Wonders of the Southwest USA

The great Southwest: defined by wild landscapes, wandering rivers, rock formations that reach toward the sky and cities built on their own rules. On this adventure, you’ll start in the iconic Las Vegas, Nevada, for an excursion defined by bright lights, games and glamour. Then, trade the bustling nightlife for starry night skies as you uncover the natural wonders of the region. The wide-open spaces and awe-inspiring landscapes are just waiting for you to discover.

Welcome to Las Vegas, the first stop on your adventure! The lights, the glamour – it’s all here: Get ready to do Vegas your way. Though the city is known for its world-class casinos, you don’t have to gamble to have a great time in this city. The Fountains of Bellagio, fabulous restaurants, Mob Museum, the Hoover Dam and beyond are just waiting to be explored.

Where to Stay:

• Inspired by Lake Como, Bellagio Las Vegas is an icon in and of itself. Their fountains are known as “the biggest free show in town,” and the accommodations are no less spectacular.
• The Venetian Resort Las Vegas truly takes the hotel experience to a whole new level. With a huge array of restaurants, a gym with a climbing wall and even acupuncture services at the spa, you may never want to leave.
• Stay in whimsical, Instagrammable luxury at the Wynn and Encore Las Vegas. Worried about a quality night’s sleep? Get this: The Wynn’s linens have the highest thread count ever produced. Mic drop.

What to Eat:

• Want to experience the old-school cool of Las Vegas? Hit up Peppermill. Classic cocktails served in velvet booths and fire-pit lounges will have you feeling like a bona fide celebrity.
• Anyone who’s a fan of television cooking competitions will want a bite of the roasted beef wellie at Gordon Ramsay Steak. Finish off this iconic meal with none other than the sticky toffee pudding. If you know, you know.
• Las Vegas is home to top cuisine from all around the world, and Northern Thailand is no exception. Dine at Lotus of Siam for an award-winning taste of Chef Saipin Chutima’s showstopping Thai flavors.

What to See:

• A stroll down “The Strip” is a must in Vegas – and pencil in time to wander! Get lost in the mix of luxury hotels, dining experiences, casinos and shopping. (Caesar’s Palace is home to a massive shopping center you won’t want to miss.)
• Consider splurging on tickets to a show in Vegas. Musicians, magicians and high-flying acts like Cirque Du Soleil provide a wide variety of entertainment acts. Get those tickets well in advance!
• Do you know the odd and only-sometimes-legal history of Las Vegas? You’re about to. Get tickets to the Mob Museum, where you’ll learn the seedy and secretive side to this town. Make sure to mosey down to the secret speakeasy for a cocktail after a day of exploring!

You’ve made it to your second stop: Moab, Utah! You’ve traded bright city lights for natural wonders and otherworldly red rocks. Part playground for outdoor enthusiasts, part peaceful sanctuary, Moab is the perfect place to spend a few scenic days.

Where to Stay:

• Looking for a mix between upscale and off the beaten path? Stay at Under Canvas Moab, where luxury safari tents, en suite bathrooms and mountain views make for an unforgettable “glamping” experience.
• Feel right at home at Moab Springs Ranch, described as “a collection of woodsy bungalows.” You’ll enjoy both privacy and the amenities of a hotel stay.
• Up for a real outdoorsy adventure? Consider camping! The Devils Garden Campground in Arches National Park gets you right into the heart of nature – that means less time waiting to enter the park to see the sights. Be aware: You’ll want to reserve a camp spot as far in advance as possible to secure your spot.

What to Eat:

• Fuel up before a long day of outdoor activities at Love Muffin Cafe. A hearty breakfast panini or quinoa bowl (made of seasonal, organic ingredients) is sure to get your day started right.
• Grab a slice of true Neapolitan pizza at Antica Forma, where they do pizza right – like, imported tomatoes grown in the volcanic plains of south Mount Vesuvius, hand-stretched homemade mozzarella and baked in an oven flown in from Naples right.
• If variety is what you crave, make a stop at Moab Food Truck Park to try everything from artisan hot dogs to fresh smoothie bowls. Whatever you choose, you're sure to enjoy a quick bite that’s big on flavor and small on the price.

What to See:

• Sunscreen, hiking shoes, water bottle: check, check, check! You’re going on an adventure through Arches and Canyonlands National Parks! Come prepared and stay awhile, you’ll want to absorb all the beauty these incredible parks have to offer.
• For those who want to soak in the beauty of this incredible area but would rather skip the walking, book an ATV tour. This excursion is sure to bring a whole new level of adventure to your trip.
• You’ve seen it from land, you’ve seen it from ATV, now take to the skies for a helicopter tour! The high-flying views of this incredible region are sure to make memories that last a lifetime.

