The ultimate Southwest summer staycation and vacation guide for 2026
The ultimate Southwest summer staycation and vacation guide for 2026 is here. As part of The Best of the Southwest’s 2026 summer travel series, we gathered some of the best resort and hotel packages, staycation deals and seasonal offers throughout the region. From Arizona and Colorado to New Mexico, Southern California, Texas and Utah, these summer getaways offer plenty of reasons to plan your next escape.
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Explore the BOSW Summer Staycation & Vacation Guide Series
Outdoor adventures, mountain escapes, luxury stays and wellness experiences are a taste of what you’ll find in our individual Southwest summer staycations and vacations.
Arizona summer staycation and vacation guide
It may be toasty in Arizona during the summer, but it doesn’t stop the Grand Canyon State from attracting out-of-state travelers and local staycationers alike.
Arizona staycation and vacation highlights:
- Luxury spa escapes
- Family-friendly fun
- Wellness retreats and desert adventures throughout Sedona
- Arizona resident discounts and seasonal resort credits
- Poolside programming designed for beating the summer heat
Read the full Arizona guide here
Colorado summer staycation and vacation guide
Colorado’s summer travel season offers cooler temperatures, enticing travelers to enjoy summer packages near hiking, biking, whitewater rafting and numerous additional outdoor adventure opportunities.
Colorado mountain escape highlights
- Adventure-driven escapes in Colorado’s mountain towns
- Scenic getaways surrounded by hiking, biking and outdoor recreation
- Luxury stays in Vail
- Resort credits and seasonal savings throughout the Rockies
- Wellness-focused experiences in Boulder
Read the full Colorado guide here
New Mexico summer staycation and vacation guide
New Mexico has long been a favored wellness and culturally rich Southwest travel destination. From Santa Fe and Taos to Albuquerque and Las Cruces, summer visitors can experience a mix of spa, adventure and New Mexico heritage exploration.
New Mexico getaway highlights
- Spa and wellness experiences in Taos and Santa Fe
- Poolside packages and resident discounts
- Adventure-focused stays in Truth or Consequences
- Luxury accommodations rooted in Southwest culture
- Relaxing high-desert escapes with mountain views
Read the full New Mexico guide here
Southern California summer staycation and vacation guide
The beach is clearly calling in the majority of Southern California resorts and hotels this summer. For offers that don’t involve a coastal focus, there are wine country road trips, culinary wonders to explore and plenty of pampering packages and spa retreats.
Southern California coastal escape highlights
- Luxury stays in La Jolla, Del Mar and Mission Bay
- Ocean-view resorts and poolside retreats
- Wellness experiences and spa-focused packages
- Temecula wine country getaways
- Seasonal events and coastal culinary experiences
Read the full Southern California guide here
Texas summer staycation and vacation guide
Texas likes to go big or go home, and the state’s summer staycations and vacations prove it. The Lone Star State resorts and hotels are offering a mix of everything, from poolside cocktail experiences and spa specials to River Walk experiences and boat tours.
Texas summer getaway highlights
- Rooftop pools and city escapes in Austin
- River Walk experiences in San Antonio
- Culinary-focused packages and seasonal events
- Luxury hotel perks and resort credits
- Family-friendly summer travel opportunities
Read the full Texas guide here
Utah summer staycation and vacation guide
Utah’s summer travel season showcases a different side of the Mountain West, blending luxury mountain resorts with national park adventures. From Park City and Deer Valley to Moab, Zion and Salt Lake City, travelers can discover some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Utah mountain adventure highlights
- Mountain stays in Park City and Deer Valley
- National park adventures near Moab and Zion
- Scenic lift rides, hiking and mountain biking
- Culinary festivals and seasonal events
- Luxury resort experiences in Salt Lake City
Read the full Utah guide here
Which Southwest destination is right for you?
- For luxury: Scottsdale, Aspen, Park City
- For wellness: Sedona, Santa Fe, La Jolla
- For families: Phoenix, San Antonio, Deer Valley
- For outdoor adventure: Moab, Zion, Vail, Flagstaff
