
Yeehaw! Welcome to the wild and wonderful Southwest America, partner! If you’re looking for the road trip of a lifetime, then the Southwest is a land of wonder and adventure just waiting to be explored. In this article, we’ve put together the top attractions and must-do activities in this region. So, saddle up and get ready to be blown away by the mesmerising landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and some good ol’ cowboy charm. Here are our top areas to explore in the Southwest:
Begin: Vegas
First off, we’re heading to Vegas, baby! This is the best place to start your road-trippin’ adventure with some bedazzle and neon shine. Enjoy the famous strip, the thrill of the casinos, and a stay at the iconic Flamingo Hotel where you can see some real-life flamingos strutting their stuff. You can either stay here for a couple of days or simply use it as a starting point for your trip.
We recommend booking your rental car for your road trip in advance if you haven’t already. By doing so, you can shop around for the best deals to make your Southwest ride as affordable and enjoyable as possible. An Avis coupon code allows you to save a significant discount when booking in advance, as well as the potential for complementary vehicle upgrades so you can find the ride that best suits your big Southwest adventure. Some of the trucks on Route 66 can be intimidating, to say the least. So make sure you pick a car that’s suitable for long journeys and doesn’t make you feel as if you could be blown off the highway.

Days 2 – 6
From Vegas, drive straight to the epic Zion National Park, where red cliffs and towering canyons await. To soak in the breathtaking beauty of Zion, we advise hiking the trails to Angel’s Landing or The Narrows to immerse yourself fully in this experience and feel the wonder of Mother Nature. As you hit the road, make a pit stop in Kanab, Utah and go on a tour to see some of the famous filming locations from old Western movies.
As you venture further south, get ready to cross into Arizona and be blown away by the otherworldly landscapes of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument – it’s like stepping onto another planet. Next up, make a detour to the mystical Antelope Canyon and witness the wonderful light beams dancing through the narrow sandstone walls. From here, get ready to hit the road again for the next leg of your trip in Sedona, Travel Zone’s reportedly most mystical place in the U.S.
Days 7 – 14
For your last week, you’re going to start in the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona. You can either explore here by yourself or as part of a private group with a Sedona tour. Whichever you choose, be sure to take your time to appreciate the vibrant red rock formations. Explore the Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and don’t miss the stunning sunset when it hits! As you hop on the road again, drive through the picturesque landscapes of Oak Creek Canyon, where lush greenery contrasts with the fiery cliffs. En route, make a pit stop in Flagstaff for a glimpse of Route 66’s old-school charm, and maybe hike in Coconino National Forest if you feel up to it. Next up, head to the awe-inspiring Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert – the colours and ancient wood fossils will leave you speechless.
As you venture into New Mexico on your 10th or 11th day (depending on how long you choose to spend in Arizona) take a break in Winslow to stand on that famous ‘Corner’ before arriving in Santa Fe. Now, get ready to immerse yourself in art and culture – stroll through the historic plaza, visit art galleries showcasing Native American and contemporary works, and admire the adobe architecture. Savour the local cuisine, indulge in some authentic Southwestern flavours, and take your time getting to know the friendly locals. To top off your road trip with a bang, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the Rio Grande for a truly breathtaking experience.
This road trip from Sedona to Santa Fe will not only delight your eyes, but also ignite your soul with colours, culture, and beauty of the Southwest.
Enjoy Your Trip To The Southwest!
The Southwest is a land of wonders and adventures, where the spirit of the frontier still roams free. Whether you’re inspired by the retro towns scattered across Route 66 or mesmerized by the magical colours of Antelope Canyon, this region will leave you with memories that’ll last a lifetime. So hitch your wagon and hit the dusty trail – the Southwest is callin’!