Phoenix is found right in the heart of Arizona, one of the most enriching regions of the United States. This makes it a pretty splendid gateway to explore a ton of amazing destinations around the state.
If you’re currently itching to get away from the city if only for a day, Phoenix’s privileged location makes it a perfect hub for wonderful day trips no matter the adventure you’re after. You can drive just a little north of Phoenix to visit the Tonto National Forest or drive to Apache Junction and visit the infamous Superstition Mountains.
From striking desert landscapes that come in all shades of colors to experiencing millions of years worth of geological history and encountering the luxury of the wild west at its finest, here are 10 amazing day trips from Phoenix you’ve got to consider for your next escapade!
10 Incredible Day Trips From Phoenix
1. Montezuma Castle National Monument
Interested in learning more about the people who have called Arizona their home throughout time? Montezuma Castle National Monument is a mecca for archeological goodness. Especially if you’re keen to take a step back in time to the era of the Sinagua people.
As you explore the monument, you’ll get to glimpse into the past and get a pretty good picture of how the Sinagua Native Americans once lived by checking out some of the best-conserved cliff dwellings on the continent, which you’ll find high up on a 15,000- feet cliff!
2. Prescott
Located only a two-hour drive away from Phoenix, Prescott is where Western culture and modern living meet.
Famous for its live music venues, its historic Whiskey Row, and its lively bars, the nightlife in Prescott is renowned for being seriously epic. If you’re into history, you’ll find yourself in heaven here. As the entire place is dotted with museums and historic buildings that tell the stories of the area’s past.
Outdoor escapades are also a staple of Prescott thanks to the fact that its outskirts brim with amazing hiking trails, horseback riding adventures, lakeside outings, and other wonderful destinations you can pair with your visit. Including Granite Dells, Watson Lake, and Granite Basin!
3. Petrified Forest National Park
Hundreds of millions of years ago, heavy floods brought logs into the area. Volcanic activity later buried the dead
Today, colorful sparkly logs make the landscape at Petrified Forest National Park look like a glittering rainbow. A scenery you’re not bound to find anywhere else in the world. And will make you feel as though you were transported to another planet.
Petrified Forest is relatively small. This means you can easily explore its highlights on a day trip from Phoenix. A few can’t-miss activities include checking out the colorful landscape at Painted Desert, hiking the Giant Logs Trail to see the largest logs in the park, and visiting Crystal Forest.
4. Scottsdale
In the mood for a luxurious outing? Located in the heart of the desert, Scottsdale is a picture-perfect town
After strolling the town’s quaint streets, you can also head out in search of activities in nature. Which range from hiking, biking, and even hot air ballooning. For some serious desert goodness, make sure you plan a small detour to McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Where you’ll get the chance to explore the forefront of the Sonoran Desert!
Make sure to explore North Scottsdale, not just Old Town as there’s a whole different experience up north than where all the party people want to spend their time going out at night. If you are a family or have a family you want to take places north of Phoenix, Scottsdale will be the best use of time and ability to spread out or go altogether.
5. Tucson
Tucson is one of the most emblematic cities in Arizona. And a wonderful destination for a mix of authentic
Thanks to the fact that Tucson is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the entire city is dotted with saguaro cacti, making its streets look incredibly photogenic. You can visit the Saguaro National Park to see more of the natural beauty that only seeps into Tuscon. During your time in Tucson, you can take a trip back in time to the Old West by visiting museums, like Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Check out tons of historical sites. And get the chance to explore further afield by heading to the outskirts in search of desert adventures!
6. Tombstone
Tombstone, Arizona: the perfect destination for your next wild west adventure.
From the gunfight at the O.K. Corral to the historic Birdcage Theatre, Tombstone has been a fixture of American history since 1879. The town was originally founded by prospectors seeking gold and silver in the area’s hills—but it was also home to one of the most notorious shootouts in U.S. history. In 1881, two feuding groups faced off over a disagreement about water rights at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone’s main street—and it didn’t end well for any of them!
Tombstone is located in Cochise County, just north of Tucson and south of Bisbee on Highway 80 between Benson and Willcox. It’s only about an hour from both Tucson International Airport (TIA) and Sky Harbor Airport (PHX).
7. Winslow
Winslow was put on the map for its feature on the Eagles’ ‘Take It Easy’ song. Which made it a famous stop on
Winslow’s days of glory may be in the past now. But visiting it for a day is still a pretty charming experience. The entire town is dotted with historical sites and its outskirts are lined by pretty interesting attractions. Including various petroglyph sites and the best-conserved meteor crater in the world!
