My Sunday nights go a little something like this: Invite friends over, order pizza, watch Westworld, stay up until 3 a.m. reading fan theories on Reddit and Twitter and, finally, sleep. The next morning, my coworkers and I chat about the episode and all the theories we spent half the night reading about after the show.
If this sounds like you, then you’re probably as bummed as I am that Season 2 is quickly coming to an end. Luckily, there’s a way to ease our end-of-season pains, and that is to visit real-life destinations that resemble our favorite parts of Westworld. The American Southwest is full of locations that will instantly transport you to Sweetwater, the Mariposa Saloon and, of course, the stunning desert landscape that makes Westworld the most gorgeous eye candy on TV.
We are just a few weeks away from the Season 2 finale, so it’s time to start planning our vacations to the real Westworld. To make things a little easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of all the American Southwest destinations you should visit to get your Westworld fix.
Sedona, Arizona
If you love the gorgeous red rocks that make up the stunning backdrop of so many Westworld scenes, then you will fall in love with Sedona. Towering red mountains and lush greenery below make this the ultimate real-life Westworld.
There are tons of hiking trails to try, and make sure to go on one of the Jeep tours that the small town has become famous for. A Jeep tour is the best way to take in all the stunning panoramic views.
If you're looking for a place to stay in Sedona, you should consider L'Auberge de Sedona. It's a gorgeous little resort nestled down in Oak Creek Canyon, and staying in one of their creek-front properties will make you feel just like a real Dolores living on Abernathy Ranch.
Monument Valley, Arizona
Monument Valley is one of the most iconic destinations in the American Southwest. It is a photographer's dream and has all of the quintessential desert landscape that makes Westworld so visually stunning.
Scottsdale & Tempe, Arizona
If you're already visiting Arizona, drive a few hours south of Sedona to Scottsdale, Arizona. Scottsdale is surrounded by the beautiful McDowell Mountains that feature an almost endless supply of hiking trails for every level of hiker. For the complete Westworld effect, go horseback riding through the McDowell Mountains and check out the Museum of the West or Tempe's AZ Heritage Center.
Consider staying at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch or Tempe Mission Palms while you're in town. The Scottsdale resort pays homage to Scottsdale's Old West history and will make you feel like you're living in a much older time (but with all the best and most luxurious modern conveniences, of course). The Tempe hotel is right in the heart of this old town and is close to several real-life saloons that will give you a true Mariposa experience.
Paramount Ranch, California
There's no better place to get the authentic Old West town feel than Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, California. The ranch is actually a national park that features miles and miles of beautiful hiking and, of course, an old town that is so similar to Sweetwater you may just spot Dolores or Teddy walking around.
Moab, Utah
Of course you'll want to visit one of the places Westworld was actually shot. A lot of the exterior scenes for Seasons 1 and 2 were shot in Southern Utah, so you'll definitely want to check out Moab, Canyonlands National Park and Castle Valley.
Santa Clarita, California
A few scenes were shot in Santa Clarita, and the set for Westworld was built there, so you have to add it to your list. Other famous Westerns like Deadwood have also been shot here.
Fillmore, California
We couldn't leave a great railroad location off our list. After all, that is how you get to Westworld. Just a little over an hour away from Los Angeles, you can relive a classic Westworld entrance on one of the old-time trains at the Fillmore & Western Railroad Company. You can tour trains and even ride along on a train murder mystery dinner.
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