Best Day Trips from Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, the state capital, is a hot and dusty place. There is a lot to see and do in Phoenix, a city of 1.66 million people.
Whether you choose to spend your days exploring Camelback Mountain, seeing the unique and exotic creatures at Phoenix Zoo, or strolling peacefully through the Desert Botanical Garden, you will never run out of things to do in Phoenix.
If you’re looking for something to do once you’ve seen everything there is to see in Phoenix, you’ll be happy to learn that there’s plenty more to do in the surrounding area.
Best Day Trips from Phoenix
Meteor Crater
The incredible Meteor Crater of Arizona may be found about forty miles east of Flagstaff.
Meteor Crater is without a doubt the most well-preserved terrestrial impact site in the world, and it is the subject of ongoing study and evaluation.
The amazing size of the 1.1-kilometer-wide Meteor Crater can only be appreciated in person.
Over 50,000 years ago, a meteorite probably crashed to Earth and produced the crater.
In addition to the crater, tourists can learn more about the universe, stars, and rocks by exploring the discovery center’s interactive exhibits.
Jerome
One of Arizona’s copper mining communities, Jerome earned the nickname “the most evil and sinful town in all of the wild west” because to its red light district. Now that all the copper has been extracted, Jerome caters more to visitors than it does to locals.
An eerie ghost town at this point in time In Jerome, tourists may learn all about the copper mining industry that once flourished in Arizona.
Tuzigoot National Monument, home to a well-preserved ancient pueblo hilltop community, is located just outside of Jerome and makes for a great day trip for anybody interested in history.
Apache Trail
The Apache Trail, also known as State Route 88, is a fantastic day excursion from Phoenix, despite requiring a significant amount of driving time.
The Apache Trail is the state’s first roadway and features numerous picturesque overlooks and rest stops.
Through Apache Indian territory, the Apache Trail follows the path of our forefathers’ stagecoaches.
View the Lost Dutchman State Park and the Superstition Mountains as you make your way across Arizona.
Although it has been a long time since it was built, the Apache Trail remains largely unchanged from its original design.
Smaller cars and trucks do better than large recreational vehicles and trucks.
Flagstaff
Flagstaff serves as the entry point to the San Francisco Peaks, a mountain range surrounded by jagged peaks, towering pine woods, and a stark desert.
Flagstaff is a must-see destination if you’re a serious skier or snowboarder.
Arizona Snowbowl is a chill mountain resort that has all the snow sports you could want, and they’re open all year long.
Seeing the preserved Pueblo sites at Wupatki National Monument in Flagstaff is a terrific way to learn about native American history and culture on a day trip.
Cliff dwellings can also be found in Walnut Canyon National Park.
Sedona
Sedona is a beautiful town known for its tall pine trees and rocky canyon walls.
Sedona, Arizona, is a beautiful city that straddles the county lines of Yavapai and Coconino.
Oak Creek Canyon, Red Rock State Park, and Slide Rock State Park are merely the tip of the iceberg.
A charming chapel built right into the red rocks of Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross provides a striking contrast to the surrounding natural scenery.
The brilliant red sandstone rocks that encircle Sedona town are a major draw for tourists.
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is a beautiful destination for nature lovers visiting Phoenix for the day.
In pristine condition and conveniently located A wide variety of hiking trails, from the somewhat moderate to the extremely difficult, can be found throughout Saguaro National Park.
The ancient Hohokam people left their mark on the world with petroglyphs along the Signal Hill Trail.
Saguaro National Park’s Tucson Mountain District is where you’ll find this path.
Perhaps the Cactus Forest Drive might pique your attention as a budding botanist.
The greatest way to observe the famed enormous cacti of Arizona and the stark desert landscapes is to drive down Cactus Drive in the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park.
Montezuma Castle
In Arizona, Montezuma Castle ranks high among the state’s oldest and most fascinating historical sites.
Camp Verde is a quaint community among Yavapai County’s red rocks, and it’s also where you can locate Montezuma Castle.
Montezuma Castle, built by local Sinagua Indians more than 600 years ago, is one of the outstanding examples of a relic from the country’s prehistoric era.