Moreover, if you’re a fan of rock’n’roll, make sure to also check out the town’s most iconic corner. The exact one mentioned in the Eagles song! Here, you can also see the Glenn Frey statue. Which was placed right there for visitors to come and pay tribute.
8. Sedona
Sedona is your go-to for all things desert magic, making it a wonderful day trip to take from Phoenix if you want to
While visiting, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to picking what to see and do. Activities in Sedona range from hiking in the desert to exploring ancient cultures, and checking out the town’s art scene. Or taking part in tons of outdoorsy activities that provide a perfect blend of nature and cultural heritage. Of all the must-see spots in Sedona, I highly recommend checking out Oak Creek Canyon and Cathedral Rock. The natural beauty is truly breathtaking.
9. Grand Canyon National Park
There are many ways to describe the Grand Canyon. Some might call it a natural wonder of the world—and they’d be right. Others might call it a must-see attraction if you’re planning a trip to Phoenix, Arizona. But I think the best way to describe this iconic landmark is as an experience that’s worth every second of your time.
This national park attracts 4 million visitors every year, so you can expect a crowd. But when you’re surrounded by such breathtaking views, even the crowds won’t bother you.
If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, I recommend heading for the South Rim. Grand Canyon South Rim is the most popular spot in the park because it offers the iconic views that most people will only ever see in a photograph. From the South Rim you can take in the incredible scenery from nearly two dozen viewpoints, including a couple with views all the way down into the heart of the canyon.
The South Rim is great for first time visitors because it has several services and activities available. You’ll have easy access to the museum, the Grand Canyon IMAX Experience, shops, Grand Canyon Railway, and a ton of information at the visitor center.
If you’re interested in hiking, be sure to check out Bright Angle Trail and Horseshoe Mesa Trail. These two trails are short and easy—perfect for first-time hikers.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or both—you’ll find it at the Grand Canyon National Park!
10. Tortilla Flat
If you are looking for a scenic drive where you can take a dip in the lake, enjoy a picnic by the water. And even check out the coolest little self-sustaining town, look no further than Tortilla Flat. Tucked away in the mountains
On your way to Tortilla Flat, be sure to stop in and check out Goldfield, an old mining ghost town, Lost Dutchman State Park, and Superstition Springs Mountain for hiking and to also give your legs a little stretch.
Apache Junction has so many cute stops along the way as well if you want to see things from yesteryear. Not to mention the views are so incredible! Apache Junction is also the starting point of the Apache Trail scenic drive. While taking the 42 mile drive down the Apache Trail you’ll pass Canyon Lake. Canyon Lake is a stunning desert lake with multiple marinas, beach areas, and RV parks.
During the busy season, Tortilla Flat is really busy during 12-3. So come between 10-12 and after 3 until the town
When you first arrive in Tortilla Flat, you will find yourself with a row of building on the right side of the road.
If you are coming during the slower or less busy times, between the end of April and to the beginning of October, you will see the Mercantile first. Then you will see the post office. You can send letters and packages as it is an actual working post office. Next, be sure you stop in the bathrooms, even if you don’t need to. The bathrooms have been updated and have special characters hand-painted you don’t want to miss.
Next, when you are ready to nosh, head into the restaurant.
And during the nicer times of the year, you can order
All around the town, you will find picture opportunities and items that have been donated to the town for display.
Moving on down the way, you will find a shop filled with gelato made in-house, local food items, and travel souvenirs. I highly recommend the Prickly Pear, it’s delicious!
Right past the gelato shop, you will find a replica of the schoolhouse that existed in 1920 where the
museum is now housed.
Make sure to sign the guest book as you never know when they will make the next wallpaper and display your name on the wall! Learn about the flood which washed out the town and caused a rebuild where it is located today. You can also find out which building burnt and had to be rebuilt and which president visited the town inside the museum.
And just as you are at the edge of town, be sure to hop in the jail and figure out the puzzle to escape!
It will be the first time you are encouraged to escape! Feel free to let your kids also try and run off some energy in town.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Phoenix?
The best time to visit Phoenix is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). During spring and fall, the temperatures are mild. It can get extremely hot during the summer and it tends to rain the most during the winter. That said, there’s really no bad time to visit Phoenix as long as you are prepared.
Have you ever taken any of these amazing day trips from Phoenix? If so, I’d love to know what your experience was like, so feel free to tell me all about it in the comment section below!
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