring water giving the impression that it’s weeping (hence the name) and allows green moss and vegetation to grow on it.

More adventurous visitors should set their sights on one of the park’s premiere trails. The Angel’s Landing hike is a strenuous climb up one of Zion Canyon’s most recognizable landmarks. Its final ascent involves scrambling up a narrow rock ridge with sheer drops on either side, but the view of the canyon from the top is worth the effort. The other trail popular with hikers is The Narrows. It runs through a slot canyon, and most of the trail involves wading through the Virgin River. You can go 5 miles up the trail without a permit, but if you plan on hiking further you’ll need to secure one prior to beginning. If you’re planning to attempt either of these hikes, make sure you’re physically fit enough for them be sure to check the weather carefully, come prepared with proper equipment and lots of water, and check with park rangers at the visitor center for up-to-the-minute conditions.

See the Spiral Jetty in the Great Salt Lake

Northern Great Salt Lake, Utah

Photo by Suzi from Travel with Monsters

One of the great pieces of American land art happens to be in Utah, so if you’re in the area, don’t miss seeing the Spiral Jetty at the Great Salt Lake. It’s an earthwork sculpture made entirely of mud, salt crystals, basalt rocks and water , built in 1970 by artist Robert Smithson to jut out over the lake. It takes effort to see this kind of art; you’ll have to drive for a couple hours, including miles on a dirt road, but once you’re floating in the pink salty lake it will be worth it.

Be aware that the sculpture can be visible or submerged , depending on the water levels of the lake. If the lake happens to be too high, you won’t see it. If the lake is low, you will be able to see the jetty but also may have to walk a fair distance to the water.

For an ethereal experience, go at sunset. Pastel pinks and blues will surround you in the water and sky, offset by the crunchy white salt you must traverse to get to the lake. Warning: you know how walking on crusty salt crystals really tears up your feet? You don’t? Well, you will. This isn’t a powder soft beach. Make sure to wear sandals or water shoes.

If you swim in the Great Salt Lake (which you should: the high floating feeling is something special) you will emerge encrusted in salt. Be sure to bring along jugs of fresh water for rinsing yourself. For more tips on visiting the Spiral Jetty, including how to get to this middle-of-nowhere attraction and why this is a great day trip from Salt Lake City with kids, visit  Travel With Monsters .

By Suzi from Travel With Monsters 

Explore the wilderness of the San Rafael Swell

Southern Utah

Photo courtesy of Meg from Fox in the Forest

The San Rafael Swell in southern Utah is an often forgotten about diamond in the rough. You won’t find this area on any maps or in many guidebooks. It’s a precious space that only the initiated desert dwellers truly talk about. And it is AWESOME!

There is plenty to do in the remote slice of desert paradise , from slot canyons (check out Little Wild Horse Canyon – on par with Arizona’s famed Antelope Canyon) to the inspiring hoodoos of Goblin Valley State Park . You’ll want at least three to four days to truly explore this magical place.

Take note, this area is remote. It’s important to leave nature better than you found it and always follow Leave No Trace principles when visiting an area like the San Rafael Swell. The nearest hotels are in Green River, approximately an hour-plus drive to Goblin Valley State Park. You can camp virtually anywhere where there is a previously established campsite, but please be sure to pack in all of your water, and pack out all of your trash (this includes toilet paper, which gets dug up and eaten by desert foxes). There are paid campsites in Goblin Valley State Park (including a few “glamping” yurts) that offer a bit more in the way of amenities (think bathroom and potable water).

The best time to visit is during the shoulder season. Temperatures soar in the summer and are quite cold in the winter. Although, you’ll have the place to yourself if you choose to venture to the San Rafael Swell in winter.

See more about the San Rafael Swell from Meg at Fox in the Forest

Take a tour of Temple Square

Salt Lake City, Utah

The history of Salt Lake City is inextricably tied to that of the Mormon church. With its most important sites located right in the heart of the city, it’s a great free attraction to visit in SLC . If you visit during the day, you can explore the visitor center to learn about the history there or take a free walking tour around Temple Square. I was a little hesitant to take one of the tours because I wasn’t sure how much recruiting my guides would do, but they were very low key and while they offered a copy of “The Book of Mormon” at the end, I didn’t feel at all pressured to take it.

Visitors are allowed to enter the Tabernacle when it’s not in use to look around. The demonstration of how well it’s designed acoustically was interesting and the sound really does carry without a microphone. You can also get tickets to see the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform. Entry to the Salt Lake Temple isn’t allowed, but you can walk around the outside and appreciate its gorgeous architecture. The grounds are beautifully designed and very enjoyable to explore for a couple of hours.

You can book a city tour with a Tabernacle Choir performance here !

Hike Coyote Gulch in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Kanab, Utah

Photo by Kristin from Be My Travel Muse

Coyote Gulch in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is such an underrated gem . However this is one of the best things about it, because this means that for most of your hike, you can get it all to yourself, much unlike comparable hikes in the national parks nearby. Accessing Coyote Gulch is possible in several ways, including hiking in through Hurricane wash, camping overnight, and hiking back out, taking it on as a through-hike and getting a pick up at Crack in the Wall, or the sneaker route which allows you to do it in one day, which is what I did. In order to do this, you’ll need to bring a rope and rappel down the side of the canyon wall. Upon landing, you will see the incredible Jacob Hamblin arch. From there, walk along or through the river to see several more arches and small waterfalls. Be sure to bring along waterproof hiking boots, plenty of snacks, and something to purify the water. If staying overnight, you can camp underneath the archway, but prepared to leave absolutely no trace. Happy hiking!

See more about hiking Coyote Gulch from Kristin at Be My Travel Muse

Drive the scenic Burr Trail

Southeastern Utah

Photo by Megan from Red Around the World

The Burr Trail is a scenic backway in Southeastern Utah. It connects Bullfrog Marina at the north end of Lake Powell to the hippie ranching town of Boulder just outside of Grand Staircase Escalante. The whole of Burr Trail is 67 miles passing through Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area . Talk about top-notch scenery!

There are a couple campgrounds along the way, but you can camp pretty much anywhere. You will also find a few hiking trails like Pedestal Alley, Halls Creek Overlook, Surprise and Headquarters Canyons, and Lower and Upper Muley Twists. Take a full day to do the drive and enjoy the hikes along the way. You’ll drive through some of the best scenery in the area in Long Canyon and The Gulch. Without stops, plan about three hours for the drive. In Boulder, both Burr Trail Grill and Hell’s Backbone Grill are delicious options for food. This is still one of my favorite scenic drives in Southern Utah, even after driving it a dozen times.  It is a must-do if you’re in the area.

By Megan from Red Around the World   

Enjoy the perspective tricks of the Bonneville Salt Flats

Western Utah

Photo by Rachelle from Adventure is Never Far Away

Did you know that you don’t have to travel all the way to Bolivia to visit Salt Flats? What if I told you that a 30,000 acre salt pan resides just west of Salt Lake City, Utah? Believe it or not, Ancient Lake Bonneville dried up ages ago and left a massive salt deposit behind, creating the Bonneville Salt Flats. The flats cover about 46 square miles and estimates put the total salt crust volume at about 147 million tons, with 90% of the salt being comprised of common table salt.

The Bonneville Salt Flats is home to the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association and racing events are often held throughout the year. Land speed records have been set on the Salt Flats and it is known by locals and visitors alike as the “Bonneville Speedway.” The property is under the care of the Bureau of Land Management, and is subsequently free of charge to visit.

One of the most popular things to do on a visit to the Bonneville Salt Flats is to take fun perspective pictures . Visitors can walk for minutes in one direction, but feel like they haven’t traveled anywhere…only to turn around and see the rest of their party far away. Perspective is everything and can lead to some amazing photo shoots. Pay the Salt Flats a visit and trick your senses!

By Rachelle from Adventure is Never Far Away   

Bucket list items crossing state lines

Road trip historic route 66.

Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California

Photo by Kirsty from Lost in Landmarks

It’s the most famous road trip of all time and it travels through some amazing Southwestern US states including Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Route 66 has many names – the Mother Road, Historic Route 66 and even Main Street of America, and it played a vital role in the movement of people across the country in the 1920s and 30s. In later years it was used for road trip vacations to the west coast and back again, and to capitalize on the traffic, many of the towns tried to entice road trippers to stay a while by having quirky attractions, motels and shops.

Many people have fought for the road to stay in people’s minds as it was decommissioned and people began to use the interstates more, and thankfully there has been a revival in recent years. Although there are still ghost towns on the road, a reminder of hard times gone by, there are many more thriving towns who enjoy the tourism that Route 66 is bringing. You can still stay in wigwam motels, still see the neon lights and still enjoy weird and wonderful roadside attractions. Most of all you can still enjoy small town America.

If you don’t want to plan a Route 66 road trip  from beginning to end it’s really easy to pick a section of the road and explore it there. Each state has some amazing highlights from the gorgeous architecture of the U drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas to natural wonders like the Petrified Forest in Arizona. While the history makes the road special, the people there also made the trip amazing for me and we met some great characters there all who want to keep the spirit of the old road alive.

By Kirsty from Lost in Landmarks

If you want to have the full Route 66 experience, check out this incredible tour  that has you driving your own car in a guided caravan along the entire length of the road.

See iconic Monument Valley

Arizona-Utah border

Photo by Michelle from The Wandering Queen

Monument Valley is one of the most recognizable landscapes in the United States. Located on the eastern border of Utah and Arizona, Monument Valley has been a popular location for filming and has been in several famous films, most notably Forrest Gump. The tall orange-red buttes make for a perfect western background . The hotels, restaurants and visitors center are immersed with Navajo Tribe culture, which is apparent the minute you enter the area. You can even eat some of the delicious food at The View Hotel Restaurant. I recommend the Navajo Taco Sampler.

One of the most popular things to do at Monument Valley is to do the loop drive. This drive features many of the popular views most people have seen in movies over the years. Some of the most popular stops are Three Sisters Overlook, The John Ford’s Point Overlook, and Artists point. You can easily drive to all these areas, but taking a tour from the Navajo Tribe can help with learning the history of the area.

Another favorite activity is the Forrest Gump Point. The point is where in the film Forrest Gump ends his long-running journey. The location has gotten popular due to the views of the Buttes in the distance from the road. The GPS coordinates are 37.101393, -109.990973.

See more about Monument Valley from Michelle at The Wandering Queen  

If you want to catch a photo of Monument Valley like the one in this post’s featured image, check out this sunset/sunrise tour !

Explore gorgeous Lake Powell

Photo by Jonathan from Journey Maxx

At the point where the Colorado River crosses the border between Arizona and Utah is Lake Powell is one of the largest lakes in the USA and a perennially popular location for hiking and water sports in the heart of Navajo nation. Located in Glen Canyon with the backdrop of the great sandstone rocks that define this part of the States, a boat journey along the river towards the Rainbow Bridge, one of the world’s tallest natural arched bridge, is an essential part of any trip.

The outdoor enthusiasts among us are very well catered for regardless of experience and stamina. Hiking trails of different lengths are available for those who go for just a day trip or a bigger overnight camping adventure. Opportunities for sailing and embracing the houseboat lifestyle or a more adrenaline filled jet ski excursion are aplenty. Fishing, scuba diving or even just a gentle dip of your toes in the shallow end of the waters are other fun ways to enjoy the water.

Also, whilst sailing along you can also do a bit of wildlife spotting and birdwatching. The western grebe and blue heron are among the most frequent visitors. Staying in the nearby town of Page, AZ is the perfect location that not only overlooking Lake Powell but also close to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, without doubt two of the most photographed locations of the Southwest.

By Jonathan from Journey Maxx

You can pre-book a Rainbow Bridge boat tour here so you don’t miss out!

If you’re looking for more incredible bucket list activities in the United States, check out the other posts in this series:

• See the Best of the Midwest with this Ultimate Bucket List
• The Ultimate New England Bucket List
• The Ultimate Mid-Atlantic Bucket List
• Fifty Bucket List-Worthy Things to Do in the Southeastern United States

Don’t forget to save this list on Pinterest for future inspiration!

18 Comments

That’s quite the list. I guess I have to get cracking because they all look amazing. I need to just make sure I stop by Pops 66 Soda Ranch to hydrate along the way

WOW this is an incredible list! Southwestern USA looks like it has a lot to offer – love love love your pictures!

Wow! So many places we love and a few like San Rafael Swell that we’ve never heard of even though it looks like we drove right past it! Our two week circle of Utah was one of our favorite trips, particularly Zion. Thank you for sharing!

Great list. Saving this as some are going on my bucket list. We did 2 weeks in Arizona so saw most of that part of the list but still need to get to Colorado. New Mexico and Utah.

Amazing list! Have been to few of them in Utah and Arizona but yet to see many of them. Wonder how a road trip through all of them look like!

Definitely pinning this for future reference! So manu cool places to visit in the Southwest!

This is an amazing list! I just went backpacking in Big Bend and loved it. Havasu Falls is very high on my list too.

This is such a fabulous list. There is so much on here that I haven’t seen. Guess I better start making plans!

Temple square looks amazing. I would not have guessed there would be so many great destinations in Arizona and Utah. You have such a great mix of things to do – I definitely did eye those colorful drinks. Love this list

The southwest US is such a beautiful part of the country. I’ve visited a few of these places but clearly have a lot more to explore. Thanks for the tips!

The Wave looks crazy-awesome! And the sand at White Sands totally looks like it could be a tropical beach…except without water.

This is the perfect list for me! We have rolled over last year’s US road trip to this summer and are crossing fingers that it goes ahead this year! Horseshoe bend is already on our itinerary but I now need to add Garden of the Gods and the Pueblo Cliff dwelling! Thanks for the insider tips and inspiration!

There are so many amazing spots on this list! I live in Arizona and this put more places on my radar to visit. I need to do more exploring in Utah. Thanks for sharing!

I haven’t travelled to this corner of the states yet, so I can definitely see myself adding a few of these suggestions to my bucket list! Thanks for the tips.

Wonderful, helpful guide– thank you! We’re planning a trip to the SW later this year and there are several things on this list we’d never heard of but will definitely be adding to our itinerary now per your suggestion. 🙂

I love the Southwest USA so much! Thanks for sharing this list as there are still so many I need to do!

LOVING USA SUOTH ,,,,,,,,,,,, its full of beauty ,,,,,,,,,, You made a amazing post Thank you so much

Wow, this looks like an amazing holiday idea! I’d totally love to take a trip to this beautiful place this vacation! Thanks for posting this out!

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

16 Unique Towns To Visit In The Southwestern U.S. In 2023

• Destinations
• United States

Arizona and Nevada are two of our readers’ top 10 states they want to visit this year, according to our State of Travel survey. So we took the liberty of asking our expert travel writers for the best of the Southwest. The great state of Texas is getting its own article, so below you will find recommendations for unique towns to visit in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado — and even one little town in Southern California. Here are the best places to visit in the Southwest in 2023.

1. Clarkdale, Arizona

Nestled amongst the natural beauty of the Verde Canyon, this small Central Arizona town is one of Julie Diebolt Price’s picks for where our readers should travel in the Southwest this year. Clarkdale’s copper ore mining history is evident in the town’s charming 1930s appearance. It was the first master-planned community in Arizona and the Clarkdale Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places .

An Arizona treasure, the Verde Canyon Railroad is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Southwest. Visit the museum at the Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot , which hosts family-friendly events year-round.

“Clarkdale is below the cold of the high country and above the heat of the desert, making it an ideal location to grow grapes,” Diebolt Price tells us. Get the Arizona Wine Trail Passport to learn more about Arizona’s wine regions .

2. Fountain Hills, Arizona

Nestled amongst the Four Peaks region in the farthest northeast corner of metropolitan Phoenix , Fountain Hills is another recommendation from Diebolt Price. Named the 17th International Dark Sky Community , Fountain Hills boasts some of the best scenery in the state. This Sonoran Desert town is surrounded by parks, mountains, national forests, and tribal lands.

Fountain Hills is named after one of the largest fountains in the world. At its full height of 560 feet, The Fountain is taller than the Washington Monument, the Great Pyramid of Cheops, and Notre Dame Cathedral. The world-famous fountain is triple the height of Yellowstone’s Old Faithful. Full height is reserved for special occasions, but you can see it run for 15 minutes at 330 feet high at the top of every hour from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Fountain Hills hosts weekly farmers markets, holiday lights celebrations, and art and music events during the year. One of the largest arts and crafts events in the Southwest, the Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts takes place in November.

3. Marana, Arizona

About 20 minutes from Tuscon , this resort town is a hidden gem. Marana’s central location makes it easy to access Saguaro National Park , Biosphere 2 , and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum .

For the ultimate in luxury, Peggy Cleveland recommends staying at the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain , a beautiful resort with its own citrus grove. “You’ll feel like you are in a movie with the Wild West scenery, and many Hollywood Westerns were filmed in the area,” says Cleveland. A variety of shopping is available, including an upscale outlet mall. Foodies will love the variety of Marana’s eclectic dining scene, from dives to upscale restaurants.

4. Page, Arizona

Though Page, Arizona , might be a small town, its famous neighbors have put it on the map. The city is central to world-renowned attractions like Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons , Antelope Canyon X, Horseshoe Bend , and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area , Dam, and Overlook. All are within a 15-minute drive from Page.

Page makes a great home base from which to explore other parts of the Navajo Nation, too. The Grand Canyon is a 2- to 3-hour drive southeast. Monument Valley is about 2.5 hours east. Tuba City is a little over an hour’s drive south.

Stan Thomas says 2023 is a good time to visit Page. “Since the Navajo Nation reopened for tourism in July of 2021 following the COVID-19 shutdown, the impact of revenge travel has slowed and things are getting back to normal,” he tells us. “Though many tours are still popular and do sell out, there are more slots available now.”

5. Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona

If you’re looking for gorgeous mountains and outdoor adventures amid a small-town atmosphere, SJ Morgensen suggests checking out Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona . “This community of 5,000 is only 3.5 hours from the Phoenix/Scottsdale metro,” says Morgensen, “but it feels like a different planet.”

Any time is a good time to visit Pinetop-Lakeside in Arizona’s White Mountains. “With the heat of the valley far below, it makes the perfect cool summer destination,” Morgensen says. Hike the trails in the summer months and ski in the winter.

Close to the slopes, Buck Springs Resort offers comfortable, family-friendly cabins set amid the tall pines. Morgensen suggests heading to the Hon-Dah Casino for gaming fun and some of the best breakfasts around. “Try the Pinetop Brewing Company for real Belgian-brewed beer and excellent food — the pizza is delish! We also liked the vibe at Long Wong’s Two Hippies ,” she says, “The drinks are cold and the cool outdoor patio is dog friendly.”

6. Prescott, Arizona

Fewer than 2 hours north of Phoenix , Prescott is “Everybody’s Hometown” according to its slogan. Despite this small town’s recent population boom, much of its cowboy town charm remains intact. Glorious views of Thumb Butte , Granite Mountain, and the San Francisco Peaks help retain its Western feel, according to Gail Clifford .

Desert vistas merge to the fringes of town, growing toward the Yavapai Courthouse Plaza. “The heart of the town, the plaza plays host to festivals, car shows, parades, and political discussions amidst some of the best dining,” says Clifford. More than 200 businesses lie within three blocks of the square.

“It’s a great town to visit during every season,” Clifford says. For Valentine’s Day, Clifford suggests dining at Farm Provisions and dancing at Matt’s Saloon . “The Easter Bunny rocks the town in spring and the World’s Oldest Rodeo rides into Prescott at the end of June,” Clifford tells us. Halloween is best spent on Mt. Vernon Street.

