The Best Roadtrips from Phoenix
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
One of the prime benefits of living in Phoenix is the quick access to top notch vacation destinations. From national parks, to world-class beaches, to the best skiing in the Southwest, you basically have access to a little bit of everything from the Valley of the Sun. Fortunately, most of these roadtrips are within a 4-8 hour drive (at most), so just within a comfortable road trip driving range from Phoenix. Since living in southern Arizona, I have taken advantage of exploring all these wonderful places while in close proximity. Imagine how much it would cost to fly to all these places: I’ve saved a lot of money roadtrippin’.
Roadtrip 1: Flagstaff
- Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours
- Top things to do: Summer chairlift rides at Snowbowl, The Aspen Loop Nature trail, the Arizona Nordic Center, Buffalo Park, Walnut Canyon, and the hiking the Inner Basin trail in fall.
- Where to stay: Hotel Weatherford
Flagstaff is probably the most popular of Phoenix road trip destinations. The high altitude mountain town, home to the stately San Francisco Peaks, offers a nice respite from the summer heat. When the summer temps soar past 110 on a daily basis in Phoenix, the temps hover near a more comfortable 80 degree range in Flagstaff. Living in Flagstaff, I often had to wear a sweater summer mornings. Arizona Snowbowl is home to a wide variety of trails. At 8000+ altitude, the temps are marvelous (especially so for desert dwellers tired of the brutal heat), and just perfect for hiking. Take a look at my guide to the most scenic hikes in the Flagstaff area.
Most Flagstaff hiking trails feature gorgeous views of the pines & mountains
There’s much more than hiking to enjoy in Arizona’s favorite tourist destination. From a quaint downtown that is lined with unique restaurants & coffeehouses, to an interesting Native American museum, to a bustling lineup of seasonal events, there’s always something interesting to do in every season. The quick drive to the red rock wonderland of Sedona is just another benefit. Add in the close proximity to historical attractions like Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, & Wupatki, and you have no shortage of great outdoor activities, restaurants, historical attractions, and entertainment offerings.
Flagstaff is known as the “City of 7 Wonders.” This nickname came to be from the amazing wonders within close proximity. Wupatki is one of the best preserved pueblos in the Southwest.
Unbeknownst to many, the Arizona is a a fall color hotspot. I didn’t even know this until I moved here, but the season rivals the Northeast. Enjoy prime leaf peeping in fall and even skiing in winter (the city is home to the best ski resort in the state).
It’s hard to believe this bright fall foliage is found in Arizona!
The San Francisco Peaks look even more gorgeous capped with snow!
Overall, Flagstaff is Arizona’s most beautiful and diverse vacation destination. And, 2 hours is really no big deal considering you get to temporarily escape the Phoenix congestion and heat in exchange for fresh cool mountain air. The drive over is actually an activity in and of itself. Seeing the landscape change from tall Saguaro cacti to green pine trees truly is a mesmerizing experience that I will never forget.
Where else can you go from hiking with shorts on, to cross country skiing through snowy mountains, all in the same day?
I lived in Flagstaff as a local for several years, enough to put together a handy guide of 50+
wonderful things to do in Flagstaff
Roadtrip 2: San Diego
- Distance from Phoenix: 5.5 hours
- Top things to do: Torrey Pines Nature reserve, La Jolla Beach, Mission Beach, San Diego Zoo, Casa Guadalajara, Cabrillo National Monument
- Where to stay: Bahia Resort Hotel
San Diego is, not surprisingly, a favorite tourist destination amongst nature lovers and fitness buffs across the country. The city is home to the country’s largest zoo, 70 miles of gorgeous beachfront, endless recreational opportunities, and no shortage of authentic Mexican restaurants. San Diego offers an endless supply of activities to justify the drive from Phoenix.
See one of the only US pandas at the famous San Diego Zoo! Update: In 2019, the 2 pandas we saw during our visit returned to China. In 2024, the zoo welcomed 2 new pandas: Xin Bao and Yun Chuan.
While the city is most famous for being one of just 4 US zoos to house a panda, there’s plenty more to do and see. In addition to a world-class zoo, gigantic Balboa Park houses a number of unique attractions including museums, theaters, and pretty nature trails. San Diego beaches are gorgeous. If you are not one to just sit around and sunbathe, you can take a ride along the beautiful Mission Bay boardwalk and enjoy the scenery in a more active way.
Perfect weather, beautiful coastal views, & a nice workout – can it get any better?
If you prefer to take up your activity a notch, Torrey Pines Preserve is the place to get in a workout while also enjoying amazing coastal scenery. This is my favorite thing to do in San Diego: I love hiking and I love the ocean!
Amazing ocean views from a trail at Torrey Pines – simply jaw dropping!
Stop by La Jolla beach to see the sea lions!
For more fun ideas, check out my guide to visiting San Diego.
