Winter is just around the corner, meaning many travelers will be seeking out winter sun if they’re not into hitting the slopes.
Usually, that means whipping out your credit card and booking a nice beach vacation, but there’s one region of the U.S. offering three underrated cities without beaches or ski resorts that are still sunny, affordable, and rich in culture.
From Arizona to West Texas, the Southwest isn’t just a barren land as depicted in old-timey western movies; there are some true treasures to explore.
So, if you’re up for an adventure and ready for new experiences, here are 3 underrated cities with cheap stays this winter – and don’t worry, you can still enjoy a poolside margarita even without a beach in sight.
Tucson: Arizona’s Desert Darling
Going west to east, let’s start with the great city of Tucson, the ultimate Scottsdale dupe, for a more authentic feel and cheaper stays.
Scottsdale is a fun place to visit, but how many overpriced turquoise trinkets could one possibly need in Old Town?
Tucson may offer similar shops, but they’re not gimmicky and there’s plenty to do despite not being considered as touristy.
One such place to enjoy is one of America’s most under-hyped National Parks. You gotta check out Saguaro National Park ($25 admission) this winter for epic hikes through picturesque landscapes.
Tucson is a great place to enjoy the outdoors any time but summer, but winter weather here makes it all the more enticing to visit with consistent temps in the 60’s.
In my own personal opinion, besides Saguaro, the best way to experience Tucson is by eating your way through it.
Don’t believe me? What other city’s food scene is recognized by UNESCO as a whole?
With splendid sunny weather, find a restaurant patio and indulge in Southwest and Sonoran cuisine. But the best may be a hole-in-the-wall dating back to the 1930’s – check out El Minuto Cafe.
Tucson is a very affordable getaway, offering nice stays at great rates, so you can spend more on experiences like a fun-filled day perusing Old Tucson.
Airbnbs are as low as $63, but these 3 hotels are hard to beat in December:
- Hotel McCoy Tucson (vintage style!) – $74
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson – Reid Park – $76
- Hilton Tucson East – $94
Forget Albuquerque! Visit New Mexico’s Second Biggest City
If you have ever taken a road trip on the seemingly never-ending I-10 freeway, then you’ve probably passed through Las Cruces.
With no towering skyline to catch your eye, you may have missed out on small town charm and the vast Organ Mountains, perfect for a scenic hike in the city’s mild winters.
Las Cruces is New Mexico’s second largest city but is often overshadowed by smaller, trendier getaways such as Taos and Santa Fe.
That being said, don’t sleep on Las Cruces as a cultural destination. You can still pose for photos with eye-catching adobes and old-timey streets in the neighboring historic town of Mesilla, where famed outlaw Billy the Kid was once tried.
This town is just a blip on the main, but it’s a great day trip shopping and eating your way around the town square.
Make sure to eat at Double Eagle, home to the best margaritas my lips have ever graced (and I’ve been all over Mexico!).
For stays, they won’t break the bank. Book a historic adobe house on Airbnb for just $86 or one of these 3 affordable hotels this winter:
- Hilton Garden Inn Las Cruces – $99 in December
- Hacienda de Mesilla – $119 in January
- Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces – $123 in December
El Paso: Texas’ Forgotten City
If you’ve heard El Paso in the news, it’s likely for the wrong reasons coming from political talking heads, but this city is a true diamond in the rough.
Arguably Texas’ most cultural city (sorry, San Antonio!), El Paso will delight you with its historic Missions, revamped downtown, and ritzy West Side, which is often a surprise to first-time visitors.
Despite trendy taco shops in Dallas and Austin, there may be no matter place to chow down in the Lone Star State.
Locals may tell you to try Chico’s, one of the city staples, but unless you like soggy taquitos, opt for Elemi instead, which was just named second best in the state by Texas Monthly.
Take it from me; I lived here for a year!
As such, one of my favorite places to hang out were the downtown rooftops at these 2 hotels offering sweeping views of the cityscape and mountains:
- Hotel Indigo
- Hotel Paso del Norte
For the best deals, check out spacious homes on Airbnb in the $80’s or these 3 hotels this winter:
- The Hotel at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino/West El Paso – $87 in December
- Hilton Garden Inn El Paso / University – $99 in January
- Courtyard El Paso Downtown/Convention Center – $100 in December
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.