Phoenix is a fantastic launchpad for unforgettable long weekend adventures. With its central location and diverse landscapes, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re craving a scenic road trip, a serene escape in nature, or a vibrant cultural experience, there’s something for everyone just a short drive away. Having explored many of these gems myself, I’m excited to share the best destinations for a memorable getaway from Phoenix. Pack your bags, and let’s hit the road!
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Introduction
Phoenix is located in the Valley of the Sun in the Sonoran Desert in central Arizona. With over 1.6 million residents, it’s the largest state capital and 5th most populous city in the United States.
The city experiences consistently sunny and warm weather, with typical high temperatures reaching 85°F. Phoenix is encircled by various mountain ranges, such as the McDowell Mountains in the northeast, the White Tank Mountains to the west, the Superstition Mountains to the east, and the Sierra Estrella in the southwest.
Thanks to its desert location and sunny weather, Phoenix serves as a great home base for exploring Arizona. There are many fantastic weekend trips that can be taken from Phoenix to enjoy natural wonders, small artistic towns, and nearby metropolitan areas. With so many options just a short drive away, Phoenix residents are spoiled for choice for quick getaways and day trips.
Sedona
Known for its jaw-dropping sandstone formations, Sedona is one of the most scenic places in Arizona. Located along Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona is surrounded by towering red rock formations like Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, and Bell Rock. The stunning scenery makes Sedona an ideal destination for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and Jeep tours.
The city’s main appeal lies in its natural beauty. The striking red rocks seem to glow both at sunrise and sunset when the rocks appear ablaze in bright orange hues. Photographers flock to Sedona to capture photos of the otherworldly landscape. Even if you’re not an avid hiker, the short walks around Sedona deliver dramatic views, like the easy hike to Devil’s Bridge which leads to an impressive natural sandstone arch.
In town, visitors will find art galleries, restaurants, and shops selling souvenirs and Native American crafts. The healing energies and spiritual powers attributed to the vortex sites around Sedona also attract spiritual seekers and new age travelers.
Sedona offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. Spend the day hiking amid the rock formations, then unwind by visiting the local spas and wineries. The proximity to Phoenix makes Sedona one of the most popular weekend getaways for Phoenix residents.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon makes for an excellent weekend getaway from Phoenix. As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is located in Northern Arizona and offers captivating scenic views along with exciting outdoor recreation.
The 277 mile long canyon displays diverse rock layers carved by the Colorado River over six million years. Unique rock formations showcase changing colors from orange to red to yellow all along the canyon walls, really lending to breathtaking views. There are over 100 side canyons and amphitheaters formed by erosion over time. Volatile weathering continues to transform the landscape in the “house of stone.”
The enormity and geological wonder that is the Grand Canyon makes for an unforgettable trip. The National Park is open year round and offers delights for both nature enthusiasts and casual tourists. Depending on your interests, visitors can hike, bike, raft down the Colorado River, ride a mule to the base of the canyon, take a helicopter tour over the canyon rims, stargaze at one of the darkest skies in the country, or simply admire the views from scenic viewpoints.
A weekend visit to the Grand Canyon, a natural wonder of epic scale, will leave an everlasting impression and provide the perfect short getaway from Phoenix.
Flagstaff
Known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is a popular weekend trip destination from Phoenix offering beautiful forests, hiking trails, and a lively downtown. Located about 2.5 hours north of Phoenix, Flagstaff is surrounded by the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the country.
The cool mountain town provides a nice escape from the desert and heat of Phoenix. Spend a weekend enjoying the outdoors, mountain vistas, craft beer, and cultural attractions.
Hiking and Forests
With the San Francisco Peaks as a backdrop, Flagstaff boasts seemingly endless hiking trails winding through lush pine forests. Hike through meadows of wildflowers in the Spring and Summer or trails blanketed in golden Aspens during Fall. Some top hikes include Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona, as well as Kachina Trail, Mount Elden, and Marshall Lake.
Stop by the Coconino National Forest supervisor’s office to get maps, permits, and hiking information for the 1.8 million acres surrounding Flagstaff.