Roadtrip 3: Las Vegas
- Distance from Phoenix: 4.5 hours
- Top things to do: Free shows on The Strip, Mac King comedy show, Beatles Cirque du Soleil, Mon Ami Gabi, Eiffel Tower Experience, The Neon Museum, gondola rides at the Venetian, The Pinball Hall of Fame, Red Rock Canyon
- Where to stay: The Paris
If you are up for a weekend filled to the brim with non stop excitement, of course, the obvious choice is a trip to Sin City. Vegas today is so much more than simply gambling. In fact, you can spend the entire weekend enjoying world-class dining, shows, entertainment, and shopping without pulling a single slot.
And best of all, you do not necessarily need to spend a ton of money. Plenty of hotels offer reasonable rates – look into The Mirage and the Paris for starters. Of course, if you want a bit of luxury, The Venetian, The Wynn, & Caesar’s Palace are all over-the-top amazing. Plus, there is so much free entertainment comprising the entirety of the Strip. Be sure to put the Bellagio fountain show and The Mirage volcano show high on your list.
The iconic choreographed Bellagio fountain show is the best in Vegas!
In terms of grand views, look no further than the Eiffel Tower Experience or the Linq High Roller, currently the world’s tallest observation wheel. For dining with a view, you can’t beat the Eiffel Tower restaurant for its’ prime view of the Bellagio fountain show. For world-class entertainment, book your tickets for any of the multitude of Cirque du Soleil productions. Looking to keep it budget friendly? Mac King’s comedy/magic show is an amazing value considering it is one of the best shows on the Strip.
Check out the incredible view of the Strip via the Eiffel Tower
And for those seeking a less touristy, more oddball attraction, head straight over to The Neon Museum to see all the classic retired neon casino signs.
Who remembers all these classic neon signs?
And, for all the outdoor lovers out there, Red Rock Canyon is an amazing place to hike. It’s really amazing that such incredible natural scenery exists just 20 minutes from the craziness of The Strip!
Escape the commotion for a peaceful morning of hiking!
For more trip ideas, check out my full Vegas vacation guide!
Roadtrip 4: Tucson
- Distance from Phoenix: 1 hr, 45 min
- Top things to do: Saguaro National Park, Catalina State Park, Drive the Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway, Seis tacos at Mercado, Hike Tumamoc Hill, Mini Time Museum of Miniatures, Fox Theater, Brunch at the Hotel Congress, Treat yourself at Frost Gelato
- Where to stay: JW Marriott at Starr Pass
Phoenix and Tucson are 2 completely different cities that both share a beautiful setting in the Sonoran desert. While Phoenix is a hotspot for dining, shopping, hiking, and entertainment, Tucson is known for its’ laid back vibe, quiet resorts, southwestern heritage, and gorgeous secluded views of the desert. They are both worthy vacation destinations in their own right.
There’s lot to see and do in “The Old Pueblo.” First off, the views here are tremendous just about anywhere you go as the city is surrounded by 4 spectacular mountain ranges. Hiking should be a priority. Check out gorgeous Catalina State Park, Saguaro National Park, or Honeybee Canyon. All 3 offer unending views of cacti and unparalleled mountain scenery. Check out my full guide to hiking in Tucson.
Saguaro National Park is one of the country’s true treasures
Besides hiking, you will want to check out Tucson’s magnificent culinary scene. The city is known for being home to “the best 23 miles of Mexican food in the country.” Definitely treat yourself to some breakfast tacos at Seis located in the beautiful Mercado San Agustin courtyard.
The best breakfast tacos anywhere!
The Mini Time Museum of Miniatures is one of the most interesting museums in the world. At this unique gem, you will get to see hundreds of intricate mini dollhouses, organized in 3 different themed rooms. I loved looking at the crazy work put into creating these tiny pieces!
The level of detail in each dollhouse is truly amazing
You will also want to see if any shows/movies are playing at the gorgeous Fox Theater, one of the hidden treasures of the city.
For more beautiful hikes & activities, check out my Tucson visitor guide.
Roadtrip 5: Grand Canyon South Rim
- Distance from Phoenix: 3.5 hours
- Top things to do: Mather Point Overlook, South Rim trail, dinner at the El Tovar, Hike the South Kaibab trail, Kolb studio
- Where to stay: El Tovar
Due to its’ immense beauty, it’s no surprise that The Grand Canyon is the most visited tourist site in all of Arizona. As it is just a few hours away from Phoenix, getting out here while you are already in a vicinity is an absolute must!
While most of the observing areas can get pretty crowded, there are several other means to take in the scenery in a more private way. Consider a mule ride or whitewater rafting adventure through the canyon. Another option is to embark on a hiking trail. The South Kaibab trail is one of the most stunning hikes you will ever come across and totally isolated, especially after the first turn around point. Continue on to Skeleton Point (the last overlook) for incredible views into the heart of the canyon. I really enjoyed this trek: to date, it’s one of the most memorable hikes I’ve completed.
What a view! And completely desolate as an added bonus!
Check out my guide to exploring the South Rim for more great attractions to add to your bucket list.
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