Trips & Routes

Trips & Routes

The 7 Best Outdoorsy Towns to Explore in California

Check out the most outdoorsy towns in California, from hiking and surfing destinations to charming communities surrounded by natural beauty.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Jun 11
A couple runs across a sandy beach toward the ocean while holding surfboards in California.
Trips & Routes

Endless Outdoor Adventures Await in These 5 Small Towns in Arizona

by Melissa Mahoney
on Jun 8
view of lake powell as seen from alstrom point in page, arizona
Trips & Routes

One of Utah’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

by Katie Lawrence
on Jun 1
Colorful downtown theater marquee and historic storefronts in Helper, Utah.
Trips & Routes

One of Southern California’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 29
Looking toward a unique art display with a statue of legs sticking out of a barrel at an outdoor art museum in Joshua Tree, California.
Trips & Routes

Locals Love This Quirky Town in Colorado—and It’s Still Underrated

by Melanie Johnson
on May 28
A guy in sunglasses standing in front of an arcade in Montinou Springs, a quirky Colorado town.

Latest Trips & Routes

Trips & Routes

You Can Explore This Arizona Mountain Town Entirely on Foot—and It’s Stunning

Flagstaff is a vibrant, charming destination that visitors can easily explore easily on foot. This walkable city in Arizona is a wonderful place for a quick getaway.

by Christy Articola
on May 27
An aerial view of Flagstaff, Arizona at dusk.
Trips & Routes

One of New Mexico’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Hillsboro is one of the quirkiest towns in New Mexico, filled with unique attractions and small-town charm.

by Melissa Mahoney
on May 22
painted exterior of a building in hillsboro new mexico
Trips & Routes

Discover This Underrated Nevada Town Full of Quirky Charm

One of the quirkiest towns in Nevada is filled with unique attractions and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.

by Melanie Johnson
on May 16
Colorful Western-themed storefronts in the town of Pahrump, NV.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

One of Northern California’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in Northern California, filled with unique attractions and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.

by Charlie Boyle
on May 7
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com//trip-ideas/texas/quirkiest-town-flying-under-radar-tx
Trips & Routes

One of Arizona’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Hidden in the Bradshaw Mountains lies one of the quirkiest towns in Arizona, featuring its very own vintage general store and a "yacht club."

by Melissa Mahoney
on May 4
a woman stands on a ship drydocked in the middle of the desert in cleator arizona
Trips & Routes

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Northern California

This Northern California gem offers stunning waterfront views, unique streets, and a relaxing escape near San Francisco.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 30
An aerial view of Tiburon, California, and the San Francisco Bay area on a cloudy day.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Southern California

Between its laid-back harbor and easy access to nature, Oxnard is easily one of California's most inviting coastal escapes.

by Megan Todaro
on Apr 28
A peaceful view of Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, California, showing several white sailboats and yachts docked in the calm blue water.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Colorado

Dillon, Colorado, is a small, 2.5-square-mile town brimming with waterfront recreation, delicious restaurants, and some of the most spectacular Rocky Mountain views.

by Rebecca Norris
on Apr 28
Mountain lake views at Dillon Reservoir in Dillon, Colorado.
Trips & Routes

This Little-Known Waterfront Village Is One of the Most Charming in Arizona

Discover a little-known waterfront village in Arizona with scenic views and hidden gems worth exploring.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Apr 23
Greer Lake in greer arizona on a sunny spring or summer day
Trips & Routes

This Little-Known Waterfront Village Is One of the Most Charming in New Mexico

Discover a little-known waterfront village in New Mexico with scenic views and hidden gems worth exploring.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Apr 22
people rafting down the rio grande surrounded by mountains in pilar, new exico
Trips & Routes

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Nevada

Hawthorne may have an extensive mining background, but it’s home to one jewel that can’t be removed with pickaxes and elbow grease: Walker Lake.

by Katie Lawrence
on Apr 22
Main street with vintage motels and mountains in Hawthorne, Nevada.
Trips & Routes

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Utah

Tucked up near Wyoming, this tiny Utah community is the gateway to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

by Katie Lawrence
on Apr 20
Winding roadside view overlooking Flaming Gorge Reservoir and canyon terrain in Manila, Utah.
Trips & Routes

Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Utah

Set at the edge of Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey is a small historic town in Utah where red rock cliffs tower over quiet farms, trading posts, bakeries, and old-school roadside stops. With its laid-back pace, scenic views, and deep Western roots, this tiny gateway town offers travelers a charming base for exploring one of Utah’s most underrated national parks.

by Katie Lawrence
on Apr 18
Historic storefront with neon “Bakery – General Store” sign in downtown Torrey.
Trips & Routes

Albuquerque, New Mexico, Is a Literary Pilgrimage for Fans of Edward Abbey

Although author, essayist, and conservationist Edward Abbey spent most of his adult life in Arizona and Utah, his love for the Southwest began in New Mexico.

by Christy Articola
on Apr 5
An aerial view of downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, on an overcast day.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Colorado

