Whether you’re a local looking to get away for a bit or want to enhance your extended visit to the city, there are so many great options for weekend trips from Phoenix.
Within a short drive, you’ll reach awesome destinations where you can indulge in self-care, visit historical sites, go on an outdoor adventure, and enjoy world-class cuisine.
The more time I spend in Arizona the more it fuels my wanderlust and I realize that there’s still abundant places to keep exploring in the Southwest.
The great city of Phoenix has so much to offer when it comes to culture, history, and entertainment. But the truth is that it’s also a great idea to head out of the city for a few fabulous days exploring new places.
It’s all here in this list of the best weekend getaways from Phoenix.
In this article:
Map of Best Weekend Trips From Phoenix
1. Prescott (1 hour 30 minute drive)
For those looking for great outdoor adventures and intriguing historical sites, Prescott is one of the best weekend trips from Phoenix.
Sitting at an elevation of around 5,400 feet, you’ll notice much cooler temps in Prescott compared to Phoenix.
And with the cooler temps, you’ll love hiking the rock formations of the Granite Dells at Watson Lake and getting out on the lakes for fun on the water. You can check out our list of 5 beautiful lakes around Prescott and find just the right one for your current mood.
History buffs will love touring downtown with its historic buildings, visiting Sharlot Hall Museum, checking out artifacts, and learning about Native American culture at the Museum of Indigenous People.
Definitely grab a drink at an old western saloon along Whiskey Row.
Watson Lake is a perfect place to spend a day hiking, boating, or simply relaxing with a beautiful view
2. Sedona (2 hour drive)
When you’re looking to get away from it all, Sedona is seriously one of the absolute best weekend trips from Phoenix.
In just 2 hours, you’ll be in Sedona’s beautiful red rock landscape.
Get into nature by hitting the trails on foot or mountain bike. When you’re ready to chill out and find your Zen, Sedona has got you covered.
Visit the Sedona vortexes and feel the vibe. Or head over to the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park for some relaxing and meditative moments with gorgeous views.
Spas will help you relax and unwind. Sedona’s great selection of restaurants will get you recharged.
3. Grand Canyon National Park (3.5 hour drive)
The Grand Canyon is a no-brainer if you’re looking for the best weekend trips from Phoenix that add to your bucket list.
In just about a 3.5-hour drive, you’ll be able to check off a major bucket list item.
During a weekend you can definitely achieve some of the incredible activities in Grand Canyon National Park.
If you plan it just right, you can do things like rafting on the Colorado River, visit the Yavapai Geology Museum, and of course hiking Bright Angel Trail.
South Rim Grand Canyon is worth the drive for the spectacular views and hiking
4. Page and Antelope Canyon (4 hour 15 minute drive)
Page is the place if you’re looking for some of the most incredible weekend trips from Phoenix for outdoor experiences.
In Page you’ll find both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, two of the most iconic natural formations in the US. Just make sure to plan your visit and make reservations in advance for Antelope Canyon.
For a chance to see the sunlight streaming down through the red sandstone slot canyon book the Upper Antelope Canyon tour around midday. This is the easiest tour because it’s basically flat with no stairs to climb and no ladders.
You can also tour Lower Antelope Canyon, which is a bit more narrow and requires climbing a couple of staircases and some ladders inside the canyon.
I did both tours and I preferred the lower canyon because I felt it had more photo opportunities, but both tours were fantastic, well organized, fun, and informative. Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo land, and the tours are run by the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation.
Page is also home to Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Center, which have tons to do outdoors. Water levels at Lake Powell have fluctuated a lot lately with drought and then recovering to more normal levels with spring runoff and more rain.
Read my list of the best things to do in Page AZ
One of the top things to do in Page is the Antelope Canyon tour – this photo is from Lower Antelope Canyon
5. Flagstaff (2 hour 20 minute drive)
Most people know Flagstaff as a great home base for visiting the Grand Canyon or as a stop on Route 66.
But the truth is Flagstaff is a super cool destination all on its own and it’s less than 3 hours from Phoenix.
A superb place for outdoor enthusiasts, your Flagstaff itinerary will be packed with everything from mountain biking Shultz Pass Loop and hitting the hiking trails like Campbell Mesa Loop or Picture Canyon.
Don’t miss checking out Walnut Canyon, the Lava River Cave, Wupatki National Monument or the Lowell Observatory. All these make Flagstaff one of the best weekend trips from Phoenix.
Another thing I love about Flagstaff is all the unique coffee shops. Check out Macy’s European Coffee House & Bakery at 14 S Beaver Street in central Flagstaff. Coffee + bakery what else do you need?
