The best day trips from Phoenix offer visitors many things: splendid sights, diverse landscapes, endless walking trails, and even the chance to swim in desert waters. If you’re visiting the city and hoping to escape for the day, we’ve compiled the best day trips from Phoenix to get out and start exploring.
No matter what kind of day trip you’re looking for, you’ll find it on this list. Have a relaxing afternoon fishing, ride your bike through the mountains, or experience some of the greatest natural wonders of the world.
Keep reading to discover all that Arizona has to offer on a day trip from Phoenix.
16 Best Day Trips from Phoenix in 2023
Ready to explore the best day trips from Phoenix? Here’s our round-up of amazing places to visit in Arizona if you’re pressed for time.
1. Sedona
Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 55 minutes / 116 miles
When it comes to the best day trips from Phoenix, Sedona is a prime pick. This quaint desert town is best known for its captivating red rocks, drawing in visitors from near and far to revel in the Mars-like landscape.
Day trippers have their fair share of things to do in Sedona, whether you’ve packed your hiking boots or not. Wander the cobblestone streets of Tlaquepaque Village, full of some of the USA’s most famous galleries. Or spend an early afternoon at the Sedona artist’s market hunting for handmade wares. There are also lots of interesting new-age shops to explore downtown and plenty of delicious dining options for any foodies making the trip.
For those seeking wide open spaces and spectacular landscapes, hit local trails like Devil’s Bridge or Cathedral Rock. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, have an easy walk on the Doe Mountain tail for panoramic views of the red rocks and valley below.
2. Tucson
Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 45 minutes / 112 miles
Soak in the best of the Sonoran Desert on a day trip from Phoenix to Tucson. The city is positively vibrant, with the downtown area surrounded by towering mountains. It’s a great place to get another taste of city life in Arizona, with lots of entertaining ways to spend a day.
Outdoor lovers should head straight for Sabino Canyon, full of ragged cliffs, plenty of wildlife, and many hiking and walking trails. It’s also one of the rare places you can see water in the desert, with a creek running through the canyon and a giant waterfall to trek to. There are also the Tucson Botanical Gardens and Sentinel Peak for shorter outdoor trips.
City folk in Tucson have a fair share of quirky museums to choose from – the Pima Air & Space Museum is the most noteworthy – along with Old Tucson, a wild west theme park, and bustling 4th Avenue.
3. Prescott
Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 40 minutes / 100 miles
No one does bar hopping quite like Prescott, a great day trip from Phoenix if you’re looking for live music and good chow. It all happens along Whiskey Row, a strip of restored salons and old-school bars brimming with Arizona history.
There’s also lots of hiking in Prescot National Forest and water fun at Prescott Lakes. Cool off with a day of kayaking, paddle boarding, or swimming in the idyllic water. This is one of the main draws to Prescott and makes for a day trip full of family fun if you’d rather skip the booze.
4. Jerome
Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 55 minutes / 111 miles
Get a taste of mining life in Arizona with a visit to Jerome. Now considered a ghost town, Jerome was once the state’s largest source of copper, silver, and gold, making it a top-day trip from Phoenix for any history buffs.
You can see several historic landmarks in Jerome State Historic Park and even visit abandoned mines and their accompanying museums.
When you work up a thirst after sightseeing, there are a handful of boutique wineries and tasting rooms to visit. Keep your eyes out for Caduceus Cellars and Vino Zona, and finish your day off with a heaping plate of barbecue at Bobby D’s.
5. Flagstaff
Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours 15 minutes / 144 miles
Best known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is a stellar day trip from Phoenix for anyone looking for a change of scenery. Trade in big city life for small-town Arizona with a visit to this charming area.
While there are lots to explore in and around Flagstaff, one of the most noteworthy places to visit is Walnut Canyon, with mind-blowing geological formations and ancient dwellings. Other outdoor activities include visiting the stunning Arboretum (go in spring when the flowers bloom), the natural ruins at Wupatki National Monument, and even skiing at Arizona Snowbowl – yes, you read that right. You can ski in Arizona!
