When the temperatures heat up in the Southwestern US during the summer, so do the region’s tourist attractions.  Though the heat might be enough to make some people shy away from traditional vacation activities like golf and desert excursions, there are still plenty of reasons to visit this diverse and exciting region.

Why head to the Southwest in the summer?  It has some of the world’s best health and wellness spas, plenty of mountain adventures, including biking and whitewater rafting, and some of the country’s best artists and musicians, not to mention hundreds (even thousands) of years of history.

Here are five of the best summertime destinations in the Southwestern US.

1. Boulder, Colorado is a mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts year-round.  It draws mountaineers, bikers, hikers, campers, fishermen and sports climbers during the warmer months .  Boulder is also a center for alternative culture and mainstream education.  The city offers attractions both urban and natural.  Shopping, dining and nightlife can be found on Pearl Street, where street performers ply their trade during the summer.  A short distance away, Chautauqua Park, home of the famous rock formations known as the Boulder Flatirons, hosts hikers, climbers and picnickers during the days and concerts by the Boulder Symphony on summer evenings.

A lengthy trail runs through the greenbelt that surrounds the city and plenty of outfitters lead climbing and rafting trips to the nearby Rockies.  Of course, the true attraction of Boulder is that you can have an adventure in the mountains or on the water during the day and be back in town in time to experience some world-class cuisine and party at a nightclub or hit the pubs to knock back a few quality micro-brews before calling it a day.

2. Santa Fe is the cultural and historic heart of New Mexico.  For some visitors, there is no place more exotic in the United States.  A 400-year-old city, its culture and history have been influenced by Spain, Mexico, the United States and the local native tribes who have lived in the area for more than 1,000 years.  This colorful past is on full display at the many missions, museums and historic buildings throughout the city.

Santa Fe’s arts scene is well known, with galleries along Canyon Road and in Santa Fe Plaza displaying and selling high quality work.  During the summer, there are numerous festivals that celebrate the city’s culture.  The Santa Fe Arts and Crafts Festival takes place throughout the summer in the central plaza.  A jazz festival, wine tasting events, folk art markets, a rodeo and a classical music festival fill out the summer calendar and assure visitors that something will be going on when they arrive.  Golf, horseback riding and treks to the scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountains mean that adventure can be as much a part of the trip as culture.

3. Moab, Utah is mainly known for its lunar-like landscapes and deep canyons.  Yes, for sightseers looking for a glimpse of the Southwest, this is one of the best places to take postcard-esque pictures.  Several outfitters in the area provide jeeps for half-day and day-long tours of the canyons and desert lands near Moab.

The best summertime activity – one that virtually assures a dip in the cool waters of the Colorado River – is river rafting.  There are numerous outfitters in the area, offering challenging river runs or more gentle, family-oriented paddles.  Some companies, like Colorado River and Trail Expeditions, offer tours that include both rafting and hiking.

4. The Southern Colorado Rockies have always been a wintertime destination.  Recently, many of the region’s ski resorts have been developing summertime activities that can allow them to remain open during the warmer months of the year.  Mountain biking trails, alpine slides, hiking and spa services, as well as rafting trips and climbing expeditions, make them good summertime destinations for casual adventurers who want to combine their outdoor activities with a comfortable resort vacation.  Famous ski names like Breckenridge, Park City, Loveland and Keystone have a full menu of summertime options.

5. Las Vegas is a year-round destination mostly known for its casinos.  But there is a surprising amount of alternative attractions in Sin City, especially during the summer.  Family-friendly sites, like the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Casino Resort and the Lion Habitat the the MGM Grand, are examples of this new side of Vegas, while old classics like the Bellagio Fountains and the Flamingo Garden are still worthwhile places to visit.  M&Ms World and the newly-built CityCenter are other alternatives to the blackjack tables.

Summer vacation in Las Vegas?  With so many non-gaming attractions in one place, it might not be a bad idea if you want convenience, diversity and excitement.

Portland, Oregon is a regular “best places to live” list topper.  This user-friendly metropolis has great public transportation, a pleasantly laid-back, hip vibe and easy access to nature.  Yes, the weather can sometimes leave a lot to be desired, but that is one of the very few negatives.

