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Summer Vacation Destinations: Southwestern US

Summer Vacation Destinations: Southwestern US

When many people think of the best places to travel in the summer, long beaches with crashing waves and white sand tend to come to mind. This summer, why not try something new? Now is a great time to take a road trip and explore the beauty of the Southwestern US. With undulating mountain ranges, expansive national parks and low humidity, how can you go wrong?

As you begin planning your itinerary for where to travel this summer, allow InTown Suites to help. We provide affordable accommodations so you will have more money to spend on the fun you and your family desire. With our newly renovated and upgraded suites, you will have comfort and convenience with all the amenities you will need for a successful summer vacation. Let’s dive in and discover two of the best summer vacation destinations in the Southwest for 2021. 

Salt Lake City, Utah

The Great Salt Lake is a must see when on summer vacation this year.

The capital city of Utah is a bustling metropolitan with a diverse culture and loads of natural beauty. To the northwest, you will find the expansive Great Salt Lake and just south, the much smaller Utah Lake. Almost every other border around the city is lined with gorgeous mountains and valleys. 

At the center of Salt Lake sits Temple Square, the headquarters of the Mormon church. This 35-acre plat houses numerous historical buildings of the faith plus visitor centers, church offices and monuments. Visitors are welcome to stop by for a guided tour.

Hiking in Salt Lake is a great summer vacation activity.During the summer months, daytime temperatures in Salt Lake City range from the low 80s to the low 90s with July being the hottest month. Overnight temperatures range from the mid-50s to the low 60s. Even though these temperatures may seem high, the low humidity means the heat is far from unbearable. 

With warm weather and an average rainfall of less than one inch per month during the summer, Salt Lake City is perfect for outdoor adventures. Their extensive menu of recreational opportunities includes hiking, backpacking, water sports and more. 

While on summer vacation in Salt Lake City, be sure to check out Donut Falls.Everyone will enjoy the easy hike to Donut Falls for a truly unique waterfall experience. For even more water fun, consider kayaking down the Colorado River through Glen Canyon or water skiing on the Utah Lake. Whatever outdoor activity you choose, be sure to drink plenty of water and re-apply your sunscreen. Vacation sunburns are the worst!

 

 

Summer Attractions in Salt Lake City 

Away from the mountain range, Salt Lake City offers amazing attractions every family, couple or nomad is sure to enjoy. Utah’s Hogle Zoo is home to African lions, Siberian tigers and polar bears, oh my! Stop by for a visit with your reserved tickets any day of the week from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Spend the day exploring the 400-acre Utah Olympic Park. Beyond the 2002 Winter Olympic Museum, guests can try their hand at summer bobsledding, extreme tubing, freestyle ziplining and more. The Utah Olympic Park is located 30 miles east in Park City and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  

Salt Lake City is breathtaking during the summer months with jaw-dropping sunrises and sunsets.

If you prefer the arts, Salt Lake is home to numerous art museums and galleries including the Salt Lake City Art Museum, The Utah Museum of Fine Arts and The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art. Other cultural opportunities in Salt Lake City include the internationally acclaimed Utah Opera, Utah Symphony and Ballet West.

More historical, cultural and fun attractions in Salt Lake City include:

Be sure to take advantage of Salt Lake public transportation TRAX while on summer vacation.

  • Utah Museum of Natural History 
  • The Living Planet Aquarium 
  • “This Is the Place Heritage Park”
  • Children’s Museum of Utah
  • Antelope Island State Park
  • Fort Douglas Military Museum
  • Bountiful Historic Museum
  • Red Butte Garden & Arboretum

No matter which attraction you choose to enjoy, take advantage of Salt Lake’s extensive light rail transportation system, TRAX, that runs throughout the city. Tickets start at $2.50 per ride or $5 for a day pass.