If the weather isn’t in your favor, historic downtown Flagstaff is home to the gorgeous vintage Orpheum Theater, the Pioneer Museum, and the Lowell Observatory, where you can see the sky like you never have before.
6. Grand Canyon
Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours 35 minutes / 230 miles
The most famous day trip from Phoenix is to the Grand Canyon. It’s about a 3-and-a-half-hour drive, and if you leave early in the morning, you can stop in Flagstaff for a hearty breakfast before reaching the park.
The most accessible part of the Grand Canyon is the North Rim when visiting from Phoenix. Here you can find a quieter area of the park with sprawling vistas and walks of all different levels.
For a quick out-and-back trail, try Bright Angel Point, which has epic views without much walking required. If you’re ready to get the blood pumping, longer day hikes to consider are the Bridle Trail (pet and bicycle-friendly), Uncle Jim Trail, the Transept Trail, and the Widforss Trail.
Though to really make the most of this bucket list trip, consider spending the night at one of the many Grand Canyon campgrounds.
Check out our campervan and RV rentals here.
7. Saguaro National Park
Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 35 minutes / 105 miles
Saguaro National Park is one of the best places to experience the desert in all its glory. The biggest draw to this area is the USA’s largest cacti, the Saguaros, which can grow up to 50 feet in height, and sprout “arms” that give them the iconic cactus look.
There are a whopping 165 miles of trails to explore, so pack your hiking boots on this day trip from Phoenix. Hit the Loma Verde loop to see some of the tallest Saguaros in the area or the Freeman Homestead Trail, which is a short and easy walk.
You’ll also find biking in and around the park and scenic drives to enjoy if you’re tuckered out from hiking. Overall, this is a splendid day trip if you hope to see the best of the Arizona desert.
8. Canyon Lake
Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 5 minutes / 50 miles
There are few places in Arizona as breathtaking as Canyon Lake, which is why it’s a popular day trip from Phoenix. The large reservoir is surrounded by jagged peaks and lush vegetation for a tranquil setting and lots of water fun.
Canyon Lake has it all. It’s best known for boating and water skiing, though it’s also home to wonderful fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting, too. Didn’t pack your boating gear? The marina offers all sorts of equipment rentals to make the most of your day. You can also take a dinner cruise before returning to Phoenix to see a sunset on the lake.
If you feel like spending the night, sleep in your campervan or RV a stone’s throw away from the water. You can even cook up your catch of the day over a blazing campfire!
9. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour / 55 miles
Located less than an hour outside of Phoenix, the Casa Grande Ruins is an off-the-beaten-path day trip adventure. Here you can visit one of the biggest prehistoric structures in North America and learn the history of the elusive desert people who are responsible for the site.
You can take a short self-guided walking tour around the monument and either pack a picnic to eat at the park or stop in downtown Casa Grande for a filling meal on the way back to Phoenix.
10. Oracle State Park
Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours 5 minutes / 120 miles
Immerse yourself in a natural wonderland at Oracle State Park. This day trip from Phoenix is a killer choice for anyone looking for miles of scenic trails in the mountains and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Open until 4 pm every day, hike to the top of Mount Lemmon on the Oracle Ridge hiking trail, or hop on your mountain bike to enjoy the sights. Once you’re done exploring for the day, head to Biosphere 2, a research facility in the town of Oracle providing informative guided tours about the groundbreaking work they’re doing.
Though it’s only two hours from Phoenix and an easy day trip, Oracle is best seen overnight since it’s an International Dark Sky Park. Spend the evening camping and fall asleep under one of the starriest skies on earth.
11. Lake Havasu
Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours 10 minutes / 195 miles
Although it’s a pretty long day trip from Phoenix, Lake Havasu can’t be missed on a visit to Arizona. This water wonderland is aptly dubbed “Arizona’s Playground,” with good reason. Lay out on the shores, boat along the lake, try your hand at jet skiing or have a calm day fishing.
Those who would rather stay dry have their fair share of land activities, too. From hiking and biking to golfing and more, Lake Havasu has something for everyone, making it the perfect family day trip from Phoenix.
Either pack a picnic for the beach or scarf down a pizza from Papa Leone’s with a view of London Bridge (relocated from England to the shores of Lake Havasu). And did I mention they deliver their pizzas via skateboard?