Renowned as “Arizona’s Christmas City,” Prescott is a wonderful place to spend the holiday season. It hosts Christmas parades, a town Christmas tree and menorah lighting, and Acker Night , a fun-filled evening of live musical performances. Prescott’s New Year’s Boot Drop rounds out the festivities.

7. Julian, California

A rustic mountain town about an hour east of San Diego, Julian “provides clean air laced with the scent of apple pie and brewer’s yeast,” as Stacey Woelfel describes. Visitors flock to this old California gem to sample the town’s signature dish — apple pie. Half a dozen establishments offer fruit-filled, deep-dish delights, from the obligatory apple to strawberry, peach, and rhubarb varieties. Julian Pie Company is the big attraction for those looking for a slice, but other shops offer some pie variety.

Those looking for dinner and a drink before their pie need go no further than Julian Beer Company , a local craft brewer with a dozen beers on tap and an expansive food menu. Visit in the fall for the crisp air and changing leaves, delivered in the midst of the apple harvest, or in the weeks leading up to Christmas, when the town is decked out in its holiday finest.

8. Durango, Colorado

Durango is one of those special towns that has something to offer just about everyone and is great to visit in every season according to Robin O’Neal Smith . “Its Old West atmosphere takes you back in time,” she says, “with the convenience of modern amenities in the hotels.”

Durango offers great hiking, stagecoach rides, biking, an excellent foodie scene , rafting and floats on the Animas River, a hot spring, and so much more.

“Be sure to plan a day excursion on the Durango & Silverton line ,” recommends O’Neal Smith. “The line takes you back to the late 1800s.” This historic rail ride will take you up the mountain to the mining town of Silverton for a few hours of exploration and then back to Durango. “The ride itself is an experience, and you learn a bit of history about the boom years when ore from Silverton was transported to Durango,” describes O’Neal Smith. Enjoy impressive views as you travel the same path from over 100 years ago.

In winter, hit the slopes at nearby Purgatory Ski Resort .

The first and largest zipline in the U.S., Soaring Tree Top Adventures , is located nearby. It provides an entire day of fun and excitement as you soar through the tall timbers and over the river.

“Everyone should visit Durango, Colorado, at least once in their life,” O’Neal Smith says, “Make 2023 the year.”

9. Abiquiú, New Mexico

Kathleen Walls drove through Abiquiú on a road trip. Nearby Ghost Ranch was the subject of many of Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings. “I drove into Ghost Ranch slowly because of the breathtaking beauty of the mountains,” Walls tells us. “Georgia O’Keeffe first visited the ranch in 1934 and stayed in a small cottage, now named the O’Keeffe Cottage, near the present-day welcome center . She fell in love with the scenery and bought a home on the ranch that is still there today.” A ranch tour visits scenes O’Keeffe painted. Painting classes are offered alongside multiple tours and trail rides. Here’s what to know before visiting Georgia O’Keeffe’s home .

Abiquiú is also home to two museums, the Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology and the Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology .

Accommodations at the ranch include rooms, cabins, and campsites with communal dining at the lodge.

10. Roswell, New Mexico

As a teen, Walls was interested in possible UFO sightings, so she was thrilled when she got a chance to visit Roswell, New Mexico . Walls says your first stop should be the International UFO Museum & Research Center , where you can learn all about “The Roswell Incident.” “ Walker Aviation Museum at the airport was where the crashed UFO was examined,” she tells us. “It’s home base for the Enola Gay that dropped the first atom bomb.” Take selfies with aliens in Alien Zone Gift Shop’s hidden treasure, Area 51.

“There’s culture and history here, too,” says Walls. Check out Roswell Museum , the Historical Society of Southeast New Mexico , and Bone Springs Art Space . Visit wildlife at Spring River Zoo and park.

As you explore downtown Roswell, it’s easy to be captivated by the McDonald’s shaped like a spaceship, the murals of little green men, and the alien-shaped streetlights,” says Sage Scott , “but also watch for public art displays and other nods to the city’s ranchers.”

On Roswell’s eclectic Main Street, Stellar Coffee Co. offers lots of coffee and tea choices. Also on Main Street, the 1912 courthouse has a mini-museum according to Walls. “My dining choice is Cowboy Café ,” says Walls, who suggests seeing Roswell “before aliens abduct it.”

11. Ruidoso, New Mexico

Tucked away in the Sierra Blanca Mountains of the south-central portion of New Mexico is the charming mountain town of Ruidoso . While Ruidoso is most famous for its wintertime skiing, it has something to offer to visitors year-round. “Outdoor activities in Ruidoso take center stage,” Michelle Snell tells us. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, horseback riding, biking, and more during their time in Ruidoso.

When you are worn out from all the fun outdoor activities, visit Ruidoso’s many restaurants and enjoy some delicious Southwestern food. Snell highly recommends anything made with their famous green chiles.

The area is also home to great wineries and breweries, like Noisy Water Winery . “When you visit Noisy Water, be sure to try their green chile white wine and their red chile red wine,” advises Snell. “Both are truly unique and delicious.” History lovers won’t want to miss the Billy the Kid Scenic Byway Visitor Center and scenic byway . Ruidoso truly is a hidden gem in New Mexico and well worth a visit!

12. Taos, New Mexico

“I heard that the light in Taos was extraordinary, but nothing had prepared me for its clarity and intense colors,” recalls Roxie Yonkey . “At times, I had to stop gawking at the white snow on the blue and purple mountains with the terracotta adobe buildings in the foreground,” she says. “At sunset, the sun’s touch turned the mountains to fire.”

“The light alone makes Taos worth visiting,” says Yonkey, who went on to say, “Visitors could spend days exploring.” She suggests starting with the 1,000-year-old Taos Pueblo , then shopping at the centuries-old Taos Market . With its exquisite rugs and jewelry, El Rincon is Taos’s oldest trading post.

“The journey to and from Taos adds to its charm,” Yonkey says, “The High Road to Taos from Santa Fe passes adobe churches, including the indescribable Santuario de Chimayo .” Highway 64 spans the spectacular Rio Grande Gorge just northwest of Taos.

Every day is a great day to visit Taos according to Yonkey, but you can ski at Taos Ski Valley if you visit in the winter.

13. Tucumcari, New Mexico

Tucumcari isn’t listed along with the other destinations in the song “Route 66,” but the town embraces its Mother Road heritage nonetheless, according to Yonkey. It’s the largest city between Albuquerque, New Mexico , and Amarillo, Texas , on Interstate 40. Sign after neon sign adorns the iconic road, promoting vintage motels and kitschy attractions.

“Drive a different sort of vehicle at the Tucumcari Railroad Museum when you step into the GP-38 diesel train simulator,” Yonkey recommends.

Learn more about New Mexico’s 604-mile segment of the Mother Road at the New Mexico Route 66 Museum . To find it, look for the Route 66 Monument in front of the Convention Center.

Dinosaurs roamed New Mexico for eons before tail-finned vehicles came. The Mesalands Dinosaur Museum houses Mesozoic artifacts ranging from tiny footprints to the 40-foot-long Torvosaurus, a rare Tyrannosaurus rex relative.

Before you leave, stop at Tee Pee Curios on Tucumcari’s east side — look for the horned skeleton riding in a vintage pickup.

14. Kanab, Utah

A bustling little canyon town in the beautiful red rock desert, Kanab, Utah , is perfect for a long weekend visit to take in a few of the nearby attractions, or a stay of a week or two to fully explore the region. Beth Schwartz recommends adding it to your list for the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary . “A place of healing for about 1,600 dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, horses, pigs, and other animals, the sanctuary offers thousands of acres of red rock desert for visitors and volunteers to enjoy,” says Schwartz. Take the free 90-minute Grand Sanctuary Tour or stay overnight at a Sanctuary cabin or cottage. Even better, host a sleepover with an adoptable animal.

Schwartz recommends visiting (and volunteering ) in the spring or fall for the best weather. “After volunteering, enjoy the peace and serenity of Angel’s Rest , where hundreds of wind chimes ring in remembrance of beloved pets,” suggests Schwartz.

“Eat a vegan lunch at the Angel Village Cafe while you enjoy the beautiful vista, or take a short drive to Kanab’s Iron Horse Restaurant for meatier fare,” she advises.

Swartz says to “use your visit to Best Friends to see nearby Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks.”

15. Parowan, Utah

Carol Colborn and her husband came across Parowan, Utah, while spending a week in Brian Head. “One day, we went down to see Cedar City (population of almost 40,000),” she recalls, “We were intrigued by a smaller town we passed called Parowan , about a tenth its size. We went back to explore this town and got attracted to the lovely Parowan Cemetery, which features frontier-era sandstone fences and markers. An example of a visit-worthy grave is that of one of the many wives of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church.”

Nearby, Parowan Gap is a wind gap where an ancient river cut a 600-foot-deep notch through the hills 15 million years ago. Native Americans carved petroglyphs on the smooth faces of large boulders. This site is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Further on the Gap Road is the Dinosaur Footprints Trail , an easy 0.4-mile hike with several dinosaur footprints properly marked. “What a find!” exclaims Colborn.

16. Brian Head, Utah

On Colborn’s trip to Brian Head, she and her husband chanced upon Cedar Breaks National Monument . “What a hidden gem it is,” says Colborn. “Smaller than Bryce Canyon National Park which is only about an hour away, its hoodoos are much larger.”

“The small mountain downtown was buzzing with Brian Head Art Festival along with its regular restaurants and shops,” Colborn recalls of their July visit.

Brian Head Peak , almost 12,000 feet in elevation, can be reached by car via a narrow gravel road. At the overlook, take in a surreal view of the reddish national monument. “On the way down, we were delighted to catch the last day of the Wildflower Festival ,” says Colborn. “Even the stargazing at night was spectacular!”

Related Reading:

• 7 Charming Small Towns To Visit In Southern New Mexico
• Incredible Churches To Visit In The Southwestern U.S.
• Amazing Sky Islands To Visit In Arizona, New Mexico, And Texas

Laura Ray has lived in Atlanta, the Bay Area, SoCal, and Austin. After moving from Texas, she and her husband rambled about the Midwest in a camper for a couple of years before finally settling on 35 acres in their home state of Kentucky. When she isn't clacking around on the keyboard (cat in lap), you can find her practicing yoga, gardening, or playing the ukulele. This travel-lover's favorite destinations include Italy, the Greek isles, and Kentucky Lake.

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The 55 best historic houses and gardens to visit in the south west of england.

Discover historic houses and gardens all across the South West, including an array of castles, manors and ancient halls, all for free with a Historic Houses membership card

The South West of England is full of glorious places to visit and explore, including an array of the country’s finest historic houses and gardens. Here, you can find a selection of places to visit when in the area, and if you’re a Historic Houses member, you can use your card to explore these places for free. Take a look now by scrolling down our page here or view a map of all the houses here .

Caerhays Castle & Gardens, St Austell

It is difficult not to be stunned when you visit Caerhays Castle and its 140 acre Gardens which are the home of the Williams family.

The natural beauty of the coastline and its steep valleys, the architectural surprises, the inescapable sense of history and the range of activities and facilities that the estate offers, all set the scene for a wonderful day of discovery and exploration.

Pencarrow House & Gardens, Bodmin

Owned, loved and lived in by the family. Pencarrow is a Georgian house with Grade II* listed gardens.

Enjoy a guided tour with a difference and step back into the past with stories of the Molesworths past and present! We have a superb collection of portraits, furniture and porcelain.

Prideaux Place, Padstow

First recorded as being Lords of Prideaux Castle, Luxulyan 1000 years ago, the family has been based at Prideaux Place since 1592, still lived in by the family who built it.

The house, surrounded by 40 acres of landscaped grounds and with its ancient Deer Park, is a charming mix of Elizabethan, Strawberry Hill Gothic and Georgian eras. Each room has its own individuality from all these different ages and one of it has been spoilt by Victorian additions.

Tregrehan, Par

Tucked into St Austell Bay, Tregrehan has an enviable location for a Woodland Garden.

The garden is well sheltered, has deep soil and prevalent rainfall and with the mild Gulf Stream Current nearby. This has all helped to create Cornwall’s atmospheric temperate rainforest.

Bickleigh Castle, Tiverton

Bickleigh Castle is an ancient water castle remodelled as a fortified manor house during the 15th Century and severely damaged in the 17th, since when it has been much restored.

Cadhay, Ottery St Mary

One of the most interesting Tudor manor houses in Devon. Built in 1550, Cadhay retains the hall of an earlier house.

An Elizabethan Long Gallery was added to form a unique courtyard with statues of Tudor sovereigns on each side described by Sir Simon Jenkins as ‘one of the treasures of Devon’.

Castle Hill Gardens, Barnstaple

Castle Hill was built in 1730 as Earl Fortescue’s family home. The current custodians are the 15th generation of the Fortescue family to live in the Palladian house.

Set in magnificent 18th-century parkland with many original follies, statues and temples, a sham castle and Triumphal Arch. The woodland gardens are abundantly planted with magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons, eucryphias and many rare trees. Formal gardens include the Millennium Garden and a Topiary water sculpture by Giles Rayner.

Downes House, Crediton

Downes is the family home of the Buller and Parker Family. It is still lived in by the current generation of the family – Henry and Susan Parker and their children Redvers (born 1992) and Stroma (born 1995).

The attraction of Downes is the way it brings together aspects of the history of our country (particularly as the home of the famous General Buller) and the history of a family home, still privately occupied and loved by its owners, some 300 years after it was first built. It is hoped that visitors will appreciate the opportunity to share this special place.

Forde Abbey, Chard

Forde Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery dating back to the early 12th century.

It was converted into a palatial family home during the mid 17th century. The house has exquisitely ornate plaster ceilings throughout the state rooms, together with collection of tapestries woven from cartoons drawn by Raphael for the Sistine Chapel, it is a unique family house.

Fursdon, Cadbury

Fursdon House has evolved from a modest cob and thatch dwelling to the elegant Georgian manor house you see today. The Fursdon family has lived on this site since 1259 and behind its façade lie centuries of history.

Additionally, there is a lovely Victorian cottage available for holiday accommodation. Fursdon also hosts a very small number of special wedding receptions each year and can cater for small corporate events.

Special events in the South West

Historic houses and gardens in the South West are well known for their spectacular events for a range of different interests. From concerts at Powderham Castle, to outdoor theatre at The Bishop’s Palace, and organised garden tours at Kelly House, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

...also in Devon

Hartland Abbey, Bideford

Hartland Abbey is a fascinating house. Built across a narrow, wooded valley leading to an Atlantic cove a mile away, Henry VIII gifted the Abbey to The Keeper of his Wine Cellar, whose descendants live here today.

Not only can visitors experience the stunning interiors, collections, beautiful gardens and walks but the Abbey exudes the warmth and friendliness only found in a family home cherished for generations. Close family connections to Poltimore House and Clovelly Court nearby are evident.

Powderham Castle, Exeter

Powderham Castle has been the same family home for over 600 years. It was built by Sir Philip Courtenay in the 14th century and, despite many alterations and additions to adapt the Castle to changing times, Philip and his many descendants would undoubtedly still recognise it today.

“There is so much to see, enjoy and appreciate that we cannot take full value from it ourselves. Nor, frankly, could we afford to maintain it without the help and support of our visitors. You are therefore doubly welcome.”

Sand, Sidbury

Family members, Stella and Stephen Huyshe-Shires, provide personal guided tours of the lived in house explaining how it has developed over centuries to accommodate the changing needs of generations.

Set in a peaceful East Devon valley, the main house is largely Elizabethan with an adjacent mediaeval hall house and early 17th-century garden house and about 6 acres of varied gardens.

Tiverton Castle, Tiverton

Originally built as motte & bailey castle in 1106, later rebuilt & altered down the ages. Tiverton was once the home of the medieval Earls of Devon & Princess Katherine Plantagenet. The Castle was captured by Fairfax in 1645 due to a lucky shot hitting the drawbridge chain.

Today Tiverton is a peaceful private house, with a fine collection of Civil War arms & armour, some of which can even be tried on. See the medieval loos, once cleaned out by children, interesting furniture and pictures and a beautiful garden.

Ugbroooke House, Chudleigh

Ugbrooke House is a Grade I listed stately home nestled in the quintessential rolling green hills of south Devon.

It has a fascinating history covering 900 years, originally featuring in the Domesday book of 1086, and today it remains the private home of the Clifford family. The Honourable Alexander Clifford and his wife live in the main house, but each summer, they open the doors to their house and garden to allow visitors a sneak peek into their family home.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Abbotsbury

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens overlooks the World Heritage Jurassic coast, and is situated between Bridport and Weymouth in Dorset.

The gardens have previously been winners of the Historic Houses/ Christie’s Garden of the Year Award, and were described by Alan Titchmarsh as “One of the finest gardens I have ever visited”.

Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester

Athelhampton is one of England’s finest Tudor Manor Houses. The Great Hall, the heart of the House was built in 1485, when it would have served as the entire accommodation. The West Wing was added in the 16th Centuty as the house become domesticated, with further additions over the centuries.

With its linenfold paneling, ancient heraldic stained glass & minstrels gallery, The Great Hall is a fine example of Tudor architecture.

Deans Court, Wimborne

Deans Court is an ancient house with fine Georgian facades, set in romantic gardens. It was formerly a Saxon monastery and has only had two owners in 1,300 years.

The current owner’s family has lived here for 500 years and the long run of ancestral portraits provides the backdrop for a remarkable example of private heritage.

Highcliffe Castle, Highcliffe

Highcliffe Castle is a Grade I listed mansion built in the romantic gothic style. It was built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay in the early 1830s and remained a family home until the 1950s. It is situated on the cliff top with beach access and spectacular views across to the Isle of Wight.

Two devastating fires in the 1960’s rendered the building derelict. In 1977 it was purchased by Christchurch Borough Council and a programme of repairs was begun with the support of English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Lulworth Castle, Wareham

Built in the 17th century, this magnificent building is steeped in history.

Originally built as a hunting lodge to entertain aristocracy and royalty, it was for centuries the family seat of the Weld family, the current owners of the Lulworth Estate. Ravaged by fire in 1929, it has been partly restored in a pioneering partnership with English Heritage.

...also in Dorset

Mapperton House & Gardens, Beaminster

Mapperton House is the home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich. The family moved here from Hinchingbrooke House, near Huntingdon, in the 1950s, bringing with it the family collection.

Mapperton was voted ‘The Nations Finest Manor House’ by Country Life and was principal location of 2015 film ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’.

Minterne Gardens, Dorchester

A historic house in an unequalled setting, Minterne House is a unique family home.

You can visit the unique Himalayan gardens and wander ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ through Minterne’s wild woodland gardens and let the tranquility provide that perfect antidote to life’s stresses.

Sherborne Castle & Gardens, Sherborne

Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and the stately home of the Digby family since 1617; Sherborne Castle presents glorious staterooms displaying nationally important collections of art, furniture & porcelain.

In the Castle’s cellars Raleigh’s kitchen and a museum with a ‘Capability’ Brown exhibition is on view. A new Raleigh exhibition in 2018 will mark the 400th anniversary of his execution.

Stock Gaylard House, near Sturminster Newton

Built in 1720 Stock Gaylard is a Georgian House overlooking an ancient fallow deer park. The estate is approximately 1800 acres with around 300 acres of predominantly oak woodland. A 14th-century dovecote can be found in the garden.