Page, Arizona: Small town, big outdoor attractions. This hidden gem of a town on the northwest side of the state is both a charming outdoorsy community and the gateway to the magnificent Lake Powell and the surrounding Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Get ready for the iconic attractions like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, as well as some unexpected surprises along the way.

Where to Stay:

• Just a short drive from all the outdoor attractions and activities, the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is the perfect combination of convenience and upscale comfort.
• Want to stay in nature without the hassle of camping? Book at the Shash Dine Eco-Retreat for a peaceful glamping stay on Navajo Nation land. Here, you’ll take in the starry skies, enjoy natural beauty and absorb a unique Navajo cultural experience.
• The Lake Powell Resort offers a convenient and affordable stay just five minutes from Horseshoe Bend. It even has views of Lake Powell from many rooms.

What to Eat:

• Page may be a small town, but they’re not short on flavors! Grab a bite at Birdhouse, where a humble but delicious menu of fried chicken and All-American sides are sure to leave you full after a day of exploring the great outdoors.
• For a taste of Arizona pride, stop by State 48 Tavern. The inventive menu and relaxed gastropub environment make for the perfect place to enjoy a casual night on the town.
• El Tapatio is a local fan favorite, and for good reason. Their authentic Mexican flavors and hearty helpings are always a crowd pleaser.

What to See:

• Horseshoe Bend is one of the most iconic stops on this itinerary, and it’s only about 10 minutes from downtown. With this spot being so accessible, why not go twice?
• Antelope Canyon is a narrow slot canyon (and photography background of your dreams) right in Page. Explore both the lower and upper canyon for two totally different and stunning perspectives of this natural wonder.
• Have a lake day on Lake Powell! Catch some rays (but don’t forget the sunscreen), explore Lone Rock Beach, or even rent a kayak, paddle board, jet ski or boat from the Wahweap Marina for some serious fun.

The great outdoor adventure continues in legendary Zion National Park. This nature preserve is diverse and vast, offering a true immersion into the magic of the Southwest. We can’t stress this enough: The key to a fabulous trip in this outdoor playground is to come prepared! Bring the camera, sunscreen, comfortable hiking shoes and stay hydrated: you’re sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Zion.

Where to Stay:

• If your ears perk up at the sound of luxury lodging, look no further than LaFave. Five-star villas, homes and suites bring an air of elegance to your adventure through Zion.
• Stay in a tipi (pronounced tee-pee) with a personal outdoor hot tub, outdoor kitchen and a fire pit at the unforgettable Zion White Bison Glamping and RV Resort.
• Interested in something between a campsite and a cabin? Stay at Open Sky Zion, where you’ll enjoy all the amenities of a hotel stay, like comfortable beds and luxurious linens, but with the added benefit of the surrounding natural landscapes and wide-open night skies.

What to Eat:

• For a day of hiking and nature exploration, you’ll want a meal that’s both hearty and healthy. Look no further than Deep Creek Coffee, an unassuming spot that serves up delicious smoothie bowls, bagel sandwiches, scones, lattes and more.
• Oscar’s Cafe offers up locally loved Mexican-inspired dishes on an outdoor patio that celebrates the comfortable outdoor climate in Springdale. Don’t miss out on an order of the sweet potato fries!
• Enjoy a truly farm-to-fork dining experience at the Spotted Dog Cafe, a casual and contemporary American bistro. Pay special attention to their wine list, which was recognized by the prestigious Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards.

What to See:

• If you’re looking for Zion’s most iconic hike, it’s The Narrows. Located on the north fork of the Virgin River, The Narrows refers to the 5.8-kilometer hike from the Temple of Sinawava to Big Springs. Go big with the 25-kilometer hike from Chamberlain's Ranch back to the Temple of Sinawava. (Pro tips: Wear shoes that can get wet, and bring a hiking stick to help navigate the rocky waters.)
• We get it; not everyone wants to go on long and strenuous hikes. Why not try an afternoon of birdwatching? Zion is home to 291 species of birds, including the rare California wild condor.
• You’ve seen these great landscapes from deep in the canyons and from up above on the peaks; now try from horseback! Saddle up for a ride through Zion National Park for a truly wild experience that’s sure to make memories.