As the oldest capital city in the country, it’s home to a cultural diversity that’s rooted in Spanish colonial history and community spirit.

As such, you can be sure there are plenty of things to do in Santa Fe.

If you’re looking for travel tips on what to do in Santa Fe, then you’ve come to the right place.

We spoke to Billie Frank, who has been living in Santa Fe since 2004, who shared with us her insider tips for the best places to see, eat, stay, drink, and explore in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

But first…

Why Visit Santa Fe?

Santa Fe is magical.

The high desert with its beautiful mountains, rock formations and stunning sunsets is part of it.

Some of it comes from the synergy created by the intermingling of the three distinct cultures, the Native Americans, the Hispanics and the Anglo that call the area home.

It’s the second oldest city in the United States and at 7,000 feet above sea level, the highest capital city in the country.

There’s an Old World feeling and a palpable sense of history.

What To Do In Santa Fe

Now you know a little bit about why you should make a stop by Santa Fe, it’s time to look at the best attractions.

In no particular order, make sure you add the following activities to your itinerary.

1. Walk Around Downtown

Without a doubt, the first thing you need to do is definitely walk around the downtown historic area.

I highly recommend a guided walking tour so you can learn about the history and the architecture you’re looking at.

A knowledgeable guide not only shares the city’s rich history but also points out some hidden gems and gives you tips on things to do and places. tosee.

Or, you can do it yourself. Explore the narrow streets with their intriguing nooks and crannies.

2. Check out The Neighborhoods

After exploring downtown, walk around the other neighborhoods in town.

Barrio Analco is the oldest neighborhood in town, home to the oldest church and what is said to be the oldest house in the country.

Canyon Road, home to around 100 art galleries, shops and restaurants has some of the most historic buildings in town, including great of Territorial and Pueblo Revival architecture.

Acequia Madre (meaning mother ditch), just to the south of Canyon Road, is another great old street to explore.

Irrigation ditches, a necessity for high desert farming, date back over 400 years, this one dates to 1610.

This effective system was immortalized in John Nichols’ book The Milagro Bean Field Wars, later a Robert Redford film.

Don’t miss the narrow roads and alleys that wind off this old byway.

Railyard District is the trendiest neighborhood in town and home to galleries, shops, restaurants and the fabulous Santa Fe Farmers Market.

It seamlessly transitions to the Guadalupe District just to the north.

3. Check out the Historic Sites

Santa Fe is one of the oldest cities in the United States, so be sure to check out its numerous historic sites.

The oldest house and oldest church in the US. The Palace of the Governors, the oldest government building in the USA.

Under the building’s portal (the overhang) you can buy Native American handcrafts as a souvenir of your visit, directly from the artisans who crafted them.

4. Explore the Galleries and Museums

Santa Fe, the third largest art market in the US (an amazing accomplishment for a city of a little over 70,000 people), has been attracting artists for over a century.

Visit some of the over 200 galleries and 11 museums scattered around town.

Meow Wolf (House of Eternal Return), opened in 2016 is a purely 21^st century immersive art experience that is part fun house, part haunted house and part acid trip.

The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is another popular art gallery showcasing the artwork of Georgia O’Keeffe.

If you head to Santa Fe Plaza, you’ll find The New Mexico History Museum, Palace of the Governors and New Mexico Museum of Art.

My favorite museums are the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and International Folk Art Museum.

If you head over to the aptly named Museum Hill, you will find the Museum of International Folk Art, the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian.

5. Eat Some Mexican Food

Santa Fe has a huge Mexican influence, so you can’t visit the city without trying some Mexican food.

The local delicacy here is >Northern New Mexican (Norteño) cuisine.

This piquant fare is based on the chile pepper, the official state vegetable.

The unofficial state question: “red or green chile,” is asking which type of chile you want your food smothered in your dishes. If you answer “Christmas,” you’ll get both.

