The 23 Essential Day Trips from Phoenix

If you’re seeking adventure, you’ll find plenty of fun day trips from Phoenix that fit the bill. As an Arizona local, I’m here to share the best of them with you!

There are so many fun things to do in Phoenix, but the best thing about this desert city is its proximity to so many other Arizona attractions. Outdoor destinations, unique towns, wine country, and more are just a short drive away.

Whether you’re a visitor or a local, these 23 day trips from Phoenix will give you a taste of Arizona you won’t find in the big city. Let’s hit the road!

23 Best Phoenix Day Trips

Sedona

This stunning getaway attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe each year.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Sedona Website | 👉 Browse Sedona Tours on Viator

Let’s start with an obvious Phoenix day trip. Nestled in a magical outcropping of red rock formations, Sedona is one of the most beautiful destinations on earth.

Hikers will love the many incredible hiking trails in Sedona. You’ll snap Instagram-worthy photos at Devil’s Bridge trail, pictured above. Or for a unique experience, visit Slide Rock State Park for a thrilling day of gliding down natural water slides.

If you’re a spiritual person, there’s no shortage of tarot reading, crystals, fortune telling, and vortexes in Sedona. And even if you don’t believe in those things, you’ll feel the magical pull of the town as soon as you turn off on the Red Rock Scenic Byway. 

Flagstaff

Cool down with a mountain escape to this beloved Arizona town.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Flagstaff Website

Flagstaff is a wonderful little college town just north of Sedona. It’s the birthplace of the Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks and home to a younger demographic.

This is where Phoenicians escape to the mountains to get a break during the hottest summer summer months in Arizona. If you visit Sedona beforehand, drive through Oak Creek Canyon to experience the scenic route to Flagstaff.

Take a stroll around the woodsy campus, then walk downtown to find great local coffee (Late for the Train is a delightful coffee shop), beer (Mother Road and Dark Sky are my favorite breweries), and incredible Thai food (Swaddee Thai has the best Panang curry EVER). There are tons of local shops that will keep you amused as well.

Grand Canyon National Park

Experience the breathtaking sights of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours & 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Grand Canyon Website | 👉 Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix

You’ve got to pack for Grand Canyon National Park when visiting Arizona. It’s a bit of a longer day trip from Phoenix than most on this list, but you have to see it to believe it. No postcard can measure up to the beauty of the Grand Canyon in person. 

The South Rim is the desert side of the canyon, much closer to Phoenix than the forested North Rim. You could hike the canyon rim to rim in a day if you’re ambitious. But if you can get a permit, camp at Havasu Falls. It’s an epic spot that will take your breath away.

The Grand Canyon is a very special place. After all, it is a natural wonder of the world. You simply must see it at least once in your life. Since it is quite a ways from Phoenix, I’d recommend this full-day guided tour to take the hassle out of travel accommodations to the Grand Canyon.

🍺 Food & Drink: Check out the historic Bright Angel Lodge at the South Rim for dinner and a beer from Grand Canyon Brewing after exploring the myriad viewpoints the park has to offer.

Jerome

Enjoy a blast from the past with some haunted history in this scenic ghost town.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Jerome Website | 👉 The Best Ghost Tours in Jerome

Jerome was once known as “the wickedest town in the West.” It’s the most popular northern Arizona ghost town and provides endless entertainment in a gorgeous setting. There’s a ton of history in this former copper mining town, which was built into the mountainside just west of Sedona.

I spent my grandpa’s 90th birthday at the famous Jerome Grand Hotel. He stayed in the most haunted room where many spirits allegedly reside. Unfortunately, he didn’t have any paranormal experiences, but many have claimed to feel a presence or spot ghostly figures there. Maybe you’ll see something he didn’t!

If you’re into paranormal activity, try the Pandora’s Box tour to visit Jerome’s most haunted sites. You’ll learn all about the gruesome history of the place and maybe even have a ghostly encounter. This is certainly the spookiest day trip from Phoenix.

Lost Dutchman State Park

Explore over 300 acres of stunning desert scenery named after a legendary gold mine.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Lost Dutchman State Park Website

This is one of the best state parks in Arizona, set at the base of the incredible Superstition Mountains. These unique peaks can be seen from downtown Phoenix, and they offer some of the best hiking trails near Phoenix.

I love exploring Lost Dutchman State Park, both for its beauty and ease of access from the city. The drive from the east side of town is no more than 30 minutes on weekdays. Grab your hiking boots and camera and check out this gorgeous section of the Sonoran Desert. Take a night off from the city by camping at one of over 130 campsites in the park.

Prescott

Get your fill of whiskey and beautiful nature in this elevated, historic town.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour & 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Prescott Website | 👉 E-bike Tour from Prescott to Watson Lake

Prescott is one of the best towns in Arizona. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a low-key day of bar-hopping in a historic setting. 

