The Red Rock Scenic Byway will take you through the Coconino National Forest and into the beautiful Red Rock Country. This unforgettable day-trip from Phoenix lets you experience Sedona together with the Grand Canyon, and have the opportunity to see more of beautiful Arizona. It is mostly shaded and follows a beautiful creek for the entire hike. Its a rock formation at Papago Park that provides an unforgettable sunset view of Downtown Phoenix with a desert oasis below. Let us know your top recommendations for Phoenix day trips in the comments! Small-Group or Private Grand Canyon with Sedona Tour from Phoenix. Its a stylish bar housed inside the former Arizona Prohibition Headquarters. You can even book a Red Rock Range Jeep Tour or Hummer! If Saturday is for activity, Sunday is for pleasure. How do you like them apples? 1. Whether youre a fan of architecture or not, this museum is a must see. Or step up in your adventure and try some bouldering or rock climbing. I hope you have an amazing time visiting Phoenix. Just north of Downtown Phoenix, the Uptown district is up and coming. Free Cancellation. For any aspiring photographer, it presents an incredible opportunity for a cool shot. 15 Exciting Day Trips From Phoenix: A Local's Guide Now They've Adopted 7 Kids. Phoenix, Arizona. The Valley Metro is the citys only light rail system. There's also an on-site museum where you can pick up some more interesting knowledge. 20 Best Grand Canyon Day Trips & Tours from Phoenix - TourScanner Get the loaded fries and the rajas taco. Price varies by group size. 31 Spontaneous Day Trips That Are Less Than 3 Hours Away From Phoenix There's more than just desert to explore! Spend a day hiking the many trails. Or stop by the Superstition Mountain Museum and take a selfie in front of the gleaming white Elvis Presley Memorial Chapel, which appeared in the 1969 movie Charro! Phoenix, Arizona sits in such a prime location for some incredible getaways! Scottsdale is a perfect half-day trip from Phoenix for a bit of fun, and getting out of the city. Nearby, youll find Canyon Lake. We plan (and pay for) all of our own travels, and we use our first hand knowledge to write detailed travel guides to the places we love to help, The 25 Best Hikes in Washington State (Helpful Guide + Map), Hiking the Spectacular Enchantments: A Complete Trail Guide, The Best Coffee in Montreal: 10 Incredible Montreal Cafes, Where to Stay in Tuscany: The Best Places to Stay, The Amazing Enchanted Valley Trail in Olympic National Park. Phoenix/Scottsdale & Central Region's Overnight Trip Characteristics State Origin Of Trip Base: 2022 Overnight Person-Trips of overnight travelers to Phoenix/Scottsdale & Central Region are repeat visitors of overnight travelers to Phoenix/Scottsdale & Central Region had visited before in the past 12 months A Same-Sex Couple in Chandler Was Discouraged From Fostering. The best road trips from Phoenix, Arizona - The Points Guy For round two, we recommend heading out to Lost Dutchman State Park. Blazin M Ranch isnt in Prescott, there are many mom and pop shops to choose from in Preskitt to choose from. While its not our favorite city in the world mostly because its not really walkable we loved the unique combination of good food and drinks and amazing desert landscapes just outside of the city center. Dont forget the Barrett-Jackson Car Auction, the Bentley Polo Party or the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. Only an hour away, this is an easy day trip from Phoenix and one of the coolest places to visit in Arizona. Art galleries, gift shops, and Frontier Town, a reproduction Wild West-themed attraction, offer everything from kitschy Western souvenirs to handcrafted Mexican pottery to eye-catching collections of crystals and hard-to-find minerals. Written By We were in Phoenix in the springtime, and it was mid-80s, which is the perfect temperature, really. About this activity Free cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund Reserve now & pay later Keep your travel plans flexible book your spot and pay nothing today. 15 Best Day Trips from Phoenix You Should Know [UPDATED] - Why this place Take to the skies with a zipline, airplane, or helicopter tour. Papago is a go-to destination for mountain bikers, rock climbers, or hikers looking to admire the desert landscape in town. .. Just an hour from Tucson, combine it with one of the other nearby suggestions to fill out a full day of unique exploration in the desert. Frank Lloyd Wright, a world-renowned architect, has his legacy live on through Taliesin West, his former home converted into a breath-taking museum. Art galleries, antique shops, and museums round out the towns walkable offerings. If your idea of a weekend getaway includes near-perfect weather (outside of summer), a bunch of nice hikes right outside of the city, and plenty of spots to grab brunch and post-hike drinks, youre going to love spending a weekend in Phoenix.. AND YOU CAN ALWAYS STOP IN GILA BEND FOR BREAKFAST!! Here are three Phoenix neighborhoods that we recommend staying in. LGBTQ When traveling north out of the valley, you will notice gradual changes in the scenery. Details: 7575 E. Princess . The Grand Canyon: Planning a trip that includes the Grand Canyon? Likely to Sell Out. Additionally, there are so many outdoor activities available in nearby Coconino and Prescott National Forests. Their cider is good, and they have some cool cider slushies that are worth trying post-hike. But after a flood in 1942, most of the inhabitants moved. There's plenty of wildlife to be seen nearby as well as picnic spots and hiking trails. 