Phoenix is the hot and dusty state capital of Arizona. Within a few hours from this place, you can explore natural wonders, mining towns turned into artist colonies, and more. In Arizona, if you want to explore more about nature so a day trips from Phoenix are the perfect option.
The area under Phoenix is home to many top-rated historical places and parks offering an abundance of outdoor adventures.
If you don’t want to drive, so you can also take organized tours to some of the most famous destinations surrounding Phoenix. But always remember one thing an unplanned trip is more adventurous or enjoyable than a planned trip.
So in this blog, you will get to know the 9 best places for day trips from Phoenix and at the end of this blog, we will tell you the tips by which you can travel safely abroad.
9 Weekend Day Trips From Phoenix
- Grand Canyon
- Sedona
- Saguaro National Park, Tucson
- Flagstaff
- Tortilla Flat
- Prescott
- Jerome
- Montezuma Castle National Monument
- Los Angeles
1. Grand Canyon
This place is one of the most famous and real natural wonders in the United States of America. There are some points where you can experience this majestic natural place. The most famous Lipon Point is offering breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon itself and the Colorado River meandering below.
If you want to see the best view of Grand Canyon so the best time to visit in this place is sunset or sunrise. During this time you can capture more impressive views.
Grand Canyon Top Attractions
- Visitor Center and Mather Point Overlook
- Rim Trail
- Geological Museum
- Hermit Road Drive
- Bright Angel Hiking Trail
- Desert View Drive
- Desert View Watchtower
- Wildlife Viewing
- Lookout Studio and the Kolb Gallery
2. Sedona
When you start a day trip from Phoenix so the Sedona is easy to reach and explore. It is one of the most scenic places in the southwest and the main attraction of this place is architecture, galleries, and sacred sites.
Sedona has a unique vibe and attracts visitors with a diverse variety of interests. This place is one of Arizona’s most beautiful destinations and also known as a spiritual center.
There are a lot of things to do by which you can enjoy your day trip to Sedona and don’t worry we will give you the list of things to do and place where you can enjoy your journey.
Things To Do in Sedona
- Cathedral Rock
- Uptown Sedona
- Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive
- Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Jeep Tours
- Hiking Trails
- Mountain Biking Trails
- Energy Vortexes
- Bell Rock
3. Saguaro National Park, Tucson
This place is for those who want to do hiking and anyone with a love of saguaros and desert scenery. This place is just about a 2-hour drive and That’s why it is the best place for a day trip from Phoenix.
Saguaro divided into two parts one is east and the other one is west.
Things to do in Saguaro National Park, Tucson
- Bajada Loop Drive
- Cactus Forest Drive
- Hike TO Manning Camp
- See The Beautiful Flowers Bloom
- Stop By The Visitors Center
- Gaze Up At Mica Mountain
- See Ancient Petrgylphys On Signal Hill Trail
- AKE A Photo Next To The Biggest Saguaro You Can Find
- Watch The Sunset From The Hugh Norris Trail
4. Flagstaff
You can easily see that Flagstaff has a dramatically different climate than Phoenix. Towering pine trees surround the city, giving it an almost alpine feel. In the downtown, there are historic section route 66, has a number of historic buildings, interesting restaurants, and sports stores.
The best season to visit this place in winter because in winter you can expect to find snow in Flagstaff, and often lots of it in the surrounding mountains.
Popular Attractions in Flagstaff
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
- Wupatki National Monument
- Arizona Snowbowl
- Lowell Observatory
- Museum of Northern Arizona
- Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
- Pioneer Museum
- Historic Downtown
5. Tortilla Flat
This place has a little more than a handful of buildings and a single-digit population. It is just about a 2-hour drive and the best natural destination for a day trip from phoenix.
A beautiful Canyon Lake is also the best attraction near Tortilla Flat and the most visited place also, and that’s why tortilla flat is the best destination for a day trips from Phoenix.
Best Things To Do Near Tortilla Flat
- Apache Trail Scenic Drive
- the Dolly Steamboat
- Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch Kayaking & Tubing
- Apache Trail Tours
- Tonto National Forest
- Canyon Lake
- Superstition Mountains
- Saguaro Lake Ranch Stable
- Superstition Mountain Museum
6. Prescott
It is a unique destination in Arizona. The city has own historical identity and related attractions. As per the season, Prescott has a mild winter season but does have snow.
Top Things to do in Prescott
- Historic Downtown/Courthouse Plaza
- Watson Lake
- Sharlot Hall Museum
- Hiking
- Lynx Lake Recreation Area
- Phippen Museum
- Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
- Thumb Butte Hiking Trail
- The Smoki Museum
7. Jerome
In your visit to Jerome, you will see history throughout the place, from old mansions built during the mining days to a portion of jail that slide down Cleopatra Hill and the oldest dining facility in Arizona.
The town’s mining story is on full display at the Jerome State Historic Park and the Mine Museum.
The area abandoned and left to become a ghost town but Jerome has found new life through tourism.
Things To Do in Jerome
- Jerome State Historic Park
- Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum
- Audrey Headframe Park
- Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town
- Caduceus Cellars
- Cellar 433
- Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery
- Ghost Town Tours
- Raku Gallery
8. Montezuma Castle National Monument
The area built into a limestone cliff wall, it is one of the most uniquely interesting of its kind near phoenix.
You can’t go inside the dwellings but you can view it closely.
It’s also easy to reach. The site sits right off Interstate 17, about 1.5 hours north of central Phoenix.
Best Things To Do in Montezuma Castle National Monument
- Predator Zip Lines
- Fort Verde State Historic Park
- M Diamond Ranch
- Out of Africa Wildlife Park
- Arizona Offroad Tours
- V Bar V Heritage Site
- Montezuma Well National Monument
- Cliff Castle Casino
- Verde Valley Archaeology Center
9. Los Angeles
It’s hard to define a city like Los Angeles, this place has everything to amaze and mesmerize you.
Walkable is not the right word for Los Angeles, but there’s ample opportunity for exercise on scenic hikes in the Hollywood Hills or leisurely bike rides along that string of sandy beaches.
Los Angeles is the most visited and beautiful city, that’s why it is the best option for a day trip from Phoenix.
Top Things To Do in Los Angeles
- Hollywood Sign
- The Getty Center
- Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
- Griffith Park
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
- Venice
- Getty Villa
- California Science Center
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Bottomline
So these are the recommended list of best nearby places for a day trip from Phoenix. Every place has many things to do and see so we also listed the best attractions, places and top things to do in all the listed places.
This is the wrap of my blog and we hope this blog will help you to organize your trip in a proper way, and for more specific details or any query, you can comment on this blog below. Thank you
