From charming cities along historic Route 66 to world-class museums, the Southwest is packed with fun and enriching destinations that are only a short drive from the Phoenix metro area.
Carbon County, Utah
When it comes to fun in Carbon County, Utah, there is no off-season. From biking, golfing and hiking in the summer to winter sports like ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, anytime is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors in Utah’s core.
For starters, you can check out the 40 miles of the “World’s Longest Outdoor Art Gallery,” a hidden gem known as Nine Mile Canyon that features intricate carvings and paintings depicting animals, hunters and mysterious symbols, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of Earth’s early inhabitants.
More than 2,000 miles of dramatic geological formations, deep canyons and expansive plateaus make up the San Rafael Swell, better known as “The Swell,” in central Utah. The dazzling scenery is perfect for hiking, rock-climbing and off-roading.
Vibrant red, yellow and purple crystallized Cretaceous-age fossils and fragments can be seen at the Buried Forest, located less than 30 minutes outside of Price, Utah. Ancient trees have been transformed into colorful stones over millions of years.
If you are looking for a charming place to stay in Carbon County, there are several short-term rentals that show off the area’s beautiful landscapes. A fun example: Helper, Utah, has gas stations that have been converted into apartments, giving the city a vintage feel. RV travelers can park at Nine Mile RV Resort and Castle Gate RV Park.
To start planning your adventure through scenic Carbon County, Utah, visit carboncorridor.com for tips, itineraries and other resources to help you make the most of your visit.
City of Prescott
If you enjoy the outdoors, Prescott is a must-visit destination. Hike more than 400 miles of groomed trails, including the 2.4-mile Constellation Loop Trail, which boasts stunning views of the gravity-defying rock formations called Granite Dells. Mountain bikers will love the scenery and terrain of the Peavine Trail or the Prescott Circle Trail.
Grab your binoculars and visit Watson Woods Riparian Preserve to check out the wildlife. If the water is more your scene, there are three lakes where you can kayak, canoe, paddleboard or fish. You can pitch a tent at Watson Lake to watch the sun set behind the granite spires or gaze up at the stars.
Historical downtown Prescott offers plenty of lodging, shopping and dining options. Stop for a meal at El Gato Azul, an eclectic eatery that features a variety of tapas, salads and entrées to enjoy on its patio overlooking the creek. The Raven Cafe offers organic and locally sourced dishes and live music on some evenings.
Prescott also boasts Whiskey Row, known for its lively bars, unique shops and vibrant history. Stop by the Palace Restaurant and Saloon for a drink and a taste of the Old West. Then, end your day in Prescott by checking into The Motor Lodge, a funky and vibrant hotel with retro-inspired rooms that will add color to your stay.
Prescott is a magnificent area to take in stunning views, savor a sunset and escape to a place known for real adventure. For more information, visit experienceprescott.com.
City of Williams
The City of Williams is the perfect spot for getting your kicks on Route 66. Check out vintage relics of the Mother Road at the Route 66 Museum and Gift Shop or Pete’s Gas Station. Visitors will discover vintage cars parked by original gas pumps before they check out the antique advertisements, classic Route 66 signs, authentic Native American art and eye-catching rocks and gems. Afterward, stop by one of the numerous bars or saloons located downtown and sit back, relax and enjoy a locally brewed beer and a bite.
Williams is known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. Visitors can hop on the Grand Canyon Railway and take the 60-mile train ride to the South Rim of the natural wonder. If you want to take a different kind of ride, Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, located on the east end of Route 66, offers tubing in summer and winter and features a mile-long coaster ride that winds through trees with exceptional views of the town below.
Williams is also an excellent spot for hikers. Trails in the ponderosa pine forest lead to natural wonders such as Sycamore Falls, a stunning waterfall that empties into an emerald pool in the basin below. Those seeking a unique wildlife experience must visit Bearizona Wildlife Park. This 160-acre drive-thru attraction features North American wildlife such as black bears, bison, Bighorn sheep and arctic wolves, right outside your car window.
Whether you seek thrilling adventures or a historical stroll, Williams is a destination that will capture your heart. To start planning your trip to Williams, visit experiencewilliams.com.
Lowell Observatory
On November 16, Lowell Observatory, home of the telescope that discovered Pluto in 1930, will unveil the 40,000-square-foot, $53.4 million state-of-the-art Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center. The three-story structure and rooftop open-sky planetarium is an investment in the future of astronomical education in Northern Arizona.
“The Astronomy Discovery Center embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that has been at the heart of Lowell Observatory for more than a century,” says Lowell COO Dr. Amanda Bosh. “This center will inspire awe and curiosity in visitors of all ages, providing an unmatched experience that combines cutting-edge technology with the beauty of Flagstaff’s dark skies.”
