Southwest US Vacation Spots

The awe-inspiring Grand Canyon is certainly one of the top attraction in the southwest of the USA, though there are plenty of other great attractions in the region such as wildlife and desert areas, ancient pueblos, and dozens of interesting museums.

If you intend to visit the Southwest of the United States, you surely won’t want to miss the following attractions and sights:

Sandia Peak Tramway, Albuquerque NM

Sandia Peak Tramway has to be one of the coolest attractions in southwest USA and one of the best things you can do in Albuquerque! If you love riding cable cars, you’ll definitely enjoy taking a ride on the Sandia Tramway, which allows you to get breathtaking scenery views and panoramic views of Albuquerque along the way.

Interesting places to visit in New Mexico

Once you reach the top of Sandia Mountain, you’ll find lots of nature trails for hiking as well as a restaurant where you can have a nice meal. By the way, if you want to be treated to even more gorgeous views be sure you do the cable car ride in the evening to catch the stunning sunset. (see. things to see and do in Albuquerque)

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson AZ

If you plan to visit or road trip Arizona, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum should be right at the top of your list of things to visit in Tucson. You won’t find an attraction in the Southwest quite like the Arizona-Sonora Desert, which boasts all kinds of lovely plants and cool wildlife.

things to do on vacation in Arizona 

List of tourist attractions in Arizona

A visit to Arizona-Sonora will definitely keep you occupied for a good few hours as you'll also be able to see live demonstrations of rattlesnakes and lizards, as well as enjoy wildlife walks led by a docent guide. In all, if you’re looking for an educational outdoor experience in the southwest you’ll find the Arizona-Sonora museum a great place to visit. (see. places to visit in Tucson Arizona)

White Sands National Monument, Alamogordo NM

White Sands National Monument is located a short drive from Alamogordo New Mexico and it’s one of the best sights to visit in Southwest USA. This national monument boasts beautiful white sand dunes that are pure than white!

Interesting places to visit in New Mexico

The sand dunes will truly make your jaw drop, and the best thing is that you can have plenty of fun sliding down the dunes. You’ll also be able to enjoy programs and events organized by the park rangers such as full moon hikes, sunset strolls, as well as craft workshops for children. On a personal level, White Sands National Monument has to be one of the nicest places you can visit in the southwest USA.

Wupatki National Monument, Flagstaff AZ

Wupatki is one of the best preserved pueblo ruins and also one of the most easily accessible pueblo ruins in Arizona since they are located a short drive north of Flagstaff and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.

Places to Visit in Flagstaff AZ

Once in Wupatki NM, you’ll be able to walk along a marked trail and explore the ruins and dwellings on your own. While there, don’t miss experiencing the nice breeze coming up the famous Wupatki Blowhole! By the way, if you’re staying in Flagstaff and plan to visit Wupatki be sure to stop by Sunset Crater on the way there or back to enjoy the beautiful views of the Painted Desert Vista picnic area.

Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix AZ

The Desert Botanical Garden is another must see attractions in southwest US that you have to add to your itinerary of things to do. The botanical garden is located in North Galvin Parkway and it’s a fabulous place to see all kinds of weird-looking cactus and wildflowers.

If you’re a fan of plants and exotic gardens, you’ll enjoy doing the guided tour at the Desert Botanical Garden to learn about how desert plants and wildlife thrive in a desert environment.

Carlsbad Caverns, Carlsbad NM

Carlsbad Caverns is along the Grand Canyon in Arizona two of the most stunning natural wonders in Southwest US. Carlsbad Caverns offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy one of the most fascinating walking tours you can do in the region.

Top 10 Natural Wonders in USA

You get to walk deep inside the caverns which are lit up beautifully right into the “Big Room”, which is the center piece attraction of the caves. The rock formations in the “Big Room” are truly amazing and picture opportunities plentiful!

See. Vacation Spots in Western US
Santa Fe Lensic Theatre History
Walking Holidays For Singles Over 50: Where To Go
places to visit in Taos
things to do in Prescott Arizona
Top Tourist Attractions in the US

Must See Places in Southern US

Vacation Spots in Southern USA

Things to do in Santa Fe New Mexico

Must See Places in southern US

Planning visiting Shreveport this year?


Find out more about Shreveport top attractions that you wouldn't want to miss when in town!

Shreveport Visitor’s Center

If it's your first time in Shreveport, be sure to make Shreveport Visitor’s Center one of your first places to visit in Shreveport LA.

Shreveport Visitor’s Center is located within the downtown riverfront area, and it's a nice introduction to Shreveport since you’ll be able to get free maps, book fun tours and talk to the staff to find out nice dining spots, accommodation options, etc.

Spring Street Historical Museum

After visiting the Shreveport tourist center, you may want to visit next the Spring Street Historical Museum since it’s located just up the road.

If you’re a history buff looking to learn about the history of Shreveport, you’ll be glad to know that the Spring Street Historical Museum is free admission, and it's one of the best places to visit in Shreveport LA to see interesting artifacts like firearms, vintage clothing, old maps and more.

Sci-Port Louisiana's Science Center

The Sci-Port Louisiana's Science Center is another top attraction in Shreveport located nearby Shreveport visitor’s center.

The Sci-Port Center is a lovely place to spend a nice family day out with the kids since the center boasts interesting exhibits and offer cool science demonstrations for everyone to enjoy.

The Sci-Port Center also boasts an IMAX thetre, interactive playing areas and educational workshops where you can see the dissection of a shark and cool lab experiments.

Shreveport Riverfront

Shreveport Riverfront is without a doubt, one of the top places to visit in Shreveport LA to enjoy a nice evening out at one of the riverboat casinos such as Sam’s Town Casino, and book cruises of the Red River with Spirit of the Red River Cruise which charge around $12.

Family Vacation Spots in Louisiana 

Besides the riverboat casinos and river cruises, Shreveport Riverfront is also the home to one of Shreveport’s top festivals - the Red River Revel Arts Festival.

The Red River Revel Arts Festival happens annually in early October, and it’s a cool family event where you can see fine ceramics on display, as well as enjoy live music and face painting competitions.

Red River District

The Red River District is Shreveport’s entertainment hub and a popular nightlife hotspot.

The district is bounded by Market St, Texas St and Clyde Fant Parkway, and it's one of the best places to visit in Shreveport LA to find live music and entertainment venues such as Funny Bone Comedy Club where you can catch some of the best stand-up comedians.

Barnwell Memorial Garden & Art Center

The Barnwell Garden is another popular downtown riverfront attraction that you must add to your list of places to visit in Shreveport LA.

The Barnwell Memorial Garden is both a botanical garden/ art center and it’s a lovely place to relax with family and friends while enjoying a nice picnic.

