Arizona: More than great golf

Monument Valley
This is the heart of the American West – at least, according to Hollywood. Located in a Navaho reserve on the border of Arizona and Utah, Monument Valley contains the spectacular red buttes and mesas, seemingly endless desert, and arching sky that has become so iconic visitors may find it familiar.

There's only one road to the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park - US 163, linking Kayenta, AZ with US 181 in Utah. This long empty road leads across flat desert towards the 1,000 foot high red cliffs on the horizon. At the park’s visitor centre tourists can photograph three of the valley's peaks - East and West Mitten Buttes, and Merrick Butte. To visit the park's Valley Drive you will need a vehicle suitable for off-road travel, or to hire a guide with one. (Horseback tours are also popular.) Travelling deeper into the park allows the visitor to experience cave and cliff dwellings, natural arches, and petroglyphs.

More information: http://www.navajonationparks.org/htm/monumentvalley.htm

San Xavier del Bac
Located in Tuscon, the San Xavier Del Bac Mission is considered one of the finest examples of mission architecture in the United States. Constructed from 1783-1797, it is a blend of Moorish, Byzantine and late Mexican Renaissance architecture, framed by the earth tones of local hills and dusky backdrop of far-off mountains. It continues to be run by the Franciscans.

Tuscon itself is also worth a look: the New York Times called it “Santa Fe without the cuteness factor” in a 2005 article. Tuscon attractions include the Arizona State Museum and Flandrau Science Center at the University of Arizona, and the Pima Air and Space Museum.