Born and raised in the Bay Area, I was familiar with the diverse landscapes and adventures that Northern California had to offer. I wanted to venture out beyond my comfort zone in search of a new adventure so, I embarked on a road trip in 2020 from San Francisco through Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Come along on this road trip and explore some destinations you can visit along the way.

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First Stop: San Diego, California

Old Town

Coming from San Francisco, for my first stop, I decided to explore a bit of San Diego, California. I checked out Old Town San Diego. I love this little town for its vibrant Mexican heritage, authentic Mexican cuisine, vibrant shops, and colorful celebrations. Strolling through the streets, you’ll find a wide array of Mexican restaurants, shops, and opportunities to taste traditional dishes. If you happen to visit during October-November like I did, you’ll be able to experience Fiesta de Reyes and/or Día de Los Muertos. Another spot to explore is Balboa Park, a place where you can visit museums, gardens, enjoy concerts, the zoo, and much more.

Second Stop: Arizona

Tombstone

For the second stop of my trip, Tombstone Arizona, a legendary Old West Town founded in 1879. You can experience the authentic Old West this town has to offer by walking down Allen Street, its filled with historical buildings, saloons, restaurants and shops. In the brief period I spent here, I strolled along Allen Street, attended a gunfight reenactment show and embarked on a ghost tour. If you find yourself with additional time to spare, there’s a variety of other activities to enjoy, including historical tours, underground exploration, zip-lining, and more.

Grand Canyon Skywalk

On my trip back to San Francisco, California, I checked out The Grand Canyon Skywalk. The Skywalk is a horseshoe-shaped bridge made out of transparent glass which allows you to explore the grand Canyon beneath your feet. If you are not afraid of heights, this will be a thrilling experience for you. Unfortunately, visitors are unable to bring their camera or phones but they do offer professional photographers who can take a picture for a small fee. Outside the skywalk, there are panoramic views of the Grand Canyon as well, where you can feel free to take as many pictures as you wish.

Explore the Native American Village

Another activity to consider during your Grand Canyon Skywalk visit is embarking on a self-guided tour through the Native American village. This provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the lifestyle of indigenous tribes from a simpler time.

Third Stop: New Mexico

White Sands

White Sands, the worlds largest gypsum dune field, was my favorite stop of the trip, the entire experience, from dawn to sunset, felt like a dream. It’s unique feature lies in the white gypsum sand dunes that span across 275 square miles. An interesting fact, is that the sand doesn’t hold heat, allowing you to walk barefoot on a hot sunny day. White Sands provides an ideal setting for a variety of activities, including picnicking, sand sledding, hiking, photography, reading a book, meditating, enjoying the sunset, and stargazing.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns, was like crossing into another realm, where the atmosphere shifts to darkness and chill. Illuminated sections guide your way, revealing the captivating world of rock and mineral formations. A must visit for those seeking to delve into caves and encounter extraordinary underground formations. In addition to this subterranean wonder, the park also presents opportunities for above-ground hiking and desert adventures.

Final Stop: Texas

Tiny Target & Prada in Marfa

Marfa, Texas, is a small town in the middle of the desert known for its unique art installations and culture. While journeying along US-90 en route to this artistic town, you’ll encounter the cute “Tiny Target” and the luxurious “Prada Marfa” roadside installations. Tiny Target” was undeniably my favorite, and I had a blast capturing memorable photos at this quirky spot.

Update: As of December 2020, the Tiny Target has been demolished. I appreciate having had the chance to visit.

Big Bend National Park

Located in Texas, Big Bend National Park is positioned along the Mexico border, with the majestic Rio Grande River flowing through its landscape. Being next to Mexico makes the park even more special, with its unique culture and geography. There are many fun things to do in Big Bend National Park, like hiking, camping, taking pictures, watching birds, looking at the stars, going boating, enjoying scenic drives, and more. During my visit, I only had the opportunity to do a hike and go on a scenic drive. If I had more time, I would have definitely done more activities. If I come back, I’d like to try the Boquillas Mexican border crossing—it sounds like a fascinating thing to do. You get to experience crossing the Rio Grande River using a rowboat ferry to the Mexican village of Boquillas. Also provides a chance to connect with Mexican culture by exploring the village and trying traditional Mexican food.