Great and reasonably priced places to sample New Mexican food:

• Tia Sophia’s is a popular downtown spot for breakfast or lunch.
• The Shed has been serving up the local fare for over forty years. Expect a wait. They do accept dinner reservations, make them well in advance. Their sister restaurant La Choza isin the trendy Railyard district.
• Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen (famous for their 100 item margarita menu) is also popular

6. Indulge on Margaritas

While in Santa Fe, you have to have a margarita; they are everywhere.

The seasonal Coyote Café’s Rooftop Cantina is another great spot for margaritas and bite to eat.

In summer, the Bell Tower Bar at the historic La Fonda Hotel is the place in town to enjoy a spectacular sunset with your drink.

If you are in the mood for a drive, the terrace and bar at Terra at Encantado, An Auberge Resort, offers panoramic views of the Jemez Mountains to the west and great food. It’s a chic spot catering to a well-heeled crowd and you may spot a famous face.

For a real, down-home bar, Evangelo’s is the place. If it looks familiar, it may be.

Jeff Bridges sang there in the movie, Crazy Heart. He also sat in with bands occasionally when he was in town filming.

It regularly hosts live music and entertainment, so if you’re every looking for things to do in Santa Fe at night, make a trip here.

Santa Fe also has a number of brewpubs offering locally crafted beers and a number of good wine bars.

Try Rowley Farmhouse Ales, or the Second Street Brewery, either at their original Second Street location or at their popular Railyard location.

7. Shop Until You Drop in Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a shopping town.

While there is a bit of everything; The City Different is the place to buy cowboy boots, silver and turquoise Native American jewelery as well as any indigenous and Spanish Colonial art, or any art, for that matter.

Places not too miss:

• Downtown Plaza area has wall to wall boutiques selling anything from tacky souvenirs to upscale clothing, art and more in the Pueblo-style adobe buildings that make this city so famous.
• Railyard and Guadalupe Districts west of the Plaza have a variety of shopping options. Two of the best resale shops in town are here.
• The quirky Double Take is a great source for vintage cowboy boots and western wear, vintage Native American and Mexican jewelry and more.
• Local women in the know have been shopping The Beat Goes On for years.
• Canyon Road sprinkled in among the town’s largest concentration of galleries are some not-to-be-missed (and mostly upscale) shops.

8. Enjoy An Event or Festivals in Santa Fe

Santa Fe is well known for having a thriving entertainment scene, and there’s always a festival or event happening.

Burning of Zozobra at the annual Fiesta de Santa Fe, the oldest fiesta in the USA, is a big draw.

The three major summer markets in summer draw tens of thousands of people to town. Both the International Folk Art Market and Spanish Market are in July.

Indian Market in August is the biggest and oldest of the three.

Wine and Chile Fiesta in late September is a major culinary event. Some of the town’s best chefs partner with major vintners and wine distributors throughout the country.

Santa Fe Restaurant Week, a new event on the scene, in March offers foodies some great dining bargains.

9. Take a Day Trip to a Pueblo Ancestral Site

To get a sense of Santa Fe’s first people, I highly recommend a day-trip to a Pueblo Ancestral Site.

My favorite is the Puye Cliffs as I had a transcendent experience there. Puye, part of the Santa Clara Pueblo, can only be seen via guided tour.

You can also visit the cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument or Tsankawi (part of Bandelier) on your own.

Or visit one of the two currently occupied historic Pueblos in the area. Both the Taos Pueblo and Acoma Sky City have been inhabited for about 1,000 years.

Chimayó, on the scenic High Road to Taos is a trip back in time.

Explore El Sanctuario de Chimayó, a church famous for healing miracles. Stroll through the galleries and shops; the town is famous for its weaving style passed down through families for generations.

Stop for a New Mexican lunch at Rancho de Chimayó, a local favorite, run by the Jaramillo family for over 40 years. You can continue up the High Road through villages that go back as much as 400 years.

As late as the 1960s, people here spoke a Spanish dialect that lent itself more to ancient Castile than modern day Spain or Mexico.

Taos, at the end of the High Road, is a popular day-trip for visitors to Santa Fe. It’s a town with a lot of history. If you take the Low Road, you’ll have more time to spend exploring the area.