Whiskey Row is an adorable strip of remodeled saloons and old-Arizona bars that are jam-packed with personality. The town has immeasurable charm, and it’s definitely worth a visit to get even a brief taste of its character (and whiskey, of course).

Watson Lake is only 4 miles away, a gorgeous destination with mountain biking trails, rock climbing, camping, kayaking, fishing, and hiking. If you want to get outdoors but don’t want to feel such an intense burn, try this 2-hour e-bike tour from Prescott to Watson Lake along the Peavine National Recreation Trail!

Scottsdale

Shop ‘til you drop, visit the aquarium, and go to bars and nightclubs, all in one day!

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 20 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Scottsdale Website

Ah, Scottsdale — a fashionista’s paradise. If you want to shop at designer stores and feel like you’re in the Beverly Hills of Arizona, this should be on your day trip list. Alternatively, consider staying overnight in this glitzy city, full of boutique hotels. It’s one of the best places to stay in Phoenix and just northeast of downtown.

When you tire of shopping, visit OdySea, the largest aquarium in the Southwest. Scottsdale is also one of the most popular golf destinations in Arizona. If you want to play 18 holes on pristine fairways, it doesn’t get any better than We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. Your day trip from Phoenix will be in full swing on those greens.

Since Scottsdale is a fancy area, prepare to spend a bit of money. Only the best Phoenix restaurants survive in this area, so you’ll be sure to have a memorable culinary experience, but they’re rarely cheap. This is a great place to visit if you’re celebrating a birthday or a big day.

Tempe

This bustling college town provides a wide range of entertainment.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Tempe Website | 👉 Hole in the Rock & Tempe Lake E-Bike Tour

Tempe is one of the fastest-growing Arizona cities, located just southeast of Phoenix. Home of the ASU Sun Devils, this college town is jam-packed with eclectic bars, shopping centers, and sporting events. 

Catch an entertaining game at the Sun Devil Football Stadium, then enjoy a night out on Mill Avenue. The trendy bars in this hopping area deliver good vibes and good drinks every day of the week.

There are also some easy hiking trails surrounding the campus. The mountains in this area aren’t very big, but you’ll still feel the burn on the hills in nearby Papago Park. Or if hiking isn’t your forte, head to Tempe Town Lake for a relaxing day on the water. You can explore the lake when you rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard from Northshore Watersport Rentals.

Salt River

The real-life lazy river of Arizona. Salt River tubing is a must when you’re in Phoenix! 

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 35 minutes | 📍 Google Maps

If your favorite thing about vacation is heading to the lazy river, you’re in for a treat. Welcome to Phoenix’s real-life lazy river! You’ll likely find ASU students floating by with drink coolers and families enjoying a respite from the city here. And keep an eye out for the wild horses that live on the reserve — they’re not shy!

You’re not a true Arizonan until you tube down the Salt River. A popular summertime activity, you can escape the heat and float down the river for several hours. Rent tubes at Salt River Tubing for $28. This price includes a tube, shuttle service, and free parking. Prepare for a leisurely time with the most relaxing Phoenix day trip.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

See cliffside dwellings created by the indigenous Sinagua people around 1100 AD.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour & 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Montezuma Castle Website | 👉 Montezuma Castle Tours from Phoenix

Montezuma Castle National Monument one of the top Arizona destinations. It’s an eye-catching testament to Native American culture in Arizona. Nestled in the mountains of Camp Verde, these dwellings have been around since 1100 AD. 

If you’re a culture fanatic, this day trip from Phoenix is a must. After all, Montezuma Castle National Monument is one of the first national monuments dedicated to Native American culture in the US! You’ll feel like you stepped into a time machine when you see a part of rich Southwestern history that makes Arizona so special.

If you want to avoid the crowds and escape the busy city for a day, these full-day tours of Montezuma Castle National Monument will be right up your alley. Your guide will drive you from Phoenix and back, and they’ll tell you information about the monument you might not learn on your own.

Cottonwood

Calling all wine-os! This is your sign to relax with a glass of local vino at a scenic vineyard in Arizona wine country.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour & 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Cottonwood Website | 👉 Book a Cottonwood Winery Tour

Did somebody say wine tasting? Prepare for one of the most amazing Arizona day trips in the heart of the state’s wine country.

Cottonwood is home to 24 vineyards and counting, all of which are located on the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Try award-winning cabernets, merlots, and sauvignon blancs at any one of these wineries, a list and map of which can be found here. We Arizonans are big supporters of drinking local, so don’t forget to bring a couple of bottles home with you!

Head to Cottonwood on a weekday to avoid the crowds, but make sure to bring a responsible DD so you can get home safely. If you don’t feel like worrying about who’s driving, this wine tour from Phoenix is the perfect way to enjoy a care-free day.

