Many people enjoy escaping reality by visiting Las Vegas, but since we live here, we are always excited to get away. Luckily for us, amazing destinations are only a road trip away. The central location allows for us to hop in the car and be somewhere with an entirely different environment in only a few hours. From the beach to the mountains and the desert in between, these are a few trips that are definitely worth taking.
Mammoth Mountain, California – 5 hours, 6 minutes
It’s hard to get into the holiday spirit when it’s sunny and a balmy 50 degrees outside, so we had a weekend getaway to Mammoth last winter. The change of scenery was much-needed and we loved exploring the cozy mountain town. We spent the day skiing and then relaxed by tasting the awesome beers at Mammoth Brewing Company. I would love to make this trip one of our pre-Christmas traditions.
San Diego, California – 5 hours, 16 minutes
The monotony of the desert landscape gets really old, so it’s nice that we are able to take a weekend trip to the sparkling blue water and sandy beaches. We went there for a wedding this summer and explored many of the sights and restaurants in our spare time. The views are spectacular and the 70-degree weather is so refreshing after having days of excessive heat warnings. Check out some of my favorite SD eats here and other must-see attractions here.
Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah – 2 hours, 45 minutes
My fiance has slowly gotten me into hiking. I enjoy it, but still get nervous about long, strenuous trails. When he suggested we hike Angels Landing, a 5-mile trail with an elevation gain of 1,488 feet, I was a little concerned, but was up for the challenge. Although the uphill hike was very hot and tiring, I’m so glad we made it to the top because the view was breathtaking! Now that I have conquered this challenging trail, I’m excited to explore more hikes in this beautiful park.
Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona – 4 hours, 20 minutes
This natural masterpiece is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. We took the tour through Lower Antelope Canyon, which is less crowded and less expensive than Upper. The guide takes you down some steep steps into the narrow canyon where the sand and rock formations are breathtaking, especially with the sun shining from above. We got some great pictures and were amazed by how beautiful and unique it is.
Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona – 4 hours, 15 minutes
Just a few minutes away from Antelope Canyon, a 3/4 mile hike will take you to the upper rim of Horseshoe Bend where you can see spectacular views of the Colorado River. It’s a pretty easy walk on a sandy trail, but make sure to bring water because there isn’t any shade on hot, sunny days. Definitely worth a visit if you are already in the area. Plus, it’s free!