Okay, maybe you’re like me and you need beer after a hike, in that case I recommend Mother Road Brewing at 7 S Mikes Pike St is just off Route 66 for craft brewery with indoor/outdoor seating. Plus the patio is dog friendly so you can bring your furbaby. Also check out Lumberyard Brewing at 5 S San Francisco St is in the heart of Flagstaff. This microbrewery has a patio with firepit and a pub grub menu.
For more ideas and adventures read my list of 45 fun things to do in Flagstaff!
Escape to Flagstaff for a weekend getaway and be sure to visit Wupatki ruins
6. Tucson (1 hour 45 minute drive)
In just about a 2 hour drive from Phoenix you’ll be in the great city of Tucson, making it one of the best weekend trips from Phoenix.
Looking for outdoor adventure in Tucson? Hop over to Saguaro National Park or check out the trails at Sabino Canyon.
You can also take a gorgeous scenic drive up to Mount Lemmon. And because the elevation is so much higher than Tucson it’s several degrees cooler at Mount Lemmon.
There’s even a skiing in winter. In summer you can take the ski lift to the top for some fabulous views and then hike back down.
For history just head to El Presidio Historic District where there are historic sites and museums.
Don’t worry about what to eat – Tucson’s restaurant scene is so good it’s been designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. My fave taco place is Seis Kitchen over at 130 South Avenida del Convento near downtown but there are lots of great taco joints in Tucson.
Also check out Hotel Congress where a famous gangster named John Dillinger once stayed. Besides the historic significance the hotel is home to the Cup Cafe which is my favorite place for breakfast or brunch downtown. When you want to chillax Tiger’s Tap Room is the place to be. They’ve got all sorts of cool artwork including the largest collection of Pete Martinez cowboy artwork in the world.
Read my Tucson Guide for more info including where to stay in Tucson.
Spend a day at Sabino Canyon for waterside picnics, hiking trails, and wildlife watching
7. Monument Valley (5 hour drive)
Movie fans will have no problem with the 5 hour drive to visit Monument Valley. Why? Its incredible landscape has been used at the setting of numerous films including Easy Rider, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and the blockbuster Forrest Gump.
You’ll love spending time in Monument Valley as it’s totally one of the best weekend getaways from Phoenix for anyone who loves road trips.
One of the best things to do is drive the Tribal Park Loop. It will take you past some of the most iconic sites in the valley and you’ll see why this awesome landscape has been used in the movies.
For sure it’s a long drive from Phoenix to Monument Valley so make it a long weekend!
For mesmerizing otherworldly landscapes head to Monument Valley
8. Tonto National Forest (1 hour – 2 hour drive)
Located about an hour from downtown, Tonto National Forest is one of the best weekend getaways from Phoenix. When in Arizona’s largest forest, exploring the beautiful landscape is an absolute must.
One of my favorite Arizona hikes is the Wave Cave at Tonto National Forest.
You’ll love kayaking Saguaro Lake and hiking Rim Lakes Vista Overlook. See the Salado cliff dwellings at Tonto National Monument.
Don’t miss out on visiting Tortilla Flat or looking for spirits at Goldfield Ghost Town.
Early spring when the wildflowers bloom is an ideal time to hike the Wave Cave trail
9. Las Vegas (5 hour drive)
Sin City doesn’t really need an introduction. We all know that this fabulous city has it all from spectacular nightlife to world-class entertainment, restaurants, shops, and resorts.
You don’t even need to set foot in the casinos, there’s tons of fun things to do besides gambling.
If you’re itching to get away to Las Vegas for the weekend it’s only a 5 hour drive from Phoenix.
If you want to get there faster, a flight only takes an hour making it one of the most convenient weekend getaways from Phoenix.
Dine at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Las Vegas and enjoy the view
10. Lake Mead Recreation Area (4.5 hour drive)
Lake Mead is located only 4.5 hours away and is a major contender among the best long weekend trips from Phoenix.
One of the best things to do is to see Lake Mead from various perspectives.
It’s a different experience when seeing it from a lake cruise, driving along the Northshore Drive, biking the River Mountains Bike Loop Trail, and (of course) from the top of Hoover Dam.
Each offers something totally different. You’ll love doing it all.
Lake Mead offers all sorts of choices for enjoying the water and magical landscape
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to drive or fly, there are plenty of options for great weekend trips from Phoenix. Within a short trip, you’ll be able to escape into any of a number of incredible getaways for a change of scene. Take your pick from anything from the natural beauty in America’s National Parks to throwing caution to the wind in Las Vegas “Sin City” – this list has it all. Where will your next weekend getaway take you?
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