Southwest Travel Destination Posts

Road trip itineraries and destination guides for the American Southwest: Utah, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and California. Wide open landscapes, national parks, and some of the most unique family experiences in the country.

sea life aquarium

3 Nights in Carlsbad CA with Kids: Itinerary, Where to Stay & What to Do

Carlsbad, California is a great place to stay when visiting Southern California. It is close to family friendly attractions and great beaches. We planned this itinerary for Carlsbad, CA to have a ... Read More
pool view of springhill suites burbank

SpringHill Suites Burbank Review: Where to Stay Near Universal Studios Hollywood & LA

Finding a place to stay near Universal Studios Hollywood and Los Angeles can be difficult, especially if you are on a budget. You want a great location that is in close proximity ... Read More
disneyland vs universal studios hollywood best park

Universal Studios Hollywood vs. Disneyland for Families

Are you planning a visit to Southern California and wondering which is better Universal Studios Hollywood vs. Disneyland for families? We are sharing what each theme park has to offer and advice ... Read More
water park and disneyland view from hotel room at courtyard theme park

Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance Review- Disneyland Hotel for Family of 5

With so many hotel options within walking distance to Disneyland, it can be overwhelming to find the best one for your family. This Courtyard Anaheim theme park entrance review will help decide ... Read More
california adventure world of color

1-Day Disney’s California Adventure Itinerary to Get the Most out of Your Day

Are you planning one day at California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort? This California Adventure itinerary is perfect to help plan your day at the Anaheim theme park.
exterior its a small world at disneyland california

1-Day at Disneyland Itinerary: How to Maximize Your Day at the Park

One day at Disneyland is absolutely doable, but it requires a plan. This itinerary covers two full days we spent at Disneyland park, which means you get two versions of the same ... Read More
emotional whirlwind inside out ride at disney california adventure

Disneyland Guide for Disney World Regulars: What’s the Same, What’s Different & What to Prioritize

If you have been to Walt Disney World multiple times and are finally making the trip to Disneyland, this guide is for you. Not a first-timer guide. Not a basics breakdown. A ... Read More
warner bros studio tour hollywood entrance looney tunes

Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood Review: What to Expect with Teens

The Warner Bros Studios Tour was a surprise hit during our recent trip to California. In this post I am sharing details on planning your visit, is it worth it, and my ... Read More
grand central market neon lights los angeles

4-Day Los Angeles Itinerary with Teens: Our Honest Trip Guide

Los Angeles is glamour, film history, and some of the most iconic destinations in the United States all in one city. From world-famous theme parks and celebrity-spotting, to the Hollywood sign and ... Read More
entrance to the studio tour at universal studios hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood Guide & 1-Day Itinerary

Universal Studios Hollywood is one of those parks that surprises you, especially if you are coming from Universal Orlando. It is smaller, the layout takes some getting used to, and the ride ... Read More
view at zion national park

Southwest USA Guide: Family Road Trip Destinations

There is something about the American Southwest that stops you cold. I grew up on the East Coast and spent most of my life surrounded by trees, lakes, and seasons. Nothing prepared ... Read More
hollywood sign in southern california

Southern California Family Itinerary: Disneyland, Universal Hollywood & LA (3 Trips)

Planning a Southern California itinerary and want to hit all the best theme parks and family fun attractions? You’re in the right place. Southern California is home to some of the most ... Read More
sea life aquarium

First Time Tips for LEGOLAND California

LEGOLAND California is an awesome place to spend the day during your Southern California vacation. Today we are sharing our best tips for LEGOLAND California, the LEGOLAND attractions you can’t miss, and ... Read More
West Inn and Suites Carlsbad

West Inn and Suites Carlsbad Review- Great Hotel Choice Near LEGOLAND

West Inn and Suites Carlsbad is an amazing family friendly hotel near LEGOLAND California. In this post I am sharing our experience and my West Inn and Suites Carlsbad review to see ... Read More
movie set at old tucson

2-Day Tucson itinerary for a Quick Getaway

If you only have 24 hours in Tucson, you want to maximize your time! This 2-day Tucson itinerary highlights the best way to spend your short amount of time in Tucson, Arizona.
white sands national park dunes

Guide to White Sands Sledding in New Mexico

When you think of sledding, snow-covered hills usually come to mind—but did you know you can go sledding in the desert at White Sands National Park? In this post, I’ll share everything ... Read More
southwest usa road trip itinerary

9-Day Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary

Touring the Southwest USA is always a great vacation because of its gorgeous scenery and fun attractions. In this post I am sharing how to plan a Southwest USA road trip itinerary ... Read More
dinosaur at cabazon

Cabazon Dinosaurs California Roadside Attraction Trip Recap

Cabazon Dinosaurs is the perfect California roadside attraction. It has lots of photo-ops and nostalgia. We added it as a stop during our Southwest road trip and it was a unique addition ... Read More
1 day at zion national park with kids itinerary

1 Day Zion National Park Itinerary: How to Maximize Your Time

Are you planning a visit to Zion National Park? We spent 24 hours visiting the park and in this post I am sharing my 1 day Zion National Park itinerary to help ... Read More
zion to las vegas road trip with kids

Las Vegas Itinerary 4 Days | Las Vegas with Kids

This Las Vegas 4 day itinerary includes time time spent on the strip, a visit to Zion National Park as well as a day trip to the Hoover Dam. This is a ... Read More