{"id":1227,"date":"2026-03-28T22:15:43","date_gmt":"2026-03-28T22:15:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/?p=1227"},"modified":"2026-04-04T20:23:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T20:23:58","slug":"best-day-trips-from-phoenix-az","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/best-day-trips-from-phoenix-az\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Day Trips from Phoenix, AZ: Sedona, Grand Canyon &#038; More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>One of <a href=\"https:\/\/staywithstay.com\/vacation-rentals\/phoenix-az\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Phoenix<\/a>&#8216;s most underappreciated advantages as a vacation base is its location. Within a two-hour drive, you have Sedona&#8217;s red rock formations, the Sonoran Desert&#8217;s most dramatic landscapes, mile-high mountain towns, Old West history, and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The city itself is excellent, but the day trip potential is extraordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide covers the 8 best day trips from <a href=\"https:\/\/staywithstay.com\/vacation-rentals\/phoenix-az\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Phoenix<\/a> with exact drive times, what to do when you get there, the best time of year for each destination, and honest notes on what to skip. Whether you&#8217;re staying for a long weekend or a full week, these routes are how locals and regular visitors make the most of a Phoenix home base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width:100%; max-width:none;\">\n  <figure class=\"wp-block-table has-small-font-size\" style=\"margin:0; width:100%;\">\n    <table style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; border-spacing:0; border:none; font-size:inherit; line-height:1.5;\">\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Closest day trip<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Superstition Mountains \u2014 45 min east of Phoenix<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Most popular<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Sedona \u2014 2 hrs north, worth every minute<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Biggest bucket list<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Grand Canyon South Rim \u2014 3.5 hrs, plan a full day<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best kept secret<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Prescott \u2014 1.5 hrs, cooler temps and historic downtown<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best for families<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Goldfield Ghost Town + Superstition Mountains \u2014 45 min<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best in summer<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Flagstaff \u2014 2 hrs north, 30\u00b0F cooler than Phoenix<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Tip<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">All drive times are from central Phoenix without traffic. Add 20\u201330 min for Friday afternoon departures.<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n  <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/staywithstay.com\/search?latitude=33.4482948&amp;location=phoenix-az&amp;longitude=-112.0725488&amp;page=1&amp;term=SHORT\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#166ef3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Explore Phoenix stays<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The 8 Best Day Trips from Phoenix, AZ<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Sedona, AZ<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2 hrs each way<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Red rock canyons, vortex hikes, world-class dining<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Sedona is the most popular day trip from Phoenix for good reason \u2014 it&#8217;s genuinely one of the most visually dramatic destinations in the American Southwest. The red sandstone buttes, cathedral-like rock formations, and clear creek running through Oak Creek Canyon create a landscape that feels almost too vivid to be real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The drive itself via AZ-89A through Oak Creek Canyon is one of the best scenic roads in Arizona \u2014 plan to stop at Slide Rock State Park on the way (a natural water slide carved into red rock, $30\/car entry). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-171588586_converted-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1235 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-171588586_converted-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-171588586_converted-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-171588586_converted-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-171588586_converted-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-171588586_converted-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Sedona proper has excellent hiking, outstanding farm-to-table restaurants, art galleries, and the famous vortex sites that draw spiritual seekers from around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width:100%; max-width:none;\">\n  <figure class=\"wp-block-table has-small-font-size\" style=\"margin:0; width:100%;\">\n    <table style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; border-spacing:0; border:none; font-size:inherit; line-height:1.5;\">\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Drive time<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">2 hours via I-17 N and AZ-179 (most direct) or 2 hrs 15 min via scenic AZ-89A through Oak Creek Canyon<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Hikers, couples, photographers, foodies, wellness travelers<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best season<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">March\u2013May and September\u2013November \u2014 summer is hot (95\u00b0F+) but manageable with early starts<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Must-do hike<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Cathedral Rock (1.5 miles, moderate) or Devil&#8217;s Bridge (4.2 miles, moderate) \u2014 both require advance parking reservations<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best meal<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Elote Cafe (James Beard-recognized, reservations required) or The Hudson for casual dining<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Parking<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Most Sedona trailheads require a Red Rock Pass ($5\/day) or America the Beautiful annual pass<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Leave Phoenix by<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">7am to avoid Sedona traffic and get a trailhead spot before 9am<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n  <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tip: Devil&#8217;s Bridge is Sedona&#8217;s most photographed hike but the trailhead parking books out weeks ahead. Use the Dry Creek Trailhead instead (more parking) and walk 1.2 miles to the main trail. Add 30 min to the total hike time.