City streets devoted to live music and entertainment, abundant desert landscapes to hike within, and coastal barrier islands lined with sandy shores are among your options for getting back to nature (and back to what you love) when you plan a weekend getaway to the best destinations for a weekend getaway in the Southwest.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
New Mexico’s largest city makes it easy to make a weekend getaway as city- or nature-oriented as you prefer.
Come to Albuquerque during the fall and winter months, and you might have the pleasure of rising up over the city in a hot air balloon to catch all the natural and urban sights. But to learn more about this favorite local attraction year round, visit Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum, which dives into its history through interesting exhibits and displays.
Just outside of town, try wine tasting at Casa Rondeña winery, or hike trails with views of the lovely Sandia Mountains at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park.
Back in town, shop for Pueblo pottery, beaded jewelry, and baskets at Cowboys & Indians Antiques. And fill up on pizza, tacos, and burgers from excellent local vendors at 505 Central Food Hall. Albuquerque is filled with excitement everywhere you look.
Phoenix, Arizona
Surrounded by the saguaro cacti of the Sonoran Desert and filled with inspiring architecture, Phoenix can feel like many destinations wrapped into one.
On weekend getaway to the city, admire Frank Lloyd Wright wonders at Taliesin West, go gallery hopping in the Fifth Avenue Art District in nearby Scottsdale, and venture out on an epic sunrise hike to watch the pastel-hued daylight break at Camelback Mountain.
The city’s craft beer scene is booming, and Greenwood Brewing —owned by former engineer Megan Greenwood, who left the corporate world to dive deep into beer-making — is a favorite for its seasonal ales. For a killer brunch or dinner and amazing oysters, Buck & Rider in the trendy Arcadia neighborhood is a great pick.
Corpus Christi, Texas
Though often known as a college spring break party destination, Corpus Christi, along Texas’ gorgeous Gulf Coast, brings more to the table than just gorgeous beaches.
Start your weekend getaway off right with breakfast at Bien Mérité Bakery, where you might feel like you’re in France among the croissants, macarons, and delicate pastries.
Among several museums in town, the Selena Museum pays homage to the late music superstar, the Art Museum of South Texas spotlights work from the state, and the USS Lexington is a retired aircraft carrier with a riveting onboard naval aviation museum.
When it’s time to escape into nature, Padre Island National Seashore beckons with 66 miles of spectacular coastline to explore and stunning coastal prairie ecosystems. For a popular destination beach with many spots to lay a towel, take a stroll around Bob Hill Pier.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Sin City needs no intro, but a Las Vegas weekend can be about both vibrant nightlife and stunning nature.
Once you’ve ticked off the key sights along the Strip, head into the great outdoors with easy and accessible hiking trails at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, less than 30 minutes away.
And don’t miss the fun scene in Old Vegas when you get back to town. Excitement awaits at the Fremont Street Experience, a pedestrian mall with the largest canopy video screen in the world, old fashioned bars, and unbelievable people-watching (which can happen from an aerial view by zip line).
Austin, Texas
Move over, Nashville. Austin, Texas, has staked its claim as a live music capital. And the Red River Cultural District is the place to go here when you want to hear everything from country to alternative bands.
For a neighborhood with a bit of everything, head to the SoCo District along South Congress Avenue for mellow cocktail bars, stylish boutiques with Austin-made goods, and celebrated restaurants like the omakase-style Otoko.
Make time to explore the North Loop neighborhood, brimming with retro boutiques. This is also where you can dine at foodie favorite Barley Swine, an excellent pre-fixe spot for locally-sourced American classics.
Related Articles
