Southwest

The American Southwest boasts striking desert landscapes, Native American history and photogenic mountain ranges that groups will want to integrate into their itineraries. Diverse landscapes include the Gulf Coast beaches of Galveston, Rocky Mountain retreats of Taos and lush prairies of central Oklahoma. Group-friendly national parks in this region include the iconic Grand Canyon (which features hiking trails of various lengths), White Sands National Park (an eerie fine-grained desert where visitors can “sled” on undulating dunes) and the cave superstructures in Carlsbad Caverns.

Groups can also combine outdoor adventures with local history at various Native American heritage sites found throughout the American Southwest. Wupatki National Monument near Flagstaff, Arizona offers tours of the Sinagua Pueblo (which contains over 100 rooms), while Aztec Ruins National Monument offers glimpses of the sophisticated masonry work and architecture of the Pueblo people. Whether your group members want to learn about Texas Revolution history at the Alamo or watch roaming bison in Oklahoma’s Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, they will find an activity to excite them in the Southwest.

Havasu Creek, Grand Canyon

ARIZONA

Venture beyond the Grand Canyon State’s bustling cities and experience the solitude and natural wonder of Petrified Forest National Park. Home to fossilized plant life that dates back 225 million years, the park is populated by hundreds of bird species and colorful badlands formations. Also found in northern Arizona is the extraordinary Antelope Canyon, which through millennia of erosion has acquired beautiful red sandstone waves on its walls and openings that allow photogenic shafts of sunlight. The canyon lies on Navajo Nation land, but groups can explore the cave with a guide to learn about the history, geology and culture of the region.

More red-hued sandstone formations await in Sedona, where the spires of the Schnebly Hill Formation reflect a purplish hue in the early evening. Experience the region with guided Jeep tours, horseback trails or scenic stops that offer views of the Verde Valley.

NEW MEXICO

Some of New Mexico’s most awe-inspiring sites lie underground. Carlsbad Caverns, a collection of 177 limestone caves beneath the Guadalupe Mountains, offers ranger-led tours for groups comfortable with dark spaces and climbing stairs. Highlights include the Big Room (which is almost 4,000 feet long and the largest subterranean chamber in North America) and the Rookery (a space filled with opaque, spherical “cave pearls”). Aboveground, groups can hike through the surrounding Guadalupe Mountains and Chihuahuan Desert or arrange a sunset viewing party to witness thousands of bats emerge from the cave’s entrance. Home to the 800-foot Rio Grande Gorge, the Wild Rivers Recreation Area is teeming with exciting outdoor activities. View the convergence of the Rio Grande and Red Rivers at La Junta Point, or embark on a scenic drive along the 13-mile Backcountry Byway.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

OKLAHOMA

Blending Western swagger with urban flair, Oklahoma City features attractions for groups of all interests. Spend time at the Oklahoma City Zoo, which is home to nearly 2,000 animals and over 50 endangered species. Themed areas include the Great EscAPE rainforest environment (populated by chimpanzees and orangutans) and Oklahoma Trail (where you can find animals native to the state like black bears and bison). Other popular group options include the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum (a sobering monument to victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing), the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (which contains incredible memorabilia from the American West) and Stockyards City (an entertainment district brimming with Western clothing outfitters, delicious steaks and the weekly Rodeo Opry). Itineraries should also include the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. Covered with more than 3,000 acrylic panels, this sevenstory structure is a tropical paradise filled with exotic vegetation and over 750 plant varieties. >> visitokc.com

TEXAS

Looking for an entertaining and groupfriendly live theater experience in the Lone Star State? Dallas Summer Musicals presents award-winning and family-friendly productions in Music Hall at Fair Park. Acclaimed performances have included The Sound of Music, Peter Pan and The King and I. Groups will receive up to 20% off individual pricing depending on the show. Student and scout rates are also offered, and military veterans and families are also given discounted prices. >> dallassummermusicals.org