10. Ski Santa Fe

One of the best things to do in Santa Fe in the winter is go skiing. Head to Ski Santa Fe, a medium-sized ski resort in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

It has around 68 runs and 7 ski lifts, with trails suitable for any skill level.

You could easily spend a week or so trying out all the different ski trails here.

11. Watch an Opera at Santa Fe Opera House

If you’re looking for things to do in Santa Fe in the summer, head to the Santa Fe Opera.

The Santa Fe Opera house was built on a former guest ranch in 1956 by John Crosby, a New York-based conductor.

The aim was to give American singers a space to learn and perform in a place where they can plenty of time to prepare for shows.

As such, you will only find shows on weekends in July and daily in August, plus the the occasional show in June and September.

If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to check out the calendar to see what’s on. We attended the opera with friends here back in 07! Bring your chairs for a tailgate party beforehand!

12. Relax in Santa Fe Botanical Garden

If you’re feeling a little tired after exploring the museums on Museum Hill, then head over to the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, which sits in a stunning piñon-juniper woodland landscape.

You can check out native plants and fauna to the New Mexico state, which are preserved and cared for in three themed gardens.

Wander through the fruit orchard and meadow garden, or see cacti and succulents in the xeric garden.

13. Go To El Rancho de las Golondrinas (Ranch of the Swallows)

If you’re not tired of museums, then a visit to El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a must.

This living history museum highlights what it was like living in rural Santa Fe in the 18th and 19th century.

It’s a huge complex of buildings, constructed in the 1700s, where volunteers dress up in period clothing and bring history to life.

If you’re looking for things to do in Santa Fe with kids, the interactive and immersive experience at El Rancho de las Golondrinas is an educational and enriching experience your kids will love.

14. Visit the Chapels of Santa Fe

There are two important chapels in Santa Fe that should not be skipped on any visit to the city; the San Miguel Chapel and the Loretto Chapel.

The San Miguel Chapel is the oldest church in the United States. While not anything exciting architecturally, this church dates back to 1610, and has a church bell that dates back to the 1300s.

The Loretto Chapel, located on Old Santa Fe Trail, is famous for its spiral staircase which has been built without nails or screws to support it.

It was built in 1877 and rises 23 feet, taking you to a mezzanene where the choir sits.

The inside of the church is simply beautiful, with stained-glass windows to let in natural light, bouncing off the arched ceiling.

Where to Eat in Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a foodie’s town.

One of the things I love is the high-level commitment to fresh and local in many restaurants.

Budget Dining options:

• Jambo Café combines chef/owner Ahmed Obo’s native Kenyan cuisine with a touch of the Caribbean.
• Del Charro Saloon offers the least expensive burgers (outside of a national chain) in town and also features a $5 daily special.
• Bumble Bee’s Baja Grill offers fresh Baja-inspired Mexican food at reasonable prices.
• Harry’s Roadhouse is always bustling with both locals and tourists. Go for the specials (if they appeal) on their extensive and eclectic menu.

Pizza is always a great option for filling up without breaking the bank.

• Rooftop Pizzeria specializes in thin-crusted, gourmet pizzas.
• Pizza Centro draws diners with their New York inspired pies.
• Pizza Espiritu offers what they call “a taste of heaven” and I call some really great pizza.

Budget breakers, but worth it:

• Restaurant Martin, Chef Martin Rios’ realization of his dream showcases his strong commitment to consistently turning out fresh, seasonal food.
• Sazon’s chef/owner, Fernando Olea is intrigued by the flavors unique to the southwest, Mexico, Central and South America. His “inspired New World Cuisine” showcases his innovative approach to these foods and flavors.
• Chef James Campbell Caruso’s La Boca is a popular local spot for traditional and contemporary tapas.