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Grand Canyon South Rim<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3.5 hrs each way<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One of the seven natural wonders of the world<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Grand Canyon is a genuine once-in-a-lifetime destination, and Phoenix is one of the closest major cities to the South Rim. That said, it&#8217;s a long day with about 7 hours of driving, plus time at the rim means you&#8217;re looking at 12\u201314 hours door to door. It&#8217;s worth it, but go in prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 58%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>The South Rim is open 24\/7 year-round and the view from Mather Point at sunrise is one of the most spectacular things you can experience in North America. For a day trip, Mather Point, Yavapai Geology Museum, and a portion of the Rim Trail are enough to fill four hours without rushing.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"366\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/jzbptLf4u0kb0UcU14l1wVQFtQvNjEDvnawObGv5_converted.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1236 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/jzbptLf4u0kb0UcU14l1wVQFtQvNjEDvnawObGv5_converted.jpg 650w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/jzbptLf4u0kb0UcU14l1wVQFtQvNjEDvnawObGv5_converted-300x169.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 650px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 650\/366;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width:100%; max-width:none;\">\n  <figure class=\"wp-block-table has-small-font-size\" style=\"margin:0; width:100%;\">\n    <table style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; border-spacing:0; border:none; font-size:inherit; line-height:1.5;\">\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Drive time<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">3.5 hrs via I-17 N to AZ-64 N<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Entry fee<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">$35 per vehicle (valid 7 days); America the Beautiful pass accepted<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">First-time visitors, bucket list trips, families with older kids<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best season<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">April\u2013May or September\u2013October \u2014 summer is very crowded and hot at the rim<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Leave Phoenix by<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">5am for sunrise at the rim; 6am if you don&#8217;t need sunrise<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Key stops<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Mather Point (sunrise), Yavapai Point (geology views), Bright Angel Trailhead (walk 1.5 miles down, no need to hike to the river)<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Avoid<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Walking to the Colorado River and back in one day \u2014 it&#8217;s 9.5 miles each way and has caused serious heatstroke incidents even in experienced hikers<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n  <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tip: If you want to do more than stand at the rim, book a mule ride or a ranger-guided walk in advance. They sell out weeks ahead for popular dates. The free South Rim shuttle buses are the best way to move between viewpoints once you&#8217;re there.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Prescott, AZ<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1.5 hrs each way<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mile-high mountain town with a charming Victorian downtown<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Prescott is the day trip most Phoenix locals recommend but that rarely makes the top of national travel guides. At 5,400 feet elevation it sits 20\u201330\u00b0F cooler than Phoenix on summer days, which makes it one of the best summer escapes from the valley heat. The Victorian-era Courthouse Plaza is lined with local restaurants and bars, and the surrounding Prescott National Forest has excellent hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"490\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/5df9d2e0302637fb0eb260828eea23df.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1237 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/5df9d2e0302637fb0eb260828eea23df.jpg 736w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/5df9d2e0302637fb0eb260828eea23df-300x200.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 736px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 736\/490;\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Whiskey Row, a block of restored 1800s saloons and bars on Gurley Street,&nbsp; is one of the most atmospheric historic districts in Arizona. Combine it with a hike on Thumb Butte Trail (1.8 miles, 650ft gain) and lunch at one of the Courthouse Plaza restaurants for a near-perfect day trip.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width:100%; max-width:none;\">\n  <figure class=\"wp-block-table has-small-font-size\" style=\"margin:0; width:100%;\">\n    <table style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; border-spacing:0; border:none; font-size:inherit; line-height:1.5;\">\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:18%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Drive time<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">1.5 hrs via I-17 N and AZ-69 W<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:18%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Elevation<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">5,368 ft \u2014 noticeably cooler than Phoenix, bring a layer in winter<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:18%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Summer escapes from Phoenix heat, history lovers, couples<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:18%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best season<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">May\u2013September (cool escape from Phoenix); December for Christmas lights on Courthouse Plaza<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:18%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Must-do<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Thumb Butte Trail hike + Whiskey Row + Courthouse Plaza lunch<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:18%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Avoid<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Weekends in October when Prescott hosts Acker Music Festival \u2014 town gets very crowded<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n  <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. <strong>Superstition Mountains &amp; Goldfield Ghost Town<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>45 min each way<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Best family day trip closest to Phoenix<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Superstition Mountains rise dramatically from the desert east of Phoenix and are among the most striking geological features in Arizona. The Lost Dutchman State Park at their base offers excellent beginner to intermediate hiking (Siphon Draw Trail to the Flatiron is the signature challenge \u2014 5.4 miles, 2,800ft gain), while nearby Goldfield Ghost Town provides a fun, accessible history experience for families with kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>This is the best option for a half-day trip or for visitors who want dramatic desert scenery without a long drive. The proximity to Phoenix (45 minutes from central Phoenix, less from East Valley suburbs and Mesa) makes it ideal for a morning excursion.