We have an ethos of conservation and preservation and to help to preserve our country estate we offer Yurt holidays. The house is open to the public in April, May and September and we welcome pre-booked groups at other times.

Wolfeton House, Dorchester

Wolfeton is a fine Grade 1 listed mediaeval and Elizabethan house. The original courtyard section of the current building dates back to about 1480 and the house was embellished around 1560.

Wolfeton has magnificent carved oak panelling, splendid plaster ceilings, grand fireplaces and unique stone great stairs. There are also fine pictures and furniture from the 17-century.

Gloucestershire

Acton Court, Iron Acton

In 1535 the owner, Nicholas Poyntz built a magnificent new East Wing on to the existing moated manor house in honour of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn’s summer progress around the West Country.

The new wing was a splendid testament to Nicholas Poyntz’s loyalty to his King. He went to immense trouble and expense, decorating the state apartments lavishly and fashionably. He was well rewarded as it is thought he was knighted during the royal visit.

Berkeley Castle, Berkeley

Berkeley is a stunning mediaeval castle which has been the home of the Berkeley family since 1153.

Tall towers, deep dungeon, grand and gruesome: homely and horrid. Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I all stayed here and Edward II was murdered here.

Chavenage House, Tetbury

Chavenage is a wonderful Elizabethan house of mellow grey Cotswold stone and tiles which contains much of interest for the discerning visitor.

The approach aspect of Chavenage is virtually as it was left by Edward Stephens in 1576. Only two families have owned Chavenage; the present owners (Lowsley-Williams) since 1891 and the Stephens family before them.

Dr Jenner's House, Berkeley

From Gloucestershire in the 1790s to Somalia in the 1970s, Dr Jenner’s House, Museum and Garden traces the impact of one of the pivotal events in world history, in the place where it happened.

This is the house where Edward Jenner, pioneer of vaccination against smallpox, lived and told the world about his work. Less than 200 years later, smallpox had been eradicated, with countless lives saved in the process.

Hardwicke Court, Gloucester

Hardwicke Court is a late Georgian house designed by Sir Robert Smirke in the early 19th century. The house is currently lived in by the sixth generation of Lloyd-Bakers.

Visitors are offered a tour of the drawing room, library and dining room, containing many pieces of furniture and art original to the house. The gardens are also open to visitors.

Kiftsgate Court Gardens, Chipping Campden

Kiftsgate is a glorious garden to visit throughout the seasons with spectacular views. Three generations of women gardeners have designed, planted and sustained this garden.

The upper gardens around the house are planted to give harmonious colour schemes, whilst the sheltered lower gardens recreate the atmosphere of warmer countries.

Painswick Rococo Gardens, Painswick

Painswick Rococo Garden is the country’s sole surviving complete rococo garden. Designed in the 1740s as a fanciful pleasure garden for Benjamin Hyett and his guests, this hidden valley offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and intriguing garden buildings.

A visit to Painswick Rococo Garden will take you back to the elegance and sophistication of the early 1700s.  This was a time when gardens were fashionable theatrical sets, providing a stunning backdrop to decadent garden parties.

Travel sustainably

We’re very keen to promote sustainable transport on your visits to historic houses and gardens in the South West of England, so recommend you visit the website of Good Journey to see if you can plan an adventure without the need for a petrol/diesel car. Take a look at Good Journey’s web page to start planning.

...also in Gloucestershire

Rodmarton Manor, Cirencester

Rodmarton Manor is a unique Arts and Crafts Manor House containing furniture made locally and with a stunning early 20th-century garden.

The house and garden were designed for the Biddulph family by Ernest Barnsley, whilst his brother Sidney was the principle furniture maker. This house, although post Industrial Revolution was a return to earlier times with local materials, hand tools and craftsmanship.

Sezincote, Moreton-in-Marsh

Sezincote is a Mughal Indian palace set in the Cotswold Hills, created by the nabob Charles Cockerell in 1805.

The house is surmounted by a copper dome and minarets, and set in a picturesque water garden with seven pools, waterfalls, a grotto and a temple to Surya, the Hindu Sun God. A curving Orangery frames the Persian Garden of Paradise.

Stanway House, Cheltenham

Owned by Tewkesbury Abbey for 800 years then for 500 years by the Tracy family and their descendants, the Earls of Wemyss who still live there.

The house, its fascinating furniture, the jewel-like Gatehouse, the church and 14th-century Tithe Barn, the 18th-century water-garden, the specimen trees and avenues, the surrounding villages, farms, parkland and woodland all subtly combine to create an enclave of very English and almost magical harmony.

Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe

Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, Sudeley Castle & Gardens has played an important role in England’s history for over 1,000 years. The castle rooms and exhibits contain many fascinating treasures, from ancient Roman times to the present day.

Outside, the castle is surrounded by a breathtaking 1,200 acre estate and ten award-winning gardens.  The centrepiece is the Queens Garden, so named because four of England’s queens – Anne Boleyn, Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I – once walked upon the original Tudor Parterre.

The Garden at Miserden, Stroud

The estate encompasses 850 acres of woodland, farmland and gardens providing a sanctuary for wildlife and a tranquil escape to allow you to spend time with your family and friends.

From early spring visitors can enjoy beautiful flowering beds, shrubs and fine topiary. Within the walled garden generous herbaceous borders run down either side, with a pergola of roses, stately spires of delphiunium and fine specimen trees nestle together with hydrandea villosa.

Westonbirt House, Tetbury

Westonbirt House and Gardens are the creation of successive members of the Holford family, most notably of that titan of the 19th-century, Robert Stayner Holford.

Robert invested the family wealth into the Westonbirt estate and his collection of Fine Art and books. He founded and stocked the Westonbirt Arboretum and his private garden with exotic species of trees.

Whittington Court, Cheltenham

Whittington Court is a small Tudor manor house with Jacobean and later additions, set in beautiful Cotswold countryside 5 miles east of Cheltenham.

The present house, believed to sit on the site of a much earlier Manor, was probably started by Richard Cotton of Carmarthen, with later additions built by subsequent generations of the Cotton family who held the house through the 16th and 17th Centuries. It was clearly substantial because on September 9, 1592, Queen Elizabeth ‘dyned at Mr Cotons at Whytington’ on her Progress through Gloucestershire.

Woodchester Mansion, Stonehouse

Woodchester Mansion, is a Grade I listed house built in the Victorian Gothic style and hidden in a beautiful Cotswold valley.

Construction started in the mid-1850s and stopped in 1870, before completion.Floors and ceilings are missing, walls are not plastered, and windows are unglazed. All the secrets of the construction of the Mansion are visible – details that visitors will never see in another country house.

Orchard Wyndham, Taunton

Orchard Wyndham has been home to the Wyndhams and their ancestors for over 700 years. Its history is as complex as its architecture, as tricky to unravel. We know that the house was already built in part by 1287, but the history of the place likely goes back much further.

The last major additions were by Sir William Wyndham, Lord Chancellor to Queen Anne, who found a place in Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”. Sir William, a Jacobite, after his arrest and a spell in The Tower, was required by the new King to remain on his estates. And here, in the words of John Gay, he amused himself “with some real improvements and a great many visionary castles”.

The Bishop's Palace, Wells

The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens in Wells has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years and this stunning medieval palace is open for all to enjoy.

Surrounded by a breath-taking moat (with resident swans) visitors can cross a flagstone drawbridge, walk under the portcullis and experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the City of Wells.

Corsham Court, Corsham

The collection at Corsham Court contains important paintings by such masters as Fra Filippo Lippi, Van Dyck, Carlo Dolci, Joshua Reynolds and Sofonisba Anguissola. The mirrors and tables in the Picture Gallery were designed by Robert Adam specially for the room.

Capability Brown was responsible for the layout of the Corsham Park to the east of the house and in the gardens, amongst the collection of specimen trees, is the oriental plane, which is acknowledged to be the largest spreading tree in the United Kingdom.

Heale House Gardens, Salisbury

Heale House and its eight acres of beautiful gardens lie beside the river Avon at Middle Woodford, just north of Salisbury, Wiltshire. Much of the house is unchanged since King Charles II hid here in 1651.

When visitors step into the garden at Heale House they are immediately transported into a magical and varied paradise of running streams and exuberant planting that they return to time and again to experience its many different moods throughout the seasons.

Iford Manor Gardens, Bradford-on-Avon

Tucked away at the bottom of a tranquil valley, a visit to the romantic, award-winning, Grade 1 listed Iford Manor Garden is like no other.

Famed Edwardian landscape designer Harold Peto designed the unique, Italiante, Grade 1 listed gardens when Iford Manor was his home, from 1899-1933. Drawing inspiration from his travels all around the world, the garden blends Italian, Byzantine, Ancient Roman and Oriental garden designs together with architecture and classical sculpture.

The South West is full of important historic collections...

The Cloisters at Wilton House hold an important collection of antique Greek & Roman statuary formed by the 8th Earl, including the Mazarin Collection from Paris, bought in the 1720’s.

...also in Wiltshire

Longleat House, Warminster

Longleat House is set within 900 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped gardens and is widely regarded as one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public.

This former 16th-century Augustinian priory contains many treasures and heirlooms acquired by generations of the Thynn(e) family, some of whom were great collectors of their day. The collection comprises early books and manuscripts, magnificent paintings, exquisite Flemish tapestries, and fine French furniture all housed within 19th-century opulent interiors created by John Dibblee Crace.

The Merchant's House, Marlborough

Built during the Commonwealth period, 1653 – 1656, The Merchant’s House is a rare example of a middle class silk merchant’s house, containing nationally acclaimed wall paintings and decorative features.

The house, and its wonderful rooms, are available to tour. Visit the main panelled chamber with a limestone carved fireplace and oak overmantle and the dining room, built around 1670. There are also bedrooms, a suite of servants rooms, a study and kitchen; some of which are furnished according to a probate inventory of 1691.

Wilton House, Salisbury

Wilton House has been the Earl of Pembroke’s ancestral home for over four and a half centuries. Rebuilt in the Palladian style in 1647 by Inigo Jones & John Webb, with further alterations made by James Wyatt in 1801, the chief architectural features are the 17th-century State Apartments and the 19th Cloisters.

The State Apartments include the Single and Double Cube rooms which contain seat furniture by William Kent and an impressive number of portraits by Van Dyck, including the huge ‘family piece’ of the 4th Earl, as well as paintings by Lely, Rembrandt, Pieter Brueghel the Younger, and Gerrit van Honhorst, amongst others.

The Channel Islands

Sausmarez Manor, Guernsey

Sausmarez Manor, parts of which date to the early 13th century, has been altered, reduced and added to over the years with major changes in Tudor, Queen Anne, Regency and Victorian times.

The front of the house is regarded as the finest example of Queen Anne Colonial architecture in Britain. It was built between 1714 & 1718 at the bequest of Sir Edmund Andros, the 1st Governor of New York.

Days out in South West England

The South West is the perfect place to spend your UK holiday, and with so many historic houses and gorgeous gardens to visit on your trip it really is worth spending a week or two there to enjoy them all. You can view a map of all the places to visit in the South West now on our page via the link below.

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• Things to do

Explore > Destinations > Arizona > 21 of the most scenic Southwest cities

21 of the most scenic Southwest cities

The sheer variety of America’s landscapes make it a fascinating and awe-inspiring place to explore. Of all its corners and regions, the southwestern states most capture the spirit of expansive freedom inherent in American Western lore. When we asked 1,000 travelers, “What is the most beautiful destination in the Southwest United States?”, the following places came top of mind.

With special attention to the reigning favorites (Colorado was named most beautiful Southwest state), and a few of our favorites sprinkled in, here is our list of the most scenic cities in the American Southwest. And be sure to see our picks for most scenic East and West Coast cities, too!

1. Carlsbad, New Mexico

The famed Carlsbad Caverns are one of the biggest Southwest tourist attractions and lend this region an air of beauty and mystery. Plan to stay the whole day to see a vibrant sunset silhouette black bats as they take flight for the night. Take to the hiking trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park just south of the city to experience the wonders of Chihuahuan Desert backcountry, cool off in the swimming hole at Sitting Bull Falls, or take the whole family to the scenic Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park.

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas needs no introduction, but many people don’t know it’s one of the best places to visit in the Southwest for more than the glittery Strip. Outside the city, the scenery unfolds endlessly. Nearby Valley of Fire State Park houses such awe-inspiring spots as the towers at Rainbow Vista to the colorful White Domes. The 13-mile scenic drive in Red Rock Canyon is among the cluster of great Southwest road trip ideas, and hiking, camping, and geological exploration deliver all the wonders of the desert.

3. Denver, Colorado

The Denver area’s beauty is on full display along Mount Evans Scenic Byway and at Echo Lake. Pack a picnic and wind your way to the sparkling alpine waters. Pair sweeping views with thundering sounds at impressive Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. And don’t shirk a visit to the National Center for Atmospheric Research’s visitor center to learn how we can help conserve the natural environment that makes this one of the best cities in the Southwest.

4. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Choose your own adventurous way to take in the scenic landscape with Adventures Out West tours. You can see all the majesty of Garden of the Gods from above in a hot air balloon or climb the peaks from the seat of a rugged Jeep. Go your own way with a mountain bike rental from Amp’d Adventures or join one of their tours.

5. Winslow, Arizona

Wonderous sights surround Winslow, from the fascinating Hopi ruins in Homolovi State Park to the glassy waters at Clear Creek Reservoir. Camping, fishing, and watersports come in a scenic setting here, where you can also learn the ropes (though not literally) of deep-water soloing, a gear-free climbing method inspired by the craggy canyon walls. But perhaps the most interesting sight is the gigantic Meteor Crater 26 miles west of town.

6. Tubac, Arizona

Colorful architecture and mountain backdrops define Tubac’s Southwest scenery. See both at Tumacácori National Historical Park, where O’odham, Yaqui, and Apache people once dwelled. Tubac Presidio State Historic Park offers a glimpse at 2,000 years of Arizona history, while Patagonia Lake is less than an hour away and is well worth the trek.

7. Springdale & Rockville, Utah

These two towns are practically in Zion National Park, which is one of the prettiest places to visit in the Southwest. Ever hiked in a river? Now’s your chance in the Narrows, a gorge surrounded by thousand-feet tall walls. Don’t forget your camera for the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, 57 miles of mountainous magnificence. For an unforgettable journey, put it on your list immediately!

8. Breckenridge, Colorado

The view from 9,500 feet at the Sapphire Point Overlook includes sparkling Dillon Reservoir and the Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges. The surrounding 2.3 million-acre White River National Forest includes eight wilderness areas and multiple rivers. The slopes at Breckenridge Ski Resort offer some of the best skiing in the state, and a visit here is a winner if you’re looking for fun things to do in the Southwest region.

9. Holbrook, Arizona

On the border of the Petrified National Forest, Holbrook boasts pretty epic scenery. Backcountry hikes take you through the eponymous petrified logs and other archeological wonders. Park guides will show you the daylight sights, but you can also join a night adventure in the newly designated International Dark Sky Park.

10. Garden City, Utah

When it comes to beautiful places to see in the Southwest, Garden City flourishes. Enjoy the views from Beaver Creek Lodge, where horseback riding and UTV rides take you through pretty mountain scenes. The city lies on the shores of Bear Lake State Park, where the deep turquoise waters have led to its nickname, the Caribbean of the Rockies. The Logan Canyon Scenic Byway is the main thread that connects some of the area’s most stunning sights.

11. Sedona, Arizona

Of all the places to visit in the Southwest region, Sedona is in the running for most beautiful. The Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive climbs 4,500 feet from Sedona, but before you start, make sure to stop at the stunning Oak Creek Vista. Along the way, you’ll see evergreens, red rocks, and wildlife. Red Rock State Park features a range of trails, from flat walks near Oak Creek to ascending paths with impressive views.

12. Strawberry, Arizona

Make your Arizona visit a two-for-one and head to Strawberry. The scenes here are as sweet as the name of the city, especially at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Four distinct trails wind past creeks, waterfalls, and natural bridges. If you want to see the longest stretching views in Arizona, Mogollon Rim is the spot for you. The scene from atop the 2,000-foot mesa is vast and staggering.

13. Mesa Verde, Colorado

Mesa Verde’s views connect viewers to history, both cultural and natural. The expertly carved cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park—from Cliff Palace to Spruce Tree house—take you back 700 years to the Ancestral Puebloans who shaped them, and have been preserved by rock that was deposited around 78 million years ago. See them all on the Far View or 700 Years Tour.

14. Las Cruces, New Mexico

Outdoor recreation in and around Las Cruces is as scenic as it is sporty. Hiking Picacho Peak or the Dona Ana Mountains provides plenty of places to scan the scenery, and you can tackle both by mountain bike or horseback. For rides that take you through ancient migration routes and abandoned mines, visit Corralitos Ranch Trail Rides. Perhaps the most scenic destination in the area is White Sands National Monument, where sugary dunes stand in contrast to colorful sunsets and varied desert hues.

15. Ely, Nevada

Ely is the perfect gateway to eastern Nevada’s most breathtaking destinations. The picturesque scenes of Great Basin National Park lie 65 miles to the east, while the glittering waters of Cave Lake State Park are a skipping stone’s throw at less than 15 miles. The unique sights at Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, with its large beehive-shaped charcoal ovens (once used to process silver from area mines), include sweeping vistas of forested hills.

16. Grand Canyon, Arizona

Of all the places to visit in the Southwest region, the Grand Canyon is by far the most famous. The nearly unfathomably vast chasm is the result of around 2 billion years of water working its way through rock, and is a truly impressive sight to behold. Other jaw-dropping areas include the oft-photographed Horseshoe Bend, the mind-bending Antelope Canyon, and the scenic, recreational waters of Lake Powell.

17. Sky City, New Mexico

Sky City’s name speaks for itself. The views from Acoma Pueblo, the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America, stand high above rugged mesas and desert flora. Start at the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum to learn about the cultural importance of this scenic Native American settlement.

18. Monument Valley, Utah/Arizona

As synonymous with cinema Westerns as John Wayne, Monument Valley embodies the westward expansion more than any other American landscape. The noble spires, dusty red and orange, jut upward toward wide-open skies, which morph into fiery swaths of color come sunset. If you’ve ever had dreams of taking to open land on horseback, this beautiful Southwest spot is a must.

19. Escalante, Utah

Get your wide-angle lenses ready when you arrive in Escalante, where colorful sandstone canyons and mountainous aspen scenery deliver photogenic moments at every turn. Cover as much land as you can with Excursions of Escalante’s local guides. They’ll expertly navigate you through the region’s most pristine and untouched edges. You can take in all the beauty during off-trail canyoneering, hiking, and even multi-day overnight tours.

20. Abiquiu, New Mexico

Have you been to a place so unique and worthy it inspired some of the world’s most beautiful paintings? That’s what you’ll find in Abiquiu, home and environmental muse of painter Georgia O’Keeffe. Experience the sights through her eyes at Ghost Ranch, where outdoor adventures meet art exhibits and spiritual retreats. For watery recreation, scenic Abiquiu Lake is your spot. Don’t leave the area without a trip to the Echo Amphitheater; the trail is a local favorite.

21. Aspen, Colorado

Gorgeous Aspen gives good face year-round, attracting winter skiers and summertime hikers, but it may just be the vibrant autumn leaves that truly present it at its best. Snow enthusiasts in the know hit the less crowded but no less beautiful Aspen Highlands, and you can’t take a bad picture at infinitely photogenic Maroon Bells. Make sure to visit charming Snowmass Village, where many recreational opportunities surround.