Lively Downtown
Historic Downtown Flagstaff offers boutique shopping, art galleries, and a nice selection of local restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and coffee shops. On Friday and Saturday nights, live music can be heard from several venues.
Some top spots include Late for the Train draft house, Diablo Burger, Pizzicletta, Mother Road Brewing Company, and Macy’s European Coffee House. Wander through craft markets or catch a show at Orpheum Theater.
Jerome
Founded in 1876, Jerome is a former copper mining town located about 100 miles north of Phoenix in Arizona’s Black Hills. This charming ghost town clings to the side of Cleopatra Hill and provides a unique window into Arizona’s wild west past.
As the most vertical city in America with about 200 feet of elevation change from top to bottom, Jerome was once known as the “Wickedest City in the West.” Gunslingers, miners, hustlers, and ladies of the night roamed the streets back in the day. The town boomed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but went into decline after the mines closed in 1953.
However, Jerome eventually reinvented itself as a tourist destination in the 1960s and became a National Historic Landmark in 1967. Today, Jerome still has an old west vibe with historic buildings, shops, art galleries, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms located along its steep winding streets. Visitors can tour the Douglas Mansion, a former boarding house for female miners, as well as the Jerome State Historic Park to get a glimpse at the area’s mining history.
The town comes alive for special events like the Jerome Home Tour held every spring and the annual Jerome Jamboree on Labor Day weekend. Just walking the quirky streets of Jerome feels like stepping back in time to the old west era. The dramatic views of red rock formations and grassy hills dotted with grazing horses only add to its frontier town charm.
Tombstone
Tombstone is an excellent weekend trip from Phoenix for history buffs and Wild West enthusiasts. Known as “The Town Too Tough to Die,” Tombstone offers an immersive Old West experience complete with historic landmarks and reenactments.
Founded in 1879 after the discovery of silver in the area, Tombstone quickly grew into a boomtown. The town became known for its lucrative silver mines, rowdy saloons, and frequent gunfights. Several legendary figures passed through Tombstone during its heyday in the 1880s, including Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.
The heart of Tombstone’s historic district is Allen Street. Lined with Old West buildings and wooden boardwalks, Allen Street looks much as it did over a century ago. Must-see landmarks include the O.K. Corral, site of the famous 1881 gunfight between the Earps and the Clanton gang. Costumed reenactors stage mock gunfights in the street several times a day. The Tombstone Epitaph newspaper office recreates the printing press where America’s oldest continually published newspaper got its start.
Other highlights include the Bird Cage Theatre, an 1880s dance hall and saloon now filled with eclectic Old West artifacts. Don’t miss Boothill Graveyard, where many of Tombstone’s most notorious residents are laid to rest. Ghost town tours offer glimpses of other historic mine sites just outside town. Of course, no trip to Tombstone is complete without stopping at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon for a sarsaparilla.
With its pristine Wild West setting and lively reenactments, Tombstone offers an entertaining dose of frontier history less than a 3 hour drive from Phoenix. It’s an easy weekend escape that whisks you back to the American Old West.
Lake Havasu City
Located near the California border, Lake Havasu City is a popular weekend getaway from Phoenix known for its beautiful lake views and water recreation. Lake Havasu is a large reservoir along the Colorado River created by Parker Dam, and the city sits along its eastern shore.
The main attraction is Lake Havasu itself. With over 400 miles of shoreline, it is ideal for boating, fishing, water skiing, and swimming. Rent a powerboat, pontoon, kayak or stand up paddleboard and spend the day out on the water. Stop at one of the many coves and beaches for swimming, picnicking and relaxing in the sun.
The London Bridge, which crosses a channel between the mainland and Pittsburgh Point, is the city’s most famous landmark. This bridge was originally built over the River Thames in London but was dismantled and rebuilt in Lake Havasu City in 1971. Today it is a popular spot for photographs and viewing the lake. Walk along the bridge before exploring the shops and restaurants on Pittsburgh Point.