Food stands, carts and trailers:

We love dining on street food and there are a lot of stands and trucks to choose from. A few favorites are:

• Roque’s Carnitas, a seasonal stand in the Plaza has been drawing visitors and locals for over 25 years.
• Bonzai Asian Tacos offers a Mexican cook’s take on Korean tacos and more.
• Bang Bite Filling Station- has a diverse menu including some of the best burgers and fries in town.
• El Chile Toreado, a burrito/taco stand on Cordova west of St. Francis Drive, serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday.

Breakfast in Santa Fe is a real treat.

If you can handle spice early in the day, try the local version of the breakfast burrito; huge cylinders of eggs, potatoes, the meat of your choice and cheese smothered in green or red chile.

On the go? Try the hand-held version. Not adventurous, there’s always traditional American fare, too.

A few of our favorite breakfast spots are:

• The Pantry has been cooking up New Mexican style food for over 50 years. Try the Huevos Consuelo, a mix of tomatoes, onions, garlic and spicy yellow peppers.
• The unpretentious Tia Sophia’s is one of the power breakfast spots in town. The Huevos Rancheros is hot seller.
• Café Pasqual’s is a destination dining spot for breakfast lunch and dinner. Be prepared to wait. Try the Smoked Trout Hash.

Where to Stay in Santa Fe

When it comes to lodging, Santa Fe is not an inexpensive town.

The most budget friendly option is camping, but unless you’re a diehard, it’s a limited season.

Cerrillos Road, the main commercial drag, offers the usual line-up of chain motels. Staying here will be easier on your wallet, but you’ll miss the charm of the city.

Out here you could be in Anytown, USA, except all our motels are coated in stucco to look like adobe.

If you can afford it, stay in the downtown Plaza area, you’ll feel like you’re in Santa Fe plus you’ll be in walking distance to a lot of what you want to see.

For High end places to stay in Santa Fe, check out two AAA Four Diamond Rosewood’s Inn of the Anasazi and the Inn and Spa at Loretto, which attract well-heeled guests as does the Relais and Chateaux, Inn of the Five Graces.

Each has a distinct character and it’s important to figure out which works for you.

If you want to get out of town for a more relaxing experience, the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe offers a quiet, country getaway option.

For more moderate places to stay in Santa Fe, but still in the Plaza area, is Inn on the Alameda, which offers guests a warm welcome and a great breakfast buffet.

Old Santa Fe Inn is a locally owned, more upscale motel. Whereas El Paradero offers the charm and personal attention you expect in a bed and breakfast.

For those looking for budget places to stay in Santa Fe, check out El Rey Inn, which offers vintage accommodations on the Historic pre-1937 Route 66.

The Sage Inn is within walking distance to the Railyard District and about a fifteen-minute walk to the Plaza, offers no-frills digs. They also provide van service into town for their guests.

Getting To and Around Santa Fe

The best place to fly into is Albuquerque, about an hour south of Santa Fe.

Usually, the best fares can be found on Southwest Airlines. Rent a car or take a shuttle (advance reservations strongly recommended, especially in season).

There are limited commercial flights into Santa Fe Municipal Airport via American Eagle.

Amtrak stops in Lamy, about a half-hour from town. You can take a shuttle (again reserve in advance) from there.

It also stops in Albuquerque/ You can take the New Mexico Railrunner, light rail train service, from there.

When it comes to getting around Santa Fe, walking is a great option for getting around town if you stay in the downtown area.

Santa Fe Trails provides inexpensive bus service around the city. If you want to get out of town at all, a car is essential. Santa Fe has one cab company and you have to call for a ride, you don’t hail them.

Best Time of Year to Visit Santa Fe

My favorite seasons here are spring and fall.

November can still be a bit crowded meaning higher lodging rates. However, late April until Mid-May is the perfect time to visit Santa Fe.

It’s before the summer season gets going, the weather is great and hotel rates tend to be less expensive.

Final Thoughts on What To Do in Santa Fe

I love Santa Fe because it’s one of two places on earth (the other is Ireland) where my soul feels like it has come home.

Be prepared for a mañana pace, after all, we have Mexico in our name. It’s 7,000 feet above sea level and very arid here.