Which Southwest cities do you find most scenic? Let us know in the comments!

  Header image via Zhukova Valentyna/Shutterstock.com

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THE 10 BEST South West England Sights & Historical Landmarks

South west england landmarks.

• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Churches & Cathedrals
• Historic Sites
• Monuments & Statues
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Shirehampton
• Princes Street and Gardens
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. The Roman Baths

2. Stonehenge

Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (195)

3. Bath Abbey

4. Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta

5. Clifton Suspension Bridge

6. Longleat

7. The Lost Gardens of Heligan

8. St. Michael's Mount

9. Tintagel Castle

10. Pennywell Farm

11. Wells Cathedral

12. Lanhydrock House and Garden

13. Pulteney Bridge

14. Nothe Fort

15. Corfe Castle

16. Glastonbury Tor

17. Stourhead House and Garden

18. Coleton Fishacre

19. Exeter Cathedral

20. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

21. Bude Tunnel

22. Pendennis Castle

23. The Lizard and Kynance Cove

24. Avebury Stone Circle

25. Greenway

26. Geevor Tin Mine

27. The Circus

28. Kingston Lacy

29. Weymouth Harbour

30. Buckfast Abbey

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30+ Awesome Places to Visit in South West England

If you’re looking for places to visit in South West England, here are over 30 suggestions!

This day trips in South West England guide will show you some of the best days out in the region.

Mainly focusing on Bristol, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, there should be a range of places that are accessible from wherever you are based.

Whether you’re looking for cheap day trips, things to do with the family or days out in the South West for couples, we hope you’ll find some inspiration in this blog post!

Table of Contents

Cheap days out in South West England

You don’t have to spend much money to enjoy cheap days out in South West England!

Here are some of the best places to visit in this area of the country, many of them are free!

To the beach!

Going to the beach is one of the best South West England day trip ideas.

What’s more, it’s usually free!

South West England has some of the best beaches in the country.

From the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, ending in Exmouth , to the crashing waves of North Devon and Cornwall, to idyllic beaches in South Cornwall, to the family-orientated beaches of Somerset – there’s an expanse of sand for everyone in the West Country .

These beaches do get busy in the summer – especially during school holidays – so try to start your beach day early if you are in peak season. My favourite beaches are Widemouth Bay near Bude in North Cornwall, Woolacombe in North Devon, Lulworth Cove in Dorset and Exmouth in South Devon.

If you’re living in Bristol , you could visit Portishead or Weston-Super-Mare , which are a short drive away. And there are hundreds more!

If you’re into hiking, why not try tackling some – or all – of the South West Coast path?

This is a 630 mile journey travelling from Minehead in Somerset, around Cornwall’s peninsula, to Poole in Dorset.

Trails leave every beach along the way, and you’ll get some epic views even with just a day hike.

Bristol’s free museums

Bristol has a variety of fun and educational free museums, so if you’re visiting the city in the rain and are looking for cheap things to do, here are some ideas!

The M Shed is a museum focusing on Bristol’s distinct culture, its many neighbourhoods, and interesting characters who have made the city what it is.

Arnolfini is an art gallery focusing on contemporary art.

Then you’ve got the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery , and the Georgian House Museum , which is a depiction of a typical Bristol house in the Georgian period, as well as the awful involvement that Bristol had in the slave trade (difficult to learn about, but important to be aware of).

John Wesley’s Chapel is the oldest Methodist building in the world, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge has a small museum detailing the history of the bridge.

The Palestinian Museum and Cultural Centre seeks to educate visitors about Palestinian history and the deep issues that the country still faces today.

Let’s not forget Bristol’s outdoor art gallery too – you can do a self-guided Banksy tour to explore his artwork, or simply walk around Stokes Croft or Southville and enjoy the street art!

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath

Just down the road from Bristol is the famous city of Bath.

There are plenty of things to do in Bath , a lot of them expensive – but you can see a lot of the city for free as well.

Explore Bath by merely walking around and gazing at the buildings .

Check out the Circus , a perfect circle of houses, and the Crescent – these were designed by the same person and are very symbolic of Bath.

You should also check out Pulteney Bridge and Bath Weir .

Bath Abbey was the site of coronation for the first King of all of England, Edgar , and has some interesting historical features going back to its construction in 1499.

On a clear day, walk up to the Bath Skyline and enjoy a beautiful view of Bath’s many iconic crescents and historic houses below.

Also, enjoy the many parks, like Sydney Gardens and the Royal Victoria Park .

Most museums in Bath are quite expensive, but the Victoria Art Gallery is free to peruse.

Hike on Exmoor, Bodmin, or Dartmoor

South West England has some of the best moorlands in the country.

Exmoor is a coastal national park with some epic cliff views, including the famous Valley of Rocks .

You can also enjoy picturesque villages in the national park, like Porlock and Lynton and Lynmouth .

Dartmoor is close to Plymouth and is one of the most spectacular national parks in the UK.

Look out for Dartmoor ponies, do many of the epic hikes, and visit the charming villages of the area.

If you’re looking for things to do in Cornwall , check out Bodmin Moor .

This wild moor has been the subject of mystical stories for centuries, and now offers a range of waterfalls, expansive moorland and the two highest peaks in Cornwall.

Bodmin town has some interesting attractions as well.

Explore the Mendip or Quantock Hills

As well as moors, the South West has hills! The Mendip Hills are one of the easiest day trips from Bristol , sitting at just 7 miles from the southern edge of the city.

You can do a range of hikes in the Mendips, including a hike to Blackdown (the highest spot in the area) and the charming Three Priddy Droves walk.

The Quantock Hills are located in Somerset, next to Exmoor National Park .

There is a range of short and long walks that you can do in the Quantocks, as well as enjoy this portion of Somerset’s own Jurassic Coast.

Check out my video of the Quantocks below!

Road Tripping Cornwall

If you have your own vehicle, taking a road trip in Cornwall is one of the best cheap days out in South West England.

There are different spots to visit all over Cornwall, so where you drive to will depend on where you are based!

If you’re driving from South Devon, check out Fowey , Looe , and St Austell . From North Devon, you could visit Bude , Boscastle , Tintagel and Port Isaac .

If you’re already in Cornwall, you could visit some of the destinations in the far west of the county.

Try Newquay , St Ives , Penzance , Lands End , Falmouth , and Truro .

Free Attractions in Exeter

If you’re looking for more urban places to visit in South West England, Exeter is a great spot.

It has plenty of free and cheap attractions, so it’s perfect for budget travellers!

Things to do in Exeter include the free Red Coat walking tours which explore different aspects of Exeter’s history, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (also free!), hanging out at the Quayside .

You can also look out for little quirky attractions, including Parliament Street (the narrowest street in Europe) and the House that Moved – a Tudor building that literally moved on train tracks.

Explore Wells and Glastonbury

Wells and Glastonbury are easy to reach from Bristol, Bath, and destinations in Devon and Dorset.

Glastonbury has the famous Glastonbury Tor and the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey , and the quirky shops of Glastonbury High Street .

Wells is the smallest city in the country, and has a majestic Abbey , Vicars Close which is the oldest residential street in the country, as well as local farmer’s markets .

Birdwatching at the Exe Estuary

If you’re living in West Dorset or East Devon, or anywhere on the M5, it’s relatively easy to reach the Exe Estuary .

This part of the river traverses down from Exeter to Exmouth on one side and Dawlish Warren on the other side.

It’s an easy walk along the estuary – it has a great boardwalk as well as lovely beach views.

There are ample birdwatching opportunities , as well as the option to visit Powderham Castle and the Exminster Marshes .

Castles (with English heritage membership)

If you have an English Heritage membership, the castles are some of the best places to go in the Southwest.

Pendennis Castle is near Falmouth in Cornwall and was constructed by Henry VIII. Tintagel Castle , also in Cornwall, has Arthurian legend links.

Totnes Castle is the ruins of a historic motte and bailey fortress, and Dartmouth Castle sits in beautiful settings.

Closer to Bristol is Nunney Castle which dates back from 1370 and St Briavels Castle was built by Edward I and is located in Gloucestershire.

In Dorset, enjoy Portland Castle which was also built by Henry VIII.

Days out in South West for couples

If you’re looking for places to visit in South West England with your other half, you’ll love these romantic days out in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall.

Hiking Cheddar Gorge

If you’re a couple who love the outdoors, try visiting Cheddar .

There are loads of activities in Cheddar .

As well as enjoying the charming town and sampling local Cheddar cheese, you can climb up to the top of the gorge on one of the ladders and hike the paths around the gorge.

It’s an easy day out from Bath or Bristol.

Exploring Cotswold villages

There’s nowhere quite as romantic as the Cotswolds. If you’re looking for date ideas near Bristol , take a drive around the charming villages, stopping off at any that take your fancy.

Bourton on the Water is possibly the most popular, with the River Windrush running through. It’s known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ due to its picturesque location.

Stow on the Wold is a small but beautiful market town with historic buildings and dotted with antique shops. It’s largely thought of as one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds.

Bibury is a must-visit; with weaver’s cottages lining the streets and the River Coln meandering through, it’s a photographer’s dream.

Castle Combe is also relatively easy to reach on a day trip from Bristol, especially if you have a car (it’s close to the M4, but feels world’s away!). This storybook village will blow you away.

I also love the tiny but stunning Upper Slaughter and nearby Lower Slaughter .

Bradford on Avon , close to Bath, also deserves a special mention.

This village is in Wiltshire, close to the Somerset border – so it’s one of the best places to go in South West England if you’re coming from further west.

Bradford on Avon has the Bridge Tea Rooms, located in a ‘building that looks like it’s falling down’ (the words of the owner, not mine!) serving up very traditional tea and cake.

The River Avon also runs through, and there are various historical points of interest around the town, which you can learn about more in the Bradford on Avon Museum.

Bath thermae spa and pump house afternoon tea

We’ve covered some free things to do in Bath above, but if you’re looking for Bath date ideas, there’s nothing quite like the wonderful Bath thermae spa.

This spa is the only natural thermal spa in the country, it uses the same hot springs that the Romans discovered.

As well as two pools, there are a range of different steam rooms, and the option for many treatments (some which you can have as a couple).

The rooftop heated pool is probably the best part of the Bath thermae spa – it is kept at a warm temperature throughout the year, meaning that although it is outdoors, it is perfectly comfortable during winter.

After enjoying Bath Spa, you could venture to the nearby Pump House, where you can see the old Roman pump for the baths, try some spring water, and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea (vegetarian and gluten-free options available).

If you’re putting together a Bath itinerary , or just fancy a day out for a spa experience, visiting the Bath Thermae Spa is a must!

Plymouth Gin Tour and Tamar Cruise

Are you a couple who like a drink?

Plymouth Gin is one of the most interesting gin brands in the country, and you can learn all about it at the gin distillery!

A tour includes the history of Plymouth Gin – it is the oldest continuously running gin brand in the country – an explanation of the distilling process, samples of different gins and a complimentary drink in their gin bar.

You could also opt for a special gin experience, which includes making gin yourself!

Exploring the Tamar is another one of the best things to do in Plymouth .

This river separates Cornwall and Devon and has been historically significant throughout the centuries.

You can take a Tamar cruise to see the sites of the river and learn about its history.

Stand Up Paddleboarding date in Bristol, Plymouth, Exmouth – and lots of other places!

There are plenty of places where you can go stand up paddleboarding in South West England – and you don’t even need to be close to the sea!

If you’re putting together a Bristol itinerary for a day, you could take a lesson paddleboarding on the River Avon.

There are also stand up paddleboarding opportunities at the end of the River Exe in Exmouth, various places in Plymouth, and some of the calmer waters in North Devon and on the Jurassic Coast.

Paddleboarding is a really fun activity that you can do as a couple, especially if you’re adventurous types!

Lundy Island

Lundy Island is a rugged island off the shore of North Devon.

It is one of the most unique day trips in South West England; you can do a boat day trip to Lundy Island from Ilfracombe or Bideford.

There’s a range of unique wildlife on Lundy Island. You can go snorkelling with seals, spot puffins and other birdlife, and take a look for wild ponies while you’re hiking!

It’s also got a distinct history and a rather tumultuous past. You can take a ranger tour to learn about this.

Foraging Tour

Are you an outdoorsy couple? Why not learn how to forage? Foreadventure does various foraging tours in Dorset.

You can choose a variety of other activities too, including kayaking, bushcraft, and snorkelling.

Foraging includes hiking along the coast and learning about edible seaweeds and other sea products, as well as exploring the forest and learning about edible leaves and fungi.

Hike or Cycle from Bath to Bristol or Bradford on Avon

If you live near Bath, Bristol, or Bradford on Avon, you can explore the cycle path between them.

This stretch is 26 miles (13 miles between Bristol and Bath, and 13 miles between Bath and Bradford on Avon), and as you hike or cycle along, you’ll enjoy the jolly canal boats, pubs dotting the trail, and beautiful flora and fauna.

It’s one of the cheapest days out in South West for couples, and is a wonderful way to spend a spring or summer’s day!

Lands End Attractions

One of the best places to visit in South West England is without a doubt west Cornwall.

You’ll only be able to enjoy this as a day trip if you’re already in Cornwall (Lands End is still around 2 hours drive from Plymouth), but it’s an epic spot.

Lands End is the southernmost point of the UK, and nearby you can enjoy the coastal Minack Theatre , the epic island St Micheal’s Mount , Geevor Tin Mine , the picturesque visit of Mousehole and the popular tourist town of St Ives .

If you have a car, you can travel to all of these destinations in a day and enjoy one of the most unique parts of the country.

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Bristol

Riding in a hot air balloon is one of the most unique things to do in Bristol .

The Bristol balloon fiesta occurs in August each year when the sky is dotted with various hot air balloons.

You can also take to the skies in them yourself, and this is one of the most romantic things to do in the South West.

Bristol Balloons have several group flights a week from Ashton Court, with shared balloons costing £135 and exclusive baskets costing from £325.

It’s obviously not cheap, but it’s definitely one of the best things to do in South West England!

Family days out in South West England

If you’re visiting with little ones, there are plenty of options for family days out in South West England.

From theme parks to sports to educational museums, there are lots of activities that families will enjoy in this part of the country.

Here are some of the best places to visit in South West England with kids!

Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast

As the name suggests, the Jurassic Coast dates back from the Jurassic era, due to the ancient rocks that have been found along the coast.

However, there are also fossils from. the Triassic and Cretaceous periods.

Fossil hunting along this coastline is a wonderful family-friendly activity.

Charmouth and Lyme Regis are some of the easiest places to go fossil hunting in Dorset.

However, if you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s best to go with a guide first.

Visit the Lyme Regis Museum or the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, which offer regular guided walks along the coast.

Wookey Hole

The Wookey Hole Show Caves are one of the best days out in South West England for families.

With one ticket, you can explore the caves and 20 other attractions, including the Dinosaur Valley, Pirates of the River Axe and the Wizard’s Play Castle.

There is something at Wookey Hole for all ages, but it is particularly suitable for younger children.

Weston Super Mare Attractions

Weston Super Mare reigns supreme when it comes to family-friendly activities.

Its famous pier has everything from fairground rides to candyfloss stalls, all with the backdrop of the Somerset coastline.

There’s often live music from local and nationally famous musicians too.

Weston Super Mare is one of the longest naturally occurring beaches in the UK, so there’s plenty of sand for other beachy activities!

We the curious and SS Great Britain in Bristol

Bristol has some excellent museums that are great for people of all ages, including kids.

We The Curious is Bristol’s science museum, with some fantastic interactive exhibits.

The SS Great Britain is great for older kids – as well as a museum about the boat itself and its engineer Brunel, the ship has been renovated to replicate it as a migrant clipper.

It’s one of the best things to do in Bristol in winter too!

If you’re looking for more family-orientated museums, Bath is just a 13-minute train ride from Bristol (see my post on how to get to Bath for more information!) and has the world-class Roman Baths , which is one of the best ways to learn about Roman history in the country.

Surfing on the northern coast of Devon or Cornwall

There are plenty of beautiful places to visit in North Devon and Cornwall, including dozens of striking beaches.

The waters on these beaches are excellent for surfing – which is one of the best things to do in South West England if you have older, sporty kids!

From Woolacombe in North Devon to Newquay in Cornwall, there are plenty of surf schools with lesson suitable for children and adults.

Visit the English Riviera and its range of attractions

The English Riviera, which is also called Torbay and consists of the towns of Torquay, Paignton, Babbacombe and Brixham, has some of the best family attractions in the South West.

If your kids are adventurous, they might want to try some of the rides on the historic Paignton Pier .

There’s also Kents Cavern, which is a network of Prehistoric caves.

In Babbacombe, there is the Babbacombe Cliff Railway and Babbacombe Model Village .

In Torquay, there are some beautiful gardens, and of course, there are plenty of beaches throughout the whole area, with lots of watersports opportunities. Check out all of the best things to do in Torquay here.

The Eden Project

The Eden Project is one of the best day trips South West England has to offer.

It consists of two large biomes, one which replicates a tropical rainforest inside and one which replicates a Mediterranean climate.

At the Eden Project, you’ll be able to walk through the jungle, enjoy Mediterranean flora and explore a Cornish garden.

There’s lots of information about all of the climates at the Eden Project, so it’s great for walking around slowly to absorb all of the information.

If you’re looking for places to visit in South West England with kids (although it’s great for adults too!), it’s a great option that is day trip-able from Cornwall destinations, Plymouth, and Exeter.

Cornish Seal Sanctuary

In the small village of Gweek is the Cornish Seal Sanctuary .

Gweek is quite far west in Cornwall, but if you are on a holiday in Cornwall it is an excellent option.

The seal sanctuary rescues injured seals and nurses them back to health, before releasing them into the wild.

Occasionally, the seals are too sick or injured to be released, but they are offered a permanent home at the sanctuary.

Sometimes, you can see rescued seals at the hospital and you can also go to the pools to see the seals who live there.

There are also penguins and sea lions, who have been offered a home here after being injured elsewhere.

It’s one of the best day trips in South West England if you have kids, but it’s great for adults too!

Devon and Cornwall Adventure Parks

Because Devon and Cornwall are popular with tourists, there are a variety of small theme parks in the counties.

The Milky Way Adventure Park is the largest theme park in North Devon, located near Clovelly, all with a galactic theme. On the Cosmic Typhoon Rollercoaster, there are spectacular views of both Exmoor and Dartmoor.

In South Devon, there’s Crealy . This theme park has the most rides in Devon, and it’s especially good for younger children.

Helston in Cornwall has Flambards Adventure Park , which has plenty of rides and rollercoasters suitable for all ages! There are plenty of other Helston attractions too.

Visiting Stonehenge is a unique experience in the UK for both children and adults.

Close to Bath and Bristol, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great place to learn about Britain’s ancient history.

There’s a small exhibition close to the stone circle, which is great to help children get an education in the topic.

During school holidays, they have special activities and events for children.

Best things to do in South West England

Whether you’re looking for cheap places to visit in South West England, attractions with kids, or things to do in South West England as a couple, this comprehensive list should have given you some inspiration!

I have plenty of posts about all of these places on the blog, so do stay and browse for more information, and feel free to follow my Facebook page for daily South West England travel updates!

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What Makes the Southwest Region Unique? What to Do & When to Visit the Southwest USA

• June 2, 2022

The American Southwest is a family road trip classic for a reason. Home to an ample array of things to see and do and multiple deserts that span several states, including Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of California, Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah, there are plenty of things to do in the Southwest for everyone, including families, road trippers, luxury lovers, foodies, and city breakers. From museums to musical entertainment, fine dining to delicious street food, spectacular spas to incredible outdoor experiences—and even roller coasters—there is something to suit everyone’s needs.