20 Best Road Trips from Phoenix, Arizona - LazyTrips Or find something for everyone strolling down historical Whiskey Row. Be sure to bring clothing thats comfortable to sweat in. Trumps Campaign is Getting WeirdIs He Losing It? Whether you want to explore Native American ruins . The iconic red rocks of Sedona are only about 2 hours north or you could opt to explore charming Prescott, Payson, or the underrated Tonto Natural Bridge. Subscribe to get notified about new guides, inspiration, deals, and much more! Another trail to check out is Toms Thumb located in northern Scottsdale. But you may be surprised by the wineries, lakes, and snow sports so close to this desert city. Phoenix Small-Group Grand Canyon Guided Tour 2023 - Viator Free Cancellation. Autumn in Phoenix is a lovely time to visit. Their permanent and traveling exhibitions cover haute couture fashion to old master paintings to contemporary art. To wash down your breakfast, try All About the Booch, a local kombucha stand. Phoenix: Plan a perfect weekend in Phoenix, and figure out where to stay in Phoenix. Coming into Phoenix for a weekend is simple thanks to Sky Harbor International Airport, the states largest airport. Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Phoenix, it's easy to drive to the historic downtown of Scottsdale. This is your trail. Weve got you covered with a guide on exactly how to plan an amazing Grand Canyon itinerary and how to find the perfect place to stay. Zion National Park is about a 6-hour drive. 21 Best Day Trips from Phoenix (in 2023) Betty Hurd Updated on February 16, 2023 Arizona, Phoenix, USA If you're seeking adventure around Phoenix, Arizona, you'll find plenty of fun day trips from Phoenix that fit the bill. This is not an exhaustive list of things to do around Phoenix. Over the past decade or two, the city has worked hard to restore the downtown area. Sign up receive our monthly newsletter with updates and new in-depth guides.. A rare sight in the desert, this well pumps out 1.5 million gallons per day. Take it from us, get the Chicken and Waffles or the Fried Chicken Sandwich. Toms Thumb winds through the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve, so youre bound to come across desert wildlife and plenty of flowering cacti. In photos, it may not look like much,but the Casa Grande Ruins are actually one of the largest prehistoric structures in the United States. Get the loaded fries and donuts. At one point, it was a thriving copper mining community, but after the Great Depression the community fell apart and became a ghost town. From grunge music to Amazon, theres something for everyone in Seattle. You can reach some of its most scenic lookouts in a four hour drive from Phoenix, so youll want at least two to three days to go there and back. As an area local, I'm here to share the best of them with you! At one time this was a bustling depot. Once you land, youll likely need a car to get to your accommodation. The beautiful Spanish-style building is beyond eye-catching and is definitely worth a pit stop. Bring along your camera to capture some seriously captivating images that you'll want to keep in your mind forever, as well as a picnic lunch for you to enjoy before heading home. Below we have listed the best day trips from Phoenix. Your email address will not be published. There's more than just desert to explore! Meteor Crater National Landmark is home to 24 interactive exhibits which will help you understand just what happened when it was created 50,000 years ago. Your first full day in Phoenix should be dedicated to the natural beauty that Arizona has to offer. 7 Fun-Filled Day Trips Within Two Hours From Phoenix Phoenix has a fun social calendar with Oktoberfests and Halloween events, yet locals can enjoy less busy streets. East Mesa Hotel to Be Repurposed Into Transitional Housing for Unhoused Residents, Safety Saguaro National Park is just outside Tucson. With 21 runs on over 200 acres, you can be on the lift in under 3 hours from your front door. Just outside of Tucson, this reserve sits only about 1.5 hours away from Phoenix. 15 Best Day Trips from Phoenix - The Crazy Tourist WE WERE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED AT THE TOWN AND ALL IT HAD TO OFFER. It's no secret that Arizona has a lot of incredible viewsbut by far one of the best that the state has to offer can be found at the top of Mount Lemmon. Megan is from Virginia and Aram is from Armenia. Lake Pleasant is just a 45-minute drive from Phoenix and is the perfect body of water for not only boating but also swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Its azure blue waters are surrounded by dramatic boulders and spellbinding rocky outcrops. This area of Arizona is so rich in Native American history and culture. We going straight to the Wild, Wild West! Now imagine doing that in the midst of a hot, Arizona summerI don't know about you but I've been known to get tired making plans to go to hot yoga. Get even cooler in the nearby lava tubes. A scenic and definitely unforgettable day trip from Phoenix is the Apache trail, which is only thirty minutes from the Arizona capital's city center. Many Phoenicians also head to Cave Creek