Georgetown is a Victorian-era mining town that looks relatively unchanged from its establishment in 1859. Today, the tiny town is home to a handful of restaurants and shops that make the detour worthwhile.

by Rebecca Norris
on Apr 4
Historic Georgetown sign against a backdrop of evergreens.
Trips & Routes

6 Places in Southern California That Feel Like a Caribbean Paradise in the Summer

From the turquoise coves of Laguna Beach to the crystal-clear harbor of Santa Catalina Island, these Southern California destinations, plus nearby escapes like Lake Havasu, deliver bright blue water, sunny skies, and laid-back energy that feel surprisingly close to a Caribbean getaway.

by Kate Orlando
on Mar 28
A distant sailboat in calm blue water on a sunny summer afternoon. A SoCal city is visible in the background.
Trips & Routes

Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Arizona

History, unique attractions, and natural beauty make this small Arizona town a desirable stop for visitors.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Mar 27
a small mediterranean-style historic structure at oracle state park in arizona
Trips & Routes

This Local Restaurant in Arizona Is So Good, You Can Plan an Entire Day Around It

Planning a day trip to Williams? Don’t miss Anna's Canyon Cafe, a cozy diner serving up the best breakfast and lunch dishes along Route 66.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Mar 27
interior souvenir shop of anna's canyon cafe in williams arizona
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Small Colorado Town Locals Hope Stays off Tourists’ Radar

Hygiene, Colorado, is a tiny rural town making a name for itself with delicious eateries, chic shopping, and access to breathtaking mountain-view trails.

by Rebecca Norris
on Jun 13
A view of Rocky Mountain National Park's Longs Peak, by way of Hygiene, Colorado.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

This Unexpected Village in New Mexico Is One of the Best Road Trip Stops You’ve Never Considered

This charming New Mexico Village offers a blend of historic sites and scenic views, making it a unique road trip detour.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Mar 24
exterior Church of Nuestra Senora del Refugio at Puerto de Luna near Santa Rosa New Mexico
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in New Mexico

Just outside Las Cruces, Mesilla is a small historic town in New Mexico where adobe buildings, Spanish colonial landmarks, and Billy the Kid lore bring the Old West to life.

by Katie Lawrence
on Mar 24
A brick walkway passes classic adobe homes near Mesilla Plaza in New Mexico.
Trips & Routes

Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Southern California

Discover why travelers are falling for Pioneertown, California—a historic desert town with Old West charm, unique shops, live music, and stunning Mojave scenery.

by Kate Orlando
on Mar 22
A sign welcomes visitors to historic Pioneertown in Southern California.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Nevada

Tucked at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Genoa is a small historic town in Nevada where pioneer cabins, original architecture, and the state’s oldest saloon keep the spirit of the Old West alive.

by Katie Lawrence
on Mar 21
Evening view of Genoa Bar and Saloon with outdoor seating and a wagon outside in Genoa, Nevada.
Trips & Routes

Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Northern California

Jamestown is a small historic town in Northern California where Gold Rush history is alive and well.

by Katie Lawrence
on Mar 18
The historic National Hotel along Main Street in Jamestown, California, with balcony and American flags.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Locals Hope This Small Beach Town in Northern California Stays off Tourists’ Radar

Locals adore Davenport, a tiny Northern California coastal town with stunning ocean views, scenic beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere.

by Charlie Boyle
on Mar 14
A dark turquoise ocean meets tall, sandy cliffs with hills of greenery and a long highway beyond.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The New Mexico Waterfront Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar

Escape to this hidden waterfront town in New Mexico that feels like a private alpine getaway. Locals can't get enough of it!

by Melanie Johnson
on Mar 14
A man and a child sitting on a bench overlooking Eagle Nest Lake in NM, with mountains in the background.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Nevada Waterfront Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar

Ready for a crowd-free getaway near Reno? Discover this hidden waterfront town in Nevada, where the natural beauty and laid-back vibes are part of its charm.

by Melanie Johnson
on Mar 13
Scenic view of Washoe Lake in NV, with a rocky shoreline and snow-capped mountains in the background.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Southern California Beach Town Locals Hope Stays off Tourists’ Radar

Avila Beach is a hidden beach town in Southern California where sandy shores, historic piers, and relaxing hot springs create the perfect coastal escape.

by Katie Lawrence
on Mar 10
Turquoise waves roll toward Harford Pier in Avila Beach, California, with surfers nearby.
Trips & Routes

This Arizona Hobbit House Is a Literary Pilgrimage for Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien

Step inside a whimsical Hobbit-style Airbnb that feels like a storybook escape. It's one of the most unique literary destinations in Prescott.

by Katie Lawrence
on Mar 9
Close-up of a Hobbit-style Airbnb in Arizona with large circular door framed by painted magnolia branches.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Gateway Utah Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar

With rugged landscapes and historic charm, locals can't get enough of this quiet gateway town in Utah. It's the true definition of the American Southwest.

by Melanie Johnson
on Mar 9
A recreational vehicle is driving on a scenic road near Blanding, Utah, surrounded by red rock formations and a clear blue sky.
Trips & Routes