It would be impossible to cover everything the expansive Southwest has to offer in just one post. In this post, we’ll take a look at what makes the southwest region unique, including 4 of the most compelling reasons to visit the Southwest on your next family vacation, what to do in the southwest, and when to visit the southwest USA.

Let’s start with what makes the southwest region unique:

Home to Native American tribes such as the Hopi, the Hualapai, the Navajo, and the Apache (to name just a few), the Southwest region is strongly influenced by Native American culture. With human history dating back to 9,000 BCE, you will find unique historical structures such as pueblos, as well as some of the largest collections of petroglyphs in the country across the area.

From exploring the area’s rich and varied human history to sampling modern Tex Mex cuisine, the Southwest is abundant in opportunities to learn about historical cultures and sample the best of the area’s more modern developments, from food and music to art and architecture.

Interested in discovering more about the historical and current traditions of Native American tribes of the Southwest? Learn about the traditions and culture of the Hualapai Tribe at Grand Canyon West . And don’t miss the petroglyphs at Valley of Fire —some are over 3,000 years old!

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In addition to its rich cultural history, the Southwest boasts some of the most impressive and iconic landscapes in the world. It has incredible deserts, unique flora and fauna that evolved specifically to survive and thrive in the harsh desert landscape, and beautiful geological formations unlike anything else you will find in the United States. Some of its most striking and unique examples include places like:

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Grand canyon south rim tours (9), grand canyon north rim tours (4), grand canyon east area tours (2), 3. city sights.

The Southwest is home to five major cities, each with their own unique attractions. If you’re wondering what to do in the southwest, here are just a few highlights from each spot:

Phoenix, AZ

• Taliesin West – Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, open for tours.
• Phoenix Zoo
• Musical Instrument Museum
• Heard Museum – Where “the tradition, culture and history of 22 regional American Indian tribes converge.”
• Phoenix Art Museum
• Desert Botanical Garden
• Kitt Peak National Observatory
• Tucson Botanical Gardens
• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
• Pima Air and Space Museum
• Tucson Museum of Art
• The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

Santa Fe, NM

• The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
• New Mexico History Museum
• Canyon Road – “a mile-long stretch of famous galleries and boutiques.”
• Museum of International Folk Art
• El Rancho de las Golondrinas – A living history museum.
• Meow Wolf Santa Fe – An immersive collection of art installations.

Albuquerque, NM

• Albuquerque Museum of Art and History
• Albuquerque Old Town
• ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
• ABQ BioPark Zoo
• Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum
• New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society

Las Vegas, NV

• Countless and ever-changing residencies and concerts
• Las Vegas Natural History Museum
• The Neon Museum
• Madame Tussauds

Learn more about what to see and do in Las Vegas .

The Southwest also has many interesting smaller cities and towns that are also worth visiting, such as Laughlin, NV, Silver City, NM, and Sedona, AZ. Learn more about where to stop if you’re road tripping around the area in our guide , and check out 11 Easy Day Trips from Las Vegas and 10 Places to See in the Southwest Outside of Sin City .

11 Easy Day Trips from Las Vegas

• April 6, 2023

Continue reading

4. National Parks, monuments, preserves, and more

The Southwest is home to an incredible number of state and national parks, monuments, historic sites and trails, preserves, reserves, and recreation areas worth seeing. Each location offers its own range of outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, camping, bouldering, fishing, and other in- or on-the-water options. Whether you decide to visit yourself or take a tour , these are some of the must-see spots the Southwest has to offer:

• Death Valley National Park
• The Grand Canyon: South Rim ,  North Rim , and West Rim
• Antelope Canyon
• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
• Petroglyph National Monument
• Arches National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Great Basin National Park
• White Sands National Park

Check out 12 More National & State Parks Within Driving Distance of Las Vegas .

12 More National & State Parks Within Driving Distance of Las Vegas [Updated in 2023]

• February 28, 2023

When to Visit the Southwest USA

Since it is largely made up of an arid desert climate, the best time to visit the Southwest is typically late winter to spring. The weather is much cooler (you may even want to bring layers—some areas get snow!) and, if you’re lucky and the conditions have been just right, you may catch the beautiful wildflower superbloom that takes place in areas like Death Valley .

In the summer, you may be limited in what activities you can participate in due to the high temperatures many parts of the region face. For example, hiking or spending extended periods of time outdoors are typically not recommended after 10am in the summer months. If you are planning to spend most of the time indoors on your trip, then temperature becomes less of a concern.

From its unique culture to its incredible natural areas, the American Southwest has a lot to offer on your next family vacation. There is no better time to visit than late winter to spring and there are lots of things to do in the Southwest:

Read more about the Southwest or book your tour to one of many impressive Southwest destinations around Las Vegas.

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Discover the best that Southern USA has to offer! Hidden gems, vibrant cities and more!

20 Epic Places To Visit In The South, USA

February 11, 2021 //  by  Southern Trippers

There are so many amazing, beautiful, and unique places to visit in the South of the United States. The southern states consist of a large chunk of the U.S. so if you plan on doing any major traveling in this country, you are bound to end up in the South at some point. And you are in for a treat once you arrive!

Whether you are taking a southern road trip, exploring a specific state, or want to cross off another U.S. National Park, whatever brings you to the South will be well worth the trip! There are so many things to do here from fun, history-rich cities to gorgeous natural landscapes. You are sure to make some great memories as you discover what these states have to offer.

Providence Canyon, Georgia

Providence Canyon State Park provides one of the best landscapes in Georgia and is 100% worth the visit if you are in the state. Known as Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” the Providence Canyon makes a great day trip for nature lovers and hikers.

With over one thousand acres to explore, you will have so much fun searching out the best photo spots. The soil here is an array of pink, orange, red, and purple, creating an otherworldly appearance you will fall in love with.

If you want to check out the hiking trails, there are many to chose from with varying levels of difficulty. There are many scenic overlooks that give a view of the many gullies, the deepest of which is at 150 feet. If you visit in July or August, look for the rare Plumleaf Azalea flower blooming. You can camp at this park as well if you want to stay longer in the pretty area.

Ginnie Springs, Florida

Ginnie Springs is truly a beautiful hot spring oasis in Florida! With shockingly blue, crystal clear water, you will feel as if you have traveled to paradise. If you are looking for a place to relax, this is one of the best places in the South.

Spend time swimming, tubing, or paddle boarding in this consistent 72 degree Fahrenheit water. If you are scuba trained, this is a great place to go diving as well as there are many caves to explore.

Ginnie Springs can get quite busy in the summer due to its popularity, but if you visit in the spring or fall, you can avoid the worst of the crowds. The area is also fairly good-sized, so it is possible to find a little corner to yourself. If you want to make a weekend out of visiting the springs, you can stay at the campground.

Jacob’s Well, Texas

The Jacob’s Well Natural Area is about an hour southwest of Austin, Texas, and can be visited as a day trip from the city. Jacob’s Well is the second-largest completely submerged cave in Texas. This 81-acre area is free to visit unless you plan on swimming, in which case you need to pay a fee and reserve a time. Taking a dip here is a great way to cool off in the summer heat. The water stays at a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Swimming is allowed from May until September.

Along with swimming, Jacob’s Well is a great place for hiking and bird watching. It is also possible to go on an hour-long tour with a naturalist guide. This is a great way to learn about the nature of the area along with the history of Jacob’s Well and the aquifer system. Tours are by request only on two Saturdays each month. You can also stop by the Nature Center any weekend.

Cummins Falls State Park, Tennessee

About an hour and a half from Nashville, you will find the pretty and tranquil Cummins Falls State Park. This is a great stop to make if you are doing a Tennessee road trip and love exploring nature. The beautiful Cummins Falls is a 75-foot waterfall that cascades down a cool rock base before ending in a swimming hole.

It is important to note that you do need to get a Gorge Access Permit before you begin your hike to the waterfall. The hike itself is relatively strenuous and involves traversing uneven ground, crossing water, and climbing rocks.

Because of this, it is not recommended for really young kids. However, the hike is very much worth it when you get to see the falls and cool off with a dip in the water. If you do not want to hike into the gorge, there is a viewpoint above it where you can get a great look.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is a must for any Georgia road trip! This is a city full of Southern charm, from its cobblestone streets to the Spanish moss covering the oak trees. This is the perfect city to escape to for people with any hobby or interest. History buffs will love exploring Old Fort Jackson or learning about the city’s past on an Old Savannah Trolly Tour.

If you are into architecture, you will really love checking out the Victorian district, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, or the Mercer Williams House. If you are traveling with kids and want some family-friendly fun, head over to pretty Forsyth Park or consider booking a river cruise on an iconic steamboat. No matter what you do in Savannah, you are sure to have a great time!

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a vibrant, fun city where you can easily spend a couple of days or over a week. There is just so much to do and see! Start your stay here by familiarizing yourself with the city by walking the pretty streets and exploring the famous French Quarter. If you love photographing beautiful streets and buildings, then you will adore NOLA! There are so many balconies and amazing, Southern-styled architecture.

New Orleans is also one of the best cities in the South for food! It is really a destination for foodies who want to try French Creole cuisine, check out cute cafes, or even just bar hop.

When you are not stuffing your face with beignets, you can ride the streetcar, walk along the Mississippi River, or visit the Saint Louis Cathedral. When night falls, head to Bourbon Street to soak in the party atmosphere.

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

In Arkansas, you will find Hot Springs National Park, which has some of the best hot springs in the U.S. Take a dip in the natural, thermal hot springs from inside one of the historic bathhouses.

While you can’t soak outside, you can still touch the fresh water in a couple of outdoor pools. The 4,000-year-old, protected spring water is drinkable so make sure to stock up on water by filling bottles at some of the many fountains.

While you are here, make sure to check out the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum and Visitor Center to learn about the history of the baths. The Hot Springs Mountain Tower is another thing to check out is you love great views. The open-air observation deck will provide views of the mountains and forest. There are also a few hiking and biking trails that will weave you through the nature of the park.

Stephens Gap, Alabama

The Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve is one of the best places in the Southeast and can be found about two hours north of Birmingham, Alabama.

It is a very cool place to visit if you love exploring unique nature locations. Stephens Gap is one of the most photographed caves in the country and it is no wonder why! It is so pretty here! The cave features a waterfall that cascades into a deep pit.

The cave has two entrances, one for hikers and one for people who are trained in repelling. Because of the position of the entrances, there is often light streaming into the darkness, creating an awesome scene. The hike is about a mile and a half round trip and is moderate difficulty. There are steep and slippery areas, so be careful and wear appropriate shoes. If you are repelling, you must bring your own gear. However you plan to visit, you must get a free permit.

Helen, Georgia

Helen, Georgia is hands down one of the cutest small towns in The South and you will instantly fall in love with its charm. This tiny town has German roots, a fact that will quickly become apparent by the architecture.

You will feel as if you are walking through an Alpine village. Come in summer to enjoy the surrounding great outdoors or plan your visit for December for European Christmas market vibes.

Even though the town only holds a population of about 550 people, it also home to a ton of fun activities. You can go zip-lining in the trees, tubing in the river, fly into the sky in a hot air balloon, or even pan for gold. In town, shopping is a great pastime, especially if Christmas is soon. Make sure to check out all of the cute, local artisan and treat shops.

Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Tennessee

There is a reason the Great Smokey Mountains are the most visited National Park in the U.S. The over half million-acre park is absolutely gorgeous, especially in the fall when the foliage is set ablaze.

If nature is your happy place, then you are sure to love the Great Smokey Mountains! Spend a few days here hiking scenic trails, horseback riding, exploring historic sites, and spotting wildlife, including the possibility of black bears.

You can camp in the park or you can stay in one of the cute, mountain towns on the park’s outskirts. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are two popular options. These towns act as a gateway to the surrounding nature and have a host of fun things to do as well. The Great Smokey Mountains are not only one of the best places to visit in the South, but the U.S. in general. It is a popular road trip destination that you simply must visit at least once!

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina is a lovely coastal city with plenty of Southern charm, pretty architecture, and historic points of interest. There is truly something here for everyone, making this city a top place to visit in the South. Also, did we mention the food?! This is a city full of great eats and we suggest taking a food tour to get a bite of all the best Southern food the city has to offer!

When you are full from eating your way through Charleston, relax on a horse-drawn carriage tour of the city or a boat cruise of the harbor. If you are into history or architecture, then check out the Fort Sumter National Monument, the McLeod Plantation Historic Site, or the Citadel. If you are traveling with kids you might have fun at the Joe Riley Waterfront Park, the South Carolina Aquarium, or the Magnolia Plantation & Gardens.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park is a great Southern getaway found in the wilderness of Virginia not far from Washington D.C. This is the perfect place to escape the city and become one with nature. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails to explore. Discover beautiful fields of colorful wildflowers, flowing waterfalls, and a plethora of wildlife including deer, birds, and black bears.

Along with hiking, you can spend your time in the park driving the scenic Skyline Drive, riding your bike, fishing tranquil mountain streams, rock climbing, or stargazing. Pretty much the list is endless! There is so much to see and experience here that you can easily spend a day or three here. If you are staying the night, you can camp or stay at a lodge.

Upper Caney Creek Falls, Alabama

The hidden gem of Upper Caney Creek Falls is like a scene from a fairy tale. The hike to discover this sight is just under two miles round trip and is pretty easy. After wandering through the forest like a Disney princess, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the tiny, 20-foot waterfall dropping into the perfect swimming hole. Another cool feature of this waterfall is the fast that you can actually walk behind it because of the shape of the cliff. This gives you a new perspective and a great place to take photographs.

If you visit in the summer, the forest will be bright green and full of wildlife. The pool under the falls is usually a pretty, blue-green color. After enjoying the upper falls, you can choose to continue down the creek to find the Lower Caney Creek Falls. To find the trailhead to this secret place in Alabama, drive about an hour and twenty minutes northwest of Birmingham to the small town of Ashridge.

Everglades National Park, Florida

If you are planning a Florida road trip you have to go to the Everglades National Park ! Whether you want to check another National Park off your bucket list, are an avid birdwatcher, or just love to discover cool and unique landscapes, the Everglades are for you! This park features over two million acres of wetlands, saw-grass marshes, and mangrove forests. It is the only place in the wild where you can spot both American alligators and American crocodiles. It is also home to a ton of species of beautiful birds, snakes, and manatees.

While in the Everglades, enjoy waking scenic trails, taking an airboat ride , finding all of the best observation towers, and visiting the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. If you are exceptionally keen to see wild alligators , hike the short Anhinga Trail, which is one of the best places in the park to find these amazing creatures. Just be careful not to get too close!

Austin, Texas

A Texas road trip is sure to bring you to Austin, one of the best cities in the South. Known as the Live Music Capital of the World and with a slogan of “Keep Austin Weird”, this city is very hip. diverse, and full of music culture. Spend a couple of days here taking in the sights and just overall having a blast. Head to Sixth Street to soak in the vibe of the city as you bar hop and listen to live bands.

If you are into art or history, make sure to visit some of the city’s museums, including the Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Blanton Museum of Art, or the Mexic-Arte Museum. If you are looking for a place to relax and cool off, the Barton Springs Municipal Pool is the place for you. The natural, spring-fed pool is found in the pretty Zilker Park.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina is another Southern city worth visiting! This is a popular travel destination for a number of reasons. For one, the cute city is surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy “America’s favorite drive” on the Blue Ridge Parkway as you twist through the mountains to find hiking trails and gorgeous scenic vistas. The nearby French Broad River gives tourists a place to go tubing, boating, or fishing.

When you are not exploring the encompassing nature, you will want to wander the cool city. Known for its art scene, Asheville is a hip city full of unique shops, outdoor markets, craft breweries, and local art galleries. Take a trolley tour to learn the history of the city or enjoy a delicious food tour. Another way to step into the past is to visit the Biltmore mansion, which was built by George W. Vanderbilt in the 1890s.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida is one of the top tourist destinations in the country! Besides being home to Disney World and Universal Studios, this city is where you can find a ton of fun things to do to fill a couple’s weekend or a week-long family vacation. No matter who you are traveling with, there is something for everyone! Thrill seekers will want to go skydiving, ride in a hot air balloon, or go up in the 400-foot high Ferris wheel at ICON Park.

If you are traveling with kids, you will probably check out the many theme parks, but don’t forget to take them to Gatorland, Wonder Works, or Discovery Cove. Anyone interested in science or space will want to take a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. When you are ready to relax and unwind, head out of the city to Blue Springs State Park or Rock Springs at Kelly Park.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend National Park is another place to stop in Texas . Since it is found on the border with Mexico, make sure to pack your passport if you want to make a stop in another country and visit some cute, small towns. The park itself is a prime desert and mountain location. This is a great place to camp, hike, and photograph nature.

One of the best hiking trails is found at Santa Elena Canyon. This two mile round trip hike will provide amazing views. This park also has historic ruins to discover, including a mine, a house, and a post office. When your muscles start to ache from hiking and adventuring, head to the Hot Springs Historic Trail by the Rio Grande to soak in natural hot springs while taking in great views of the river.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is a great place to visit in the South if you love music or having fun in general! It is, of course, known as the Music City and is drenched in music culture. The entertainment district on Low Broadway is full of honky-tonks, themed restaurants, bars, and shops. You will also find the Country Music Hall of Fame here as well. If you want to learn the history of the area, consider taking a walking tour.

While in Nashville, you can also check out the historic Ryman Auditorium, explore pretty parks, or learn about science and history at museums. If you are up for an hour and a half drive, you can head down to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Nashville is a great city to explore as a family or as a friend’s getaway. No matter what you are interested in, there is something for you!

Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia

The gorgeous Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia is where you will find the ridge of Yonah Mountain, whose name translates to Bear in Cherokee. The hike to this mountain’s summit is just over two miles one way and is relatively easy. The views are to die for from the top! Come to this area in the fall to catch the mountain peak drenched in lovely golden foliage .

There are plenty of other things to do in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest as well. There are over 800 miles worth of hiking trails to explore. Search for ancient petroglyphs and gorgeous waterfalls. You can also go canoeing, horseback riding, or camping. The Scull Shoals Historic Site features the state’s first paper mill dating back to 1811. Chattahoochee National Forest is near Helen, Georgia, so you could easily make a day trip from the small town.

If you did not know beforehand, you have learned that the South is home to a ton of amazing places to visit! There are so many cool cities to visit in the South as well as National Parks, hidden nature gems, and diverse landscapes. We suggest planning a road trip or two in order to hit some of these spectacular places!

Top 10 places to visit in South West England

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 31, 2022

England’s South West offers visitors beautiful coastlines, historic cities , UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient monuments and good food! There is something to appeal to everyone in this corner of England.

South West England is made up of the following counties – Devon (England’s 3rd largest county), Cornwall (including the Isles of Scilly), Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

The region also includes the Cotswolds one of the most beautiful areas of the UK.

If you plan to visit the region and would prefer to do this on a tour rather than independently we recommend this 5-day tour of Devon and Cornwall which combined with a day trip to the Cotswolds from London will enable you to make the most of this beautiful region in 6 days.

Search for fossils on the Jurassic Coast

Explore the beautiful villages of the cotswolds, visit stonehenge, visit the unesco world heritage site of bath, take a street art tour of the bristol home of banksy, visit the isles of scilly.