Portland offers tourists plenty of art and urban green spaces.  But the most charming aspect of this mid-sized city is that it has so many places that are simply enjoyable to hang out in.  Many of the city’s top attractions, eateries and museums are not pricey but West Coast standards, but there are also numerous spots that don’t cost anything at all.

1. Powell’s City of Book is the country’s largest independently-owned bookstore.  It covers a city block and has both new and used books in stock.  You don’t even need to make a purchase to enjoy a stop at Powell’s.  The sheer amount of reading material means you could browse all day, even if you are not an avid reader.  And you don’t have to feel obligated to buy anything.  According to the Powell’s site, about half the people who enter the store simply browse without making a purchase.

2. The Saturday Market is one of Portland’s most popular institutions.  Its yearly run begins in early March and continues until December.  Vendors sell hand-made crafts (everything from pottery to baby clothes) and art (prints, photographs and paintings).  The products are quality, but the real attraction is the festive atmosphere.  Visitors can spend the entire afternoon browsing and, perhaps, picking up a bite to eat at one of the many food stalls.  Or they can listen to one of the daily musical acts on the stage.  Despite its name, the Saturday Market is also open on Sunday as well.

3. Forest Park is one of the world’s largest urban parks.  More than 50 species of mammals call the confines of the park home.  There are an astonishing 30 miles of trails and opportunities for both bike riding (Portland’s favorite pastime) and horseback riding.

4. Pioneer Courthouse Square is easily recognizable because of its iconic red bricks.  It is often referred to as the Portland’s “living room.” Arguably the best place to people-watch, it is filled with residents, workers from nearby office buildings and tourists.  In addition, there are nearly 300 events hosted by the square each year.  You might happen on a concert or cultural event when you pass through the square.

5. On the first Thursday of every month, art galleries in Downtown’s Pearl District open their doors to the public.  the event, fittingly referred to as the First Thursday Art Walk, features some of the city’s best artists.  Larger galleries have live music, and you will happen upon some spots with free snacks and complimentary alcoholic beverages.

6. The Alberta Art District hosts an alternative art extravaganza on the final Thursday of each month.  Last Thursday has a more hang-loose, block party vibe that its Pearl District peer.  There are art galleries,of course, but also street performers food carts, and music.

7.  Of its many monikers, one of the most fitting is the City of Roses.  Portland celebrates its favorite flower year round at public and private gardens.  However, the flower truly takes center stage a the the Rose Festival.  The event takes place annually in the early summer.  Features include a rose parade, tours of the city’s gardens, a golf tournament, dragon boat races and a music festival with nightly concerts.

8. Portland’s Japanese Garden is recognized as the most authentic Japanese-style garden outside of the Land of the Rising Sun.  The landscapes seem like they came straight from Tokyo or Kyoto.  There is also a pavilion  that hosts Japanese art and plenty of informational and educational events.  The garden is open year-round.

9. Shakespeare in the Park takes place each summer in Portland area parks, including Pioneer Square (see #4 above).  The troupe that performs the plays, the Portland Actors Ensemble, is one of the oldest in the nation.  It was originally formed in 1970.

10. Though it is technically not free, the Waterfront Blues Festival is a charity event held each summer in Portland’s popular Waterfront Park.  A donation to area charities and food shelves is requested from each attendee (the “suggested” amount is $10 plus two non-perishable food items).  Aside from notable performers like Booker T, Little Feat, and Cedric Burnside, there will be food and fireworks.

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Saint Louis has more free activities that any other city in the US, save Washington DC.  While it does not usually rank among the most desirable domestic tourist destinations, it does hold some surprises.  There’s the beer, of course, and sites left over from the early days of the Midwest’s history.  But the real magic can be found in the city’s more modern attractions.  Saint Louis is one of the last remaining cities where zoos and museums are free every day of the year.

Add to this mix of freebies gardens, public art and parties and you can enjoy an exciting vacation without ever having to crack open your wallet.

Here are ten great activities in Saint Louis that won’t cost you a penny.
1. The Saint Louis Zoo is recognized as one of the premiere zoos in the US.  There are more than 5,000 animals on display, representing 700-plus species.  It is, arguably, the best zoo in the country that doesn’t charge admission (though the adjoining Children’s Zoo is $4 per person).  Popular residents include elephants, lions, primates, penguins and butterflies.