Affordable Accommodations in Salt Lake City

Whether you are a couple, a family of four or a solo traveler, InTown Suites in Salt Lake City can accommodate. We offer up to three suite styles to perfectly fit your needs and your budget. Our affordable weekly and monthly rates will leave plenty of room in your budget for more fun summer vacation ideas. All of our suites are fully furnished with in-room kitchens, perfect for making meals in to save even more. Here are our affordable Salt Lake City accommodations: 

 

InTown in Woods Cross, UtahInTown Suites Salt Lake City UT – Woods Cross

635 S 700 W Woods Cross, UT 84087

10 miles from downtown Salt Lake City

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InTown -Salt Lake SouthInTown Suites Salt Lake City UT – South

48 3300 S Salt Lake City, UT 84115

5 miles from downtown Salt Lake City

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InTown Midvale, UtahInTown Suites Salt Lake City UT – Midvale

151 W 7200 S Midvale, UT 84047

12 miles from downtown Salt Lake City

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Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona is known best for the Grand Canyon, but a couple of hundred miles south, you will find another amazing summer vacation spot to explore – Phoenix. Know as ‘The Valley of the Sun,’ Phoenix is the largest state capital in the US by population with the quickest rate of growth in the country. Much of this growth is due to tech firms and manufacturers, but beyond the business world, Phoenix is filled with breathtaking beauty.  The sunrise and sunsets in Phoenix are breathtaking. Be sure to check them out while on summer vacation .

The Greater Phoenix metro is located in the northern portion of the Sonoran Desert, widely considered the most ecologically diverse desert in the world. Part of the reason for this variety of plants and animals throughout the Sonoran Desert is its bi-seasonal rainfall. Spanning over 86,000 square miles, the Sonoran Desert stretches from the southwestern corner of Arizona to parts of California and Mexico. Phoenix is located in the northeastern corner of the Sonoran Desert.

Summer months in Phoenix boast average highs of around 107°. Average lows range from the high 70s to the low 80s. The majority of Phoenix’s rainfall takes place in the winter months, July and August with an average of one inch per month during these times. With relatively low humidity, Phoenix is similar to many Southwestern cities in the US having a dry, more mild heat. 

Phoenix offers travelers a year-round sunny climate, diverse cultural activities, a prospering business community and an abundance of leisure activities from which to choose from. Hiking up Camelback Mountains’ 1,420-foot summit affords you an all-around view of the surrounding city. Phoenix’s South Mountain Park (formerly known as Phoenix Mountain South Park) features nearly 60 miles of trails perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding. 

Summer Attractions in Phoenix

Check out an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game while on summer vacation in Phoenix.

Beyond the outdoor adventures, Phoenix is filled with major league sports teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns and Arizona Coyotes. Summertime means baseball season is in full swing. Check the Arizona Diamondback’s schedule for a chance to see a home game while on vacation.

Spend your summer vacation golfing in Phoenix and you won't be disappointed.If golf is more your pace, take advantage of the numerous courses around Phoenix. Practice your swing on one (or both) of Troon North Golf Club’s two classic desert courses. Take a short drive northwest of Phoenix to experience the Wickenburg Ranch Golf Club. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Prescott National Forest and Vulture Peak while driving and putting your way through a variety of holes. Golf is yet another great way to enjoy a relaxing summer vacation. 

Experience Phoenix’s unique plant life first hand while hiking the Desert Discovery Loop Trail, one of five trails that run through the Desert Botanical Garden. You can view the nearly 5,000 species of plants under the garden’s care. Reserved tickets are required, and hours of operation are daily from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Exploring the Desert Botanical Gardens is a great way to see Phoenix at its most beautiful.Phoenix has even more fun and educational attractions to explore, including:

  • Arizona Capitol Museum
  • Makutu’s Island
  • Mining and Mineral Museum
  • Phoenix Art Museum
  • Arizona Science Center
  • Phoenix Zoo
  • West Chandler Aquatic Center

Affordable Accommodations in Phoenix

InTown Suites is excited to welcome you to Phoenix. Our affordable accommodations are sure to fit any budget. All of our suites are fully furnished with in-room kitchens and large HDTVs featuring premium channels. Whether you are planning a week-long family vacation or seeking an extended stay for exploration, InTown has the suite for you. We also have guest laundry facilities on-site and up to three suite styles to choose from. Here are our affordable Phoenix accommodations: 

 

InTown Phoenix - westInTown Suites Phoenix AZ – West

1530 North 50th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85043

7 miles from downtown Phoenix

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InTown Phoenix EastInTown Suites Phoenix AZ – East

15424 South 50th Street Phoenix, AZ 85044

15 miles from downtown Phoenix

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InTown Gilbert, ArizonaInTown Suites Phoenix AZ – Gilbert

2350 West Obispo Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

19 miles from downtown Phoenix

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InTown Tucson, ArizonaInTown Suites Tucson AZ

4314 West Ina Road Tucson, AZ 85741

100 miles from downtown Phoenix

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