• Visit beautiful towns and villages in Devon and Cornwall
• Saint Michael's Mount

Visit the cathedral city of Salisbury

#11 special mention – exmoor and dartmoor national parks, prepare for your visit to the south west of england.

• Where will you visit in England's South West?

🇬🇧 Planning a trip to England? Scotland ? Wales? N Ireland ?

Wherever you are planning to visit in the UK we are here to help you plan your trip. Take our FREE 5 step UK itinerary planning challenge and pop over and join our FREE UK Travel Planning community . There are over 1500 members to chat to about what to do and see, where to stay and any other questions you may have.

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Top 10 things to do and places to visit in South West England

A UK UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001 the Jurassic Coast is one of the best places in the world to search for fossils!

This area of the south coast has rocks that date back to the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods.

Stretching from East Devon to Dorset over 95 miles of coastline don’t miss natural features such as the Durdle Door (a limestone arch), Lulworth Cove and Chesil Beach.

The visitor centre at Lyme Regis has many of the fossils found along the beach and recounts the story of the earth’s 185 million year history.

Read more | Jurassic Coast Travel Guide

The Cotswolds an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are one of the UK’s most popular destinations with over 38 million visitors each year.

The name of the Cotswolds derives from ‘cot’ – a sheep enclosure and ‘wold’ – a hill. The Cotswolds include parts of 6 English counties including Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.

You will find many of the quintessentially quaint English villages which often appear in American movies such as Bridget Jones or The Holiday in the Cotswolds.

Visit the Cotswolds via a road trip or tour. Train travel is not always practical in this part of the UK. Walk the Cotswold Way – a 102-mile walk from Bath to Chipping Campden.

Popular villages in the Cotswolds include Burford, Bourton-on-the -Water, Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold and Painswick.  Why not book a beautiful cottage in a Cotswold village?

Read more | Cotswolds Travel Guide

The ancient site of Stonehenge was constructed between 4 and 5 thousand years ago. It is located in the county of Wiltshire near the cathedral city of Salisbury in south west England.

The site is managed by English Heritage and attracts over 1 million visitors a year.

Spend some time in the exhibition centre to learn about the history of Stonehenge before enjoying a stroll around the stones.

Alternatively, why not take a virtual tour of Stonehenge from the comfort of your own home?

Stonehenge is an easy day trip from London by train or if you prefer why not take a tour which includes a few popular destinations such as this Stonehenge, Bath & West Country Day Trip from London or this Windsor, Stonehenge, and Oxford Tour

Read more | A guide to visiting Stonehenge | How to get to Stonehenge from London

The entire city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site (1987) and the largest city in Somerset. Bath is an easy day trip from London by train – why not stop off on a train trip to Penzance in Cornwall .

Highlights (amongst many) include the Royal Crescent and Roman Baths .

Fans of Jane Austen will know that she lived in Bath during the early 19th century. You can find out more at the Jane Austen museum in the city.

Read more | Bath Travel Guide

For fans of street art head to Bristol, the home of the most famous street artists of them all – Banksy. There are art tours around the city to see some of his work around the city.

Whilst in Bristol also take the opportunity to explore its 19th-century maritime history. The newly regenerated harbourside area offers a selection of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge and SS Great Britain are also worth visiting.

Read more | Bristol Travel Guide

Situated off Penzance take a short trip on the Scillonian ferry to the Isles of Scilly. (Travel to Penzance from London on the famous sleeper train service one of our favourite train journeys to take in Britain )

Only 5 of the 140 islands are inhabited and the islands are famous for their sandy beaches and clear blue waters such as Great Bay on St Martins.

Read more | The Isles of Scilly

Visit beautiful towns and villages in Devon and C ornwall

You really are spoilt for choice in Devon and Cornwall as there are so many beautiful coastal towns and villages to visit such as St Ives , Looe, Polperro, and Port Isaac.

Don’t forget to try afternoon tea – scones with cream and jam…. or is it scones with jam and cream. The answer will depend on which county you are in!

Read more | Devon Travel Guide / Cornwall Travel Guide

The famous castle of legend, Tintagel is associated with King Arthur and his knights and is believed by some to be the mythical Camelot.

Entry to Tintagel is via English Heritage timed tickets and booking ahead of your visit is highly recommended.

If you enjoy visiting castles there are lots to visit in the UK – find out more about the best castles in England , Wales and Scotland .

Read more | Visiting Tintagel

Saint Michael’s Mount

A tidal island located in Mount’s Bay in Cornwall Saint Michael’s Mount is reminiscent of Mont Saint-Michel in France.

A man-made causeway of granite enables access from the mainland at low tide only. When the tide is in (and walking to the island is impossible) you can catch an amphibious vehicle in Marazion to the island.)

Explore the terraces and gardens, church and castle and spectacular views of Mount’s Bay.

Read more | Visiting Saint Michael’s Mount

Salisbury is not only a wonderful city to visit but it is also the perfect base from which to visit Stonehenge. Salisbury itself is a pretty market town with historic buildings but is particularly famous for its cathedral (one of the oldest in Europe) where one of four remaining copies of the Magna Carta can be viewed.

The prehistoric settlement of Old Sarum is located on a hill just outside the city and is free to visit for members of English Heritage .

Read more | Salisbury Travel Guide

Dartmoor National Park is located in the county of Devon and stretches for 368 miles. It encompasses ancient woodlands, streams, deep river valleys, moorland, villages and is home to the famous Dartmoor ponies.

Located in West Somerset and North Devon Exmoor National Park covers an area of 267 square miles.

The South West Coast Path which is the longest way-marked walking route in England starts in Minehead and ends in Poole 630 miles (and a few blisters) later!

Walk the footpaths along the 37 mile stretch of coastline and enjoy spectacular views.

Read more | Dartmoor National Park and Exmoor National Park

WHAT TO READ – Best books to read before you visit South West England include Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier , Lorna Doone by R.D Blackmore , Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen and Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie

WHAT TO WATCH – Best movies and TV programmes to watch before you visit South West England include Poldark , Doc Martin , Delicious (starring Dawn French) and the film Ladies in Lavender starring Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith.

WHAT TO DO : Click here for recommended tours of the South West

WHERE TO STAY: Click here for your guide to

• The best places to stay in Devon
• The best places to stay in Cornwall
• The best places to stay in Dorset
• The best places to stay in Bath
• The best places to stay in the Cotswolds

WHAT TO EAT – Cornish pasties, crab, cider, cream teas, Somerset cheddar, stargazey pie. Yum!!

WHERE TO EAT – There are so many excellent restaurants in this part of the country it is hard to choose! Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Port Isaac and The Elephant in Torquay all have excellent reviews.

PRINCIPLE TRAIN STATIONS – Bath, Bristol Parkway/Temple Meads, Exeter, Oxford, Southampton, Reading, Basingstoke

TIP: Leave plenty of travel time particularly during school holidays and summer months. Many of the roads are narrow and can become congested. Where possible take the train or a tour!

Where will you visit in England’s South West?

Find out more about visiting the regions in the South West in these articles:

• 25 best places to visit in Cornwall
• Cornwall Travel Guide
• Devon Travel Guide
• Dorset Travel Guide
• Best UK staycations 2021 and beyond
• Winchester Travel Guide

Want to explore some of England’s other regions ?

Head over to my other area guides to England which include the North East , North West , East Midlands , West Midlands , Yorkshire , East of England and South East .

Visiting Scotland and/or Wales ? Check out my top 19 places to visit in Scotland and my top 10 choices for Wales !

If you have specific questions about a destination in England why not join my UK and London Travel Planning Group on Facebook where you can chat with others planning their trip.

Find more inspiration for your travels in my England Travel Guide which includes information about what to see, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, recommended reading and more to make the most of your trip.

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Best historical cities to visit in the usa.

Use this list to plan your next getaway to a destination that's rich with history. To determine the best historical cities to visit in the USA, U.S. News considered the storied pasts, preserved landmarks, notable monuments and tourist-friendly services in each city – as well as votes from users. Vote on your top picks for history lovers to help us determine next year's list. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)

Washington, D.C.

Philadelphia, williamsburg, charleston, sc, new orleans.

America's capital is brimming with affordable things to do. The Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, the White House and the Lincoln Memorial anchor the National Mall, while the Tidal Basin boasts three of its own memorials dedicated to history-making figures. Various outfitters offer history tours that focus on showcasing the city's past through the eyes of everyone from specific presidents to notable women. What's more, exploring the Smithsonian museums, filled with art and science history, won't cost you a dime.

Boston is a city of American firsts. The country's first public library, first subway system, first public school and first public park belong to Boston. Here, you can stroll the same cobblestone streets as the Puritans and revolutionaries. Kick off your city tour on the Freedom Trail, which guides visitors past 16 of the city's most historic sites. A few must-see historical attractions include Faneuil Hall Marketplace (built in 1742), the Paul Revere House (built around 1680), the Old North Church (built in 1723) and the Fenway Park baseball stadium (opened in 1912).

Gettysburg Battlefield, the 6,000-acre Civil War military park that witnessed the momentous clash of Union and Confederate forces in 1863, is the star of any visit to this Pennsylvania town. Gettysburg also played a part in the Cold War, which you'll learn about next door to the famous battlefield at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. To better understand the town's role in these historic events and more, speak with the knowledgeable curators and peruse the 4,000-plus historical artifacts on display at the Gettysburg Museum of History.

You'll see Benjamin Franklin's name and influence across the United States' first capital city. Visit Independence Hall, where Ben and company signed the Declaration of Independence. Then, pay homage to the famously cracked Liberty Bell. And for a bit of cinematic history, head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to snap a picture of the famous "Rocky Steps." When you get hungry, visit Reading Terminal Market, one of the largest and oldest public markets in America, to sample everything from ice cream and pastries to cheesesteaks and barbecue.

With its preserved Colonial sites and costumed interpreters, Williamsburg, Virginia, is the definition of a living history museum. Your first stop should be Colonial Williamsburg, where you'll be greeted by the "residents" who once called this revolutionary town home. Visitors have no shortage of learning opportunities: Williamsburg offers more than 20 guided and self-guided daily tours, ranging from ghost tours to garden tours – all included with your admission ticket. Round out your Williamsburg visit with a stop at the Yorktown Battlefield, the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War.

If you're visiting Williamsburg, you'll likely also make a stop at Jamestown, where English settlers established the first American Colony in 1607. Similar to Colonial Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement acts a living history museum, with costumed interpreters telling the story of life in 17th-century Virginia. You'll even get the chance to climb aboard replicas of the three ships that first brought colonists to Virginia. To learn more about the Paspahegh Indian Tribe, the Powhatan tribal group closest to Jamestown, plan to stop by Paspahegh Town.

Walking around the Battery with Fort Sumter in the distance may make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Should you wish to catch a glimpse of former 19th-century Southern high society, tour Middleton Place, the Aiken-Rhett House Museum or the Nathaniel Russell House Museum. Another great way to get to know this South Carolina city is on a historical walking tour. Or, simply relax on the wraparound porch of your historic bed-and-breakfast.

This coastal city southeast of Boston boasts its fair share of historic homes, museums and monuments dedicated to the Wampanoag Indian Tribe and the men and women who founded the first New England Colony. But Plymouth, Massachusetts, is also home to a bit of 21st-century history: Visitors will find the city's 9/11 Memorial just north of Plymouth Rock. What's more, lodging options range from historic hotels to quaint bed-and-breakfast accommodations.

Many come to New Orleans to party hard on Bourbon Street, but history lovers will delight in admiring sights like the French Quarter, the Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral. If you need a break from the crowds, head to the Garden District or Chalmette Battlefield, or escape the heat at the popular National WWII Museum. If you don't mind a bit of ghost lore mixed in with your history lesson, you'll also want to sign up for one of the city's cemetery tours.

Luring travelers interested in learning about everything from witches and pirates to Colonial and maritime history, Salem was founded in 1626. This town situated on the northern coast of Massachusetts is best known for its ties to the Salem witch trials, which curious visitors can get an overview of at the Salem Witch Museum. Other popular historical attractions to visit include The Witch House, the New England Pirate Museum and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

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Top 25 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in South West England

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Are you planning a trip to South West England but overwhelmed with the endless options of places to visit? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top 25 must-visit tourist attractions in this enchanting region that will leave you awe-inspired and craving for more. From breathtaking natural landscapes, iconic landmarks, historical sites, cultural hotspots, and captivating activities – there’s something for everyone on this ultimate bucket-list itinerary. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure through South West England!

1. Roman Baths in Bath

Yes, the city of Bath is named after its Roman baths. These ancient baths are fed by natural hot springs and were once a popular destination for relaxation and socializing. The Roman Baths complex includes the remains of the baths themselves, as well as a temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva. Visitors can still see the original Roman mosaics and statues and even try out the waters for themselves.

2. Stonehenge near Salisbury

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, situated on Salisbury Plain. It is made up of standing stones that are arranged in a circle and are each around 13 feet (4.0 m) high, 7 feet (2.1 m) wide and weigh about 25 tons. The Neolithic and Bronze Age monument complex in England with its numerous burial mounds is where the stones are located, enclosed by earthworks.

Archaeologists believe that Stonehenge was constructed over a period of several thousand years, beginning in the late Neolithic period (around 3000 BC). The site has been described as a place of religious importance, and it has been speculated that the stones may have been used for ancestor worship or as part of a shamanic ritual. In 2008, archaeologists discovered a 4,500-year-old pit aligned with the Heel Stone at Stonehenge, which contained human remains and pottery fragments. This suggests that people were using the site long before the stones were erected.

The origin of Stonehenge is unknown, although there are many theories about who built it and why. One popular theory is that it was built by Druids as a temple to worship their gods. Another theory suggests that it was built by the ancient Britons as a memorial to their dead heroes. Whatever its purpose, Stonehenge is an impressive sight and well worth a visit if you’re in the area.

3. Bibury in the Cotswolds

Bibury in the Cotswolds is a picturesque village. It is best day out place which is located in South West England . The village is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Grade I listed Arlington Row. Bibury is also home to a number of shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place to spend a day exploring.

4. Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol

One of Bristol’s most recognizable sights is the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The bridge spans the Avon Gorge and is a Grade I listed structure. Isambard Kingdom Brunel created the design, and it debuted in 1864. The bridge is suspended by chains which are anchored in massive abutments on either side of the gorge. These abutments were designed by Brunel and are made from limestone blocks which were quarried in nearby Leigh Woods. The bridge has a span of 702 feet (214m) and a height of 246 feet (75m). It is the widest single-span suspension bridge in the world.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of Bristol’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Avon Gorge, take a walk or cycle across the bridge, or even abseil down it!

5. Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway in Exmoor National Park

The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway is a water-powered funicular railway in Exmoor National Park, England. The railway connects the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth and is one of the few remaining water-powered railways in the world.

The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway was built in 1888 and originally used a steam engine to power the carriages up the cliff. However, this was replaced with a water-powered system in 1896. The railway uses two tanks of water, which are released at different times to keep the carriages balanced as they travel up and down the cliff.

The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway is open all year round and provides stunning views of Exmoor National Park. It is also a popular tourist attraction, with over 100,000 visitors each year.

6. Haytor Rocks in Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South West England. Situated in the county of Devon , the park covers an area of 954 square kilometres and is home to a number of interesting features, including Haytor Rocks.

Haytor Rocks is a granite outcrop that provides stunning views over the surrounding countryside. The rocks are also a popular spot for climbers and walkers, and there are a number of easy walking trails that lead up to them.

7. Glastonbury Tor in Glastonbury

Glastonbury Tor is a hill in Glastonbury, Somerset, England. It is topped by the ruined tower of St Michael’s Church. The Tor is owned by the National Trust and is open to the public. The views from the top of the Tor are stunning, and on a clear day, you can see for miles around. There are numerous walking trails around the Tor, and it is also a popular spot for birdwatching.

8. Cheddar Gorge and Caves in Cheddar

Cheddar Gorge and Caves are a set of limestone caves and gorges in the Mendip Hills near the village of Cheddar, Somerset, in South West England. The gorge is the site of the Cheddar Yeo, a river that flows through the gorge and is a tributary of the Bristol Avon. The caves are open to the public for tours and contain many interesting features, such as stalactites and stalagmites.

The gorge is also home to a variety of wildlife including bats, peregrine falcons, ravens, red kites, and more. There are several walking trails through the gorge which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

9. Porthmeor Beach in St Ives

Porthmeor Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South West England. It is located in St Ives, Cornwall and is a beautiful sandy beach that stretches for over a mile. The beach is also home to a number of surf schools, making it the perfect place to learn how to surf. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes located nearby, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the stunning views.

10. Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes at the Eden Project in St Austell

The Eden Project is home to two of the world’s most iconic biomes – the rainforest and the Mediterranean. Visitors can explore these amazing ecosystems, learning about the plants and animals that call them home. The Rainforest Biome is the largest indoor rainforest in the world and is teeming with life. The Mediterranean Biome is a beautiful oasis filled with olive trees, grapevines and lavender. These biomes are just a taste of what the Eden Project has to offer – make sure to add it to your list of must-visit place in South West England !

11. Tintagel Castle in Tintagel

Tintagel Castle is a popular tourist destination located in the small town of Tintagel in Cornwall, England. The castle is situated on a cliff-top overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. The castle was built in the 13th century by King Edward I and was used as a royal residence and as a stronghold during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The castle is now operated by English Heritage and is accessible to the general public. Visitors can explore the castle ruins, which include the Great Hall, towers, and defensive walls, or take a walk along the cliff-top path for stunning views of the coast.

12. Babbacombe Model Village in Torquay

Babbacombe Model Village is a must-visit tourist attraction in Torquay, South West England. The model village is located on the site of an old quarry and is made up of over 400 buildings, including homes, shops, churches, pubs and more. Visitors can explore the village at their own pace or take a guided tour to learn more about the history and construction of the village.

The Babbacombe Model Village is a popular tourist destination for families and couples alike. It’s a great place to spend a day exploring, and there are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the village.

13. Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast

On the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, England is a natural limestone arch known as Durdle Door. The arch is part of the Lulworth Estate and is open to the public. Visitors can walk to the top of the arch for views of the coastline.

Durdle Door is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South West England. The natural limestone arch and beautiful views of the coastline make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the area.

14. Wells Cathedral in Wells

Wells Cathedral, in Wells, Somerset, is one of the most beautiful and architecturally significant cathedrals in England. It is a fine example of Early English Gothic architecture, with its ornate rose window and unique “scissor arches”. The cathedral is also home to the only working medieval clock in England. The clock was installed in 1392 and still keeps time today. Visitors can take a tour of the cathedral to learn more about its history and architecture.

15. Tresco Abbey Gardens on the Isles of Scilly

Tresco Abbey Gardens is a world-famous garden on the Isles of Scilly. The gardens are home to over 20,000 plants, including many rare and endangered species. From April through October, the gardens are accessible to the public.

16. Exeter Cathedral in Exeter

Exeter Cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in Exeter and a must-visit for any traveller to the city. The cathedral dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest in England. It is also one of the largest cathedrals in the country, with a length of nearly 500 feet and a width of over 200 feet. The exterior of the cathedral is made of beautiful sandstone and has many intricate carvings. The interior is just as stunning, with a large nave, an impressive organ, and stained glass windows. Visitors can also climb to the top of the tower for stunning views of Exeter and beyond.

17. Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company in Dartmouth

Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company in Dartmouth are one of the top must-visit tourist attractions in South West England. The company offers a variety of different steam railway and riverboat tours that allow visitors to explore the stunning scenery of the area. The company also has a number of different locomotives and riverboats that are available for hire, so visitors can experience the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company in their own time.