Because of this combination, some people experience mild altitude sickness. To minimize or avoid this, drink LOTS of water.

Also, because the air is thin and we’re closer to the sun than you may be used to, a hat and sunscreen are musts.

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We spent several months exploring on our Southwest USA road trip so have plenty of tips and insights to share with you down below!

The American Southwest region is one of the best road trip destinations in the USA, if not the world.

It’s full of wide open spaces and natural beauty, diversity of landscapes and Southwest culture, and crazy fun adventures that will have you screaming, whooping, and talking about for years to come.

These are the stuff memories are made of and these are the reasons why we travel, especially with our kids. We want to help you get the most out of your USA road trip through the Southwest states.

There is no better to way to reconnect with those you love AND of course Mother Nature.

You can also access our Southwest itinerary (10 day, 2 week, 3 week and 4 week ideas for you) and our Utah bucket list when you join our Free VIP email tribe! Click to grab your free itinerary!

Down below we’re including some of the most epic adventures you do not want to miss in your American Southwest road trip itinerary!

There are loads of Southwestern United States adventures to choose from so be sure to leave a comment at the bottom as to what you think should also be included.

• 2 week Southwest USA road trip itinerary
• 3 Week American Southwest road trip itinerary

Epic American Southwest Adventures

What states are in the Southwest you ask? There is some lack of clarity around the definitive borders but typically the region is comprised of Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. Some people will argue parts of Colorado (Canyon De Chelly, Mesa Verde), Texas and California be included. I’ve even heard Oklahoma thrown in.

As you take your journey through Southwest USA be sure to pay attention to how the Colorado River changes as it carves its way down from its origin in the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico.

Pink Jeep Tour, Arizona

I don’t think our kids will ever forget crawling down a steep trail called Devil’s Staircase in a bright pink jeep!

“You’re kidding me, we’re really going down that?” their nervous giggles quickly turned into screams as we surely did go down it.

These jeeps were made for rock crawling.

A pink jeep tour was recommended to us as one of the best things to do in Sedona with kids that adults love too! And the Broken Arrow tour is the most popular tour and will give you the most thrill as it goes up and down rock faces along the 4WD trail.

You’ll experience stunning scenery along the way and get the chance to jump out to learn more about the area you’re exploring and enjoy the feel of rock solid ground beneath your feet.

• Read More: Don’t Miss The Spectacular Sedona Pink Jeep Tours

Watch our Pink Jeep video:

Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona

You can’t take a Grand Canyon road trip and not go down into her belly! It saddens me that the average visitor to the Grand Canyon only stays for 15 minutes. Nooooooooo!!

There is so much more to explore and amazing things to do in the Grand Canyon, north and south rim.

The most epic adventures in the Grand Canyon would be hiking rim to rim, or down to Phantom Ranch and back again. But, I know for most of you that is not going to happen, so the next best adventure would be to hike the Bright Angel Trail.

You can choose how far you want to go down, bearing in mind the hardest part to the trail will be walking back out.

Craig and I hiked the 6 miles down to Plateau Point in 2006. With the girls we hiked  just over a mile down the trail before turning around.

The snow and icy path stopped us from going any further. Safety is priority.

• Read More: Planning a Trip to the Grand Canyon with kids

Watch our Grand Canyon in the winter video:

Verde Canyon Railroad, Arizona

Chances are you have not heard of the Verde Canyon Railroad. We hadn’t either, and were surprised that no one mentioned it to us as one of the cool Sedona attractions!

The Verde Canyon Railroad is now one of our favorite things to do in Sedona.

This train trip is a 40-mile return journey through 100 years of history, culture and dramatic desert southwest scenery.

It follows the Verde River and the riparian ecosystem it carves along the way with cottonwoods and high sandstone cliffs flanking its sides.

This is a region that is only accessible by train – unless you want to strap on the boots and do a bit of hiking.

You can ride in the open air carriages for a better look at the scenery and a guide who will point out notable features and share cultural, geological and historical insights.

