Denver Day Trips and Great Things to Do

Denver is the capital of Colorado. It’s known as Mile High City because it is exactly one mile (5280 feet or 1609.3 meters) above sea level. It’s a great sports town, with all four major US sports teams represented. Resting at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is close to picturesque sites like Red Rocks and Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you’re visiting for vacation or a conference, here are some great tips for Denver day trips and things to do!

Entrance to the Fort restaurant just outside Denver, Colorado

Day Trips from Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale

Packed with red rocks and tall saguaro cacti, Arizona features one of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes in North America. We recently enjoyed a great winter break in Tempe, home of Arizona State University. It’s a hip Phoenix area base to explore the Sonoran Desert and nearby highlights like the Apache Trail, Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

If you’re planning a trip to Arizona that includes great restaurants along with outdoor activities, you can base yourself in the Phoenix area and take nearby day trips. Here are several great day trips within and close to Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa and Glendale.

A sign in Sedona, Arizona with a beautiful red mountain in the background.

25 Washington, DC Travel Tips to Avoid Missing Out

Washington, DC has a wealth to offer visitors beyond the world’s largest collection of free museums, The Smithsonian. We lived in Washington, DC for 4 years and got to know the city well. Here are 25 Washington, DC tips covering free Smithsonian museums and much more!

Jefferson Memorial during Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC

Tempe: A Great Base to Explore Arizona

Tempe, Arizona enjoys around 330 days of sunshine a year, more than anywhere else in the country. Its picturesque landscape in the Sonoran Desert is also highlighted by a fantastic southwestern culinary scene. Hayden Butte and Tempe Town Lake offer outdoor activities right in downtown Tempe. You can also take fantastic day trips to Sedona, the Apache Trail, or even closer, to nearby Papago Park and South Mountain Park.

Just 4 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Tempe is easily accessible. A light rail system connects Tempe with the airport and Phoenix, so you don’t even have to rent a car if you don’t want to drive. A winter visit to Arizona makes for an excellent reprieve from cold weather climates.

A colorful sculpture and large cowboy boots outside the Arizona State University Art Gallery in Tempe, Arizona.

Florida to Washington, DC: Great Road Trip Stops

Orlando to Washington, DC spans 850 miles. When we relocated, we decided to turn the lengthy drive into a week’s vacation. Rather than banging it out in a day or two along I-95, we took state and county roads to enjoy the scenery. Getting off the beaten path offers travelers some unique and fun experiences.

Savannah and Charleston are two of the most popular destinations along the route. So we certainly recommend stopping in both southern gems. But the east coast is packed with wonderful historic destinations and seaside vacation spots. Great road trip stops from Florida to Washington, DC are in abundance.

If you are short on time, focus on the best stops along I-95. But if you have more time, consider venturing off the bustling interstate. This article covers both popular and lesser known highlights along multiple routes!