You can also see interesting art exhibits on display, catch regular evening events and get lovely views of the Red River, the Texas Street Bridge and Bossier City skyline in the distance.

By the way, the Barnwell Garden is located opposite the Riverview Theatre, and it's just a short walk from the Sci-Port Science Center.

Splash Kingdom Water Town

If you’re visiting Shreveport this summer, another fun attraction to add to your list of places to visit in Shreveport LA is Splash Kingdom Water Town.

Splash Kingdom Water Town is located about 20 minutes drive west of Shreveport downtown riverfront, and boasts cool slides, a wave pool and a lazy river.

R.W. Norton Art Gallery

If you’re a fan of art, you wouldn't want to miss visiting the Norton Art Gallery since it's one of the best art places to visit in Louisiana where you can see great art collections on American art.

Besides seeing the art works indoors, you can enjoy guided tours and regular events at the museum, as well as take a nice stroll around the Norton Art Gallery grounds and marvel at the beautiful flower gardens.

See. Places to visit in Baton Rouge LA
Things to do in Monroe Louisiana 
Southwest US vacation spots
Vacation spots in Southern US

Looking for places to visit in Lawton OK?

things to do for fun in Oklahoma while on vacation

Whether you're planning to visit Lawton OK on a short vacation or side trip from Oklahoma City, if you're looking for a list of places to see and visit in Lawton OK, we've got just that!

Comanche Nation Tourism Center

If you’re visiting Lawton OKlahoma for the first time, it’s a good idea to visit the Comanche Nation Tourism Center for a nice introduction of Lawton, its attractions and the Comanche People.

The Comanche Nation Tourism Center is literary located some yards south of the Comanche Nation Casino where you can enjoy a fun night out playing casino games.

Mattie Beal Home

After visiting the Comanche Nation Tourism Center, you may want to start your tour of Lawton at the Mattie Beal Home, which is located right in the heart of the downtown area.

Mattie Beal Home is a beautiful early 1900’s historic home where you can enjoy an interesting afternoon touring the grounds and rooms of this elegant house, and learn about the live of her former owner Mattie Beal.

Leslie Powell Gallery

If you’re fan of art, the Leslie Powell Gallery is another must-see attraction worth adding to your list of places to visit in Lawton OK.

The Leslie Powell Gallery is located in downtown Lawton, just down the road from the First Christian Church, and it’s a nice place where not only you can see interesting paint exhibits on display, but also catch cool art shows and art talks.

Comanche Nation Waterpark

If you’re wondering about fun places to visit in Lawton OK with kids, the Comanche Nation Waterpark is a nice place where you can cool off during a hot summer’s day.

Another plus about the Comanche Nation Waterpark is that it’s located within the limits of the downtown area, and boasts fun slides, tubes and fun areas where you enjoy a fun day out with the family.

Comanche National Museum and Museum of the Great Plains

Both the Comanche National Museum and the Museum of the Great Plains are two of the best places to visit in Lawton OK to learn about Lawton’s natural history and the Comanche heritage.

The Comanche National Museum is a great place to learn about the lives of the Comanche people and customs through interesting programs such as beadwork workshops; while the Museum of the Great Plains boasts more interesting Native American artifacts on display, as well as a cool 1830’s replica of a typical trading post of the time.

By the way, the Comanche National Museum and the Museum of the Great Plains are located next door to each other opposite Elmer Thomas Park.

Fort Sill Historic Site

If you’re interested in seeing more historic artifacts on display, the Fort Sill Historic Site is another great attraction worth adding to your list of places to visit in Lawton OK.

Fort Sill Historic Site isn’t quite in Lawton, but it’s worth the trip since it’s located just 10 minutes drive north of Lawton OK, and it’s free of charge.

Once you arrive at Fort Sill Historic Site, you’ll be able to explore facilities such as the Post Guardhouse, the Cavalry Barracks and the Fort Sill museum, which boasts a ton of artifacts on display and outdoor exhibits such as Native American beadwork, old US Army uniforms and artillery vehicles.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

If you’d like to enjoy outdoor pursuits and wildlife viewing, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is another out of town attraction worth visiting when in Lawton OK.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is located 10 minutes drive west of Lawton OK, and it’s a lovely place where you can enjoy recreational activities like camping, fishing nature hikes and spotting wildlife like buffalo, mountain elk and bison.

Besides these, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers fun tours and interpretive programs all year long such as the Fall Foliage Walk in late October where you get to walk into Hollis Canyon to marvel at the beautiful sugar maples!

Medicine Park

The historic town of Medicine Park is another of the most popular places to visit in Lawton OK, though it isn’t located in Lawton proper.

Having said this, if you’re already planning to visit out of town attritions such as Wichita Wildlife Refuge and Fort Sill Site, it’s well worth adding Medicine Park to your itinerary since it’s just located 20 minutes drive north of Lawton OK.

One of the great things about a trip to Medicine Park is that it’s located in the foothills of the Wichita Mountains where the mountain scenery views are memorable!

Medicine Park is also home to a few historic buildings such as Sanders House and the Old Plantation, as well as the Medicine Creek where you can enjoy trout fishing and swimming in the warm months.

While in Medicine Park you can also visit the local winery called Winery of the Wichitas for some wine tasting.

See. Interesting Places to visit in Oklahoma
Best Places to visit in Oklahoma City

Wondering what to see and do in Oklahoma City?

things to do for fun in Oklahoma while on vacation

Whether you’re visiting Oklahoma City on a week vacation, or side trip you’ll be glad to know that Oklahoma City boasts dozens of great attractions and interesting places you can visit. Below, you have a list of all the best and most popular attractions not to be missed when in town!


National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in Oklahoma City, especially if you’re interested in cowboy life! You can easily spend an entire morning seeing all the exhibitions and galleries such as the American Rodeo gallery, the Firearms gallery and the Native American gallery which boasts dozens of Native American items such as leather jackets, rugs, beaded bracelets and more.

Must See Places in southern US

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum also boasts changing exhibits, regular and annual events such as the Chuck Wagon Gathering and Children’s Cowboy Festival in late May where you’ll be able to enjoy fun activities, sample cowboy foods and enjoy entertainment Old Western style!

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art isn’t just a great tourist attraction in town, but also one of the best art museums in the US. If you’re fan of contemporary art, or art works in general this place should be a must on your Oklahoma City itinerary.

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is located right in the heart of the downtown area, and it’s another marvelous place where you can spend a nice time seeing beautiful exhibits such as blown glass works by the renowned Dale Chihuly.

Oklahoma City Memorial

The Oklahoma City Memorial is another popular attraction in town and one of the best places to visit in Oklahoma City to learn about the 1995 Oklahoma bombing.