18. The Royal Crescent in Bath

The Royal Crescent in Bath is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The crescent-shaped row of townhouses was built between 1767 and 1774 and designed by architect John Wood the Younger. It is one of the best-preserved examples of Georgian architecture in the UK. The Royal Crescent is located in a fashionable area of Bath and overlooks a large green park. It is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and admire the view.

19. The Lost Gardens of Heligan in St Austell

The Lost Gardens of Heligan in St Austell are one of the top must-visit tourist attractions in South West England. The gardens were lost for centuries until their rediscovery in the 1990s. They are now a beautiful place to visit, with over 200 acres of gardens to explore. The gardens include a Victorian Kitchen Garden, a Tropical Valley, and a sub-tropical Jungle. There is also a sculpture park and an outdoor theatre. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are a great place to spend a day exploring the outdoors.

20. National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth

The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is one of the largest and most popular tourist attractions in South West England. The Aquarium is home to over 4,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, seahorses and penguins. Visitors can learn about the local marine environment and the work of the Aquarium’s conservation charity, The Shark Trust. The Aquarium is also a great place to take the kids, with plenty of interactive exhibits and activities to keep them entertained.

21. West Somerset Railway in Minehead

The West Somerset Railway is a beautiful heritage railway that runs through the stunning countryside of West Somerset. It’s the perfect way to see the area and experience a little bit of history too. The railway has been running since 1862 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South West. You can take a ride on one of the vintage steam trains or even drive one yourself!

22. Museum of Somerset in Taunton

The Museum of Somerset in Taunton is a great tourist attraction for those interested in the history and culture of South West England. The museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts and exhibits that chronicle the rich history of the region. Visitors to the museum can learn about the Roman occupation of Britain, the Anglo-Saxon period, the Norman Conquest, and much more. The Museum of Somerset is also home to a number of interactive displays and activities that are sure to engage and educate visitors of all ages.

23. National Trust’s Stourhead near Warminster

The National Trust’s Stourhead is a country estate located near Warminster in South West England. The estate includes an 18th-century Georgian mansion, extensive gardens, farmland, and woodland. The gardens at Stourhead are considered to be some of the finest in the world and are renowned for their diversity and creativity. Visitors can explore the many different garden rooms, each with its own unique theme and planting. The estate also has a number of walking trails that allow visitors to enjoy the stunning countryside views.

24. Exeter’s Underground Passages in Exeter

Exeter’s Underground Passages is a series of historic tunnels that run beneath the city. They were used as storage spaces and as a way to move goods around the city without being seen. They are a well-liked tourist attraction nowadays and are accessible to the general public. The passages are dimly lit and can be a bit spooky, but they are an interesting way to learn about the history of the city.

25. Bideford Bay and Hartland in North Devon

Bideford Bay and Hartland in North Devon offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of England. The coastline is dotted with sheltered coves and sandy beaches, and the hills provide endless opportunities for hiking and picnicking.

In addition to its natural beauty, the area is also home to a number of historical sites and attractions. The town of Bideford, for instance, is one of the oldest boroughs in England, dating back to the 11th century. And nearby, Hartland Abbey was once a prominent monastery before being converted into a private residence during the Reformation.

 Whether you’re looking to relax in nature or explore England’s rich history, Bideford Bay and Hartland make an ideal destination.

South West England is one of the most beautiful regions in the United Kingdom, with plenty of sights and attractions to explore. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled holiday, there are so many places to visit in South West England . From ancient ruins to stunning beaches, we hope this list of top 25 must-visit tourist attractions in South West England has given you some ideas on where to visit during your trip. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start planning your next amazing vacation!

FAQs on attractions in south west

1. what is south west england famous for.

South West England has lot of things to do and is famous for its stunning coastline, beautiful countryside, rich history, and iconic landmarks. It is home to the city of Bristol, the county of Cornwall with its charming fishing villages, and the historic city of Bath, known for its Roman Baths.

2. What is South West London famous for?

South West London is famous for its affluent neighbourhoods such as Wimbledon, Richmond, and Kensington. It is also home to several iconic landmarks, such as the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, Kew Gardens, and the Hampton Court Palace.

3. What is in South West London?

South West London has several popular areas, including Clapham, Balham, Wandsworth, Fulham, and Putney. These areas are known for their vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants , and shopping districts.

4. Which areas are south west?

The South West of the UK includes the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and the city of Bristol.

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10 Of The Most Unique Places To Visit In Texas

• Explore the historic town square in Granbury, Texas, for a glimpse into its rich history and visit the Hood County Courthouse and Museum.
• Experience the mysterious Marfa Lights in Marfa, Texas, and visit the iconic Prada Marfa art installation.
• Enjoy water activities on the winding rivers of New Braunfels, Texas, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or floating, and don't miss the Natural Bridge Caverns nearby.

Everything really is bigger in Texas, which tracks considering it's the second-largest U.S. state. But, in addition to being grandeur in size, the Lone Star State is also big on breathtaking cityscapes, too. From San Antonio and its scenic River Walk to the rugged outdoor beauty of El Paso, Texas has some of the most beautiful towns in America, making it the perfect destination for any wanderlust traveler.

However, beyond some of the state's more well-known cities, Texas also offers tourists a variety of unique places to visit. From historic landmarks and sweeping canyons to deep caverns and even island adventures — these truly unique, off-the-beaten-path places in Texas feature something a bit more special for a treasured trip of a lifetime.

Related: 10 Small Towns In West Texas You'll Love Visiting

Granbury, Texas

Founded in 1866 , Granbury is among the many unique places in Texas to visit, and its historical roots run deep.

And although a variety of historic landmarks can be found sprinkled throughout the city, the town's pride and glory is undoubtedly the Historic Granbury Square , where tourists can visit the Hood County Courthouse and Museum.

• Unique for its historic town square
• Things to do: Hood County Courthouse and Museum, Granbury Opera House, Hood County Jail Museum, The Bridge Street History Center, Yeats - Dukes 1858 Working Museum, and the Granbury Doll House

The historic square isn't the only unique thing about Granbury. Head just outside of town to Glen Rose to see the footprints of prehistoric creatures at the Dinosaur Valley State Park .

Marfa, Texas

The Prada Marfa sculptural art installation is one thing that makes this West Texas town unique.

Of course, there are many reasons to visit Marfa, Texas , that go beyond its artsy prowess, including the mysterious Marfa Lights — an unexplained light phenomenon that certainly tops the list.

• Unique for its mysterious glowing lights
• Things to do: Prada Marfa, the Chinati Foundation, Building 98, and Marfa Holocaust & Model Ship Museum

The Marfa Lights Viewing Area is located about nine miles outside of town. The annual Marfa Lights Festival also draws in crowds and features food vendors, live music, and other performances.

New Braunfels, Texas

New Braunfels is another one of the unique Texas towns to visit, as it's a water world like no other. Located a little over 30 miles northeast of San Antonio, the city is a popular summer destination for its winding river and is brimming with fun water activities.

Visitors can kayak, paddleboard, or float down either the Comal River or the Guadalupe River; the options are wet and endless.

• Unique for its winding river
• Things to do: Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Landa Falls, Landa Park, Panther Canyon Nature Trail, Master Blaster Water Park, and McKenna Children's Museum

For another unique attraction, visit the Natural Bridge Caverns , which are located about 15 miles outside of town.

Related: These Are The 10 Most Adorable Small Towns In Texas For Your Bucket List

Terlingua, Texas

It doesn't get more unique than a deserted city, so head out and explore the Wild West at Terlingua Ghost Town .

Situated close to the Rio Grande and Mexican border, tourists can see the remnants of an old mining town in Terlingua.

• Unique for its desolate ghost town
• Things to do: Terlingua Trading Company, Terlingua Ghost Town Sign, and Starlight Theatre

Terlingua is also nestled in between Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park , making it the perfect side trip for those keen on exploring the great Texas outdoors.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Fredericksburg's National Historic District features more than 80 points of historic interest , making it one of the many unique destinations in Texas for history buffs.

The second German Town in Texas , the city's German heritage is also a major draw for tourists.

• Unique for its German heritage
• Things to do: Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, National Museum of the Pacific War, Marktplatz von Fredericksburg, Gillespie County Historical, Pioneer Museum,

Looking for a cozy place to stay? Some of the most charming bed and breakfasts can be found in Fredericksburg, Texas , including the Full Moon Inn Bed and Breakfast , Walnut Canyon Cabins , and Peach Tree Inn & Suites .

Jefferson, Texas

The exact date of Jefferson, Texas' founding remains a mystery. However, this quaint and unique Texan town has Fredericksburg beat when it comes to its history.

Jefferson is home to nearly 100 historical landmarks , from its Federal Building to its Plantation House.

• Unique for its historic landmarks
• Things to do: The Grove, Historic Jefferson Railway, Gone With the Wind Museum, Jefferson General Store, and Jefferson Historical Museum

Care for a good scare? Jefferson has also been dubbed the most haunted town in Texas .

Related: Planning A Trip To Texas? The Small Towns Pictured Here Look The Coolest

Pal Duro Canyon, Texas

As its name suggests, this unique Texas city is famed for its sweeping canyons, which can be found just outside of town.

Plus, there are many things to do in Palo Duro Canyon, Texas , from hiking to the iconic Lighthouse rock formation to embarking on a scenic drive.

• Unique for its sweeping canyons
• Things to do: Palo Duro Canyon State Park , Canyon Aqua Park, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, and Texas Outdoor Musical

Sonora, Texas

Nestled on the western edge of Texas Hill Country, Sonora is one of the many unique towns in Texas to visit, but it's perhaps best known for being home to stunning caverns.

The Caverns of Sonora are located about 15 miles southwest of the city and are quite a sight to see.

• Unique for its caverns
• Things to do: Eaton Hill Nature Center & Preserve, Old Sonora Ice House Ranch Museum, and Sutton County Historical Society

Dripping Springs, Texas

Known as the "Gateway to Hill Country," Dripping Springs is another one of the most unique destinations to visit in Texas, as it's famed for its wineries and natural wonders.

One of the most famous natural wonders in Dripping Springs is the stunning emerald-green waters of the Hamilton Pool Preserve.

• Unique for its natural swimming hole
• Things to do: Hamilton Pool Preserve, Milton Reimers Ranch Park, and Hudson's On Mercer Street,

Tourists should check the website for updates on any closures at the Hamilton Pool Preserve due to high bacteria levels or recent rainfall, among others.

Related: 10 Charming, Small Texas Towns You Should Definitely Visit

South Padre Island, Texas

Life's a beach on South Padre Island, which is easily one of the most unique islands in Texas to visit, thanks to its location and resort town status.

The barrier island, which is located off the southernmost tip of Texas, is a popular resort destination for its local dining options, beach views, nightlife scene, and much more.

• Unique for its beachy atmosphere
• Things to do: South Padre Island Birding And Nature Center, Laguna Madre Nature Trail, Andy Bowie County Park, Gravity Park, and Isla Blanca Park

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Khabarovsk, Russia

You are here, about khabarovsk.

Khabarovsk is one of the most significant and beautiful cities of Russia's Far East. It stands on the right bank of the Amur River along the scenic Trans-Siberian railway and almost touches the Chinese border.

The city of Khabarovsk played a crucial role in East - Russian history and is famous for its historic sights, monuments of architecture of different eras, religious buildings, lovely parks, gardens, and artificial lakes which surprise its visitors with impressive fountain shows.

Khabarovsk History

Founded in 1858, the city is now loved by Chinese travelers and those who are going on iconic train journeys along the world's longest railway from Siberia. After days of relentless taiga, people reach this vibrant city with multiple attractions, plenty of historical sights from the tsarist-era, and a number of places to try traditional Russian cuisine. Khabarovsk is indeed a charming city that deserved to be on your travel itinerary. Especially, if you are the legendary Trans-Siberian is on your travel radar.

We suggest beginning your Khabarovsk tour from the famous monument erected in honor of Nikolay Muravyov - Amursky, one of the best-known explorer of East Siberia, a general, and the founder of the city.

Continue your Khabarovsk trip with a riverside walk along the picturesque Nevelsky Embankment and pass through the third tallest church (35 feet) in all Russia - Spaso-Transfiguration Cathedral standing on top of a hill. Take in the spectacular location and view of this Cathedral and its classic golden domes, dominating the city skyline and being visible from a large distance.

Your Trans-Siberian itinerary would become even better if you include a visit to the famous Khabarovsk Bridge as well. The railway bridge goes over the Amur River and is considered to be the longest bridge on the Trans-Siberian route.

Best Things to Do in Khabarovsk

• Stop by the Nikolay Muravyov - Amursky monument
• Visit the gorgeous Spaso-Transfiguration Cathedral
• Take a picture by the renown Khabarovsk Bridge over the Amur River

Top Attractions in Khabarovsk

The Kamchatka peninsula is perhaps one of the most beautiful locations in the world. With about 300 volcanoes, 29 of which are still active, the mountains dazzle visitors.

Understand [ edit ]

Overlooking the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri Rivers, Khabarovsk is the second largest city in the Russian Far East , approaching 600,000 residents and growing. It is also the capital of both Khabarovsk Krai and the Far Eastern Federal District . Unlike Vladivostok, the city has never been closed to foreigners, and retains a distinct international feel, rare for the Russian provincial centers – a feeling propped up by an increasing Asian presence with arrivals from Asian countries now numbering over a million each year. In turn, Asians come here to experience a piece of Europe close to home, with the fortunate effect that the city is spending huge swaths of money renovating the city, in which old classical buildings were spared much of the destructive effects of the 1917-23 civil war, to provide its visitors with just that feeling. From a European's perspective, Soviet city planning has unmistakably taken its toll, but it is still far more attractive than your average Siberian city.

Climate [ edit ]

The climate is temperate and monsoonal, with a cold, dry winter and a hot and humid summer. The average temperature for a full year is just 2°C, but covers over wide span of monthly averages ranging from a bone chilling −20°C in January to a quite warm +21°C average in July. The city sees an average of 686 mm precipitation in a year, but unfortunately the lions' share falls in the warm summer months. The number of sunny days per year is 70, which is higher than Moscow's 54. Climate-wise, end of May - early June or end of August - early September are the best time for a visit.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], by train [ edit ].

• 48.49659 135.07283 2 Khabarovsk railway station ( Habarovsk 1 ), Leningradskaya, 58 , ☏ +7 4212 38-39-40 . Khabarovsk station, listed as Habarovsk 1 in most train schedules, is a major stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway . There are several trains each day bound for Vladivostok (800 km) and Moscow (about 8500 km) along the main Trans-Siberian line. Other options include trains #386 or #035 to Blagoveshchensk , #325 for Tynda, #667э for Komsomolsk , #943э Vanino , all on the Baikal-Amur Mainline . Vanino is an interesting option as it allows ferry connections to Sakhalin and further on to Wakkanai in Japan – more details in the Russia to Japan via Sakhalin itinerary. The international trains are Khabarovsk- Harbin , ongoing twice a week and Khabarovsk- Pyongyang on special days.  

By boat [ edit ]

• 48.46904 135.0581 3 River Port , Shevchenko 1 .  

If you want to go to places upstream on the Amur river, the Meteor speedboats will often be your transport of choice, but only during the summer when the river is navigable. However, in 2008, the water level in the river was at a historic low, so that the Meteor traffic had to be stopped. If Meteor traffic functions normally, you can go some 1,000 km downstream to the Ul'chi municipal district (rayon), a region mostly inhabited by indigenous Ul'chi people.

• Fuyuan – In spring and summer there are daily hydrofoil services to Fuyuan in northeastern China , departing from the ferry terminal facing the Amur river.
• Komsomolsk – If you are heading for the BAM line up north, an interesting option is to take a hydrofoil cruising up the Amur river to Komsomolsk (6 hours), and catch a train from there.

Get around [ edit ]

The best thing to start with is to walk around the center of the city. Have a nice walk from Lenin Square to the Amur River via the main street, Muravieva-Amurski. You will find all sorts of shops and places to eat.

By tram [ edit ]

The city has a network of four tram lines (there is no line 3 or 4). The most useful section for visitors is the stretch of the network running from the main railway station along Amursky Boulevard, before making a left turn down Volochaevskaya St. (near the market), and crossing Muravyov-Amursky Street one block west of Lenina Square, it then continues south intersecting Lenina Street roughly at its halfway point, before a stop at the botanical gardens (Lines 1, 2 & 6). The remainder of the network mainly extends into the sleepy suburbs. Line 5 serves the North, Line 1 and 2 the South along Krasnorechenskaya St.

By bus [ edit ]

The electric trolleybuses also has a few useful sections for visitors, Line 1 runs between the Airport and Komsomolskaya Square (River promenade, Museum cluster) along Karla Marksa and Mureava Amursky streets.

The regular bus number 1, is a useful circle line. It starts at the Railway station, turns down Seryshev street (a block north of Amursky Boulevard) until it reaches the river park at Lenin Stadium. Turns down Komsomolskaya Street (and square) and runs south until Lenina Street. It then runs the entire length of Lenina street before north at the City History Museum and returns to the train station.

Major destinations [ edit ]

• Airport 18, T1, T2, T4
• Botanical Gardens' 9, 25, 29, 33, 54
• City History Museum 1, 54, 56, 57, T5
• Komsomolskaya Square 1, 9, 14, 19, 29, 34, 38, 55, 56, T1, T3
• Lenina Square 14, 19, 21, 29, 34, 38, 55, 56, T1, T3
• Railway Station 1, 6, 7, 11, 13, 20, 22, 24, 26, 34, 54, 57, T2, T5
• Slavy (Glory) Square 1, 9, 29, 33, 34, 56

See [ edit ]

The Far Eastern Museums [ edit ]

There is a fantastic cluster of top notch museums along Shevchenko Street, just behind the tall blue-domed Church of Theotokos on Komsomolskaya Square towards the river and stadium. Not only are the museums some of the best in the far east, they also make their home in some impressive century-old buildings dating back to before the revolution. After a visit, the nice river promenade is just a short walk away, so you can wash all that new found knowledge away with some pivos in good company.

Tugged away just across the next street behind the military museum, you also find the Archeology Museum on Turgeneva street.

Learn [ edit ]

The Pacific National University [dead link] , formally a Polytechnic Institute, is now a full fledged university, with over 21.000 students enrolled. Has a single Masters programme in Computer Sciences in cooperation with a German university, which is taught in English.

The Far Eastern State University of Humanities [dead link] offers a summer course in Russian language in July as well as courses during the academic year.

The Far-Eastern State Medical University [dead link] is a major medical institution in Eastern Siberia.

The Far-Eastern State University of Railways being one of the largest universities includes the course of Russian-Americam Programme.

The Far-Eastern State Scientific Library is an old and beautiful Art-Nouveau building in the city's center and has American, German and Japanese centers.

Japanese Center in Khabarovsk offers course of Japanese language as well as participation in business seminars

Connect [ edit ]

Phones [ edit ].

Khabarovsk has the usual set of Russian mobile operators:

GSM 900/1800:

• Beeline ( by Vympelcom ), ☏ +7 4212 64-90-64 .  
• Megafon , toll-free: +7 800 333 0500 .  
• MTS ( Mobile TeleSystems ), toll-free: +7 800 333 0890 .  
• Skylink , Dzerzhiskogo, 4 ( Near Amur hotel. ), ☏ +7 4212 74-44-44 . The all-Russian CDMA operator, having less subscribers, than GSM operators, but popular for faster and cheaper mobile Internet service.  
• Megafon , ☏ +7 800 333 0500 . new standart of mobile internet.  