We recommend paying extra for a first class seat – it comes with comfy chairs, a cash bar, buffet food, and a champagne toast on arrival.

• Read More: Riding the Stunning Verde Canyon Railroad: A Top US attraction

Watch our Verde Canyon video:

ATV Adventures in Sand Hollow State Park, Utah

How does zipping around magnificent red sand dunes in an ATV or quad bike sound?

Not only is it an epic Southwest USA activity, it is in some of the most stunning scenery I’ve ever seen.

Sand Hollow State Park is renowned for its 6,000 acres of ATV and OHV off-road trails that take you to 3,500ft in elevation.

The sand areas are divided by incredible rock formations in the upper areas and bounded by the blue man-made lake at the lower edges.

This is an adventure that will get the kids squealing and giggling. Finish it off with a magnificent sunset over the sand dunes.

I will never forget Kalyra yelling at me from the back of the ATV, “Show them what you’re made of Mum!” as I pressed my foot down on the accelerator and roared up the sand dune!!

The cheered as we came flying back down the other side!! A family who adventures together, stays together.

• Read More: Thrilling ATV adventures in St George Utah
• 13 places to see in Utah that no one tells you about.

Watch our ATV adventures in St George video:

Angels Landing Hike, Zion National Park, Utah

Oh boy!! Not sure you’ll want to do this hike in the American Southwest with kids, young ones at least.

I still feel sick thinking about taking the girls up there. We only made it to Scout’s Landing which was more than enough thrill seeking adventure.

Craig and I have hiked to Scout’s Landing before and I loved it. But it’s a different story when you’re holding onto a chain beside your daughters praying they don’t slip and fall 1,000 feet to their death.

Angels Landing is one of the most legendary hikes in Southwestern USA, and one of the best things to do in Zion National Park.

You hike up to the top of a peak, the last section using a hand chain to guide you along a narrow path with a steep drop off down to your death.

No matter how far you get up this trail, you will never forget this hiking adventure in Southwest USA.

Considering only 6 people have died hiking Angels Landing and it’s in a national park visited by 4 million people a year – the odds of survival are really good.

As long as you are sensible, slow and can navigate around the crowds, you’ll be fine.

And the views are just as epic as the journey.

Even if you only make it to the beginning of the scary part, it’s worth doing. The Angels Landing Trail has crazy switchbacks going up which will give you enough of an adventure and beautiful views of the Zion Valley below.

Be sure to stop at the lodge for a well deserved local Springdale IPA when you’ve finished.

• Read More: Ultimate Guide to Zion National Park

Watch our Zion National Park video here:

Horseback Riding in Bryce Canyon, Utah

Horseback riding in Bryce Canyon National Park was one of our favorite experiences on our Utah national parks road trip.

Craig and I visited Bryce Canyon NP and went horse riding back in 2006 and we still rave about it today.

We had a cowboy guide us complete with stirrups and bad whiskey jokes. Our ride took us up and down trails past orange, white and pink hoodoos of all shapes and sizes. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

Unfortunately on our current USA road trip the weather didn’t cooperate with us and we could not time a return to our beloved Bryce Canyon.

It is at the top of my list of favorite USA national parks and I so wanted the girls to experience the fairyland wonder of Bryce on the back of a horse.

While in Bryce Canyon on your Southwest getaway, be sure to hike a few trails and catch sunrise and sunset. The views are magnificent.

Read More: 7 Spectacular National Parks in the United States not to miss

Lower Antelope Canyon, Arizona

We only did the Lower Antelope Canyon tour. But I think the Upper Antelope Canyon would be just as wonderful of an American Southwest adventure!

Antelope Canyon is a magical slot canyon created by water that has split and polished rock crevasses over time.

The shapes, colors and textures of the carved canyon walls and how it changed in the light was spellbinding.

Nature has so many surprises in stall for us hidden by just a tiny crack in the ground. Deep underneath is a world that will capture the heart of any who are brave enough to dig a little deeper and explore wider.