2. The Muny Outdoor Theater is a summertime institution in Saint Louis.  It bills itself as the largest and oldest outdoor theater in the United States.  Broadway shows are the most common type of performance, with Cats, Titanic – the Musical, Beauty and the Beast, and Damn Yankees among the 2010 offerings.  There are 1,500 free seats for each performance.  They are awarded on a first come, first served basis (doors open at seven p.m., but it is best to get in line earlier to assure yourself of a seat).  Hate standing in line more than spending money? Tickets are for sale on the Muny web site.

3. The un-ignorable Gateway Arch is the most prominent piece of public art in Saint Louis, but it is not the only one.  The Saint Louis Public Art Consortium maintains a list and map of the best public art installations in Saint Louis.  Bronze statues can be found at University Park and the Saint Louis University, and more modern sculptures and art installations are located in other public places around the city (including the metro transit stations).

4. Few people outside of the Saint Louis area know that it hosts the second largest Mardi Gras party in the US, after New Orleans, of course.  The festivities are centered in the Soulard area, just outside of Downtown Saint Louis.  There are plenty of different parades that take place in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday.  These range from kid-friendly events with floats and prizes to more fleshly bead tossing bacchanals that are strictly adults only.  Mardi Gras makes Saint Louis a good late-winter destination.

5.  Budweiser might be the king of beers, but beer enthusiasts always seek more flavorful options.  There are other breweries in the city besides the one producing “the king of beers.”  Schlafly Brewery makes a popular line of micro-brews and, better yet, offers free tours of their facility that culminate in the sampling of several of their most popular beers.  Tours take place hourly between 12 and 5 p.m. every weekend afternoon.

6. The Saint Louis Museum of Art is another high-brow attraction that does not charge admission.  The rather imposing building and the grounds, with statues and fountains, are as impressive as the galleries.  The highlights of the exhibit halls include Egyptian artifacts, a collection of impressionist paintings and a collection of historic African and Native American art.  Admission is free, but there is a charge to enter some featured exhibits.  However, all exhibits are free each Friday.

7.  Despite what you might think of its flavor (or lack thereof) Budweiser is the most famous beer in the US.  Even non-beer-drinkers can appreciate the Anheuser-Busch brewery tours because of the architecture and history of the brewery compound.  Yes, the tour even passes through the famous stables where the Budweiser Clydesdales are kept.  Of-age tourists can sample the famous breweries products at the end of the tour.  Tours are offered seven days a week.

8. Union Station in Saint Louis is worth a visit even if you do not plan to take a train.  Built in 1890, its vaulted ceilings and the intricate decorations that adorn the walls are stunning, even by today’ standards.  There is also stained glass, a clock tower and an expansive train shed.  The station is definitely a place to bring your camera.

9. The general exhibit hall at the Saint Louis Science Center is free (though there are numerous additional attractions, such as a Lego exhibit and an OmniMax Theater, that charge admission).  The most popular features include dinosaurs, a hands-on/high-tech “Cyberville” exhibit and activities that explore engineering and flight.

10. Laumeier Sculpture Park offers visitors a chance to see some of the best outdoor art in the city without having to travel from site to site (see #3 above).   Aside from works made from metal or stone, there are other media represented as well.

San Antonio is one of the fastest growing cities in North America.  The famous Alamo, along with several other lesser-known (but equally old) missions, hearken back to the days when Texas was not yet a state.  Some residential neighborhoods, such as the King William District, are more than a century old.

But San Antonio, like any growing metropolis, has plenty of modern features: a vibrant nightlife, cutting edge music and eating scenes and, yes, lots and lots of free attractions.  Perhaps SeaWorld and Six Flags will not be on a budget traveler’s itinerary, but there are more than enough cost-less sights and sounds to fill a trip to this modern city.

Here’s is a list of all things good (and free) in San Antonio.

1. San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Garden recently reopened.  The well-manicured, highly-stylized gardens would not be out of place in Tokyo or Osaka.  This authentic feel makes the garden a great place to explore.  In addition to the trees, rocks and pathways, there are koi ponds and a rather impressive 60-foot waterfall.

2. Fiesta San Antonio, held in April, is the city’s biggest festival.  Actually, with more than two and a half million attendees, it is the largest outdoor festivals in the entire US.  The events take place in mid-April (the 15th to the 25th this year).  This year’s festivities will include parades, outdoor concerts, fireworks, cultural performances and food-related events.  Though not all events are free, most of those that take place in public places do not charge admission.  Others, such as the popular Taste of New Orleans ($10 admission), are reasonably priced.