12. Coconino National Forest
Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 25 minutes / 90 miles
Experience the best of Arizona’s wilderness at Coconino National Forest. This diverse area is teeming with mountains and canyons, lakes, creeks, and the most spectacular red rocks imaginable.
It’s home to many noteworthy sights that are well worth visiting on a day trip from Phoenix. Spend an afternoon exploring the ancient homes in Walnut Canyon, and visit indigenous dwellings at Montezuma Castle or the Chapel of the Holy Cross nestled in the Red Rocks overlooking the valley below.
There are lots of hiking to enjoy as well – pick from routes like the Cathedral Rock trail, the Bell Rock climb and Courthouse Rock loop, or the Seven Pools track. If you’d rather spare your legs, take a scenic drive along Oak Creek Canyon or venture off the beaten path on the Edge of the World drive through the forest.
13. Painted Rock Petroglyph Site
Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 30 minutes / 95 miles
If you’re looking for roads less traveled, the Painted Rock Petroglyph site is a perfect day trip from Phoenix to get into the desert and soak up some southwest history.
While most petroglyph sites have a couple of dozen drawings, you can find thousands of prehistoric petroglyphs covering boulders in the area, making it a truly remarkable space to explore.
Since it’s only 90 miles from Phoenix, it’s an easy day trip, but the site also has a campground if you feel like spending the night, with lots of trails to explore and picnic facilities.
14. Petrified Forest National Park
Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours 35 minutes / 210 miles
Traveling to Arizona with furry friends? Petrified Forest National Park is pet friendly and an ideal day trip from Phoenix for otherworldly exploration. It’s also a great destination for kids as the park is quite drivable with lots of overlooks to stop at along your journey.
When you’re ready to stretch your legs, there are trails of all levels. The Tawa trail winds through grasslands, and the Painted Desert Rim trail shows off the best of the area’s geological formations. Though perhaps the most enchanting track is the Blue Mesa, which travels through clay hills and petrified wood, with opportunities to spot fossils along the way.
15. Meteor Crater
Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours 45 minutes / 185 miles
How often do you have the opportunity to see a meteor crater on earth? This is definitely among the most unique day trips from Phoenix and brings you right to the edge of a massive crater in the desert.
It’s a mammoth 3900 feet across and will make you feel like you’ve just landed on the moon. Since it’s so well preserved, it’s one of the most astonishing sites in the USA, if not the entire world.
You can wander the trails on your own or take a self-guided tour of the rim to learn about the site’s history. Once you’ve finished exploring, have a swing around the Discovery Center and Space Museum, which is included in the price of admission to the crater.
16. McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Distance from Phoenix: 45 minutes / 38 miles
Finally, for a quick day trip from Phoenix, head to McDowell Mountain Regional Park, only a 45-minute drive from downtown. Full of hiking and biking trails, and legendary spots for rock climbing, it’s no wonder why McDowell sees so many visitors (that and its close proximity to Phoenix).
Tom’s Thumb, a giant rock formation jutting out of the valley, draws the most visitors. Other amazing trails to explore include Sunrise Peak, lined with Saguaro cacti, East End – the highest peak in the McDowell Mountains – and the Lookout trail. Pack a picnic and spend a day tramping through this diverse landscape.
Go Further With a Campervan or RV Rental
There are some amazing day trips from Phoenix, but some destinations are best enjoyed with more time. Yes, you can spend an afternoon at the Grand Canyon, Coconino National Forest, or Lake Havasu, but with so much to see, you’ll have a hard time pulling yourself away after a single day.
Plus, some spots are simply better at night. Take Oracle, for example, which has expansive starry skies after the sun goes down. The only way to soak in this marvel is on a tranquil overnighter.
Whether you’re hoping to see as much of Arizona as possible or crave sleeping under the stars, some of the most incredible campsites in the USA are located in the state, making it an appealing option if you’re after an outdoorsy vacation minus crazy hotel rates.
Ready to make the most of your trip? Click here to check out our Phoenix campervan and RV rentals for the best price today.