The memorial in itself is beautifully put together and it's an awe-inspiring site, particularly at night when the memorial is lit up.

The memorial is also a walk-in museum with lots of visuals and audio experiences and testimonials from survivors and witnesses.

Bricktown District

Bricktown District is the hub of the entertainment area in downtown, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Oklahoma City to enjoy a nice day and night out!

You’ll find most of the city’s restaurants, bars and nightclubs here, as well as the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark where you can catch a game of baseball, and the Cox Convention Center where you can catch a game of indoor football and hockey. Two other popular attractions located in Bricktown District include:

American Banjo Museum

American Banjo Museum boasts many galleries and exhibits dedicated to the Native American banjo.

Bricktown Canal

Bricktown Canal is another of the city’s top attractions because of the water taxi that services the canal.
The water taxi is a great way to see most of Bricktown’s tourist attractions and learn about its history. The water taxi main dock is located below Mickey Mantle Drive across AT&T Bricktown.

things to do for fun in Oklahoma while on vacation

Regatta Park

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Oklahoma City, you’ll want to add a visit to Regatta Park. You’ll be able to enjoy not only fun recreational activities like picnicking, cycling and walking, but also visit Chesapeake Boathouse where you can learn how to row!

Myriad Botanical Gardens

Myriad Botanical Gardens is another attraction located within the Bricktown District, and also one of the best places to visit in Oklahoma City to get away from the crowds.

The Myriad Botanical Gardens is truly a great place to unwind, while marveling at stunning tropical plants from around the world.

Frontier City Theme Park‎

Visiting the Frontier City Theme Park‎ is another of the fun things to do in Oklahoma City with family and friends hands down!

The amusement park is located around 15 minutes drive north of downtown Oklahoma City and opens between the months of April and October. The park boasts both adults and kiddies rides, as well as cool shows and concerts.

Science Museum/ Oklahoma City Zoo

Both the Science Museum and Oklahoma City Zoo are located next door each other (nearby Lincoln Park), and are two of the best family attractions you can do in town, so be sure to add them to your list of best places to visit in Oklahoma City.

The Science Museum boasts interactive and educational exhibits for everyone to enjoy, as well as an IMAX theatre; while the Oklahoma City Zoo boasts an aquarium and herpatarium with lots of cool invertebrates on display like pythons and, even a giant anaconda!

See. Places to visit in Lawton OK
Interesting Places to Visit in Oklahoma
Southwest US Vacation Spots
Interesting Places to Visit in Texas

Ranked in our top 10 list of most historic cities in the US, the city of San Antonio is truly a gem of attraction for everyone to enjoy!

Things to do for fun in Texas while on vacation

History buffs will certainly enjoy visiting places such as the Alamo and the Spanish Governor’s Palace for a history tour. However, if you’re not interested in history that much, you can still enjoy fun attractions such as SeaWorld, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, the Japanese Gardens, river cruise tours along the historic Riverwalk, live rodeo shows, and a game of American football at the Alamo Bowl.

San Antonio Texas is truly one of the 10 most beautiful cities in the US and a great place to take the family for a vacation. See below for more places to visit:

San Antonio Visitor’s Center

If you’re a first timer to San Antonio, the visitor’s center is one of the first places to visit in San Antonio TX. The visitor’s center offers free city maps and brochures, and you’ll be able to ask questions, book all your tours and buy attraction tickets.

Tower of the Americas

There is no better vantage point in the city to enjoy great views of the downtown area than the Tower of the Americas, located in Hemisfair Park. Not only you'll get great views of the city, but the tower’s observational deck also rotates, which means great 360 degree views!

Tower of the Americas is another wonderful attraction in the city you don’t want to miss visiting, so be sure to add it to your list of places to visit in San Antonio TX.

Alameda Museum

If you’re a history buff interested in art, the Alameda Museum (Museo Alameda) is another attraction worth adding to your San Antonio itinerary. The museum showcases both Mexican and Spanish culture through various exhibits such as paintings and equestrian life.

The Alamo

The Alamo isn’t just the top attraction in San Antonio but it’s also one of the top tourist attractions in the US.

Most people that visit San Antonio Texas come to explore this historic place and learn why the Alamo means so much to Texan people.

Even if you’re not interested in history, the Alamo is one of the few attractions in San Antonio that you can visit free of charge, so it's worth a look!

Institute of Texan Cultures

The Institute of Texan Cultures is also located inside Hemisfair Park and it’s one of the best educational places to visit in San Antonio TX.

The Institute of Texan Cultures is a great place to learn about the history of Texas in a fun way. You can easily spend 1-2 hours in this place as it boasts many exhibits on display.

If you visit the Institute of Texan Cultures in the first week of June, you’ll be able to catch the annual Texas Folklife festival, which is one of the most popular events in San Antonio. You'll be able to enjoy performances from artists and sample foods from all over the world!

Cathedral of San Fernando

A visit to San Antonio would not be complete without visiting Cathedral of San Fernando, which is certainly one of the top places to visit in San Antonio TX.

The Cathedral of San Fernando is located on the south-side of the Main Plaza, and it isn’t just the oldest church in the US but it’s also one of the most beautiful landmarks you can set your eyes on!

You can visit the inside the church, though if you’re not a religious person, the cathedral offers a perfect picture-taking opportunity, so don’t miss it!

Arneson River Theater

The Arneson River Theater (pictured) is another great attraction in town that gives San Antonio its distinctive charm.

The open-air Arneson River Theater is a great place to catch a nice flamenco show and soak in a bit of culture, especially during Fiesta Noche del Rio.

Fiesta Noche del Rio music show happens between May and August and boasts performers from the latin world such as Argentina and Spain.

San Antonio Missions

San Antonio Missions National Park is located around 20 minutes drive south downtown San Antonio but it’s definitely worth visiting!

You can easily spend 2-3 hours at the park as there are lots to see and do such as exploring the four Spanish missions on-site, taking a hike along the trails to soak in the beautiful scenery, and enjoying live demonstrations.

San Antonio Shopping

Shopping is a great thing to do in San Antonio and you’ll be glad to know that there are many places to visit in the city to enjoy some great shopping.

For instance, La Villita Arts Village (adjacent Hwmisfair Park) is a great place to visit if you’re planning to do souvenir shopping or shopping for arts and crafts.

San Antonio Market Square is another of the best places to visit in San Antonio TX as it is home to a farmer’s market and ‘El Mercado’, which is the best place in downtown San Antonio to bargain-hunt for genuine Mexican arts and crafts.