I was worried that it would be overcrowded and underrated. This was not the case at all and I was thrilled and delighted by the experience.

Our Navajo guide was knowledgeable about the rock formations and pointed out various shapes and creature and was excellent in taking photos for us and showing us how to capture the unique colors and features.

I also loved how he demonstrated how the canyon was formed at the end with a pile of sand and a bottle of water. This really helped the kids to connect to this experience.

While you are here, you might as well stop by Horseshoe Bend. It’s very close by and one of the most spectacular places in Arizona you don’t want to miss.

Put this on your Southwest itinerary, and it’s best to book your tour in advance here. 

Read More: The Unique and Extraordinary Lower Antelope Tour, Arizona

Monument Valley Guided Tour, Utah/Arizona

Monument Valley is one of our favorite places to visit in the USA, and one of the top Southwest landmarks in North America.

Like Uluru in Australia, it has a mesmerizing spiritual energy and magnetism that is rare to experience. You can’t help look at those buttes and not see a higher power at work.

Call it whatever you like, but it’s a wonderful way to experience yourself as part of something so perfect yet unexplainable.

A visit to Monument Valley will bring back the wonder and joy in your life.

You can do a self-guided tour of the valley to see the most well known sites such as the Mittens and the view from John Ford Point.

We recommend going deeper on a guided tour with a Navajo guide.

These tours have permission to go off the beaten path in Monument Valley and you get to experience other wonders like visiting a Hogan, and rock formations with names like Sun’s Eye and Wind’s Ear. It’s a completely different perspective to Monument Valley.

The most enriching part to the experience is of course to learn more about Native American culture with your experienced Native American guide.

Ours was amazing and he knew all the best places to take precious family photo memories of us.

• Read More: 15 Amazing Things To Do In Monument Valley
• We stayed at this Airbnb with a Navajo family. Well worth the experience.

Watch our Monument Valley video here

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

The Valley of Fire State Park may not be a South West adventure of the physical kind, but it is an adventure for the eyes!

But there are plenty of hiking trails you take off the main Scenic Drive that will give your body some fun.

These are short trails but will take you to petroglyphs, narrow canyons, fire waves, and some of the most extraordinary colors and landscapes you could hope to see.

Our tip is to drive there by way of the North Road in Lake Mead Recreational Area to explode the senses even more.

Just look below at what you’ll see.

Valley of Fire State Park is one of the best Las Vegas day trips as it is only an hour away from The Strip.

• Read More: Exploring the Valley of Fire State Park – Best Day Trips from Las Vegas!

Watch our Valley of Fire video:

Hiking & Horse Riding at Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

Like the Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon is a feast for the eyes!

I could not get over how striking this area was with its colorful rocks rising out of the desert floor like a giant rippling wave.

You can enjoy the 13 mile scenic drive and stop for a few hikes along the way.

We thoroughly enjoyed the short and easy Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Trail hike, which presented us with a riparian environment that felt like we were in a place like Yosemite National Park rather than the desert.

Our 90-minute horse riding experience just outside the park through a narrow gorge with views of the red rock canyons in front of us was an American Southwest adventure our girls will never forget.

We did not do any rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon in Nevada, but it is known as one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in the USA.

Good news is this spectacular National Conservation Area is only 30-minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, so you can easily do it as a day trips from Las Vegas.

Watch our Red Rock Canyon video:

Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons, Utah

This was by far the greatest adventure we had in the Southwest region of the United States.

It was totally unexpected and we all felt a little beat up after it – but in a good way. Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons lie waiting for you in the Grand Escalante National Monument in Utah.

This is an area off-the-beaten-path but well worth the dusty gravel road to get there. The two slot canyons present a different experience and are both on a loop trail.

We visited in a group of 6 adults and 6 kids and each of us had a blast and said it was the best fun yet.

This loop walk will take you through the two vastly different canyons. The first will involve a lot of climbing, weaving and ducking up into the canyon and through holes, across pools of water, and into narrow slots.

It then opens up through a wash with beautiful desert scenery before going down into the very narrow Spooky Slot Canyon. Breathe deep and suck in those bellies!

