Travel Spotlights: Southwest Region

Once a Wild West frontier settlement, San Antonio is now famous for its scenic River Walk. Hop on a boat tour to get acquainted, then shop, dine and stroll along shaded pathways leading to hotels, restaurants and museums all just steps from the legendary Alamo.

Browse artisans’ shops, sample distinct cuisine at locally owned restaurants, and sip craft beers and cocktails in The Pearl District, a former industrial complex turned creative hot spot north of downtown along the riverfront. For a special treat, stay or dine at the beautifully restored Hotel Emma.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the largest collection of Spanish colonial architecture in the USA. It offers ranger-led tours of four of its missions – Mission San Jose, Mission Concepcion, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada.

Many of San Antonio’s top attractions celebrate the city’s rich history and culture. Don’t miss a trip to the San Antonio Museum of Art, The DoSeum, Brackenridge Park, Witte Museum, San Antonio Zoo, Japanese Tea Gardens and the McNay Art Museum.

Thrill seekers will find plenty of excitement at San Antonio’s theme parks. Ride roller coasters at Six Flags Fiesta Texas; make a splash at Aquatica San Antonio; and get up close to dolphins, penguins and sea lions at SeaWorld® San Antonio.

From the majestic Grand Canyon to Old West history, discover grand adventures in Arizona. Hire a Navajo guide to lead your tour of Canyon de Chelly National Monument, an expansive park on Navajo tribal lands. Explore ancient ruins, view petroglyphs and marvel at Spider Rock, a towering sandstone spire.

Drive along historic and world-famous Route 66, stopping at quirky roadside attractions such as the Hackberry General Store, Meteor Crater, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest National Park and Delgadillo’s Original Route 66 Gift Shop.

At the Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff, ski down the western slope of Mount Humphries or take a gondola ride to the top for epic views. You can even see the Grand Canyon’s North Rim on a clear day.

Wander along Whiskey Row in Prescott, Arizona, a former Gold Rush town that’s now packed with galleries, shops and saloons. Cyclists are also drawn to the town’s 400 kilometers of diverse trails.

Sip your way through the 25 wineries of the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Sample meticulously crafted varietals such as dry moscato and soothing pinot noir in the heart of Arizona’s wine country – a newly designated American Viticultural Area (AVA).

During a ride on the historic Verde Canyon Railroad, spot towering buttes, bald eagles and ruins of Native American cliff dwellings as you travel through 110 years of history in a refurbished train car.

Soak up the sun in Phoenix, Arizona, where outdoor adventures meet cosmopolitan vibes. Tee off at emerald golf courses that snake through desert landscapes, or relax at world-class spas throughout the valley.

Tour Taliesin West in Scottsdale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the winter home and laboratory of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Marvel at the design made from local desert rocks and the unique walkways, terraces and geometrically shaped features.

Arizona’s second-largest city was the first city in the USA to be designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Sample cuisine influenced by Spanish, Mexican and Native American cultures as you tour this top culinary destination.

North of Tucson, Mount Lemmon attracts cyclists and mountain climbers with its 1,707-meter elevation change, towering peaks and trails at the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains.

In Cochise County, travel back to the Old West in Tombstone, where the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral took place. Visit landmarks, watch historical reenactments and snap photos with actors wearing period clothing.

Adventures on the water await at Lake Havasu. Zip around on Jet Skis, rent a kayak and paddle under the original London Bridge, relax on the beach or spend an afternoon fishing for striped bass and flathead catfish.

At Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, tour the Visitor Center’s museum, see the historic cell blocks and guard tower, check out fascinating artifacts and walk nature trails.

Experience living culture through traditional dance demonstrations at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma. The center also features exhibits and other presentations illuminating the rich history, culture, language and the arts of the Chickasaw people.

Discover a vast, beautiful landscape, home to mountain overlooks, wooded hiking trails, a bison herd and Little Niagara Falls, a photo-worthy cascade that also creates a perfect swimming hole in Sulphur’s Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Located in the Arbuckle Mountains, this park is home to the 23-meter Turner Falls, the tallest in the state. Swim in the turquoise waters, hike scenic trails, explore natural caves or camp overnight.

This First American art gallery in the Bricktown district of Oklahoma City displays the works of First American artists from across the United States. Marvel at exhibits featuring pottery, jewelry, paintings and clothing.

Tour state-of-the-art exhibitions and learn about the unique cultures, history and contributions of the 39 tribal nations in Oklahoma today. Watch educational films, explore the Hall of the People and wander through the Tribal Nations Gallery.