7 Fun-Filled Day Trips From Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona, is an incredible city that offers its own unique brand of urban Americana with a pinch of western flair. A hub for art and culture, the city boasts a variety of delicious restaurants, modern galleries, cultural events, excellent music venues, and plenty of outdoor activities. It’s no wonder why Phoenix has become an increasingly popular place to live and visit. In addition, it’s also a convenient base located nearby several incredible day trips.

Here are AAA’s top picks for day trips from Phoenix:

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is located just outside of Tucson, Arizona — a two-hour drive away from Phoenix. It’s absolutely worth the trek if you’re up for an early start, as there is a lot to see and do once you get there!

Saguaro National Park is split into two distinct districts: the Rincon Mountain District in the east and the Tucson Mountain District in the west. Both offer immense beauty with their incredible saguaros — giant cacti that are emblems of the American Southwest — in addition to desert grasslands, mesquite bosques, and larger mammals like roadrunners and horned lizards. Each district offers different activities for visitors, such as horseback riding, scenic drives through vast canyons, short but memorable hikes on trails ranging from easy to difficult, and wildlife viewing at sunset. Be sure not to miss this spectacular national park on your next day trip from Phoenix.

Sedona, AZ

About two hours away from Phoenix, Sedona, Arizona, is a magical place known for its captivating red rock formations and spiritual vortexes.

Although this stunning desert town may appear tranquil, it has a deep and lively energy that permeates the surrounding area. Nature lovers will be delighted with breathtaking hikes and outdoor activities like biking, kayaking, and horseback riding. Visitors can even take a jeep adventure to explore the secret off-road trails of the surrounding canyons or catch a hot air balloon ride. If discovering nature’s beauty doesn’t sound appealing, there are still plenty of other ways to enjoy Sedona, such as galleries, museums, shopping centers, romantic dining locations and more. After all, Sedona is a city and cultural center in its own right.

Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum

The Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum is one of the easiest day trips from Phoenix, as it’s only about 30 minutes from downtown.

The Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum is a hidden gem just outside Phoenix. The museum provides a unique window into life during the Old Southwest. Visitors to the museum experience pioneer life through docent-led tours, which guide them through an authentic replica of an 1800s-era pioneer village. During these tours, guests can expect to gain insight into household life, civil government and commerce before Arizona was even considered a part of the United States.

Bartlett Lake

Located in the Tonto National Forest, only about an hour and a half from downtown Phoenix, Bartlett Lake is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts in Arizona.

It's an easy day trip from Phoenix and the lake serves as an escape from reality. Visitors can take in breathtaking sunrise views, sweeping landscapes, and abundant wildlife. If the dry heat of Phoenix becomes overwhelming, escape to Bartlett Lake to cool off. Enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, paddle boarding, camping, canoeing and kayaking here. 

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Roughly an hour and a half away from Phoenix, Montezuma Castle National Monument is a five-story cliff dwelling in central Arizona, built nearly 1,000 years ago (the exact date is unknown) by the Sinagua Native Americans.

It is one of the best-preserved ancient cliff dwellings in North America. And it gives visitors a unique opportunity to go back in time and explore a living piece of history. The structure reaches 50 feet high into the sandstone cliffs. While there has been much debate about who lived at Montezuma Castle (likely Sinagua people or Hakataya descendants), this amazing site continues to be a must-see for all those visiting Arizona’s Verde Valley.

Meteor Crater and Barringer Space Museum

The Meteor Crater, sometimes known as the Barringer Crater, is a meteorite impact crater near Flagstaff, Arizona, located three hours away from Phoenix.

It was discovered in 1891 and is believed to be less than 50,000 years old, making it one of the youngest craters on Earth. In addition to its scientific significance, it has become a significant tourist attraction and is home to the Barringer Space Museum. Visitors to the museum will learn about space science through interactive displays and many hands-on exhibits. The Meteor Crater is an especially unique sight, making it a popular destination for exploration and learning.

Tombstone, AZ

Located three hours south of Phoenix, Tombstone, Arizona, is one of American history's most iconic Old West towns.

Once a booming town of thousands near the Mexican border, Tombstone today is home to under 2,000 people. However, it maintains its rich and colorful history that attracts visitors from all around the world. At Tombstone, you can visit authentic old theaters and saloons full of history. If you’re up for a drive, Tombstone is a must-see.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Denver today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool, and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars, and entertainment tickets.