Desert Travel Guide - Sunset Magazine

Encuentro Guadalupe, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja

10 Best Desert Hotels in the West

Whether you’re looking for a sprawling property that mimics the desert landscape or a hip urban oasis, we have a hotel for that

July 9, 2018

December 24, 2019

See the Icons of the Southwest on This Road Trip of a Lifetime

It will take you nearly 1,000 miles. It will show you wonders people cross continents to see. This road trip isn’t merely good—it’s the best in the world

September 15, 2014

November 21, 2019

Under-the-Radar New Mexico Parks Road Trip

Discover the hidden gems of New Mexico on this road trip through national monuments, preserves, and forests

June 11, 2018

June 23, 2020

Out-of-This-World Quirky Desert Road Trip

Otherworldly experiences abound on this unique adventure looping through Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas

December 19, 2017

July 13, 2021

The Latest From Sunset

These Are the West’s Best Campsites, According to People Who Actually Camp There

Consider these for your next trip.

August 21, 2026

August 20, 2026

Burger Kona Kai San Diego

How to Make the Perfect Burger, According to the Best Chefs in the West

From a perfect patty to yummy buns, here’s how the pros get it done.

August 21, 2026

August 21, 2026

How to Cook the Best Camping Meals Using Trader Joe’s Products

These unexpected finds from TJ’s will make campfire meals a breeze.

August 20, 2026

August 19, 2026

Abalone Shell on Beach

Culinary Travel

California’s Hidden Abalone Farm Is the Most Unexpected (and Unforgettable) Road Trip Must-Do

Set along the rugged Gaviota Coast, The Cultured Abalone Farm offers an unforgettable look at one of California’s oldest culinary traditions, and the future of ocean conservation.

August 20, 2026

August 19, 2026

SoCal

General Mercantile

Southern California Desert Road Trip

Explore Southern California’s desert landscapes on this road trip through quirky towns and Joshua Tree National Park.

September 25, 2018

November 24, 2020

Oases in the Desert: 7 Striking Palm Springs Gardens to Visit

The seven wonders of Palm Springs are some of the most beautiful desert landscapes in the world.

December 9, 2015

April 11, 2022

Joshua Tree National Park Guide

April 27, 2016

October 17, 2017

10 Serene SoCal Desert Vacation Homes

Escape to Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and more at these desert Airbnbs

November 18, 2016

February 22, 2019

Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park Guide

These are the some of the world's most unforgettable views—from the Colorado River to the soaring Point Imperial overlook

August 21, 2004

November 20, 2018

Desert Getaway: the Arizona Trail

An epic backpacking trip is one way to see the Arizona Trail. But a chill hiking weekend in the throwback town of Superior will do just fine

December 1, 2010

December 1, 2010

One Perfect Day in Scottsdale, AZ

Enjoy amazing outdoors and cowboy roots on a winter visit

January 12, 2011

November 13, 2018

One Perfect Day at the Tucson Botanical Garden

Browse the sensational succulents and other Southwestern plants at this Arizona garden

March 11, 2011

November 13, 2018

More Desert Locales in the West

Go on a Chile Tour of New Mexico

New Mexico’s signature chile inspires festivals, parades, and a lifetime of passionate consumption. We bring you the best of green season

August 5, 2016

October 5, 2018

Take a Selfie

How to Plan the Ultimate Trip to Marfa, Texas

Everything you need to know before your epic trip to West Texas’s quirkiest town

August 15, 2018

November 26, 2019

A Wine Tasting Trip Through Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California

Tour stunning wineries, cutting-edge stays, and gastronomic superstars in the West's hottest new wine region

September 11, 2017

October 7, 2022

Hotel San Cristóbal, Baja

Insider Guide to Todos Santos

Our picks for where to stay and what to do in this dreamy Baja beach town

October 27, 2016

June 18, 2019

More Stories in Outdoor Adventure

These Are the West's Best Campsites, According to People Who Actually Camp There

These Are the West’s Best Campsites, According to People Who Actually Camp There

The Colorado River Is Drying Up. Here’s How to Protect It.

The Colorado River Is Drying Up. Here’s How to Protect It.

Big Bear's Beloved Bald Eagle Jackie Has Died

Big Bear’s Beloved Bald Eagle Jackie Has Died

Embrace Your Inner Child at These Summer Camps for Adults This Fall

Embrace Your Inner Child at These Summer Camps for Adults This Fall

Beloved Big Sur Institutions Threatened as Timber Fire Grows

Beloved Big Sur Institutions Threatened as Timber Fire Grows

California State Parks Are Cracking Down on Reservation No-Shows

California State Parks Are Cracking Down on Reservation No-Shows

6 Ways to Vacation in an Airstream This Summer

6 Ways to Vacation in an Airstream This Summer

The Ultimate Guide to Mexico's Best Beach Town

The Ultimate Guide to Mexico’s Best Beach Town

Stop Playing Tetris with Your Luggage. Here's How to Pack Smart for a Family Road Trip.

Stop Playing Tetris with Your Luggage. Here’s How to Pack Smart for a Family Road Trip.

The Perfect Oregon Lake Escape You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

The Perfect Oregon Lake Escape You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

This Young Couple Moved into a 40-Foot Boat with Zero Sailing Experience—Here's What They Learned

This Young Couple Moved into a 40-Foot Boat with Zero Sailing Experience—Here’s What They Learned

This Oregon City Is a Hidden Gem Filled with Scenic Hiking Trails, Craft Breweries, and More

This Oregon City Is a Hidden Gem Filled with Scenic Hiking Trails, Craft Breweries, and More

How a Precocious Mountain Lion Inspired the World’s Largest Wildlife Crossing

How a Precocious Mountain Lion Inspired the World’s Largest Wildlife Crossing

Ski Towns Are the Most Underrated Summer Destination—Here's Where to Go

Ski Towns Are the Most Underrated Summer Destination—Here’s Where to Go

No Reservations Are Making National Parks More Chaotic Than Ever. Here's Where to Go Instead.

No Reservations Are Making National Parks More Chaotic Than Ever. Here’s Where to Go Instead.

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