If you thought the Midwest was the most overlooked region of the States, think again!
The crown goes to the vast Southwest.
Yes, many venture off to Vegas for a weekend they won’t remember, but is that really all there is to experience beyond counting tumbleweeds in this sunbaked sprawl?
Not a chance!
With other fun hotspots like Scottsdale never failing to impress, our expert team here at Travel Off Path put our heads together to compile a list of the Southwest’s 5 most underrated spring getaways, surely fueling your open desert daydreams, while others flock to the jam-packed coast.
PLUS: We’ve put an interactive quiz together for you at the end of this article to find out which one is perfect for you, so stick around!
5) Jerome, AZ: Wine & Whimsy In The High Desert
Most travelers looking for a good time under the Arizona sun go to Scottsdale, but there’s no denying it’s overly touristy vibe when it comes to Old Town shops, and ‘local’ restaurants you can dine in other cities.
Jerome sits roughly 5,000 feet high atop the Verde Valley, an area not exactly on many travelers’ radars.
But this town full of quirks, oddities, and delights is well worth the detour to roam the spooky streets of storied saloons and creaky inns.
Oozing old-timey charm that’s ghostly in nature, you can still enjoy a springtime visit just as much as Halloween.
Spring is the sweet spot before summer monsoons, plus it’s a great time to tap into the underrated wine scene, including Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan’s Caduceus Cellars.
4) Moab: A Haven For Nature That Paints The Town Red
The jokes may write themselves for many Utah destinations, but Moab is the rarity with no punchline.
It’s just an easy-goin’, happenin’ 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 gridlock traffic anyway when you’re supposed to be enjoying a sense of calm in nature?
Not us. That’s why Moab made the list.
Explore both Arches and Canyonlands with an America the Beautiful Pass — one of our favorite travel hacks to entice outdoor adventures.
Though Forrest Fenn might be rolling in his grave….
Additionally, consider switching up your vacation style for this one. Moab is home to one of America’s top glamping resorts, ULUM, the ‘desert hideaway’ 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 tends to be Santa Fe, Taos, Albuquerque, and maybe Ruidoso when Mother Nature permits.
What’s usually missing is Las Cruces, home to the staggering Organ Mountains, timeless villages nearby, and a quaint, down-home downtown lined with phenomenal eats and industrial breweries.
Let’s be honest — even Albuquerque’s drab mountainscape looks like they’d rather be anywhere else…
Las Cruces is largely a beautiful city, though not short of its rough patches. The charm of the dramatic backdrop and historic town of Mesilla a lasso away more than makes up for any eyesores.
Most notably, it’s a booming college town with a fun bar scene, epic hiking trails, and nothing will break the bank here.
2) El Paso: Experience Textbook “Tex-Mex”
Any traveler who has traversed Texas likely sees “Tex-Mex” emblazoned on more restaurant menus than they can count.
Here in El Paso, yes, you’ll find queso skillets and sugary margs, but also a blended culture where Texas hospitality and Mexican heritage naturally intertwine.
How do I know? I lived there — and loved every second.
While many describe it as run-down, brown, drab, and nothing to do, those who say that have obviously never exited the highway in a city commonly passed through (hence its name).
There are luxe hotels, including a Michelin Key, thrilling waterparks, fun bars, incredible food, historic missions, and equally beautiful hikes as aforementioned Las Cruces, which also happens to be 45 minutes away and won’t bruise your bank account either.
Plus, despite bordering one of Mexico’s ‘most dangerous’ cities, El Paso has long been ranked one of the safest cities in the U.S.
1) Laughlin: The Antidote To Vegas’s Downfall
At the crossroads of Nevada and Arizona lies a waterfront playground of casinos and outdoor thrills, ranging from boat rides, quaint beaches, and Riverwalk action.
You may have heard that the highly anticipated Sphere did nothing to boost Vegas tourism.
Not to blame the ever-changing orb, but “Sin City” has tourists like me complaining about prices through the Stratosphere, leaving that sinking feeling you somehow lost even if you won big.
That’s where places like Laughlin come in to save the day, feeling less crowded, way less expensive, and offering some of the same name-brand casinos like Harrah’s, plus more natural ways to cool off under the desert sun instead of squeezing into a rooftop pool with overpriced cocktails.
Laughlin is about 90 minutes from Vegas, making for a Houdini-esque escape if you fit the current trend of being left disappointed, and an even more popular road trip from Phoenix.
As Vegas is no longer a budget destination, charging fees and moon-high rates, Laughlin often offers hotels in the $50s.
Stacie Harris is a local resident and reporter of the Maple Grove area. Stacie reports on medicine and science for the Maple Grove Report.
