20 Spectacular & Free Tourist Attractions in the Southwest
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
16. Coronado National Forest
Location: Southeastern Arizona & southwestern New Mexico
Tucson is home to 5 incredible mountain ranges. There are endless hiking trails to enjoy in and around the city. Coronado National Forest encompasses 1.78 million acres in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. The forest is home to an impressive mix of plants and wildlife. Six Sky Islands make up the forest (Sky Islands are isolated mountain ranges which vary dramatically environmentally with surrounding low elevation areas). Because of the diverse geography, you can go from the Saguaro cacti studded desert to mountain snow in the same day! Sabino Canyon is the most popular tourist destination although there is a small entrance fee. Here you can take a narrated tram ride, hike diverse trails, birdwatch, and more.
Other great hiking destinations in the Coronado NF near Tucson include: JW Bowen Hidden Canyon, Madera Canyon, Linda Vista (I saw a bobcat here!), Pima Canyon, and Aspen Draw at Mt. Lemmon.
17. The Strip
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Although this is the only man-made wonder on this list, it surely deserves a spot! Just walking down the famous 4.2 mile long Strip is a feast for the eyes. I have been to Vegas more than ten times now and I still feel that same sense of excitement on every trip. You do not have to spend a dime to take in all the excitement, glitz, and glamour. From replicas of famous world monuments, to opulent themed resorts featuring amazing architecture, to dazzling fountain shows, to amazing gardens, freebies lurk around every corner. A few of the best-of-the-best to add to your must-see list include:
- Bellagio Fountain show – Wonderful choreographed music & light show featuring 1000+ fountains
- Bellagio Conservatory – 1000’s of gorgeous flowers incorporated into a changing seasonal display.
- Flamingo Wildlife Habitat – Free roaming flamingos, exotic birds, and waterfalls in a lush garden setting.
- Welcome to Las Vegas sign – Take your pic by the iconic 25 foot tall sign.
Check out my full guide to Vegas freebies
18. Camelback Mountain
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Although you will find hundreds of great hiking trails throughout the Phoenix metro, none are as iconic as Camelback Mountain. It is the highest mountain in Phoenix at 2704 feet. The hike begins just 20 minutes outside of downtown Phoenix and draws massive crowds daily. This is one you will want to get up very early for (sunrise) – both to beat the crowds and heat! Two trails (both extremely difficult) involve an elevation gain of over 1400 feet to the summit which resembles a camel’s hump, hence the name. After an intense workout and much scrambling, you will be treated to a panoramic view of the city and surrounding beautiful desert scenery. The cacti are beautiful although you will want to keep your distance as getting stung hurts badly (for hours afterward!). Also be aware of rattlesnakes.
Check out my experience hiking Camelback
19. US 82 Scenic drive/Mexican Canyon trestle
Location: Southern New Mexico
This is an incredibly scenic, curvy 30 mile drive in Southern New Mexico through the Lincoln National Forest, from the hot low desert of 4300+ ft Algomorado to the cool pines of 8600+ ft Cloudcroft. Not much in the way of amenities along the route, just pure uninterrupted natural beauty. Beautiful mountain scenery accompanies the drive and when you near Cloudcroft, you will see many gorgeous aspens and pines. Once arriving in Cloudcroft, you will have plenty of hikes to choose amongst in the Trestle Depot Recreation area. For those not interested in a rough high altitude hike, the 120+ year old Mexican Canyon railroad trestle is viewable via an observing deck just before reaching Cloudcroft on Hwy 82.
20. Peavine National Recreation trail/Watson Lake
Location: Prescott, Arizona
The 5.5 mile long Peavine trail runs a scenic course in the Granite Dells (1.4 billion year old granite formations) adjacent to Watson Lake Park. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the state to enjoy a scenic bike ride, run, or walk. Originally built by the Santa Fe Railway in 1893, it is now one of the only rail trails in Arizona. Great lake views throughout and you can also connect to the Watson Lake trail for a longer ride. Afterwards head over to Watson Lake for a day of hiking, picnicking, canoeing, or kayaking – it’s a beautiful place to enjoy nature. End your night by enjoying a local restaurant or saloon in downtown Prescott – one of the best Main Streets in Arizona.