Tucson

Soak in the icon of the Southwest, the Saguaro cactus, in the Sonoran Desert.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour & 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Tucson Website | 👉 Browse Tucson Tours on Viator

Ah Tucson, my beloved hometown. This place is packed with personality and incredible things to do. The surrounding Sonoran Desert makes it a mecca for outdoorsmen, hikers, and photographers. 

Explore the myriad hiking trails at Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountain Park. They’re the best places to get outside, go horseback riding, and see desert wildlife amid thousands of saguaros. Spend a day at the iconic Arizona Sonora Desert Museum while you’re there!

After exploring Saguaro National Park, take a walk down historic 4th Ave where you’ll find eclectic restaurants and funky shops. Head downtown for a drink at my favorite speakeasy, Tough Luck Club, and visit Hotel Congress where outlaws stayed back in the Wild West days. 

There’s a ton of history in Tucson, so if you’re looking to meet quirky people, explore the Sonoran Desert and learn about the beauty of the Southwest, this is the place. There is so much to do you may even decide to stay in Tucson for a night or two.

🌄 Read Next: 22 Best Tucson Day Trips

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

The ultimate Phoenix day trip for any water sport fanatic.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Lake Pleasant Website

Life is better on a boat. Good thing Phoenix is surrounded by several manmade Arizona lakes, the largest of which is Lake Pleasant.

You can rent paddle boards, kayaks, and even speedboats at this desert oasis. My favorite summertime activity is going boating here. It just doesn’t get any better than a dive in the cold water after cruising around in the Arizona sun.

The best time to visit Lake Pleasant is during the summer into early fall. Try to go on a weekday to avoid the locals with their own boats who bring quite a crowd on the weekends. 

Appreciate this refreshing day trip, but remember to take care of yourself while you’re there. The Arizona heat is no joke, so make sure to put on heaps of sunscreen, drink lots of water and wear a hat!

Canyon Lake

A gorgeous place to boat, swim, and kayak while surrounded by high canyon walls.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps

Canyon Lake is the most scenic and best day trip for outdoor lovers on this list. It’s just 45 miles east of Phoenix and located near the enchanting Superstition Mountains. Look out for bighorn sheep, deer, and families of javelinas navigating the jagged rock fields.

Nowhere near the great size of Lake Pleasant, Canyon Lake has a very different, more intimate feeling to it. As the name alludes, this body of water is surrounded by towering rock walls that cast artistic shadows on the waves as you boat through narrow canyons.

East Clear Creek

A stunning combination of calm waters, rock climbing walls, and petroglyphs.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours | 📍 Google Maps

East Clear Creek is a kayaker’s dream. A winding sandstone canyon with ancient petroglyphs etched into its walls, this waterway is absolutely breathtaking. Once you get past the initial section of graffitied banks (curse the local high schoolers for that), only untouched rock faces remain. 

And if you’re a rock climber, there are even some routes along the creek where you can park your kayak and climb a cliff directly from the water! This place easily makes for an unforgettable day trip from Phoenix. No kayaking experience is required as the waters are typically pretty mild.

Petrified Forest National Park

A surreal landscape filled with ancient trees and native history.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours & 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Petrified Forest National Park Website | 👉 The Ultimate Petrified Forest Tour

Petrified Forest National Park, also known as the Painted Desert, is unlike any place you’ll visit in Arizona. Miles and miles (28 to be exact) of colorful, petrified wood litter the vast grounds. This place feels like another planet and is one of the best national parks in the US, as well as one of the best camping spots in Arizona.

It takes about an hour to drive through the length of the park, so you have plenty of time to make stops and explore the different sections of wondrous sights. It’s a great spot for families who want to spend an educational day surrounded by natural history. Try to go during the week to avoid the crowds.

This land is filled with rich history, so you might want to get a guide to take you out for the day to make the most of your time at the park. This private tour will give you deeper insight into how the Petrified Forest came to be.

Walnut Canyon National Monument

A look back in time at the ancient Native American culture in Arizona.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours & 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Walnut Canyon Website | 👉 Meteor Crater & Walnut Canyon Tour from Phoenix

Just east of Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon National Monument is one of the most remarkable day trips from Phoenix for history buffs and outdoorsmen alike. From above, the canyon is beautiful and vast, giving no hint of the ancient ruins within. Hike down to see why this national monument is so important to Native American history.

The Island Trail is easily walked, just one mile round-trip, and allows access to 25 ancient cliff dwellings. This Phoenix day trip is a wonderful time for families, but you’ll enjoy the beautiful historical ruins whether you’re with a group or on your own. 

Yet another testament to the resilience of Native American culture in Arizona, you don’t want to miss out on Walnut Canyon National Monument.

Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

The site of a meteoric impact near Flagstaff over 50,000 years ago.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Meteor Crater Website | 👉 Meteor Crater & Walnut Canyon Tour from Phoenix

I was just 10 years old when I first visited Meteor Crater and I still remember it like it was yesterday. This nearly mile-long crater, also known as Barringer Crater, formed over 50,000 years ago and is the largest preserved impact site on Earth. The meteorite forever changed northern Arizona during the time of mammoths and ground sloths, and the history of this site is fascinating.

Walk the rim of the crater for a closer look. Explore the museum and take a guided tour to learn more about the impact (pun intended) of this crash. Meteor Crater is a 30-minute drive from the aforementioned Walnut Canyon, so you can definitely hit more than one attraction on this trip.

Fossil Creek

A popular oasis with blue-green pools and rushing falls.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours & 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Fossil Creek Website

Put on your hiking boots and make your way to this local favorite. Fossil Creek feels like a different world, with tropical-looking plants hanging low over bright blue water. It’s one of the best day trips in Arizona and certainly doesn’t feel like any other place in the state.

Be aware that the hike to the creek is pretty easy because you start at the top of the canyon and work your way down. Save lots of time for the climb back out… it’s exhausting to say the least, especially after a day of swimming in the heat. But it’ll be worth it to enjoy a day at this pristine watering hole!

Permits are not required October-March, but the water will be cold. You may want to make a reservation for $6 to visit when it’s warmer. Be sure to check the Coconino National Forest link above to ensure this area is open. Forest fires and harsh weather can affect the status overnight, so double-check before you go!

Payson

The perfect summertime retreat to escape the heat in the big city.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour & 20 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Payson Website

Payson is considered the “heart of Arizona” for its geographical location. Nestled between the Coconino and Tonto National Forests, there is no shortage of desert scenery or woodsy hiking trails in this small town. Visit after the monsoon storms so you can witness raging waterfalls at Water Wheel Falls, a popular hiking destination. 

This wooded day trip makes for an excellent reprieve from the Phoenix heat. Check out Pine and Strawberry if you can, two super small towns just north of Payson.

Florence

A historic town full of interesting shops and tasty Mexican food… and a prison.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Florence Website

Florence is a unique destination… and certainly different from the rest of the day trips on this list. 

The most prominent aspect of this town is the Florence State Prison, one of the largest in Arizona. You can visit the prison museum and gift shop for handcrafted items created by the inmates. My mom is a big fan of this place; she stocks up on holiday gifts here! You certainly won’t find a gift shop like this elsewhere.

The historic buildings downtown are dotted with fun shops and neat architecture. Any history buff will be enthralled for hours in this quirky little town, one of the oldest in Pinal County.

Florence is likely the least talked about day trip from Phoenix, so you‘ll avoid big crowds. Make sure to get some killer Mexican food at Lidia’s Cocina before you head home. Some claim they serve the best Mexican food in all of Arizona!

Kartchner Caverns State Park

A cool (literally) underground getaway that will take your breath away.

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours & 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Kartchner Caverns Website

This was a grade school field trip I never forgot! Discovered in 1974, Kartchner Caverns was kept a secret for years for fear of other cave explorers decimating the pristine interior. Now, these incredibly fragile passages are well-preserved and protected within the state park. 

This is one of those places that sticks with you forever. It’s an unassuming wonder — you’d never know what lies below the surface of the mountain if it weren’t for the incredible tour that takes place under the rocks. 

See mind-blowing stalagmites and stalactites formed over thousands of years. You’ll feel honored to see such a rare sight. Keep in mind that it is extremely humid in the caves, so breathing isn’t the easiest task. Claustrophobics beware! Otherwise, you’ll surely feel revitalized at this special attraction.

Eloy

The sky’s the limit in this small Arizona town. Welcome, skydivers!

🗺️ Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Eloy Website

Eloy is on this list for one reason and one reason only: skydiving. If you’re an adrenaline junkie like me, make your way south to this small Arizona town.

Boasting the world’s largest skydiving center (you read that right, the largest in the world) at Skydive Arizona, Eloy is probably one of the cheaper US cities to indulge in this hobby. 

Whether you’re a first-time skydiver or a licensed professional, you’ll be able to experience the thrill of jumping out of an airplane here. You’ll get quite a unique view of the Sonoran Desert from the sky, but make sure not to go during the summer so you don’t experience a major heat blast.

And if hurling your body thousands of feet through the air doesn’t sound appealing to you, you can opt for a safer environment with a similar thrill at SkyVenture. This indoor wind tunnel simulates the feeling of real skydiving–it’s just nowhere near as scary!

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I hope this list has inspired you to break away from the city. Leave me a comment if you’d like extra help planning your trip. And check out my Arizona road trip guide next!