Read More: An Exhilarating Adventure Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Canyon, Utah

Watch our adventures in Peek-a-Boo and Spooky slot canyons

Jeep Rock Crawling in Moab, Utah

We didn’t realize we’d be rock crawling when we joined this guided jeep tour of the surrounding rock country in Moab.

If we had of known we may let fear stop us from going on this American Southwest activity!

Rock Crawling in a Jeep was EPIC fun! There was loads of laughter, a few tears, and plenty of screams.

This is an exercise in trust. Jeeps are the most versatile and trustworthy vehicles. There’s probably not a rock they can’t spread their wheels over in all different directions to climb up and over with more skill than a crab.

But letting go to trust that jeep when you’re laying back in your seat at a 90 degree angle hoping you’ve given enough gas to get up, or to leaning right down to almost kiss the ground hoping that the Jeep will stick and then right itself up is difficult.

Wow!!

We rented a jeep and joined the Fulltime Families organized tour of the surrounding Moab red rock country.

Actually make that red, orange, pink white, and yellow rock. There were 13 families with volunteer spotters helping all us novices learn how to rock crawl.

Adding to the thrill of the adventure were the stunning views that surrounded us of Moab Utah.

What a wonderful way to explore the backcountry and an EPIC Southwest USA adventure for sure!

Read more: 16 Brilliant Things to do Moab (adventure and beauty)

Off roading Jeep rock crawling in Moab video:

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great place to visit in New Mexico on your Southwest USA road trip.

Carlsbad Cavern includes a large cave chamber, the Big Room, which is a natural limestone chamber almost 4,000 feet (1,220 m) long, 625 feet (191 m) wide, and 255 feet (78 m) high at the highest point.

It is the third largest chamber in North America and the seventh largest in the world.

There are two ways to enjoy the cavern on your own either by elevator, hiking, or both.

You can enter via the cavern’s Natural Entrance, hiking a steep one and a quarter mile paved trail into the spectacular one and a quarter mile Big Room Trail around the cave.

Or you can take an elevator ride from the visitor center 750 feet down directly to the Big Room Trail.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Guadalupe Mountains. There are plenty of surface hikes within the National Park to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of the Guadalupe Mountains and Chihuahuan Desert.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers numerous ranger-guided cave tours into areas other of the national park and every year between May-October is when 1000’s of Brazilian free tailed bats fly out of the natural entrance.

• Related Post: Santa Fe city guide

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

Every time, I see a photo on Instagram of White Sands National Monument, I weep a little!

We missed it due to the government shutdown we experienced at the beginning of 2019.

As lovers of sandboarding done dunes, we know we missed out on an epic Southwest USA adventure.

This region of glistening white dunes is the world’s largest gypsum dune-field and is located in the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert in South-Central New Mexico.

You can white sand surf here, picnic, take scenic drives, bike or stroll through part of the 275 square-mile national monument. They also offer activities such as a sunset stroll nature walk, and full moon night programs.

More Tips for Southwest USA

If you don’t want to drive from your home, you could even fly Southwest and then book a rental car for your road trip here.

You can also access our Southwest itinerary (10 day, 2 week, 3 week and 4 week ideas for you) and our Utah bucket list when you join our Free VIP email tribe! Click to grab your free itinerary! (opens new window)

• 20 incredible places to visit in Utah
• 11 Amazing Things to do in Arches National Park Utah
• 12 incredible things to do in Canyonlands National Park
• Visiting Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
• 8 awesome things to do in Joshua Tree National Park
• Hike the Exciting Red Reef Trail St George (there’s a waterfall climb)
• 17 Cool Places to visit in the USA for 2020
• 43 Fun things to do in Utah for your bucket list
• 2 week Southwest USA road trip itinerary
• 3 Week American Southwest road trip itinerary
• 4 week desert southwest road trip itinerary

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What is your favorite adventure in the South West states? Or what is now on your Southwest USA bucket list? Share in the comments!