I'm thinking about a visit to the southwest later in the year. I think I'd like to go to either the Phoenix/Flagstaff area or the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area. Can anyone who's been to both give any advice? I'm most interested in natural beauty, but also like museums. I don't want to go camping or anything (I like having a roof over my head at night!) but enjoy day trips to state parks and things. Which area do you think would be my better bet? Thanks.

I have visited all four cities this past year. They are ALL great spots to visit! My preference would be Albuquerque/Santa Fe. If you enjoy history, Old Town in Albuquerque is great to stroll through and take in lunch. Take the tramway up to the top of Sandia Peak, and then enjoy a great meal at the County Line Restaurant at the bottom. Great smoked/BBQ food! Santa Fe is a georgeous city high up in the mountains. Be sure to visit the old Plaza downtown. Head north through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and visit Taos Pueblo, a 1,000+ year-old pueblo.time It's fascinating!

Either of your choices is great, but I would choose Phoenix/Flagstaff over Albuquerque/Santa Fe only if you've never seen the Grand Canyon. It's about two hours north of Flagstaff and more beautiful and impressive than any pictures or tv footage you may have seen. There is a wide variety of lodging right in the park, from rustic cabins to an historic landmark hotel. You can hike as far into the canyon as you want, keeping in mind that what goes down must come back up! Depending on the time of year, the park probably will have great ranger talks and walks.

I don't know much about Flagstaff, having only driving through it on the way to the Canyon. Phoenix is too big for my tastes, but is surrounded by natural beauty.

I agree with the other responder that (Grand Canyon excluded), Albuquerque/Santa Fe would be my choice--particularly Santa Fe. It's a lovely small town with lots of history (and great food) and many state parks, national forests and Bandelier National Monument nearby.

Another option would be Tucson. I've been there three times and still haven't even begun to see and do everything that's available. The Sonoran Desert Museum is fantastic, and is just down the road from Saguaro National Park. The Biosphere is sort of a strange place to visit, but interesting. Mexico less than an hour away, and above all, the Sonoran desert is beautiful. Hope you have a great trip!

This is a real tough question. The natural beauty abounds in both areas. My trip to New Mexico was filled with Native American folklore, throughout the Santa Fe and Taos area. It seems to me there was more to explore in Arizona. The Sedona area was full of natural beauty no matter what direction you turned. Enjoyed the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff very much. May I suggest you glance thru back issues of Arizona magazine to get a better feel for what is out there. Found several good web sites for both AZ & NM either way you will definately experience the southwest.

Shelley, don't know whether you have time for another answer, but you seem really knowledgeable about the Grand Canyon area.
My question is, what is it like there in June, July and August? I would love for my kids (ages 10, 14, and 16) to see the Grand Canyon, but if it's 110 degrees in the shade, I know my husband will be miserable. Any advice? Thanks!

Based on your questions, there are two things you need to know about the Grand Canyon in the summer: (1) it IS 110 F in the shade and (2) if you get off the rim, there is no shade! April is MUCH preferable time to visit the Canyon.

Info on Albequerque off the beaten track places to see and go, the best places to eat, visit without tourist trap flavors. Thanks