Montezuma Castle, a cliff residence with a towering five stories, must be seen to be believed.
This national monument is a vital connection to our past since it was carved into the rocks of Beaver Creek Canyon and contains twenty rooms.
Bisbee
A long and storied mining past Bisbee, Arizona, is a sleepy town in the southeast corner of the state, nestled in the foothills of the Mule Mountains.
Bisbee, Arizona, is a popular tourist spot that was once a thriving copper mining town.
The Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum has some great exhibits about the city’s rich history, and the Muheim Heritage House paints a vivid picture of life in the area throughout the nineteenth century.
Take a stroll up Tombstone Canyon to see the houses where miners’ families once lived.
Visit the depths of Bisbee in Queen Mine if you aren’t afraid of small spaces.
Lake Mead
Lake Mead, straddling the state lines of Nevada and Arizona, is the largest reservoir in the United States of America.
Lake Mead is a National Recreation Area with lots of exciting things to do and see.
Many visitors to Lake Mead enjoy taking an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) along the lake’s edges, while others fish or take a boat out for a leisurely cruise.
Lake Mead caters to any interest in the great outdoors.
Formed by the formidable Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam may be visited in a single day from Phoenix, but only if you’re up for a full day of sightseeing.
Joshua Tree National Park
The Joshua Tree National Park, which extends into California, is a wild and untamed area that is well worth the trip.
Over 3,200 square kilometers of this national park are devoted to the gnarled and prickly Joshua Trees that call this place home. The Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to go hiking if you enjoy jumping from boulder to boulder, as it is located at the transition point between the Mojave and Colorado deserts.
The true explorer will love the short three-hour drive from Phoenix to Joshua Tree National Park.
Plan to visit Keys View and take in the breathtaking panorama of the Coachella Valley if you can.
Saguaro Lake Marina
Day trips to Saguaro Lake Marina from Phoenix are ideal for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.
Saguaro Lake Marina, located along State Route 87 between the haunted hamlet of Sunflower and the bustling metropolis of Phoenix, is convenient for visitors from both locations.
Rainbow Trout, Yellow Bass, and Channel Catfish are just a few of the many fish species that call this lake home.
Saguaro Lake is an artificial lake created by the Stewart Mountain Dam.
Kayaking, skiing, and swimming are just a few of the many possible daytime activities.
Tucson Mountain Park
The Tucson Mountain Park is an excellent day trip destination from Phoenix for those who want to explore the Arizona countryside.
Put on your hiking boots and remember to carry lots of water because you will be out in the desert.
Tucson Mountain Park is a beautiful park that can be explored with little physical exertion and features a lot of great vantage spots.
If you’re up for a challenge, though, a mountain bike is a great way to see the world.
Tucson Mountain Park has jagged ascents and hard terrain in places, making it a great place for adventurers of all skill levels.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, the city of movie stars, sports heroes, and business gods, is a fantastic spot to spend a day.
Take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and snap pictures next to the stars honoring your favorite stars.
Walk beneath the iconic Hollywood sign by making the ascent to the hills.
When in Los Angeles, you must visit the Griffith Observatory. From this stunning art deco structure, you can peer through the telescopes and take in beautiful views of the sprawling city below.
Disneyland is a fantastic place to have a good time and make lasting memories, and not just for kids.
Las Vegas
Sin City, as Las Vegas is more well known, is a destination that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Las Vegas, Nevada is a pleasant and entertaining oasis in the middle of the Nevada desert, thanks to its many casinos, glitzy hotels, and cabaret acts.
The regular rhythm of life in Phoenix is contrasted by the thrilling and entrancing atmosphere of Las Vegas.
Las Vegas can be daunting if you remain there for too long, so it’s recommended to visit for a quickie.
Visit the Graceland Wedding Chapel if you and your sweetheart are in town, and live up to the cliché.
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Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a true natural wonder and, as such, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of the United States of America.
Everything in the horizon and beyond is included.
Mather Point and the Mary Colter Lookout Studio offer the best vantage views.
Lipon Point is a popular vantage point because of the stunning panorama it provides of the Grand Canyon and the winding Colorado River below.
The Grand Canyon is best seen at sunrise or sunset, or preferably both.