The Arizona Beach Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar

Spend some time in a beautiful, low-key desert town situated along the Colorado River.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Mar 8
view of a golf course and neighborhood along the colorado river in parker az
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

The 5 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Arizona

These are the five most colorful places in Arizona you need to see at least once.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Feb 28
aerial shot of Havasu falls and a turquoise pool in the Grand Canyon
Trips & Routes

The 7 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Southern California

From rainbow ranunculus fields to the neon glow of the Santa Monica Pier, Southern California bursts with vivid coastal color, wildflower-covered hills, and sunset-drenched landscapes that feel almost surreal in every season.

by Kate Orlando
on Feb 21
Colorful wildflower blooms at Diamond Valley Lake in Riverside County, one of the best places to see California wildflowers.
Trips & Routes

The 5 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Utah

Utah is home to some of the most colorful landscapes in the United States, where red rock amphitheaters glow at sunset, salt flats shimmer beneath pastel skies, and striped sandstone hills look hand-painted by nature.

by Katie Lawrence
on Feb 20
Colorful mounds of Utah's Bentonite Hills display striking layers of purple, blue, red, and gray clay, forming rounded, otherworldly shapes across the desert.
Trips & Routes

The 4 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Northern California

Whether you’re chasing wildflower superblooms or otherworldly volcanic landscapes, these destinations deliver bold, unforgettable scenery.

by Katie Lawrence
on Feb 20
Swirling red, gray, and cream hills color the Painted Dunes in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Trips & Routes

The 3 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in New Mexico

From hand-painted architecture in Santa Fe to surreal rock formations glowing at sunset and mountain landscapes bursting with fall foliage, the Land of Enchantment delivers vivid beauty in every season.

by Katie Lawrence
on Feb 19
A lone hiker with a red backpack stands atop otherworldly hoodoos at Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness near Farmington, New Mexico, beneath a dramatic pastel sunset sky streaked with pink, purple, and orange.
Trips & Routes

The 3 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Nevada

From swirling red rock formations to neon art installations in the middle of the desert, the most colorful places in Nevada showcase the state’s wildly diverse landscapes and boundless human creativity.

by Katie Lawrence
on Feb 18
A lone hiker stands atop the swirling red-and-white sandstone of the Fire Wave in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, as layered desert hills glow under a pink and orange sunset sky.
Trips & Routes

The 4 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Colorado

Colorado is a feast for the eyes, featuring striking red rock formations, shimmering turquoise lakes, hillsides lined with vibrant wildflowers, and fiery golden aspens.

by Katie Lawrence
on Feb 14
Clear blue water laps at the shoreline of Maroon Lake in Aspen, Colorado, with the jagged Maroon Bells towering above brilliant yellow aspens and evergreen-covered slopes in early autumn.
Trips & Routes
Road Trips

Driving Home: Experiencing The Route 66 Centennial in Southern California

The Southern California stretch of Route 66 pairs desert scenery, historic city streets, and coastal landmarks, brought to life through the curated stops and stories of the Drive Home Event.

by Kate Orlando
on Feb 5
End of Route 66 at Santa Monica Pier.
byThe Route 66 Centennial

The Ultimate Guide to Route 66: Arizona

Celebrate the Route 66 Centennial with an exciting trip along Arizona's stretch of the most iconic road in America.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Jan 28
an arizona US 66 sign attached to a pole in the town of Williams during the daytime
byThe Route 66 Centennial

The Ultimate Guide to Route 66: New Mexico

Plan the perfect Route 66 New Mexico road trip with historic motels, classic diners, roadside attractions, and Centennial celebrations.

by Melissa Mahoney
on May 29
A brown and white sign for historic Route 66 New Mexico against a sunset sky.
byThe Route 66 Centennial

The Ultimate Guide to Route 66: California

From Santa Monica to the Arizona border, Route 66 in California delivers classic diners, desert drives, and iconic American road trip history.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Jan 27
A brown Historic Route 66 road sign with palm trees in the background.
Trips & Routes

I Don’t Ski, but the Snow Tubing in Southern California Is Incredible

From the snowy slopes of Big Bear to the San Bernardino Mountains, Southern California’s snow tubing parks deliver pure winter fun with groomed lanes, mountain views, and zero skiing required.

by Kate Orlando
on Jan 19
A woman in a red winter coat sits in a snow tube, looking down a hill covered in groomed snow tubing lanes.
Trips & Routes

I Don’t Ski, but the Snow Tubing in Utah Is Incredible

You don't have to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy Utah's slopes in the winter. You'll love these snow tubing options in the Beehive State.

by Christy Articola
on Jan 16
An adult man and an adult woman ride snow tubes down a mountain on their bellies with huge grins on their faces.
Trips & Routes

I Don’t Ski, but the Snow Tubing in Colorado Is Incredible

People who don't ski can still have fun this winter! These snow tubing spots in Colorado are well worth checking out.

by Christy Articola
on Jan 14
A woman dressed in blue rides a blue snow tube down a hill with a huge smile on her face.