10 Reasons The Best Summers In America Happen In The Southwest

1. Some of the best food in the country is over here.

Hit California or Arizona for the most authentic, legitimate tacos, burritos, and various other forms of beans, meat and cheese rolled or piled together. If ever you’re in Arizona (specifically Phoenix or Tucson) and discover what is known as a Sonoran hotdog (bacon wrapped, with beans, diced tomatoes, mayonnaise and relish). Eat those things until your belly is full and you’ve got hot dog buns creeping out of the back of your throat. If ever there were an edible reason to hop on a plane or in a vehicle and make your way to another city, the cuisine in Arizona would certainly warrant that type of drastic action.

2. If you enjoy extreme heat, there are certainly some options.

If you’re in one of the states with some serious hot zones, specifically Texas, California and Arizona, you’ll experience some extreme heat that will leave you with no choice but to remove several articles of clothing and be comfortable wearing very little outdoors. Houses become second homes as people prefer to live in the pool, and long sleeves cease to exist until about October. Some like the cold, others like the hot — if you’re one of the latter then this is where you need to be. Mother Nature turns the oven on high around some of these parts.

3. There’s Major League Baseball happening all over.

Even if you’re not a baseball fan, attending games in person is potential fun for everyone. You may have a souvenir come flying your way at any given time, and there’s food – albeit overpriced, but there’s food. Even if you couldn’t care less who’s playing or what’s happening, ballparks tend to have the most amazing menus ever. It’s like an adult version of the kids’ buffet you’d see at a wedding reception – things like super nachos, cheeseburgers and hot dogs are a solid reason for non-sports fans to enjoy the other amenity – food. Between Arizona, California, Colorado and Texas, the southwest has a whopping NINE professional baseball teams, leaving plenty of options and several teams with beautiful stadiums to visit.

4. Vegas, baby, Vegas.

When you’re anywhere else in the southwest other than Las Vegas, it’s only a nice little road trip away. There are the obvious night life opportunities, such as bars, clubs, casinos and the widest selection of shows you’re going to find anywhere. They always have other events as well, for example the NBA Summer League in July or concerts from your favorite artists at any given time in any given hotel.

5. Los Angeles.

Oh, the options you’ll have. Family festivals, beaches, water parks, theme parks (which have adjusted hours for extended summer fun), fairs and a ton of outdoor music, most of which is free! You can also take a trip over to Hollywood to go into full-fledged tourist mode.

6. The beauty Colorado has to offer.

There are several areas along Colorado’s Western Slope that offer miles of greenery, orchards of apple, peach and cherry trees, and fantastic weather that creates an aesthetically pleasing, tastebud satisfying, comfortable environment. Relaxing and having a meal or taking part in whatever peaceful activity you desire while enjoying the view is a pleasant alternative to noisy pools or crowded beaches.

7. The San Antonio River Walk.

You can’t be in San Antonio and not check this place out. Restaurants and bars line this lengthy strip next to the river that’s also got a mall, theatre, brewery and The Alamo connected along the way.

8. Outside Lands Festival.

In August, San Francisco will offer you a chance to join the masses and enjoy a gigantic group of folks enjoying art and music. Any gathering this large with food and drinks is sure to be an interesting, delicious time, and they’re currently selling single-day tickets.

9. Sequoia High Sierra Camp.

Located in California, those seeking a cabin in the woods or a nice time in the wilderness should look no further. This is actually only open during the summer, and you’ll be amongst the mountains with the option of a comfy cabin as well. Of course, aside from this specific place, there are so many options of locations to camp at all over the southwest.

10. San Diego beaches and Gaslamp Quarter.

Who doesn’t want perfect weather, a gorgeous view, relaxation and options for dining, shopping and entertainment just a little bit away at the Gaslamp Quarter? Not to mention the massive San Diego Zoo and other legit options sprinkled throughout the city.