See. Interesting places to visit in Texas
Things to do Outdoors in South Texas
Top Weekend Getaways in the US
Places To Go on Spring Break With Kids
Fun things to do in Houston
Places to visit in Fort Worth Texas

Located a short drive from the Grand Canyon and the San Francisco mountain range, and surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, it’s not surprise that Flagstaff is such a popular place to base for a great outdoors adventure!

attractions in Southwest US

However, you’ll be also glad to know that the Flagstaff itself boasts many family attractions, interesting cultural attractions and annual events such as Pioneer and life reenactments events where you can learn about Flagstaff's traditions and cultural heritage.

Below, you have 10 of the top places to visit in Flagstaff AZ:

Flagstaff Visitors Center

If you’re visiting Flagstaff for the first time, the Flagstaff Visitors Center is, without a doubt, one of the first places to visit in the city. You’ll be able to get local insights, find out events and get maps, as well as other free brochures.

The visitor’s center is located in the heart of the downtown area, which is also Flagstaff’s Amtrak train station.

The Arboretum at Flagstaff

If you’re looking to spend a nice afternoon learning about nature with kids, the Arboretum at Flagstaff is one of the nicest places to visit in Flagstaff AZ with the family. The Arboretum offers guided tours of the gardens as well as birds show displays where you’ll be able to see hawks and falcons up-close and performing daring free-flights!

things to do on vacation in Arizona 

If you’re visiting Flagstaff’s arboretum during the summer, you’ll also be able to catch the Arboretum's Summer Concert Series, and see world class performances. The Arboretum at Flagstaff is roughly located between the Navajo Army Depot and Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.

Pioneer Museum

The Pioneer Museum is housed on the former Coconino County Hospital and it’s another great place to visit in Flagstaff, if you want to learn about pioneer life and traditions through fun events such as Heritage Festival in early August.

You’ll also be able to attend interesting events such as a Civil War reenactments on Independence Day, and haunted tours during Halloween month.

Lowell Observatory

The Lowell Observatory is another top family attraction in the city that you can’t miss to add to your list of places to visit in flagstaff AZ.

The Observatory is, without a doubt, an attraction that everyone can enjoy, especially kids. There are cool educational tours and activities on space, planets and the galaxy, and you’ll be able to look through the Observatory’s famed Clark Telescope which points towards the planets of Mars and Saturn.

The Lowell Observatory is located a short walk from Thorpe Park’s western side.

Coconino Center For the Arts

The Coconino Center For the Arts is Flagstaff’s cultural hub and heart of the city. This center boasts a massive art gallery and a theater where you can catch concerts, films and interesting performances.

Besides these, the Coconino Center hosts regular art and crafts markets, workshops and festivals such as the Recycled Art Exhibition in April; the Elemental Craft Exhibition in December; and the Folk Music Festival in June.

The Coconino Center For the Arts is located 10 minutes drive north of Flagstaff’s city center, and it's just next door to the Pioneer Museum.

Museum of Northern Arizona

The Northern Arizona Museum (pictured) is perhaps one of the best educational museums to visit in Flagstaff Arizona with family and kids.

There are over seven galleries featuring anything from archeology findings to exhibits about Native American tribes that lived in the region.

Besides the indoor exhibits, the Museum of Northern Arizona also offers organizes outdoor activities nearby to explore local plants and wildlife.

The Museum of Northern Arizona is located on the way to Flagstaff Country Club, just opposite Flagstaff City Reservoirs.

Heritage Square Trust

Heritage Square Trust is located in downtown Flagstaff and it’s one of the best places in the city to find free local entertainment. The Heritage Square Trust hosts a movie night and live entertainment every Friday, while on Thursday evenings you can catch a Guitar Hero competition.

During the summer months, you can catch a summer concert series in the afternoon every weekend.

Arizona Snowbowl

Arizona Snowbowl is another top attraction worth adding to your list of places to visit in Flagstaff AZ.

Arizona Snowbowl is normally a popular ski spot for skiing and snowboarding near Flagstaff during the winter. However, during the warm months you can still enjoy a visit to Snowbowl since the chairlift remains open all year round.

You can hop on the chairlift for a ride to the top of the mountain and get amazing scenic views of the beautiful surroundings. Once you reach the top, you’ll find many park rangers which are offering free talks about the natural history of the area.

Arizona Snowbowl is located around 30 minutes drive by car, north of Flagstaff’s city center.

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Riordan Mansion Park is located on the Northern Arizona University campus, and it’s another great attraction not to be missed in Flagstaff, especially if you’re a history buff.

You’ll be able to tour the 20th century Riordan Mansion, which still contains original furniture; and learn more about the history of the Riordan family.

National Monuments

Flagstaff’s National Monuments are also one of the top attractions of the city and visiting them on a day trip are a popular thing to do! Flagstaff is home to two national monuments nearby, which include:

- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is located 35 minutes drive north-east of Flagstaff and it's a great place to see lava flows and cinder fields at the base of Sunset Crater.

- Walnut Canyon National Monument is located just 20 minutes drive southeast of Flagstaff and boats stunning cliff dwellings.

See. Places to visit in Tucson Arizona
Places to visit in Taos
Best Places to Visit in Oklahoma City
Places to visit in Quintana Roo
Things to do in Prescott Arizona
Interesting places to visit in New Mexico
Interesting places to visit in Texas
Interesting places to visit in Arkansas
Interesting places to visit in Oklahoma

attractions in Southwest US

The town of Taos, north of  New Mexico, is one of the oldest cities in the US, and it’s most famously known for its ancient adobe churches(pictured) and beautiful Spanish-style colonial homes.


The town of Taos New Mexico is also a popular vacation spot in the the Southwest  for enjoying fun outdoor recreational activities like skiing, white-water rafting and hiking. If you’re traveling to Taos in mid June, you’ll also be able to attend the popular “Taos Solar Music Festival” and enjoy live music performed by regional and local up-and-coming bands and solo artists.

Taos may be a small town with a slow pace of life, but you’ll be glad to know that there are still lots of fun things to do and interesting places to visit in Taos during your vacation.

Taos Historic Museums

If you’d like to learn more about Tao’s Spanish heritage colonial past, there is no better place for this than at Taos Historic Museums.

The Taos Historic Museums offer guided tours and holds live pioneer demonstrations and re-enactments on places such as Hacienda de los Martinez, which is lovely Spanish colonial style home that will allow you to get a glimpse of how Spanish colonial settlers would’ve lived.

Taos Plaza

Taos Plaza is the heart of Taos and the focal point of the daylife and nightlife in the town since most of the bars and restaurants are located here.

You’ll also find all kinds of small shops in Taos Plaza such as souvenir shops, craft shops and art galleries like Taos Blue, Parks Gallery and Henningsen Fine Art where you’ll be able to buy handmade goods such as crafted jewelry, paintings, pottery items and the popular Navajo rugs.

