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.
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