As the only facility of its kind in the United States, the new Astronomy Discovery Center offers a blend of interactive experiences, cutting-edge technology and accessible learning. Highlights of this new structure include:
- Lowell Universe Theater: A 180-seat theater with a two-story, 160-degree, curved 16K LED screen, a ceiling LED screen and a stage for interactive presentations.
- Rooftop Dark Sky Planetarium: A circular rooftop deck where Lowell educators will guide guests through the stars, constellations and planets enhanced by built-in audio-visual elements.
- Orbits Curiosity Zone: An interactive two-story exhibit hall for children through age 8.
- Astronomy Gallery – Stardust Lab: Older kids will be able to interact with exhibits that can send messages to the universe and trace atoms back to the Big Bang.
- Origins Gallery: This exhibit’s centerpiece will depict the universe’s evolution from the Big Bang to life on Earth.
For more information about the Astronomy Discovery Center or to purchase tickets, please visit lowell.edu.
Tavern Hotel
Located in Old Town Cottonwood, the family-owned Tavern Hotel is within walking distance of the various wine-tasting rooms, restaurants and boutiques that make this Verde Valley hub famous. It is also a short 30-minute drive from Sedona, 20 minutes from Page Springs, and a 15-minute drive to Jerome. Originally a grocery store, this historical property now boasts 41 guestrooms, five unique cottages and one luxurious penthouse.
Upon check-in, hotel guests receive a voucher for a complimentary cocktail next door at The Tavern Grille, a fun, friendly, upscale neighborhood tavern with quality dishes and generous portions that appeal to all palates at reasonable prices. A continental breakfast is included for all guests across Main Street at Crema Craft Kitchen + Bar, including freshly baked pastries, sorbets and gelato made from scratch every day in their creamery.
There are plenty of fun packages for guests to choose from, including the popular Sip and Stay package, which starts at $279 and includes welcome drinks at The Tavern Grille; complimentary wine tastings at Pillsbury Wine Company, Vino Zona and Arizona Stronghold Vineyards; continental breakfast at Crema Craft Kitchen + Bar; and a $50 gift card for dinner at Nic’s Italian Steak & Crab Restaurant across the street from the hotel.
There’s also the Verde Canyon Railroad package, which includes a night’s stay in a deluxe king room, all the standard amenities and two first-class tickets on the Verde Canyon Railroad, starting at $429 plus tax. Visit thetavernhotel.com for details.
Town of Payson
Experience the perfect blend of natural beauty, small-town charm and vibrant community life in Payson, Arizona.
The city’s beautiful weather is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, with endless recreational activities to suit every interest. The lush and expansive natural wonder of the Tonto National Forest features hiking trails that range from leisurely strolls to challenging treks. Pristine lakes and streams provide excellent fishing opportunities for anglers, and the bounty of wildlife and picturesque landscapes offers countless opportunities to fill your Instagram feed with natural beauty.
A highlight of the area is Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, home to the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. It stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot-long tunnel, measuring 150 feet at its widest point. The park also has three hiking trails, a picnic area, a group-use area and exhibits with artifacts on the history of the Tonto Natural Bridge and the area’s prehistoric inhabitants.
Payson’s vibrant community spirit is evident in its numerous events and festivals. From the excitement of rodeos to the lively tunes of music festivals and the fresh produce at farmers’ markets, the city’s calendar is filled with activities that unite residents and visitors. Come and see why it remains a beloved destination for all who visit. Start planning your trip now at paysonaz.gov.
Pima Air & Space Museum
Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona, is one of the largest aerospace museums in the world. It houses more than 400 aircraft in six hangars on 80 acres. Even if you’ve visited the museum before, several new additions will thrill and surprise you.
The NB-52A, known as “The High and Mighty One,” is the oldest surviving Stratofortress. It went back on display this year after a thorough restoration. It was retired to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for storage in 1969, and the National Museum of the United States Air Force decided to preserve this aircraft under the stewardship of Pima Air & Space Museum in 1981.
The NB-52A is one of the first B-52s used as a mothership for the X-15. It carried 93 experimental free flights, including seven that reached sub-orbital space. One of NB-52A’s X-15s achieved the highest altitude of the program at 354,200 feet, the first internationally recognized spaceflight of a reused spacecraft.
Also new to the Pima Air & Space Museum is SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy), which went on public display in late 2023. This Boeing 747SP has a retrofitted structural support system and aft fuselage door that houses a nearly 20-ton infrared telescope that brought new insights and discoveries from the cosmos.
The aircraft initially flew for Pan Am under the name Clipper Lindbergh, which was christened by Charles Lindbergh’s widow for the 50th anniversary of her husband achieving the first solo transatlantic flight. It later flew for United Airlines before its role with NASA and the German Aerospace Center to aid in the study of astronomy.
To learn more about what you can discover at the Pima Air & Space Museum, please visit pimaair.org.
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