Lake Havasu also offers many hiking trails, including the Lakeview Trail which winds along the shoreline, as well as trails leading into the surrounding desert and mountains. After a day on the lake, grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants, many of which have patios with views overlooking the water. For the best sunsets head to the English Village or the Lighthouse Lounge.
With its beautiful desert climate, activities on and around the lake, and proximity to Phoenix, Lake Havasu City makes for a rejuvenating weekend escape.
Tucson
Tucson is a vibrant desert city in southern Arizona that offers a mix of culture, history, outdoor adventures, and urban attractions. Located about 2 hours south of Phoenix, Tucson makes for an excellent easy weekend getaway.
Tucson has a distinct Mexican influence thanks to its proximity to the border. You’ll find countless Mexican restaurants, boutiques, and markets throughout the city. The culture shines through in the architecture too – visit the San Xavier del Bac Mission to see an iconic Spanish Colonial church. For shopping, dining, and nightlife, head to the trendy 4th Avenue neighborhood.
Art and history lovers will enjoy visiting the Arizona History Museum and the Center for Creative Photography. The Pima Air and Space Museum offers an up-close look at aircraft from around the world. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike through Sabino Canyon and see the desert landscape from Seven Falls. At night, gaze at the stars at Kitt Peak National Observatory.
No trip to Tucson is complete without trying authentic Sonoran-style Mexican food. Enjoy tacos, enchiladas, chiles rellenos, and more! Cool off from the desert heat with margaritas, micheladas, and agua frescas at restaurants throughout the city. With its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful natural surroundings, Tucson makes for a memorable weekend escape.
Bisbee
Bisbee is a charming historic mining town located about 90 miles southeast of Phoenix in southeastern Arizona. Nestled high in the picturesque Mule Mountains of Cochise County, this former copper mining boomtown turned artist’s colony is one of Arizona’s best preserved early 1900’s towns.
Bisbee was founded in 1880 after the discovery of rich mineral deposits in the surrounding mountains. For nearly a century, Bisbee was a thriving copper, gold, and silver mining town, home to one of the most productive copper mines in the country. Dubbed “The Queen of the Copper Camps”, Bisbee’s population swelled to over 20,000 during its heyday in the early 1900s.
After the mines closed in the 1970s, Bisbee reinvented itself as a tourist destination and artists’ colony. Its charming historic buildings and winding hilly streets lined with Victorian-era architecture make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Today, Bisbee is a friendly and funky little town dotted with art galleries, antique shops, cafes, brewpubs and restaurants housed in historic buildings.
Some of Bisbee’s top attractions include taking a guided underground mine tour at the Queen Mine, shopping for antiques and local arts & crafts along Main Street, exploring the lavender farm at the Bisbee Lavender Pit, and enjoying a meal or drink while soaking in the old west ambience on Brewery Gulch. Bisbee’s hilly terrain makes it a fun town to explore on foot. Don’t miss stopping into the historic Copper Queen Hotel for a drink in the saloon dating back to 1900. With its rich history and captivating old west charm, Bisbee makes for a delightful weekend getaway from Phoenix.
Conclusion
Phoenix residents are fortunate to have an abundance of fantastic weekend trip destinations right in their backyard. From the Grand Canyon’s stunning vistas to lively lake towns like Lake Havasu City, there are myriad options for quick getaways.
When planning a weekend trip from Phoenix, keep the following tips in mind:
- Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. The varied elevations around Arizona mean temperatures can fluctuate greatly.
- Leave early on Friday if you can. This gives you more time to settle in and explore the destination.
- Research your options for activities, dining, and nightlife ahead of time. Popular spots book up, so reservations are a good idea.
- Travel during off-peak times if crowds concern you. Some destinations get very busy during peak seasons.
- Fill up your gas tank before leaving town. Some remote areas have limited services.
- Bring supplies like sunscreen, hats, snacks, and water. The desert sun is intense.
- Make the most of your time by planning a mix of relaxation and adventure.
With some smart preparation, Phoenix residents can enjoy idyllic weekend escapes across Arizona. The state’s diverse landscapes offer something for every type of traveler.
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