There are so many things to do near Phoenix, and one of the best things to do is to take a day trip! A day trip gives you an opportunity to get out of the city and explore your area.
If you’re interested in planning some day trips from Phoenix, we’ve got your back. Our team has put together a quick list of some of the best day trips from Phoenix AZ so that you can get out of town and explore your area. Let’s jump in!
1. Sedona
One great choice for anyone wanting to get out of the city for the day is to take a day trip to Sedona from Phoenix. While the town itself doesn’t have a whole lot to offer, the nearby West Fork of Oak Creek is a gorgeous place to go hiking.
On top of that, you can enjoy visiting one of the local restaurants in Sedona. Hideaway House is a great restaurant that gives you a view of the park and of the area’s red rocks.
It will take you about two hours to get to the trailhead from Phoenix, so be sure to run through your car maintenance checklist the night before so that you can be on the road early. That way, you’ll get there before the trails get too busy.
2. Jerome
Jerome is a unique location in Arizona. This used to be an old mining town, but today is a place where tourists can come to learn about the mining boom and the history of the area.
In Jerome, you can check out an old mansion, Jerome’s sliding jail, the Gold King Mine, and the Mine Museum. All of these locations will teach you about the history of the area and will give you the opportunity to learn a little more about this area.
3. Payson and Pine
Payson and Pine are two small towns located at the bottom of the Mogollon Rim plateau. They’re a great place to head out to for some tasty cuisine from local restaurants or to enjoy some hiking.
Water Wheel is one area that’s perfect for people looking to go hiking in the summertime. Or, you can check out nearby Horton Creek which is an eight-mile hike that ends in a stunning freshwater spring.
Another great place to visit in between these towns is Tonto Bridge State Park. This is the largest travertine bridge in the world and boasts beautiful waterfalls for you to check out, too.
4. Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat
For people who aren’t wanting to drive too far away, Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat are only about an hour away from Phoenix. This area offers visitors the chance to get out on the water and enjoy fishing, paddle boarding, swimming, boating, kayaking, and wakeboarding.
Plus, the lake has warm temperatures year-round. That means it’s the perfect place to enjoy your favorite watersports even during the cooler months of the year. Plus, Tortilla Flat has some stunning Mexican cuisine that you won’t want to miss out on.
5. Flagstaff
For people who prefer winter road trips, Flagstaff is a great place to visit. This spot is home to Arizona’s tallest mountain and is a great place to enjoy snowboarding, skiing, and other winter sports.
During the summer, you can enjoy hiking, bird-watching, and taking in the scenery. Bring a pair of binoculars so that you can catch a glimpse of some of the area’s local wildlife!
If you’re heading out to Flagstaff during the cooler season, make sure to have the right winter tires so you can drive safely in the snow. That way, you can enjoy a day full of fun without worry!
6. Tucson
Tucson is the second-largest city in Arizona and is only located an hour and a half away from Phoenix. Because it’s so large, you can check out just about any type of activity when visiting this area.
For people who enjoy spending time in the city, be sure to visit the area’s unique museums. You can check out the area’s air museums, air and space museum, or the San Xavier del Bac mission. Plus, there are plenty of tasty restaurants to swing by after a day on your feet.
If nature is more your scene, be sure to check out Saguaro National Park or Mount Lemmon. Both these areas have hiking trails and mountain biking opportunities and are great places to spot local wildlife.
7. Picacho Peak State Park
Last but not least is Picacho Peak State Park. This park is home to some beautiful hiking trails that take you 1,000 feet up the mountain during the first mile of the hike.
After the first leg of the hike, the trail gets rocky and gives way to areas where you’ll need to hold onto cables to keep your balance. however, when you get to the peak of the mountain, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the area.
At the end of the day, you can head back down the mountain and continue on to nearby Tucson for a tasty meal. Or, you can head back to Phoenix and call it a day.
Plan the Perfect Day Trips from Phoenix
With this handy guide, you’re ready to plan some amazing day trips from Phoenix. It’s time to pack up your car and hit the road for a day of fun outside of the city.
Talking about cars, you want to make sure yours is in mint condition. And, part of that is ensuring that your tires are ready for a long-distance trip. Buy new tires from Treads and get ready to make the perfect day trip from Phoenix!
