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If you thought the Midwest was the most overlooked region of the United States, think again!
The crown extends to the vast southwest.
Yes, many head to Vegas for a weekend they won’t remember, but is that really all there is to experience, aside from counting the tumbleweeds in this sun-drenched sprawl?
No chance!
Because other fun hotspots like Scottsdale never fail to impress, our expert team here at Travel Off Path put their heads together to put together a list of the things to see in the Southwest 5 most underrated spring onions, it will surely fuel your daydreams in the open desert, while others flock to the crowded coast.
5) Jerome, AZ: Wine and whimsy in the high desert
Most travelers looking for a good time under the Arizona sun head to Scottsdale, but there’s no denying that the atmosphere is too touristy when it comes to Old Town shopping and “local” restaurants where you can dine in other cities.
Jerome sits about 5,000 feet high atop the Verde Valley, an area not exactly on many travelers’ radar.
But this city full of quirks, quirks and delights is definitely worth the detour to wander the haunted streets of legendary saloons and creaking inns.
Its old-world charm exudes a spooky quality, and you can still enjoy a spring visit as much as Halloween.
Spring is the ideal time before the summer monsoon, and it’s a great time to get acquainted with the underrated wine scene, including Tool singer Maynard James Keenan Caduceus Cellars.
4) Moab: a refuge for nature that turns the city red
The jokes may write themselves for many Utah destinations, but Moab is the rarity without a punchline.
It’s just an easy-going, vibrant town, surrounded by some of the state’s most vibrant red rock landscapes.
In fact, it’s home to 2 National Parks (Take that, Zion!).
Obviously Zion isn’t one of them, but who wants to deal with gridlocked traffic anyway when you’re supposed to be enjoying a sense of tranquility in nature?
Not us. That’s why Moab made the list.
Explore both Arches and Canyonlands with a America the beautiful pass – one of our favorite travel hacks to entice outdoor adventures.
Even though Forrest Fenn may be turning in his grave….
Additionally, consider changing your vacation style for this. Moab is home to one of America’s best glamping resorts, ULUMthe ‘desert shelter’ you didn’t know you needed.
3) Las Cruces: New Mexico’s second largest city is somehow a secret
When you hear of people exploring New Mexico, it’s usually Santa Fe, Taos, Albuquerque and maybe Ruidoso if Mother Nature permits.
What’s usually missing is Las Cruces, home to the vertiginous Organ Mountains, timeless villages nearby, and a quaint, quiet downtown filled with phenomenal eateries and industrial breweries.
Let’s be honest: even the boring mountain landscape of Albuquerque looks like they’d rather be somewhere else…
Las Cruces is a beautiful city for the most part, but no less than its rough places. The charm of the dramatic backdrop and the historic town of Mesilla, a lasso away, more than makes up for any eyesores.
Most notably, it’s a thriving college town with a fun nightlife, epic hiking trails, and nothing will break the bank here.
2) El Paso: experience the textbook “Tex-Mex”
Any traveler who has crossed Texas has probably seen “Tex-Mex” on more restaurant menus than they can count.
Here in El Paso you will indeed find queso cookies and sweet margs, but also a mixed culture where Texas hospitality and Mexican heritage naturally intertwine.
How do I know? I lived there – and loved every second of it.
While many describe it as run-down, brown, boring and nothing to do, those who say that have clearly never left the highway in a city that is often crossed (hence the name).
There are luxury hotels, including one Michelin keyexciting water parks, fun bars, incredible food, historic missions and equally beautiful walks like the aforementioned Las Cruces, which is also only 45 minutes away and won’t break the bank either.
Furthermore, despite being bordered by one of Mexico’s “most dangerous” cities, El Paso has long been ranked as one of the safest cities in the US.
1) Laughlin: the antidote to Vegas’ demise
At the intersection of Nevada and Arizona lies a waterfront playground with casinos and outdoor activities ranging from boat rides, scenic beaches and River walk action.
You may have heard that the highly anticipated Sphere did nothing to boost tourism in Vegas.
Not to blame the ever-changing sphere, but in ‘Sin City’ tourists like me complain through the Stratosphereleaving you with that sinking feeling that you’ve somehow lost even if you’ve won big.
That’s where places like Laughlin save the day, where they feel less crowded and much cheaper, offering some co-branded casinos like Harrah’s, plus more natural ways to cool off under the desert sun instead of squeezing into a rooftop pool with expensive cocktails.
Laughlin is about 90 minutes from Vegas, which makes for a Houdini-esque escape if you fit the current trend of staying underwhelmed, and an even more popular road trip from Phoenix.
Since Vegas is no longer a budget destination, where fees and sky-high rates are charged, Laughlin often offers hotels in the $50s.