Kit Carson Home

Kit Carson Home is one of the many historic homes in the town and it's another of the places to visit in Taos to learn more about pioneer living.

The Kit Carson home is an original 15th century adobe house where Kit Carson lived. It’s been turned in a museum and it's managed by its relatives who offer interesting information and stories about the life of Kit Carson. You'll also be able to see artifacts belonging to Kit Carson and wander around the property.

Taos Art Museum

The Taos Art Museum is located a short 5 minute walk from Kit Carson Home, right opposite Kit Carson State Park, and it's a great place in Taos to see a nice collection of paintings depicting life of the Taos people.

If you’re planning to visit the Art Museum, be in the know that the museum offers guided tours every first of the month, which are worth doing if you want to know more in-depth detail about the art works.

Taos Pueblo

The World Heritage Site of Taos Pueblo is, undoubtedly, one of the top places to visit in Taos to experience the way the Taos people would've lived centuries back.

Taos Pueblo is essentially a small village of no more than 300 people who still maintain the old traditional way of living of the Taos people.

Taos Pueblo is located around 10 minutes drive north of Taos, and you can tour the village with a guided tour if you want to learn more about Taos Pueblo history, talk to the residents and take pictures of the Pueblo’s adobe buildings.

Millicent Rogers Museum

The Millicent Rogers Museum is another Taos attraction that is located in the outskirts of Taos (around 10 minutes drive).

However, the Millicent Rogers Museum is, without a doubt, one of the top draws in Taos since it boasts a great collection of interesting Native American artifacts such as a jewellery collection, many paintings, woven baskets, pottery items, as well as Spanish religious artifacts like altars, statues and plaques.

Harwood Museum

The Harwood Museum is one of the top 5 cultural attractions in the town and one of the best places to visit in Taos with kids to learn about Taos’ rich cultural heritage.

The museum boasts a permanent collection of American art and Pueblo art, regular changing exhibits, as well as educational programs and workshops for families throughout the year.

See. Things to see and do in Albuquerque
Things to do in Santa Fe New Mexico
Top 10 places to ski in the US
Interesting places to visit in New Mexico
Popular events in New Mexico
Places to visit in Tucson Arizona
Interesting places to visit in Texas
Interesting places to visit in Nevada
Interesting places to visit in Colorado

When you think of Tucson Arizona, you automatically think of desert, roadrunners and cactus trees, and you wouldn’t wrong.

attractions in Southwest US

In fact, if you’re looking to experience desert life, Tucson is one of the best places to base in the Southwest region because of the nearby Saguaro National Park (pictured) which boasts giant cactus trees and all kind of desert wildlife such as javelinas, bobcats and roadrunners.

things to do on vacation in Arizona 

Overall, if you’re looking for a warm winter destination in the US that offers both city-type attractions and great outdoor opportunities; look no further than Tucson AZ. Find below a handy list of places to visit in Tucson Arizona.


Pima Air & Space Museum

The Pima Air Museum is located at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and it’s an absolute haven of attraction if you’re a plane enthusiast.

This place is both an indoors/ outdoors museum and it’s one of the most interesting places to visit in Tucson Arizona by far. You get to explore the actual base on guided walking tour or on a bus ride to see many of the WWII aircrafts they have on display in the hangers.

In the actual museum, you can see more WWII memorabilia such as pilot helmets and bomber jackets, and even get a chance to speak to retired fighter pilots.

San Xavier Del Bac Mission

The San Xavier Mission is one of the few free attractions that you can visit in Tucson Arizona. The mission is located on the way to Tucson International Airport, just a 30 minute drive south of the downtown area.

The Mission is one of the best examples of Spanish colonial architecture and also the oldest landmark in the city. Inside of the church, you can see beautiful frescos and statues, and learn more about the founding of the mission.

Tucson Botanical Gardens

If you’re a fan of botanical gardens, or would like a pleasant place where you and your family can spend time, you can't miss a visit to the botanical gardens. The Tucson Gardens has all kinds of desert plants such as cactus, as well as a different garden areas such as a butterfly and a hummingbird garden.

Tucson Desert Canyons

A trip to Tucson Arizona wouldn’t be complete without exploring the famed southwest desert canyons on a hiking excursion of some sort.

You can take independent hikes to the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains or book an organized canyon tour, though I suggest the latter because with an organized tour, you'll get the experience of a knowledgeable guide who will know the area.

Also, on a guided tour, you can choose either a narrated hiking tour or a tram ride tour which will you through the most popular sights.

Tucson Children's Museum

The Children’s Museum is located in the downtown area adjacent to Military Plaza Park, and it’s one of the few child-focused attractions in the heart of Tucson Arizona where kids can be kids. The little ones will be able to interact with other kids and enjoy different play areas.

Golf N' Stuff Family Fun Center

If you’re looking for more places to take the little ones on a fun day out in Tucson AZ, head to the Golf N’ Stuff center, near Trail Dust Town. This fun center has a couple of miniature golf courses, bumper boats, laser tag and go karts.

Trail Dust Town

Trail Dust Town is a great place to visit for the shopping and entertainment opportunities but it’s also an attraction in itself since it was built to resemble an Old Western town. The Town includes wooden sidewalks and a leather shop where you can get custom made western attire.

International Wildlife Museum‎

The Wildlife Museum is one of the few out-of-town attractions in Tucson, though it's worth passing by if you're planning also to visit the Desert Museum. The Wildlife Museum has an interesting collection of stuffed animals which looks very realistic.

The Wildlife Museum is actually located not far from the Desert Museum so, if you’re using car rental you may as well stop at this place.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum‎

The Desert Museum is, undoubtedly, one of the top places to visit in Tucson Arizona since you can literary spend an entire day here experiencing desert life.

This place is actually a zoo, wildlife park and a botanical park, all in one. You'll be able to enjoy wildlife viewing from one of the strategic vantage points of the complex, and check out the beautiful garden areas and interesting displays on desert creatures.

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Louisiana is famously known for New Orleans Mardi Grass, it’s also home to cotton fields, antebellum houses (pictured), swamps and bayous, riverboat casinos and interesting museums such as the Aviation Historical Museum in Monroe LA, and the Spring Street Historical Museum in Shreveport LA.

Family Vacation Spots in Louisiana

Louisiana is one of the most unique vacation spots in southern USA and one of the most colorful destinations in the states because of Louisiana’s interesting blend of influences that include Native American, French, African and English.

To give you an idea of what the state has to offer, I have a list of some of the most interesting places to visit in Louisiana that you'll enjoy exploring:

Shreveport

If you’re traveling to Louisiana for the first time or with the family, Shreveport is one of the best starting points for a vacation in Louisiana.

