Albuquerque, NM
As the hip sister of artsy Santa Fe, Albuquerque is ripe for quirky adventure. Get the lay of the land from up high with more than 300 resident balloonists—this is, after all, the Balloon Capital of the World. On the ground, tour the Acoma and Zuni pueblos with a pueblo member, enjoy a traditional pueblo meal, and hear the 16th century lore of the mythical Seven Cities of Gold. Finally, get the ultimate nature experience at the Albuquerque Biological Park, encompassing everything from a zoo and aquarium to a botanic garden and fishing lakes. For more ideas, visit itsatrip.com.
San Antonio, TX
This Texan city is provides the same dose of cowboy culture but is less humid and more bearable than many of its popular neighbors. Get the full rodeo experience at Charro Ranch, featuring live music, cattle herding, and horse ballets. Find natural science at The Witte Museum’s interactive H-E-B Science Treehouse, which even adults find themselves getting into. For the water lover, nothing beats a close-up encounter with sting rays at Seaworld’s Aquatica—or the JW Marriott’s whopping six acres of pure water fun, including a 1,200-foot lazy river, 35-foot-tall tube slides, and even an onsite “rapids” simulation. For more ideas, visit visitsanantonio.com.
Sedona, AZ
We can’t get enough of this red rock respite. At L’Auberge, don’t miss stargazing with Dennis Young, featuring his homemade super-powered telescope with a NASA-grade mirror. Off-site, adventurous kids can test their bravery on an open helicopter ride with Arizona Helicopter Adventures—or let the currents of the creek shoot you down the region’s many hiking trails (consult the experts at The Hike House for the best spots). Bonus: kayaking through Alcantara Vineyards makes for great intergenerational unwinding. For more ideas, visit visitsedona.com.
Keep reading for our editor’s own road trip adventures through the American Southwest.