Check roaming prices, especially for mobile Internet, before using any non-Russian SIM card. Some mobile connection standards are not supported in Russia , e.g. those for Japan and the United States .

If you're staying in Russia for a week or more, it's definitely worth it to buy a local SIM card, but be aware, that a passport is needed for that. The easiest way to refill a local mobile account is to use an ATM. Most ATMs have bilingual interfaces, allowing numerous kinds of payments, including those for mobile services by local operators. You can also do it through terminals spread all over the city - like Qiwi or mobile shops.

Post [ edit ]

The General post office at 28 Muravyov-Amurskiy St. If you plan on calling anyone, Khabarovsk is UTC +10 (or 7 hours ahead of Moscow).

The post-office at the railway station is located on 13 Leningradsky per. about 200 m from the station building.

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Khabarovsk, Russia

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Khabarovsk

Khabarovsk travel guide.

• 1. Architecture
• 2. Attractions
• 3. Cultural life
• 4. Souvenirs

Khabarovsk, Russia fascinates visitors with its unusual heritage and fabulous untouched nature. Tourists are drawn to the native culture, eclectic architecture and mesmerizing waters in this off-the-beaten-track destination, which promises a unique and memorable vacation.

As the center of Russia’s far eastern region of Khabarovsk Krai, the city offers celebrations throughout the year which are sure to give added flair to your trip, from traditional culture days to large-scale food fests. It is easy to keep a full itinerary during your stay thanks to its many theaters, museums, restaurants, workshops and quest rooms. Guests who want a more relaxed holiday can venture into the serenity of Khabarovsk nature, including the coast of the Sea of Japan or one of the region’s many picturesque lakes .

Khabarovsk Architecture

Khabarovsk architecture surprises with its harmonious blending of varying types and styles. This is due in large part to major changes which the city underwent in the mid-19th-early 20th centuries in conjunction with developments in the political, economic, scientific and technical spheres. The search for new trends in architecture came after the death of the classicism style, which had dominated the Russian Empire and the wider world for centuries. Beginning in the mid-19th century, the practice of mixing eclectic architectural styles began to emerge, leading to an era of amazing stylistic improvisations.

During the final decades of Romanov reign, many educational institutions for architects and engineers were opened. As a result, the face of numerous Russian cities began to change rapidly. Art Nouveau - a new, modern trend that absorbed several preceding styles – had come to dominate the architectural scene.

Many Art Nouveau buildings can still be seen in central Khabarovsk. These include:

• Takeuchi apartment building (5 Muravyov-Amursky Street)
• Esplanade Hotel (18 Muravyov-Amursky Street)
• Luhta apartment building (84 Komsomolskaya Street)
• Zandau apartment building (34 Muravyov-Amursky Street)

Khabarovsk also has many Gothic buildings, a style distinguished by its elegance and attention to detail. Every element of Gothic architecture emphasize a vertical orientation, as seen in the massive walls and columns, round arches and wide windows which contrast with narrow towers, pointed peaks and lancet windows.

Khabarovsk’s Gothic architecture is best represented by the artillery warehouse buildings located at 16 Komsomolskaya Street. Another notable example is the Red Guard Headquarters (105 Komsomolskaya Street), which has been preserved in its original form. The complex consists of two identical two-story brick buildings with unusual motifs containing pseudo-gothic elements.

Also of note is the early 20th-century Treasury Building, a luxurious red brick structure with openwork balconies that exudes an architectural grace.

Khabarovsk also has many Soviet-era buildings which were mostly designed in the constructivism style. Characterized by their enormous size and grotesque shapes, they often occupy most of the block and dominate the surrounding space.

During your Khabarovsk excursion, be sure to appreciate its unique architectural heritage by going for a walk downtown .

Khabarovsk Attractions

The layout of Khabarovsk is very simple: its 3 main streets of Lenin, Muravyov-Amursky and Seryshev pass through the downtown area, while Ussuriysky and Amur Boulevards run perpendicular to them. A distinctive feature of Khabarovsk are its many hills, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes for your walk.

Begin your walking tour of Khabarovsk from the train station, where you can see the monument to Yerofey Khabarov, the famous explorer for whom the city is named. Nearby is a sculpture of a double-headed eagle, erected in memory of soldiers, officers and builders of the Far Eastern Railway. Moving from the station along Amur Boulevard you will reach the central market, just past which is Lenin Square. A spacious area with a granite fountain in the center, it is the main plaza of Khabarovsk and the site of the city’s Christmas and New Year celebrations. Next to the square is Dynamo Park, famous for its three ponds and Ferris wheel.

From Lenin Square, move along Muravyov-Amursky Street to reach Amur Embankment, passing most of Khabarovsk’s famous 19th-20th century buildings along the way. Descend to the embankment via two grand staircases or make a small detour onto Shevchenko Street, where you can follow the slope until you reach the embankment’s main stretch. Among other things, the area is home to the House of Officers and three museums.

As you move along the embankment through a park you will come across the city symbol of Khabarovsk, a building set on a steep cliff above the Amur River. It was at the foot of this cliff that the founders of a military post, the first semblance of civilization in the area, first landed.

After reaching the river and walking along Ussuriysky Boulevard to Turgenev Street, turn right to reach Glory Square. Here you will find another famous Khabarovsk landmark, Transfiguration Cathedral, along with a magnificent view of the Amur River and its dreamy islands. Glory Square concludes the main walking route of Khabarovsk, but from here you can reach any part of the city by public transport or taxi .

Khabarovsk Cultural Life

Khabarovsk entertainment centers around its many theaters and museums. Visit Khabarovsk Museum of Local Lore to get a better glimpse of city and regional life. Children and adults alike will want to visit Fishes of Amur River Museum, an aquarium which is home to some 90 species of the underwater world. To catch the vibe of local artists, head to the Far Eastern Art Museum.

There are several theaters in Khabarovsk, each of which is worth visiting:

• Khabarovsk Regional Puppet Theater;
• Triad Pantomime Theater;
• Khabarovsk Regional Philharmonic;
• White Theater, and others.

In addition, Khabarovsk offers several concert halls, culture houses, cinemas and art institutions .

Khabarovsk Souvenirs

While the city’s souvenir selection is not as diverse as in other Russian cities, guests can still find something suited to their tastes on their tour to Khabarovsk. Amur River and the Sea of Japan offer an abundance of seafood that can be tasted on the spot or brought home in dried or smoked form. Yet it is the rich culture of the local indigenous peoples which provides the largest selection of national souvenirs.

If you’re looking for an original gift, traditional Nanai slippers are comfortable and warm. Sewn from leather or fabric and decorated in a bright, colorful style before being trimmed with fur, they make the perfect house shoes in winter. Traditional decorations include amulets which are made from animal bones, fur or fabrics and decorated with ribbons and colored beads.

Standard souvenirs like plates, magnets, mugs and flasks stamped with images of Khabarovsk or its coat of arms can be purchased in souvenir shops, which are mostly located downtown and at the airport and railway station.

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Khabarovsk city, Russia

The capital city of Khabarovsk krai .

Khabarovsk - Overview

Khabarovsk , the administrative center of Khabarovsk Krai, is one of the largest industrial, transport, cultural, educational, and scientific centers of the Far East of Russia. This city is located at the intersection of international railway and air transport routes on the right bank of the Amur River, near the border with China.

The population of Khabarovsk is about 613,500 (2022), the area - 383 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 4212, the postal codes - 680000-680150.

Khabarovsk city flag

Khabarovsk city coat of arms.

Khabarovsk city map, Russia

Khabarovsk city latest news and posts from our blog:.

25 August, 2017 / Russian banknotes and the sights depicted on them .

1 August, 2017 / Khabarovsk - the view from above .

21 December, 2016 / Flying over diverse Russia .

21 April, 2013 / Khabarovsk - the center of the Russian Far East .

16 January, 2011 / Siberian tiger walking the highway .

More posts..

History of Khabarovsk

Foundation of khabarovsk.

Until the mid-19th century, the territory of present-day Khabarovsk, in accordance with the Nerchinsk Treaty, was located on a neutral territory, not delimited between the Qing Empire (China) and the Russian Empire. In 1858, the Aigun Treaty was signed, according to which the entire left bank of the Amur River passed into the possession of the Russian Empire, the right bank of the Amur to the Ussuri River became part of China.

After signing the treaty, the 13th Siberian Line Battalion was sent to establish settlements along the Amur. One of the new settlements was named Khabarovka - in honor of Yerofey Khabarov, a 17th-century Russian explorer known for his attempts to colonize this region for Russia. In 1864, the first plan for the development of the future town was made. By 1865, there were 1,294 residents in Khabarovka - mostly soldiers and officers.

Initially, only military buildings were constructed in Khabarovka. Five years after the foundation, there were already 167 buildings in the settlement including the house of the commander, barracks, warehouses, residential buildings, and trading shops. Due to its very convenient location at the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri rivers, Khabarovka began to develop very quickly.

Following the military settlers, civilians began to arrive from all parts of the Russian Empire including Moscow and St. Petersburg. At that time, their main occupations were hunting, fur trade, and fishing. The settlers were provided with free fertile land, which also contributed to the influx of new residents to Khabarovka.

More historical facts…

Khabarovsk - a regional center of the Russian Far East

In 1873, the first elementary school was opened in Khabarovka. The Russo-Chinese treaty of 1881 allowed duty-free trade in the 50-kilometer land border zone and the goods of Chinese and English manufacturers could be bought half cheaper here.

By 1880, Khabarovka was already a rather large settlement of Primorsky Oblast with a population of 2,036 people (47.3% - military, 23% - bourgeois, 21.3% - foreigners (mainly Chinese workers), 1.4% - representatives of the indigenous population, and 7% - officers, clergy, merchants, industrialists).

At that time, the capital of Primorsky Oblast was Nikolayevsk (today’s Nikolayevsk-on-Amur), but Khabarovka had a more advantageous geographical position, as it was located at the crossroads of all communication lines from Vladivostok and the coast. In 1880, Khabarovka became the center of Primorsky Oblast and transformed into a town. In 1893, the town was renamed Khabarovsk.

In 1894, the Amur (Khabarovsk) department of the Russian Geographical Society was created with a museum (the Khabarovsk Regional Museum of Local Lore) and a library. In 1895, the first vocational technical school was opened - the railway school of the Ministry of Railways. During these years, a lot of stone houses were built in Khabarovsk. Most of them are preserved in the city to this day.

In 1897, the first train departed from the Khabarovsk railway station. The Ussuri Railway connected Khabarovsk with Vladivostok. The population of the town was about 14,900 people.

Khabarovsk in the 20th century and beyond

In 1916, the construction of a railway bridge over the Amur was completed and Khabarovsk was connected by the Amur Railway with Eastern Siberia.

November 14, 1922, after the liquidation of the Far Eastern Republic, Khabarovsk became part of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. On December 6, 1923, the administrative center of the Russian Far East was transferred to Khabarovsk from Chita. In 1925, the railway bridge over the Amur was restored.

On January 4, 1926, Far Eastern Krai was formed with its center in Khabarovsk. The population of the city was about 52 thousand people. On October 23, 1934, the Far Eastern Agricultural Research Institute was established in Khabarovsk. In 1936, Khabarovsk was connected by rail with Komsomolsk-on-Amur.

By 1939, the population of Khabarovsk increased to 200 thousand people. From June 1940, the command of the Far Eastern Front was deployed in Khabarovsk. From August 1945, the headquarters of the High Command of Soviet Forces in the Far East and the command of the 1st Far Eastern Front were stationed in the city.

On March 16, 1946, the Khabarovsk Drama Theater was created. In 1949, a trial was held in Khabarovsk in the case of former members of the Japanese Kwantung Army. The most significant changes in the city occurred in the post-war decades.

In 1960, the Khabarovsk television studio began broadcasting. On October 24, 1964, the Khabarovsk Shipyard produced the first “Rocket”, a famous Soviet hydrofoil ship. On September 1, 1967, the Khabarovsk Institute of Physical Education (the Far Eastern State Academy of Physical Culture) was opened. On September 1, 1968, the Khabarovsk State Institute of Arts and Culture was opened.

In 1975, the population of Khabarovsk was about 502,000 people. By 1990, Khabarovsk was formed as a multifunctional economic center of national importance. The population reached its maximum of 616 thousand people.

In May 2000, federal districts were formed in the Russian Federation. Khabarovsk became the center of the Far Eastern Federal District. In 2008, the railway station was completely renovated. In 2009, the reconstruction of the bridge across the Amur was finished. In late summer - early fall of 2013, Khabarovsk was affected by flooding, which became the strongest over the entire observation period since 1897.

On December 13, 2018, the center of the Far Eastern Federal District was moved from Khabarovsk to Vladivostok.

Pictures of Khabarovsk

Pre-revolutionary architecture in Khabarovsk

Author: Tanya Yakushina

Lenin Square in Khabarovsk

Khabarovsk cityscape

Author: Santiago Rios

Khabarovsk - Features

Khabarovsk is often considered the capital of the Russian Far East. The city is located in Asia, in the southern part of the Central Amur Lowland, near the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri rivers, about 17 km from the border with China. The city stands on the elevated right bank of the Amur River, the relief of which is diverse and complex.

The distance from Moscow to Khabarovsk by roads is about 8,250 km, to Vladivostok - 750 km. About half of the population of Khabarovsk Krai lives in this city. Khabarovsk is a bit similar to the large cities of the Volga region. Here you can see similar new buildings wedging chaotically into the cityscape and an abundance of pre-revolutionary architecture.

Although Khabarovsk can’t boast of Vladivostok’s seaside flavor or all-Russian sights, it’s still worth coming here, and to some extent this is inevitable: all routes of the Khabarovsk region converge here.

The climate in Khabarovsk is temperate monsoon, with snowy cold winters and hot humid summers. The average temperature in January is minus 20.5 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 21.8 degrees Celsius. The number of sunny days per year is significantly higher than in a number of large cities of Russia (up to 300 days a year; in Moscow and St. Petersburg - about 100).

From November to March, very dry and frosty continental air with clear and sunny weather is established over the city. The best time to visit Khabarovsk is June and September when the weather is not too hot.

Khabarovsk is a major hub at the junction of water, air, rail, and road communications from the north and west of the country, Primorye, Sakhalin, and the ports of Khabarovsk Krai. The Trans-Siberian Railway passes through the city, as well as the railway line to Komsomolsk-on-Amur. This city is the connecting point of the federal highways “Amur” (Chita - Khabarovsk), “Ussuri” (Khabarovsk - Vladivostok), and Khabarovsk - Komsomolsk-on-Amur. Urban transport includes trams, trolleybuses, buses, minibuses, and taxis.

The international airport “Novy” offers regular flights to Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Vladivostok, Yakutsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Magadan, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Seoul (South Korea), Tokyo (Japan).

The design of the Russian 5,000 rubles banknote features Khabarovsk. On its front side you can see the monument to Muravyov-Amursky (the founder of Khabarovsk and Vladivostok) on the background of the embankment of the Amur River. The Khabarovsk bridge over the Amur is depicted on the back of the banknote. At the time of construction, in 1916, it was one of the longest bridges in the world and was called “The Amur Miracle”.

The fork-shaped cross depicted on the coat of arms of Khabarovsk symbolizes the location of the city at the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri rivers. Fish reminds of the main occupation of the first residents - fishing. The white-breasted bear and the Amur tiger are endemic to the Amur land.

Main Attractions of Khabarovsk

Khabarovsk Regional Museum named after Nikolai Grodekov . The expositions of this museum feature exhibits on the paleontology and geology of the Amur Region, the flora and fauna of the Far East, the fish of the Amur basin, the culture of the indigenous peoples of the Amur region and Russian settlers, the history of the development of the Russian Far East, the events of the Civil War in the Far East (1917-1922). The museum building (1896) is a monument of architecture, culture, and history of federal significance. Shevchenko Street, 11.

Amur (Khabarovsk) Cliff - the most beautiful place in the city located in the center of Admiral Gennady Nevelsky Embankment running along the Amur River bank, near the Khabarovsk Regional Museum. In 1858, a military detachment led by commander Yakov Dyachenko landed here. He decided to set up his camp here, which later became a military settlement, and even later - the village of Khabarovka.

Here you can find a good observation deck with beautiful views of the Amur River and the city. Nearby, there is a park with the famous monument to the Governor-General of Eastern Siberia Muravyov-Amursky. This monument is depicted on the Russian banknote of 5,000 rubles. Shevchenko Street, 15.

The Far Eastern Art Museum - the largest museum of fine art in the Russian Far East. The collection of this museum has about 16 thousand works of art of the Old Russian, Russian pre-revolutionary, Soviet, and modern periods. Here you can also see the Far Eastern and Western European fine art, the art of the peoples of the Amur Region, works of Russian icon painting of the 15th-20th centuries. Shevchenko Street, 7.

Military History Museum of the Far Eastern Military District . The museum exhibits documents, photographs, banners of all periods of the history of the Far Eastern Military District, starting with the Russian Civil War in the Far East and to our time. In the courtyard, there is an exhibition of military equipment. Shevchenko Street, 20.

Khabarovsk Assumption Cathedral - the first stone building and one of the largest churches in Khabarovsk. The original building was demolished in 1930. In 2002, the cathedral was restored according to a new architectural project in the Russian style with some eclectic features. The new cathedral as a whole differs from the original building, but has some of its elements. In particular, the shapes of the arches and domes of the new cathedral were taken from the old version. Sobornaya (Komsomolskaya) Square.

Khabarovsk Bridge (“The Amur Miracle”) - one of the main symbols of Khabarovsk. The construction of this bridge completed the Trans-Siberian Railway in 1916. This bridge is depicted on the Russian 5,000 Rubles banknote. In the 1990s, the bridge was reconstructed, its old openwork spans were dismantled. Nearby, you can find the Museum of the History of the Amur Bridge with the last preserved span of the original design.

Lenin Square - the central and most picturesque square in Khabarovsk. In size, it is second only to Red Square in Moscow. It is framed by buildings of various styles of architecture, size, and number of storeys. There are beautiful fountains, well-groomed flower beds, and trimmed lawns here.

Severny Park - a cascade of three small but very picturesque ponds. In the middle of the green lawns and trees there are small arbors, as well as a snow-white wedding palace. Nearby, you can see the Church of Seraphim of Sarov. Kakhovskaya Street, 1.

Khabarovsk city of Russia photos

Churches of khabarovsk.

Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov in Khabarovsk

Author: Sergey V. Makogonov

Assumption Cathedral in Khabarovsk

Author: Jason Rogers

Transfiguration Cathedral in Khabarovsk

Lenin monument in Khabarovsk

Lenin Monument in Khabarovsk

Author: Kudinov D.M.

The questions of our visitors

The comments of our visitors.

I lived in Khabarovsk for many years. I was an American working there. I spoke fluent Russian and pretty much blended right in. No one guessed I was a foreigner. I made lots of truly wonderful friends some of whom became like family.

I walked about any time I felt like it and never had any sort of problems. I lived in several other cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg and Khabarovsk is my favorite. If I could figure out a way to live there permanently, I would with pleasure.

I had the pleasure of flying a number of flights to Khabarovsk in the early 1990's. I met some wonderful people, one very special person. While the city was in a semi state of disrepair, it still held the historic beauty of its earlier years.

It has been over 20 years since my visit and I would very much like to return. Perhaps not in this life time but the memories live on.

• Currently 2.86/5

Rating: 2.9 /5 (217 votes cast)