Shreveport boasts some of the most interesting things to see in Louisiana such as visiting the statues of Martin Luther King Jr. and Elvis Presley.

places to visit in Shreveport LA

A few of my favorite things to do in the city include:

- Riverboat cruise along the Red River
- Walking tour of downtown Shreveport
- Gambling on one of the riverboat casinos
- Visiting the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, 8th Air Force Museum and the Sci-Port Louisiana's Sci Center.

Apart from the many attractions, Shreveport LA is also a great place to base your vacation because of its proximity to Texas. In fact, it’s just a couple of hours drive to Dallas along Interstate 20.

Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge is one of the best places in the state for a history tour because many of the plantation houses are open for viewing.

If you are interested in history, be sure to add a visit to Baton Rouge LA to the list of interesting places to visit in Louisiana as you'll be able to explore historic monuments and important landmarks such as the Louisiana State Capitol, USS Kidd and the Old Governor's Mansion.

A few other interesting things to see in the city include the Rural Life Museum which contains original structures such as slave quarters and artefacts such as spades.

Hammond

Hammond is just 30 minutes drive east of Baton Rouge and it’s also on my list of interesting places to visit in Louisiana because of the variety of attractions on offer..

Hammond’s downtown area is filled with historic buildings such as Lucius McGehee Hall located at the Southeastern Louisiana University and the Columbia Theater.

After exploring Hammond’s historic district, you can also visit a nearby wildlife farm and enjoy a turtle tour and seeing interesting alligator-feeding demonstrations.

Also, if you’re traveling to Hammond LA during the fall foliage, you’ll be able to attend the Louisiana Renaissance Festival which is a family-friendly festival that recreates life in 16th century England.

If you’ve never been to a Renaissance fair before, you’ll enjoy strolling through the village and seeing people dressed in period garb and speaking in old English accents.

Lafayette

A visit to Louisiana wouldn’t be complete without visiting Lafayette Louisiana. Located in Cajun Country, Lafayette is one of the best places to learn all about Cajun and Creole life at the Acadian Village where you can see restored period structures such as slave quarters, as well as period artifacts such as a wooden loom.

Must See Places in southern US

Lafayette is also on my list of interesting places to visit in Louisiana because of opportunities for taking swamp tours and exploring the bayous.

New Iberia

New Iberia is another fascinating town you’d want to add to the list of interesting places to visit in Louisiana.

New Iberia is just half-hour drive south of Lafayette so the town makes for a great relaxing day trip, if you need to get away from the Lafayette's crowds.

While here, you can enjoy a tour of Jungle Gardens and taking in the lovely view of the gardens while spotting wildlife.

Also, don't forget taking a walking tour of the downtown area to marvel at Spanish colonial-style architecture such as the Shadows-on-the-Teche antebellum house which is now turned into a museum.

See. Places to visit in Baton Rouge LA
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Top 10 Places to visit in the US

New Mexico is famously known for its beautiful and colorful flat-roofed houses built of adobe and many Native American pueblos (pictured) scattered throughout Santa Fe New Mexico.

New Mexico is also on my list of top 10 natural wonders in the USA, as it boasts some of the finest natural attractions found anywhere in the world such as a natural arch called La Ventana .


If you’re an avid hiker, New Mexico is a true hikers’ paradise boasting hundreds of trails that lead to cliffs where you can enjoy beautiful vistas and amazing landscapes.

To sum up the state and point you in the right direction, here it is my top pick of interesting places to visit in New Mexico:

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is first on my list of interesting places to visit in New Mexico because it’s the best place to experience what New Mexico has to offer.

If you’re visiting New Mexico for the first time, Albuquerque NM will also be the best starting point in the state because of the amount of interesting things to see and do in Albuquerque.

For instance, you can learn more about Native American culture at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and enjoy all kinds of interactive activities and exhibits at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History.

Albuquerque is also one of the best places to see the fall foliage in the states because of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta which is one of the most popular events in New Mexico.

El Morro National Monument

New Mexico boasts many national monuments that you can visit but El Morro National Monument is definitely one of the most interesting places to visit in New Mexico because of the unique rock art and old inscriptions found on the actual bluff.

El Morro Monument is not only home to many trails that lead through stunning scenery, but also unique ancient rock art and hundreds of inscriptions carved at the base of the El Morro by early settlers.

El Malpais National Monument

El Malpais National Monument is another attraction I am adding to the list of interesting places to visit in New Mexico because of the natural attractions found within the monument such as stunning rock formations and lave tube caves that you can explore freely.

El Malpais is another great to enjoy hiking tours and it's also one of the best places to hike in New Mexico because of the marked trails.

Both El Malpais and El Morro Monuments are located near the Cibola National Forest and they're within driving distance of each other, so if you’re planning on visiting El Malpais Monument you may as well add a visit to El Morro Monument.

Silver City

Next on my list of interesting places to visit in New Mexico is the small town of Silver City because it’s one of the best places in New Mexico where you can explore and enjoy fun an interesting cultural attractions.

Downtown Silver City is filled with historic buildings as well as art galleries and museums such as the Silver City Museum.

Apart from the cultural attractions, Silver City is an interesting place to visit also because it was the home of one of the most infamous outlaws in the Old West –Billy the Kid.

If you're interested, you can actually visit the cabin where Billy the Kid actually grew up and spent its childhood.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

If you’re basing your vacation in Silver City NM or are planning on visiting this place on a day trip, you may want to structure your trip to Silver City to also fit a visit to Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is on my list of interesting places to visit in New Mexico because of the stunning ancient cave dwellings.

If you’ve been to the ancient dwellings at Mesa Verde Monument in Colorado, the Gila cliff Dwellings are much smaller but still amazing, even more, because of their remote and isolated location.

Taos

Taos is another of the interesting places to visit in New Mexico, especially if you’re exploring the northern region of the state.

Taos is actually one of the oldest cites in the United States as it was founded in late 1300’s by a Native American tribe.

Today, you can marvel at unique Spanish colonial structures such as churches built of adobe such as the Church of San Jose De Gracia built in late 1700’s.

See. Places to visit in Taos
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attractions in Southwest US
Santa Fe Lensic Theatre HistoryInteresting places to visit in Texas
Places to visit in Tucson Arizona
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Interesting places to visit in Colorado
Places to visit in Quintana Roo
Interesting places to visit in Nevada
List of tourist attractions in Arizona
Warm winter destinations in the US
Interesting places to visit in Louisiana

There are a myriad of activities and events in New Mexico held throughout the year such as fairs and celebrations across the state. Two of the most popular places in New Mexico to enjoy fun events are Albuquerque NM and Santa Fe New Mexico. 

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is also one of the most popular family events in New Mexico.