for a day in the saddle, and numerous ranches offer group and private horseback rides. Thats great, bring your appetite because the Superstition Saloon and Restaurant is best known for, you guessed it burgers and chili? Commentary 10 Best Day Trips from Phoenix, Arizona - Guide To Day Trips Order the flaming Ghost Rider margarita for a show of flaming sparks. Bring along some SPF so you can spend some time baking in the sun, then hop into the water to feel relaxed and refreshed afterward! Or spend the night watching the stars whiz by at the Sky Center at Mt. Conversely, you could spend the day learning the history of flight at the Pima Air and Space Museum. Known as the Birthplace of Renaissance, the city is an unparalleled hub of world-class art and architecture. Similar to spring, the fall yields mild enough temperatures to enjoy a wide range of hobbies. Then head to Miamis quaint downtown, which is filled with funky antique shops and historic architecture, before stopping at Guayos El Ray for some mouthwatering Mexican food. Sedona A view of Sedona, Arizona from Schnebly Hill Road / Photo by Edmundo Mendez, Jr. Most Phoenicians would agree that spring is the best time to Phoenix, Arizona. Its a gentle, but non-stop, uphill hike. If you arrive in Phoenix on a Friday night, theres no reason to wait until tomorrow to kick off your trip. And this is the best one. Located in central Old Town Scottsdale, this beautifully landscaped park and indoor museum offers the best in contemporary art, architecture and design from around the world. ), 22 Best Day Trips From Paris Within 3 Hours (+ Day Tours! Temperatures in Flagstaff average 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix throughout the year, making one of the best day trips from Phoenix for escaping the summer heat. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, Phoenix is seeing a population boom. Youll learn about exciting activities lets be honest, mostly awesome hikes and drool-worthy (gluten-free!) Only 1.5 hours away, you can see for yourself. Average journey duration: 4 hours and 40 minutes. The Grand Canyon is the most visited natural attraction in the Southwestern USA and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. What better way to spend a hot summer day than on a boat with your favorite people? Attracting many of the valleys creatives, Lux is a go-to coffee spot for those wanting a cozy, artistic getaway. Located in the Superstition Wilderness, this state park offers plenty of hiking trails for all hiking levels. The desert town of Sedona lies in the heart of Arizona, in a land of red rock canyons and fragrant pine forests. Finish off the day with a chuckwagon dinner at the Blazin M Ranch. Time from Phoenix:2 hours and 15 minutes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are travel bloggers who enjoy writing about the Nordics and the Eastern Bloc. Many of us grew up watching shows about trains, planes, and automobiles. 1,676. from $235.00. Yet the locals wanted to keep this boom town alive. THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Phoenix - Tripadvisor document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Scottsdales historic district, called Old Town Scottsdale, is a time capsule of the Wild West by day and a nightlife hub by night. Drive to a Park-and-Ride, then hop off directly in front of the stadiums in downtown Phoenix. . As the highway rises in elevation, the desert slowly gives way to the buttes and foothills of the San Francisco Mountains. Travel Time: 3 hrs 16 mins. The Devil Bridge Trail is among the most popular hikes for day-trip travelers. While you are there, dont miss Montezumas Well. Flatiron is a 5.5 mile long trail that covers 2,641 feet of elevation. See the visitors guide to plan out your day in Tucson. We plan (and pay for) all of our own travels, and we use our first hand knowledge to write detailed travel guides to the places we love to help YOU plan an amazing trip. For $2/ride, its an economic option, but the track is limited. You could even take to the streams for some fishing and even kayaking or rafting in nearby Cottonwood. Uptown is centralized around the Historic District that ranges from historic residences to luxury mansions. These are the best day trips from Phoenix! Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers. Small Group Tombstone & San Xavier Mission Day Trip from Phoenix - Viator Sedona: Plan the perfect weekend getaway to Sedona, and learn everything you need to know to go hiking in Sedona. However, to cut down on driving costs, Valley Metro offers convenient Park-and-Rides. Stroll through Old Town Scottsdale to tour the historic district and get a taste of the Wild West. Time from Phoenix:2 hours and 50 minutes. In just about two hours, you can reach Sedona by car and indulge in a spa day, hike among the gorgeous red rocks, and learn about the mysterious vortexes here. Numerous hiking and biking trails, designed for all levels of fitness, lead to waterfalls, flowing springs, and pine-filled canyons. Bring the family to cool off from the summer heat and take a tour of these cave formations. Arizonas first territorial capital, Prescott, still has an old-timey feel. Lowell Observatory is right in town and offers programs throughout the day for stargazers. Payson, a little oasis for the outdoor enthusiast, is only 1.5 hours away. This neighborhood is a foodies dream since the area