Share the article
Winter is just around the corner, which means many travelers will be seeking out the winter sun if they don’t fancy the slopes.
Usually that means whipping whip out your credit card and book a fun beach vacation, but there’s one region in the US that offers three underrated cities with no beaches or ski resorts that are still sunny, affordable and rich in culture.
From Arizona to West Texas, the Southwest isn’t just a barren land as depicted in old-fashioned Western movies; there are some real treasures to discover.
So if you’re up for adventure and ready for new experiences, here are 3 underrated cities with cheap places to stay this winter – and don’t worry, you can still enjoy a margarita poolside even without hitting a beach you have in sight.
Tucson: Arizona’s Desert Darling
From west to east, let’s start with the great city of Tucson, the ultimate dupe of Scottsdale, for a more authentic feel and cheaper stays.
Scottsdale is a nice place to visit, but how many expensive turquoise trinkets do you need in Old Town?
Tucson may offer similar shops, but they are not gimmicky and there is plenty to do despite not being considered touristy.
One of those places to enjoy is one of America’s most underrated National Parks. You must visit Saguaro National Park (Admission $25) this winter for epic walks through picturesque landscapes.
Tucson is a great place to enjoy the outdoors at any time of day except summer, but the winter weather here makes it all the more appealing to stay in the 60s, with consistent temperatures.
In my personal opinion, aside from Saguaro, the best way to experience Tucson is to eat your way through it.
Don’t you believe me? What other city’s food culture is recognized as a whole by UNESCO?
With beautiful sunny weather you can visit the patio of a restaurant and enjoy the Southwestern and Sonoran cuisine. But the best might be a hole in the wall dating back to the 1930s – take a look Cafe El Minuto.
Tucson is a very affordable getaway and offers fun stays at great prices so you can spend more on experiences like a fun day in Old Tucson.
Airbnbs cost just $63, but these 3 hotels are hard to beat in December:
- Hotel McCoy Tucson (vintage style!) – $74
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson – Reid Park – $76
- Hilton Tucson East – $94
Forget Albuquerque! Visit New Mexico’s second largest city
If you’ve ever taken a road trip on the seemingly endless highway of I-10, you’ve probably already passed by Las Cruces.
With no towering skyline to grab your attention, you may have missed the small-town charm and the vast Organ Mountains, perfect for a scenic hike in the city’s mild winters.
Las Cruces is New Mexico’s second largest city, but is often overshadowed by smaller, trendy getaways like Taos and Santa Fe.
That being said, don’t sleep on Las Cruces as a cultural destination. You can still pose for photos with striking adobes and old-fashioned streets in the neighboring historic town Mesillawhere the famous outlaw Billy the Kid was once tried.
This town is only a short side trip, but it makes a great day of shopping and eating in the town square.
Make sure you eat Double Eaglehome to the best margaritas to ever grace my lips (and I’ve been all over Mexico!).
They won’t break the bank for a stay. This winter, book a historic adobe house on Airbnb for just $86 or one of these 3 affordable hotels:
- Hilton Garden Inn Las Cruces – $99 in December
- Hacienda de Mesilla – $119 in January
- Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces – $123 in December
El Paso: the forgotten city of Texas
If you’ve heard El Paso in the news, it’s probably for the wrong reasons, coming from political talking heads, but this city is a real diamond in the rough.
Perhaps Texas’ most cultural city (sorry, San Antonio!), El Paso will surprise you with its historic missions, revitalized downtown, and chic West Side, which is often a surprise to first-time visitors.
Despite trendy taco shops in Dallas and Austin, there may not be a single place to eat in the Lone Star State.
Locals may tell you to try Chico’s, one of the city’s staples, but unless you like soggy taquitos, opt for Elemi, which just passed by Texas Monthly.
Take it from me; I lived here for a year!
One of my favorite places to hang out was the downtown rooftops of these 2 hotels, which offer beautiful views of the cityscape and mountains:
- HotelIndigo
- Hotel Paso del Norte
For the best deals, check out Airbnb’s spacious homes in the $80s or these 3 hotels this winter:
- The Hotel at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino/West El Paso – $87 in December
- Hilton Garden Inn El Paso / University – $99 in January
- Courtyard El Paso Downtown/Convention Center – $100 in December
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