The Balloon Fiesta happens every week of October where a spectacular display of hot air balloons fills the sky of New Mexico.

Rio Rancho’s Annual Pork and Brew BBQ State Championship 

Rio Rancho’s Annual Pork and Brew BBQ State Championship is one of the most popular events in New Mexico where winners go on to participate in Kansas City, KS at the Nationals.

The Pork and Brew BBQ State Championship is held every spring in the last week of March at Rio Rancho.

The New Mexico State Fair

The New Mexico State Fair boasts one of the largest state fairs in New Mexico. It is located at the Expo Center in Albuquerque and it is held each fall in the 2nd week of September.

The beauty of the New Mexico State Fair is that brings together the unique heritage of the nation where visitors can learn about New Mexico’s Indian and Hispanic heritage.

The Annual Taos Solar Music Festival

The Annual Taos Solar Music Festival in Kit Carlson Park is another popular event in New Mexico that brings music lovers and nature lovers together.

The Taos Solar Musical Festival is held every year in the summer on the last week of June.

The Santa Fe Thirsty Ear Festival

The Santa Fe Thirsty Ear Festival is another great family event where everyone can enjoy some of the best food, art and music New Mexico has to offer.

The Santa Fe Thirsty Ear Festival is an annual summer event held the 2nd week of June and features local blues, folk and country artists.

Globalquerque Festival

Globalquerque Festival is a weeklong event held on the last week of September. Globalquerque showcases and celebrates international and local culture.

If you’re looking for another family event in New Mexico, Globalquerque also features educational workshops and world music concerts for everyone to enjoy.


See. Things to see and do in Albuquerque
Places to visit in Taos
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Are you looking for interesting places to visit in Nevada?

Things to do as a tourist in Nevada besides gambling

Nevada is perhaps most famously known for being home to the Loneliest Road in America – Route 50, and Las Vegas, one of the top 25 places to visit in the US and most renowned cities around the world.

Having said this, a trip to Nevada doesn’t need to be limited to Las Vegas alone.

In fact, places such as downtown Sparks become the focal point in Nevada with one of the biggest summer events in the state –Hot Augusts Nights.

Then, you have the many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking the Great Basin National Park and experiencing the solitude of the desert, as well as exploring old mining ghost towns such as Osceola.

If you're wondering what Nevada has to offer for a vacation, here it is a list of my favourite places to visit in Nevada that will enjoy exploring:

Reno

The city of Reno has a very relaxed atmosphere and shares many similarities with Las Vegas minus the glitz and glamour.

The city of Reno is on my list of interesting places to visit in Nevada because of the superb National Automobile Museum.

If are into vintage autos and have been to other automobile museums such as Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, you’d love exploring the amazing collection at the National Automobile Museum.

You’ll see beautiful restored vehicles from the 30’s all the way to the early 60’s which include a replica “BatMobil” and the famous Bill Harrah's Jerrari.

Another pro about Reno is that it’s just a stone-throw away from California and Lake Tahoe so you get a chance to enjoy fun water activities in the summer or skiing activities during the winter months.

Carson City

Carson City is also on my list of interesting places to visit in Nevada because of Carson City’s mining heritage and history.

because of this, the city boasts hundreds of 19th century buildings, abandoned shafts and historic sites that you can visit and learn more about the city’s history.

If you do plan on visiting Lake Tahoe from Reno, you may as well include a stop by Carson City since it’s on the way.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is without a doubt, the biggest destination in the state, and one of the most interesting places to visit in Nevada, hands down!

If you’re visiting Las Vegas for a short time you won’t be able to see everything that Las Vegas offers so you’d want to make the most of your time there by heading straight to the most interesting places and attractions. Here it is a top 6 of must-see attractions in Las Vegas:

Insanity the Ride

If you love thrill rides, you’d love dangling over the edge of the Stratosphere Tower to enjoy stunning breathtaking views of Las Vegas.

Fremont Street Experience

The Fremont Street Experience is one of the best places to visit in Las Vegas at night because of the electrifying atmosphere and carnival-like vibe.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign

If you’re in Las Vegas for the first time, you want to check out and photograph one of the most popular landmarks along Las Vegas Strip – the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign”.

Atomic Testing Museum

If you’ve ever wondered about atomic bombs, you’d love paying a visit to the Atomic Testing Museum to learn more about the history of Atomic testing in the states and its consequences.

Old Las Vegas Mormon State Historic Park

If you’re a history buff, and would like to learn more about the history of Las Vegas, the Old Las Vegas Mormon State Historic Park is a great place to do this.

At the historic park, you’ll also see the actual Mormon Fort, which was the first ever structure erected in Las Vegas in 1855.

Exhibits

While in Las Vegas, if you can fit anymore attractions you also don’t want to miss out checking the interesting exhibits such as “Bodies” and “Titanic” at Luxor.

At the “Bodies” exhibit you can learn about human organs and body parts in a fascinating way, while at the “Titanic” exhibit you can see actual items salvaged from the wreck.

Osceola

The ghost town of Osceola is also on my list of interesting places to visit in Nevada because of Osceola’s fascinating gold mining history.

There are many more ghost towns you can visit in Nevada, but Osceola was actually the last-operating placer mining town in Nevada as well as the place where the largest ever gold-nugget was found in Nevada.

Osceola is located north of the Great Basin National Park, just a few miles from the border with Utah. Today, you can only see a few remaining structures and a cemetery, but it’s worth the visit if you’re within the area.

Elko County

If you’re traveling to Nevada this autumn and fancy experiencing the leaf-color change, one of the best places to see fall foliage in Nevada is Elko County, located northeast of the state.

In Elko County, you’ll find many canyons such as Lamoille Canyon teaming with trees and colorful hillsides where you can appreciate brilliant shades of yellow and orange.
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Oklahoma is a true hidden gem of state in the south of USA with stunning landscapes, historic sites and fun attractions so Oklahoma certainly offers more than meets the eye.

Oklahoma is home to the ever so popular Oklahoma's Route 66 filled with historical roadside landmarks, and attractions such as the Oklahoma Route 66 museum which shows an awesome display of vintage American cars.

things to do for fun in Oklahoma while on vacation

Oklahoma also boasts many confederate forts, museums such as the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, and historic homes such as Sequoyah's Home.

Oklahoma was also the battleground for one of the bloodiest battles in Civil War history, and if you love history tours, you would love touring the actual battleground trails.

To give you an idea of things to see, I made a little list of interesting places to visit in Oklahoma that you're sure to enjoy exploring:

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City is on my list of interesting places to visit in Oklahoma because of the many interesting things to do and fun attractions such as enjoying a tour onboard a Bricktown water taxi to take in the sights while a enjoying a narrated tour.

