US Southwest Vacation Ideas
The US southwest is an amazing place to visit to see stunning landscapes and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. When looking for US travel ideas, we highly recommend exploring the southwest!
We have put together a list of US Southwest vacation ideas that include various locations, resources and tips. Putting them all in one place like this makes it easier to see all the options to help you decide where to go, when to go and what to do.
The American Southwest is a region filled with unique landscapes to explore and photograph, as well as cultural attractions to learn about the history of the region. Living in Utah we are only hours away from a number of vacation spots in the Southwest region.
Our number one tip: if you plan to road trip through the Southwest, it’s important to be prepared for driving through remote areas with few services. Be sure to grab the Road Trip Packing List that includes items for comfort, organization, eating, and first aid to make the family vacation a success. You’ll also receive a Road Trip Itinerary to plan the day-to-day schedule of the trip! Click on the graphic below to get your free copy!
This site contains affiliate links which means WE may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We only provide links to products we actually use and/or wholeheartedly recommend! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full Disclosure Policy.
Southwest USA Vacations and Road Trips
Use the vacation ideas and guides below to plan your Southwest USA trip. We’ve included multi-day itineraries we recommend for making the most of exploring the area!
- 8 Day American Southwest Road Trip Guide
- 55 Southwest USA Road Trip Ideas
- Family Vacation Ideas in the Southwest US
US Southwest Vacation Ideas by Season and Month
There are important things to know about traveling in the Southwest at various times of the year. Use these resources if you’re looking for ideas on the best times to this area and things to do during each season and month of the year.
Southwest Vacations Ideas by Season
- Spring Vacation in the Southwest USA
- Summer Vacations in the Southwest
- Fall Vacation in the Southwest USA
- Fall Colors in the Southwest
- Winter Vacation in the Southwest USA
Places to Visit in the Southwest by Season and Month
- Places to Visit in the Southwest in the Winter
- Places to Visit in the Southwest in the Spring
- Places to Visit in the Southwest in March
- Places to Visit in the Southwest in April
- Places to Visit in the Southwest in December
Best Times to Visit the US Southwest States
Do your research to know what it’s like visiting a specific destination at various times during the year to decide when it’s the best time for YOU to go!
- Best Time to Visit Arizona
- Best Time to Visit Colorado
- Best Time to Visit Nevada
- Best Time to Visit New Mexico
- Best Time to Visit Utah
- Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks
Things to Do in the US Southwest
Here’s a list of things to do, see and photograph in the US Southwest. Explore the various points of interest by driving, hiking or biking. And don’t forget to learn about all the best photo spots.
Places to Visit in the Southwest
- Best Things to Do in Page Arizona
- Utah Bucket List
- Utah State Parks
- Utah National Monuments
- Utah Scenic Drives
US Southwest Hiking Trails
- Arches National Park Hiking Trails
- Bryce Canyon Hikes
- Canyonlands Hikes
- Capitol Reef Hikes
- Zion National Park Hikes
- Sedona, Arizona Hiking Trails
Photographing the American Southwest
- Arches National Park Photography
- Bryce Canyon Photo Spots
- Canyonlands National Park Photography
- Capitol Reef National Park Photography
- Zion National Park Photography
- Guide to Moab, Utah Photography
- Guide to Kanab, Utah Photography
National Parks in the US Southwest
The landscape of the national parks in the southwest are unique and stunning. There is so much to see, do and photograph at each park! We have created a list of helpful resources like travel guides, packing checklists, tips and more to help you decide which US national parks to visit on your American southwest trip!
- Southwest National Parks
- US Southwest National Parks in the Spring
- US Southwest National Parks in the Summer
- US Southwest National Parks in the Fall
- US Southwest National Parks in the Winter
Southwest National Parks by Month
Southwest USA National Park Guides
- Utah National Parks
- Arches National Park travel guide
- Bryce Canyon travel guide
- Canyonlands National Park guide
- Capitol Reef National Park guide
- Zion National Park travel guide
National Park Packing Lists
Use our US National Park Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting any time of year! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
