Things to do in Southwest Desert
Discover the best attractions and experiences Southwest Desert has to offer
Historic Monuments
Ancient cliff dwellings and pueblos dot the desert, preserving the region’s rich indigenous heritage.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
A well-preserved ancient cliff dwelling created by the Sinagua people, set high above a desert canyon.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Remnants of a prehistoric Hohokam village and sun-dried brick structures.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Stupendous hilltop ruins built by the Sinagua in a forested valley near the Verde River.
Wupatki National Monument
A striking pueblo complex sheltering at the edge of a volcanic plain.
Museums
Desert museums showcase natural history, aviation marvels, and regional culture.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
A hybrid museum-zoo showcasing desert flora, fauna, geology, and culture.
Pima Air & Space Museum
One of the world’s largest aviation museums with an extensive collection.
Museum of Northern Arizona
Flagstaff’s hub for natural and cultural history of the Colorado Plateau.
Religious Monuments
Sacred missions and historic churches reveal the spiritual landscape of the Southwest.
Mission San Xavier del Bac
A stunning 18th‑century mission church known for its white stucco façade and interior frescoes.
Tumacácori National Historical Park
Ruin sites and a restored mission tell the story of early Spanish colonization.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi (Santa Fe)
A grand, historic church in Santa Fe with rich architectural details.
National & Theme Parks
Iconic landscapes and dramatic canyons define the Southwest’s national and theme parks.
Grand Canyon National Park
Carved by the Colorado River, offering vast vistas and dramatic rims.
Zion National Park
Spectacular canyon walls, narrow gorges, and iconic rock formations.
Joshua Tree National Park
A combined desertscape of unique trees, rock features, and starlit skies.
Death Valley National Park
Desert extremes with salt flats, sand dunes, and otherworldly landscapes.
Saguaro National Park
Iconic saguaro cacti backdrop in two desert districts near Tucson.
Neighborhoods
Explore distinctive districts where food, art, and culture mingle with desert life.
Downtown Phoenix
A thriving core with galleries, eateries, and cultural venues.
Old Town Scottsdale
Historic streets, southwestern shops, and lively nightlife.
Downtown Tucson
University vibes, markets, and a growing arts scene in a desert city.
Uptown Sedona
Gateway to red rock scenery, boutique galleries, and mountain views.
Free Things to Do
The Southwest rewards curious travelers with natural beauty and culture that won’t cost a dime.
Stargazing in the desert
Find a dark spot and watch the Milky Way rise over the mesas.
Self-guided historic walking tours
Stroll through downtowns and old districts to soak in architecture and stories.
Public art and scenic viewpoints
Explore free outdoor art installations and overlook spots in cities and parks.
Gastronomy
Southwestern flavors fuse Native, Mexican, and ranching traditions into bold dishes.
Sonoran hot dog tasting
Try the iconic street-style hot dog topped with jalapeño salsa and beans.
Green chile stew
A hearty, chile‑bright stew popular in New Mexican kitchens.
Carne adovada
Slow‑stewed pork with red chile, a Santa Fe staple.
Citrus and prickly pear treats
Desserts and drinks showcasing desert fruits across the region.
Nightlife
From neon casinos to rooftop lounges, the desert nights glow with energy.
Fremont Street Experience (Las Vegas)
A vibrant pedestrian street with light shows and street entertainment.
Old Town Scottsdale nightlife
Casual bars, live music, and outdoor patios in a lively district.
Downtown Las Vegas entertainment districts
A mix of clubs, lounges, and casino venues for late nights.
Entertainment
The region hosts performances, festivals, and iconic shows that celebrate desert culture.
Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas
World‑class performances blending theater, acrobatics, and music.
Live concerts in Phoenix and Tucson venues
Seasonal concerts from local and touring artists.
Santa Fe and Sedona arts festivals
Seasonal gatherings featuring music, crafts, and performances.
Sports
Desert climates foster year‑round outdoor sports and world‑class golf.
Desert golf in Scottsdale and Phoenix
Renowned courses set among dramatic desert scenery.
Rock climbing near Joshua Tree and Red Rock
Rugged routes and towering walls for climbers of all levels.
Desert trail running and hiking circuits
Well-marked trails and scenic loops across the region.
Off the Track
Hidden canyons, backcountry drives, and lesser‑known gems await beyond the well‑trodden paths.
Antelope Canyon tour (Page, AZ)
A stunning slot canyon known for light beams and sculpted walls.
Monument Valley scenic drive
Iconic red‑rock formations framed by endless desert sky.
Pink Jeep Tours in Sedona
Guided off-road excursions to breathtaking red rock landscapes.