A Road Trip in the Southwestern US
The Beginner's Guide to Attractions and Tips for Maximizing the Fun
May 18, 2008
So, buckle up and slather on the sunblock! Then, hit up the national parks and exotic landmarks, visit the quirky roadside stops, and pack the car full of snacks. The southwestern states have plenty of high profile attractions as well as hidden gems, so check out the following tips to help make your experience in the Southwest the adventure of a lifetime.
Consider Buying a Pass to the National Parks
The “America the Beautiful” annual pass costs $80 and allows the pass-holder to enter any park free of charge. If the park charges per vehicle, the pass covers the entrance fee for all passengers (as long as it is a non-commercial vehicle). If the park charges per person, the pass-holder will be admitted with a maximum of three other individuals over the age of 16. There is no entrance fee charged for children ages 15 and under.
Seniors have the option to purchase a lifetime pass at a reduced cost of only $10. This pass allows all individuals ages 62 and older to enter the parks permanently free of charge. Similar passes are also available to individuals with disabilities.
Pull Over Frequently
While the national parks are certainly a hit, they are by no means the only attractions that the region has to offer. In fact, there is ample opportunity for mixing historical, cultural, and educational sites. For example, Southern California offers Sea World and the San Diego Zoo as well as Hollywood, L.A., Venice Beach, and Beverly Hills. In Arizona, one can find the Painted Desert, Walnut Creek Canyon National Monument, and of course, the Grand Canyon. Cities such as Phoenix, Sedona, and Flagstaff also draw crowds. Highlights of New Mexico include the Carlsbad Caverns, Taos, and the city of Roswell while Colorado offers Mesa Verde National Park, ski resorts such as Aspen, and the cities of Denver and Fort Collins. Utah is home to Bryce Canyon National Park as well as Zion National Park and the main tourist spot in southern Nevada goes largely without saying as the lights of the Las Vegas strip illuminate such destinations as the Luxor, the MGM Grand, and Circus Circus. If you’re looking for attractions that stretch across state lines, you can try driving along Route 66 or even laying your body across the “Four Corners” so that you can say you’ve been in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah all at once. And, if these places aren't obscure enough for you, be sure to check out RoadsideAmerica - a website that is dedicated to helping you discover the most bizarre attractions available - as you plan your trip.
Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a first time road-tripper, you aren’t likely to be disappointed in the American Southwest. Just be on the look-out for the brown signs that will direct you to parks, campgrounds, and historic sites. And, don't forget to stay fed and hydrated while you satisfy your wanderlust!
Eat! Eat! Eat!
In addition to the continental breakfast in the hotel and making good use of the year-supply of beef jerky and M&Ms under the driver's seat, be sure to try out the chains and restaurants that are popular in the Southwest including In-n-Out Burger, Islands, and Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill. And, if you have the good fortune to drive through Dateland, California, be sure to stop for a date milkshake or even a cactus one if you’re feeling extra daring.
As the Boy Scouts Say: Be Prepared
Armed with the spirit of adventure, knowledge of the southwest, and a good map, you're ready to hit the open road. Be sure to pack snacks, plenty of water for the desert, a spare tire and tire iron, a cell phone, and last but not least, your insurance information.
Here's to safe, happy, and exciting travels in the American Southwest!
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