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Saguaro National Park
Arizona
Why we can't wait to visit again: Being cooped up with our housemates has left us feeling a bit prickly, so we're setting off for some much-needed desert downtime. After tackling the easy-going Valley View Overlook Trail that's littered with blooming Saguaro cacti, we're decamping to nearby Tucson. Arizona's oldest city is more of a small bohemian town than a thriving metropolis, especially since it's heavy on the kooky vibes - helped by its cosmology-obsessed residents. Stop by the well-curated boutique Bon before chowing down on tacos at America's oldest Mexican restaurant. El Charro Café has spent nearly 100 years perfecting the guac-to-salsa ratio and we think it's nailed it.
Where we're staying: Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort
Before you go: Seek out a copy of Legends of the American Desert by Alex Shoumatoff. Think of the author as an ideal dinner party guest who likes to share fascinating anecdotes about past and present desert dwellings.