Rugged. Beautiful. And fun. The Southwest is the ultimate playground, captivating adventurers with red-rock canyons, Wild West legends, and the delicious allure of green chile stew. Day trips in this region evoke images of expansive desert landscapes, rodeos, and lake adventures.
Editor’s note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.
Best Day Trips from Austin
Fredericksburg
With an abundance of events, wineries, and local attractions, deciding how to spend a day in Fredericksburg can be overwhelming. Settled by some of Texas’ earliest German immigrant families, the town’s European heritage is reflected in its architecture and history. Additionally, vineyard tours are especially popular with groups during weekend getaways. 1hr 30min by car.
Guadalupe River
Seeking relief from the scorching Central Texas summer? There’s no better escape than taking a refreshing float down the Guadalupe River. Visitors can head to Guadalupe River State Park for a family-friendly experience featuring camping and hiking, or choose local private operators for a more lively river outing. 1hr 30min by car.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Fredericksburg
Dominating the Central Texas landscape is the enchanting 425-foot high pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock. The highly favored Summit Hike leads adventurers through vernal pools and rock fissures to spectacular panoramic views from the top. On busy weekends, lines at the State Park gate can form as early as 8 am; however, campers with confirmed reservations gain expedited access. 1hr 40min by car.
Best Day Trips from Dallas
Fort Worth
Known as “Where the West Begins,” Fort Worth exudes a cowboy ambiance. The city became prominent during the significant open-range cattle drives of the late 19th century. Today, the iconic Stockyards serve as the main attraction, featuring twice-daily mini-cattle drives and weekend rodeos. Meanwhile, downtown is alive with restaurants and bars, and the Cultural District houses three remarkable art museums. 40min by car.
Waco, Texas
In this vibrant college town, Magnolia Market at the Silos draws more visitors than the famous Alamo. After shopping and enjoying local eats, visitors can explore Baylor’s expansive 1000-acre campus or try stand-up paddleboarding along the Brazos River. 1hr 30min by car.
Caddo Lake State Park
As one of the best destinations for lake adventures, Caddo Lake State Park is ideal for nature lovers. Visitors can embark on an interpretive hike through the enchanting cypress forest along the lake’s western edge. During summer, canoe rentals provide an excellent way to explore, and the park features cozy little cabins and charming riverside tent sites. 2hr 30min by car.
Best Day Trips from Phoenix
Saguaro National Park
Saguaros are the emblematic cacti of the American Southwest, and the stunning Saguaro National Park preserves these majestic plants in a breathtaking desert landscape. Spanning east and west units, which are separated by 30 miles, both sections—the Rincon Mountain District and Tucson Mountain District—feature numerous trails and diverse desert flora. Visitors are encouraged to explore the spectacular western district. 1hr 40min by car.
Sedona
Situated among striking red sandstone formations, Sedona offers a remarkable landscape that has inspired spiritual seekers and artists alike. This area’s outdoor enthusiasts also discover unique adventures—hiking, mountain biking, and climbing among spectacular desert spires. Red Rock State Park provides 5 miles of well-marked, interconnected trails in this captivating red-rock terrain. 2hr by car.
Flagstaff
Flagstaff, home to Northern Arizona University, is known for its laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a pedestrian-friendly historic downtown adorned with vintage neon lights, as well as partake in hiking and skiing in the expansive ponderosa pine forest nearby. 2hr 30min by car.
Best Day Trips from Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon
The breathtaking vistas of Red Rock Canyon are celebrated by locals and visitors alike. Thought to have been formed around 65 million years ago by tectonic forces, the canyon’s 3000-foot red rock escarpment rises dramatically from the surrounding valley. A 13-mile scenic loop drive showcases the canyon’s most stunning features, complemented by various hiking trails and rock-climbing routes accessible from roadside parking areas. 30min by car.
Valley of Fire State Park
Characterized by stunning Southwest desert landscapes, the Valley of Fire State Park encompasses 40,000 acres of remarkable red Aztec sandstone, ancient petrified trees, and native American petroglyphs located at Atlatl Rock. Established in 1935, this was Nevada’s first dedicated state park. Its vibrant and unique landscape has been shaped by wind and water over countless years. 50min by car.
Lost City Museum
Discover exceptional art, culture, and history at unexpected places surrounding Las Vegas. The Lost City Museum offers insights into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans through reconstructed homes and the artifacts preserved as the desert landscape evolved. 1hr by car.