A few other attractions in Oklahoma City, I would suggest not missing out include include the: Oklahoma City National Memorial, the Oklahoma State Capitol and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage

Norman

The town of Norman is just half hour drive south of Oklahoma City and it’s a top destination worth adding to the list of interesting places to visit in Oklahoma because of the huge dinosaur Skeleton on display at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

The dinosaur skeleton is something like you've never seen, and if you’re traveling with small kids and want to enjoy a fun day out, the museum makes for a cool day out checking out dinosaur exhibits and other displays.

Tulsa

A trip to Oklahoma wouldn’t be complete without visiting and exploring Tulsa’s lovely Art Deco buildings and many museums such as the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Gilcrease Museum where you can to learn about American art and history.

If you’re limited on time when visiting Tulsa, I’d suggest booking one of the Art Deco tours in town to make the most of your visit in Tulsa OK.

Apart from the architecture, beautiful streets and cultural attractions, Tulsa is also on my list of interesting places to visit in Oklahoma because of the gigantic statue of an oil worker called the Golden Driller. You have to see it to believe it!

Muskogee

Muskogee is just an hour’s drive southeast of Tulsa and a great location to base your vacation in Oklahoma as it isn’t too far Oklahoma City either.

Muskogee is also on my list of interesting places to visit because of Fort Gibson Historic Site and Fort Gibson National Cemetery nearby.

The fort itself makes for a very interesting tour, especially if you haven’t been in a fort before, and see a reconstructed log stockade, magazine and barracks.

Checotah

The town of Checotah is another of the interesting places to visit in Oklahoma as it was one the scene of the bloody Civil War battle – the Honey Springs Battlefield.

If you’re a Civil War enthusiast, you’d love walking around the Interpretive Trails and reading the information markers scattered along the trails

Oklahoma’s Route 66

If you’re in the state for the first time, one of the most interesting places to visit in Oklahoma that wouldn’t want to miss, it’s driving along the famed Oklahoma’s Route 66, which is now designated as Interstate 44.

The actual drive along Oklahoma’s Route 66 would take you a couple of days to complete, although you don't have to do the complete route to get a filled of Route 66's historical significance.

My favorite section of the Oklahoma’s Route 66 it’s actually between Oklahoma City and Vinita because of landmarks such as the Blue Whale in Catoosa, the Francoma Pottery Factory in Sapulpa and the Round Barn in Arcadia.

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Interesting places to visit in Kansas
Interesting places to visit in Arkansas
Interesting places to visit in Missouri
Interesting places to visit in Colorado
Interesting places to visit in Alabama
Interesting places to visit in Tennessee
Interesting places to visit in Kentucky
Interesting places to visit in Nebraska
Interesting places to visit in South Dakota
Interesting places to visit in Louisiana

Must see Attractions in Alabama

If you’re looking for cool places to see in southern US that offers a range of fun activities and interesting places to visit, Alabama will certainly not disappoint you.


Alabama offers so many things to do and see that you’re simply spoiled for choice. You can enjoy outdoor activities at one of the many state parks, enjoy a beach vacation in the Gulf Coast or explore Alabama’s historic towns and cities.


To give you an idea of what to places to visit in the state, here it is a list of interesting places to visit in Alabama worth adding to your itinerary.

Huntsville

The town of Huntsville is truly blesses with lovely surroundings, and being so close to Tennessee; it really is a great place to base your vacation in Alabama.

Hunstville is on my list of interesting places to visit in Alabama because of the museums, historical buildings and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

If you’re interested in science and a space rockets, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is one of the coolest things to do in Huntsville with the family. The Space Center boasts really cool exhibits on space rocket technology as well as interactive movies.

While in Huntsville, a few other places you do want to explore are the Huntsville Depot Museum, the Railroad Museum and the lovely Burritt Mansion which is now walk in museum.

Birmingham

Birmingham is located in the heart of Alabama, and a trip to the state wouldn’t be complete without exploring this vibrant and historic city.

Downtown Birmingham is certainly one of the most interesting places to visit in Alabama because it was on this district where the American Civil Rights Movement took place.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll find the historic tours of the downtown area interesting and quite educational.

The city also boasts plenty of other cultural attractions like antebellum homes, a science center and the Jazz Hall of Fame.

If you're traveling to Birmingham on a day trip, I would suggest heading first to Vulcan Park because it serves as the city's Visitor Center.

By the way, Vulcan Park is home to “Vulcan” which is the largest cast iron statue in the world and second largest statue in the states after “Lady Liberty” in New York.

Alabama Caverns

If you’re looking for fun outdoor attractions, the state’s caverns are some of the most interesting places to visit in Alabama because they offer a nice little break from the city crowds.

Three great caverns that you can check out, not far from each other, are Russell Cave National Monument (right on the Alabama-Tennessee border), Sequoyah Caverns and Cathedral Caverns, which are all located northeast of Alabama.

Having said this, Sequoyah Caverns and Cathedral Caverns are two of my favorites because the caverns are quite impressive and feature underground waterfalls and odd looking fossils.

Apart from this, the caverns are located within a recreational area with campgrounds, which is a plus if you want to spend a few days in the area.

Talladega National Forest

Talladega National Forest is a popular place to explore on a backpacking trip because of the amazing Cheaha Mountains.

During the autumn the forest is one of the best places to see fall foliage in Alabama, and enjoying a leaf-peeping tour.

The Talladega Forest has many scenic byways that you can drive along taking in the beautiful fall colors.

Gulf Coast

Mobile is Alabama’s getaway to the Gulf Coast and a great place to base your vacation, as it's not too far from vacation spots like Gulf Shores, Dauphin Island and Orange Beach.

Apart from the beautiful beaches and its close proximity to Florida, I added the Gulf Coast to my list of interesting places to visit in Alabama because of the many confederate forts built here to protect Mobile Bay.

The main three ports are:

-Fort Conde in Mobile AL
-Fort Morgan in Gulf Shores AL
-Fort Gaines in Dauphin Island AL

My favourite one, though, it is the one located in Dauphin Island because it was the main confederate fort guarding Mobile Bay.

You can get lovely views from the fort top floors, and explore the fort’s many bastions and areas like the bakery room, a blacksmith shop, officer’s quarters and cannons

Selma & Montgomery

Selma and Montgomery are two other interesting places to visit in Alabama that I would recommend visiting, apart from Birmingham, because of their historic significance in Alabama’s history.

Selma marked the beginning of three of the famous Civil Rights marches to the city of Montgomery.

The town of Selma, itself, has many interesting attractions like the Slavery & Civil War Museum and the Old Depot Museum that you can check out.

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 Interesting places to visit in Illinois
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Places to visit on the East Coast of USA
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