3. The San Antonio Missions Trail is a 6-mile walkway that runs between four of the area’s historic Spanish-built missions.  Yes, it is one of the better places to walk if you are in search of an urban hiking venue, but the missions, which are part of a national historic park, are the real attraction.  They are among the oldest in North America, dating back to the early 18th Century.  These lesser known missions are a great alternative to often-crowded, more touristy Alamo.

4.  When they return home, San Antonio tourists can expect to repeatedly be asked: “Did you see the Alamo?”  It is hard to pass up the mission, even though it is bound to be crowded (2.5 million people pass through the site each year).  Luckily, it is possible to arrive at early, at 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday, to avoid the peak-time crowds.  Also, during summer weekends, the building remains open until 7 p.m.  Of course, it’s free to enter.
5. The Riverwalk is San Antonio’s lengthy entertainment promenade.  The shaded walkways, water and laid-back atmosphere make is a great place for a stroll.  Of course, the restaurants, bars and shops on the riverbanks aren’t free, but Riverwalk is a great place for window-shopping and there are several art galleries and museums in the area.

6. El Mercado is one of the largest Mexican markets north of the border.  Aside from the virtually unlimited amount of goods up for sale, there are musical and cultural performances, kids’ activities, and crafts during Primer Sabado, First Saturday.  The area in and around El Mercado is a great place to get a taste of the Mexican culture that is so much a part of San Antonio’s identity.

7. Art is a major part of San Antonio’s culture.  San Antonio Art Walk is usually held on the first Friday of every month.  It takes place in the Arts District, which is located in the Southtown area of the city. Aside from the art  (and free snacks, if your lucky), there are usually local bands, of all genres, performing.

8. Though they typically charge admission, several San Antonio museums waive entrance fees at certain times during the week.  Chase Bank sponsors a free night at the San Antonio Museum of Art.  It takes place between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. each Tuesday.   The Witte Museum, an exhibit hall featuring the natural history, culture and artifacts of Texas, offers free admission between 3 and 8 on Tuesday evenings.

9. San Antonio Summer Jazz and Art Festival, often shortened to San Antonio Summer Fest (or just SAS Fest) is a three day event that takes place on the first weekend in June.  Though it has not reached to same attendance numbers as springtime’s Fiesta, SAS Fest is worth a visit.  There are a dozen jazz concerts, music workshops, a craft fair and plenty of food.  It’s free to listen to music.

10. San Antonio’s Main Plaza, located in front of the Alamo and near the Riverwalk, is the heart of the city.  There is a series of free concerts held each year.  But it doesn’t stop with music.  There are dances, theater performances, movie screenings and fashion shows.  Most of these events take place during the warmer months, between April and October.

Ithaca, a college town in upstate New York, is known for its educated population.  There are several universities in the area (most notably Cornell University), meaning that there is a high concentration of PhDs.  It is no surprise,  then, that even the town’s festivities are center around intellectual and educational themes.

From January 21st to January 24th, A Light in Winter, Ithaca’s festival of science and the arts, will take place at venues throughout town.  Many of the more than 2 dozen events will center around the science of creative endeavors.

The highlight will come on the final day of the festival when celeb chef Tammy Travis will run a seminar about the science (and practice) of using chocolate in cooking and baking.  Local Cornell faculty members will also be a part of the presentation, offering nutritional and cultural insight into the phenomenon of cocoa.  Tickets to this event cost $15 and seating is limited.

Visitors can also get their nerd on at lectures like the Calculus of Friendship and the Physics of Juggling.  Less-math-centered events like dance and music performances and a beer-themed lecture are also on the agenda.  A complete list of events can be found on the Light in Winter calendar page.

As with many college towns, there are plenty of places to stay in Ithaca.  The Hilton Garden Inn is offering a discounted rate of $119 per night during the late January festivities.  Would-be guests who want to take advantage of this offer need to use the promo code LIW1 when booking at 607-277-8900.

The Statler Hotel is offering a $125 per night rate to festival attendees who book two nights.  Details for the Statler’s promotion and other accommodation options can be found via the Light in Winter web site.