has a long list of independent restaurants and bars. May 15, 2023 4:01 pm MST. Originally a mining boomtown, it quickly attracted prospectors and outlaws. Phoenix has embraced Lyft and Uber so many venues and public areas have designated areas for pickup. Or cool off in nearby Slide Rock State Park where you can spend the afternoon on a natural waterslide. There are bars for all styles, Read More The 19 Best Airbnbs in Seattle, WashingtonContinue, Florence is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in all of Italy. The Perfect One Day in Phoenix Itinerary To take in the city lights, enjoy your next drink at Upstairs at Flint. At Tonto Natural Bridge State Park you can spend the day splashing around in Pine Creek and exploring the natural wonders nearby. Corral Stables does guided group tours through the same picturesque Superstition Mountains. While it retains many historic structures and dilapidated ruins, it is now a vibrant arts destination. Although fish cant live here, it provides an oasis for a variety of plants and animals that only exist here. Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The 90-foot tall cliff served as both a natural defense against enemy tribes and the annual flooding of Beaver Creek below. The 10 Best Day Trips from Phoenix - SmarterTravel The hot temperatures inspired local resorts to invest in world-class pools with swim up bars, water slides and even lazy rivers. La Grande Orange is a hidden secret of Phoenix. One of the 3 ski resorts in Arizona, Mt Lemmon is a pleasant surprise for desert dwellers. The park is an excellent choice for all skill levels and youll find many of the trails in Saguaro National Park good even during the winters. The museum houses over 20,000 different pieces and is a venue for many exciting events and concerts. The vistas looking out at this incredible wonder are almost too much to take in! Youll enjoy many of the same beautiful sights as Flatiron. But anyone interested in the history of the old west needs to visit Tombstone. Once you climb to the summit, youll witness 360 degree panoramic views of the entire valley. ), 13 Best Things to Do in Honningsvg, Norway (+ North Cape! This 140-acre garden is home to thousands of desert species of plants, proving the desert isnt just brown rocks! The Apache-trail is world famous and wasonce used by the Apache Indians to cut through the mountains. Thats ok because there are dozens of local grills, steakhouses, and restaurants to compensate for any caloric output. The spirit of the Old West is alive and well in this quirky desert town. Dont expect to see all of Phoenix from the light rail. Grand Canyon. For more information: Verde Valley Wine Trail. Its a massive park, and its made more comlicated by the fact that the Mountain sits right smack dab in the middle of it, with no way to go over, under,, Read More Where to Stay Near Mount Rainier National ParkContinue, Your email address will not be published. This sensory experience restaurant is unrivaled. Gold Canyon, Arizona Lost Dutchman State Park over the Superstition Mountains. Its truly a one-of-a-kind bar. But to see a large concentration of these desert giants look no further than Saguaro National Park. In this city guide, well walk you through a complete itinerary for 2 days in Phoenix. 14 Best Day Trips from Phoenix, Arizona (+ Map) - ViaTravelers For more information: Superior, Miami Globe. Or rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. I think it's just human nature to have a fear of lavato be honest. Additionally, it offers a day at the lake less than 2 hours east of Phoenix. At just under 3 hours south of Phoenix, this may be as far as you would want to drive for a day trip. We enjoyed their patio, though they have an indoor space that is air conditioned for those scorching summer days. For those who would prefer a more structured trip, there are a bunch of day trips into the city that depart from Phoenix. By the time you arrive in Flagstaff, you find yourself surrounded by the Coconino National Forest. With a long weekend in Phoenix, you can squeeze in even more gorgeous desert landscapes, which is our favorite part about Arizona. Travel time: 2 hours 15 minutes Surrounded by the world's largest stand of ponderosa pines, the mountain city of Flagstaff sits at 7000ft, and cooler temperatures lure visitors trying to beat southern Arizona's soaring summer heat. The hoodoos and incredible, sometimes mind-boggling rock formations are a unique feature that you can only really find in a handful of places in the country. spots to eat and drink. The tiny neighboring communities of Pine and Strawberry can be found tucked away in the forested mountains of Arizona's Mogollon Rim Country, and are ideal getaways for outdoor enthusiasts. If you decide to stay overnight, there are some extremely affordable Airbnbs in Prescott, too! */, 2023 Meganstarr.com is powered by Targeting, Meganstarr.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. You know, for recovery. Please note, Arizona has extremely strict drinking and driving laws. Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and off-roading are expected. PDF Phoenix, Scottsdale, & Central Region Sedona and Grand Canyon Single Day Tour. And of course, Phoenix and the surrounding area are well known for golfing. Once an active volcano, these caves go more than a mile back and average around 40 F even in the summer.