Arizona is full of incredible places to visit. There’s something for everyone in the state. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cool bucket list items, or simply relaxing at a resort spa, you’ll find your place in Arizona.
Just about everywhere in Arizona, you’ll find a jaw-dropping landscape that beckons you to explore it. That’s why this state is the perfect place for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
When choosing where to go, don’t forget to look beyond the big destinations like Phoenix and Sedona to the smaller, quirky places like Bisbee and Prescott; you won’t be disappointed.
To help you consider it all, this list has the 11 best weekend getaways in Arizona. Let’s check ’em out.
1. Sedona
A perfectly relaxing weekend getaway awaits in Sedona.
This desert oasis is ideal for relaxing, recharging, and getting into nature. Here, you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty of the red rocks, with tons of opportunities to hike at every level of difficulty.
The West Fork Trail at Oak Creek Canyon is a favorite; it features not only red rocks but also water and shaded areas perfect for picnics.
Resorts and spas in Sedona are ready to help you relax with massages, yoga, and luxurious pools. Sedona’s restaurants, unique shops, and thriving art scene will help fill your weekend to-do list.
On a budget? No worries, there are plenty of free things to do in Sedona too!
2. Flagstaff
Outdoor enthusiasts love Flagstaff with all of its terrain to explore, making it one of the best weekend getaways in Arizona.
A great place to visit is Sunset Crater National Monument. Here you’ll see how volcanic activity has designed the landscape.
Nearby, at Wupatki National Monument, you’ll discover Native American archeological sites.
During the winter, you can shred the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl, making Flagstaff the best of winter sports getaways in Arizona.
I spent several weeks in Flagstaff and wrote up a big list of 45 fun things to do in Flagstaff Arizona.
3. Page and Antelope Canyon
Page is another one of the best weekend getaways in Arizona for outdoor adventures.
At Glen Canyon National Recreation Center and Lake Powell, you’ll find everything from water sports to hikes into the landscape.
Page is also home to the famous Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, two of the must-see natural wonders in Arizona.
You’ve probably seen these as iconic photos, but it’s nothing compared to seeing them IRL.
Get my full list of the best things to do in Page Arizona.
4. Tucson
Situated in the Sonoran Desert, Tucson is ideal for an outdoor weekend getaway in Arizona.
A must-do is to visit Saguaro National Park.
There are two sections to this Arizona national park.
You can drive the Saguaro East to have incredible views of the landscape, then hike or bike the Cactus Forest Trail.
Or get out and hike the trails of Saguaro West, where you’ll get up close to the famous cacti that dot the landscape.
Back in town, Tucson is a city filled with culture, fun, and delicious food. Plan to eat at El Charro Café, the oldest Mexican restaurant in Tucson.
For lunch and the great outdoors, enjoy a bite at the bistro, then take in the trails and art work at Tohono Chul Gardens, Galleries, and Bistro.
Read my guide to visiting Tucson for more fun things to do in southern Arizona.
5. Grand Canyon
Although you could definitely spend more than 2 or 3 days exploring the Grand Canyon, you can still have a great weekend filled with blockbuster activities.
Key things to schedule in are the Grand Canyon Skywalk if you’re visiting West Rim.
The North Rim of Grand Canyon is generally less crowded than the south side, but it’s just as magnificent. You’ll want to book your accommodations in advance.
At Grand Canyon South Rim, plan ahead for hiking the trails like Bright Angel or South Kaibab, rafting the Colorado River, and even a helicopter tour.
Grand Canyon Village has hotels and restaurants that are located at the South Rim. This makes a Grand Canyon weekend trip super convenient.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Day Trip to Petrified Forest National Park
6. Prescott
The charming city of Prescott is one of the most unique weekend getaways in Arizona. You’ll love exploring the historical past of Prescott.
Downtown is filled with Victorian homes and old western saloons along Whiskey Row.
Learn about the pioneer era at the Sharlot Hall Museum, see artifacts, and learn more about Southwest Indian art and culture at the Museum of Indigenous People.
Like lots of other places in Arizona, Prescott has tons of trails to explore.
But in Prescott, you’ll be surrounded by ponderosa pines and have several lakes to hike around or get out on the water. Watson Lake is the most popular for outdoor sports and picnics by the water, and it’s also great for hiking. In fact, Watson Lake was my favorite place to hike in Prescott!
7. Scottsdale
If you’re looking for a luxurious weekend getaway in Arizona, head to Scottsdale.
This city caters to visitors looking for a vacation filled with the best in everything from spa resorts to champion golf courses.
There are tons of world-class restaurants, high-end shops, art galleries, and boutiques throughout Scottsdale.
In Old Town Scottsdale, you’ll find tons of bars and live music where you can party all night.
8. Phoenix
Phoenix is one of the best Arizona weekend getaways.
The desert climate is just about perfect for anyone looking to thaw out during the winter months.
Outdoor activities are around every corner in Phoenix. Hikes into the Sonoran Desert are a favorite activity of locals and visitors alike at the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve.
Strolling the botanic gardens, hiking the trails, watching the sunset at Papago Park, or golfing on world-class courses are also at the top of any to-do list in Phoenix.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 10 Best Weekend Trips From Phoenix
9. Kartchner Caverns State Park
For one of the most adventurous weekend getaways in Arizona, travel deep into the earth on a tour of the Kartchner Caverns.
You’ll be surrounded by awe-inspiring stalagmites and stalactites as you explore the Rotunda and Throne Rooms.
To spend a weekend at Kartchner Caverns, consider camping at the state park.
This is a great way to explore the park from sunup to sundown. It’s also a perfect way to enjoy a budget-friendly weekend getaway in Arizona.
10. Bisbee
Bisbee is a quirky Arizona town with a diverse history, making for an interesting Arizona weekend trip.
Bisbee has some really cool places to stay in town.
Choose from vintage airstream trailers, a school bus, or the Copper Queen Hotel that’s said to have active ghosts in residence.
At the Copper Queen Mine, you can journey into the earth to see how precious metals were mined from the earth.
There are really cool shops in Bisbee, including vintage and antique shops.
11. Jerome
It was considered the “Wickedest Town in the West” back in the day. But don’t worry, it’s not so rough now.
Instead, you’ll have a great time checking out the thriving artist community or trying to spot ghosts said to haunt the town.
You can visit Jerome State Park with the Douglas Mansion to learn about the town’s mining history.
In town, you’ll have fun strolling the vintage shops, wineries, and art galleries.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are so many awesome places to visit in Arizona. With so many different things to do, it’s hard to choose one for your next Arizona weekend trip. Not to worry, you can use this list of fun weekend getaways in Arizona to plan more than just one trip.
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