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2021_Superstition_Mountains_from_Lost_Dutchman_State_Park_2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1238 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2021_Superstition_Mountains_from_Lost_Dutchman_State_Park_2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2021_Superstition_Mountains_from_Lost_Dutchman_State_Park_2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2021_Superstition_Mountains_from_Lost_Dutchman_State_Park_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2021_Superstition_Mountains_from_Lost_Dutchman_State_Park_2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2021_Superstition_Mountains_from_Lost_Dutchman_State_Park_2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/768;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width:100%; max-width:none;\">\n  <figure class=\"wp-block-table has-small-font-size\" style=\"margin:0; width:100%;\">\n    <table style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; border-spacing:0; border:none; font-size:inherit; line-height:1.5;\">\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:28%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Drive time<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">45 min from central Phoenix via US-60 E (less from Mesa)<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:28%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Entry fee<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Lost Dutchman State Park: $15\/vehicle; Goldfield Ghost Town: free entry, paid attractions<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:28%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Families, first-time hikers, half-day trips, visitors staying in Mesa<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:28%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best season<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">October\u2013April \u2014 summer temperatures can exceed 110\u00b0F on exposed trail<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:28%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best hike<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Siphon Draw Trail to the Flatiron (strenuous, 4\u20135 hrs) or the Prospector Trail (easy, 2.4 miles)<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:28%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Goldfield Ghost Town<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Mine tours, gold panning, narrow-gauge railroad, and a reptile exhibit \u2014 genuinely fun for kids ages 4\u201312<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n  <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tip: Start the Siphon Draw Trail before 7am in spring and fall. The upper section is exposed rock with no shade. Late starters get caught in full sun on the return. Bring 3 liters of water per person minimum.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. <strong>Flagstaff, AZ<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2 hrs each way<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>University town at 7,000ft \u2014 the best Phoenix summer escape<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet on the Colorado Plateau and is a completely different climate and landscape from Phoenix with ponderosa pine forests, volcanic craters, and temperatures that run 30\u00b0F cooler than the Valley. It&#8217;s the best summer day trip from Phoenix precisely because it&#8217;s actually comfortable when Phoenix is sweltering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"670\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2025-12-15-120033_converted-1024x670.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1240 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2025-12-15-120033_converted-1024x670.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2025-12-15-120033_converted-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2025-12-15-120033_converted-768x503.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2025-12-15-120033_converted.jpg 1312w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/670;\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>The downtown historic district is compact and walkable, with independent bookshops, craft breweries (Mother Road Brewing is the local standout), and the Lowell Observatory where Pluto was discovered. Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 ft., has a trailhead 20 minutes from downtown.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width:100%; max-width:none;\">\n  <figure class=\"wp-block-table has-small-font-size\" style=\"margin:0; width:100%;\">\n    <table style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; border-spacing:0; border:none; font-size:inherit; line-height:1.5;\">\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:21%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Drive time<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">2 hrs via I-17 N<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:21%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Elevation<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">6,910 ft \u2014 25\u201335\u00b0F cooler than Phoenix, always bring a layer<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:21%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Summer visits, astronomy lovers, hikers, beer enthusiasts<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:21%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best season<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">June\u2013August (cool escape) or September\u2013October (aspens turn gold)<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:21%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Must-do<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Lowell Observatory night tour (book ahead) + Mother Road Brewing + Humphreys Peak trailhead walk<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:21%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Nearby add-on<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is 15 min from Flagstaff \u2014 worth 1.5 hrs for the lunar landscape<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n  <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. <strong>Antelope Canyon &amp; Horseshoe Bend<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2.5 hrs each way<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The most photographed slot canyon in the world<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Antelope Canyon near Page, AZ is genuinely one of the most visually spectacular places in North America. It\u2019s a wave-carved sandstone slot canyon where shafts of light illuminate orange and red walls in a way that looks almost post-processed. Combined with Horseshoe Bend, a 270-degree meander of the Colorado River visible from a dramatic overlook, this makes for one of the most photographically rewarding day trips in the American Southwest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a long day from Phoenix but manageable if you leave by 6am. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 59%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Tours of Upper Antelope Canyon, the most dramatic, must be booked through a licensed Navajo guide company as walk-ins are not permitted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Book at least 2\u20133 weeks ahead for morning tours during peak season (March\u2013October).<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"702\" height=\"401\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b77bae9e7dbf3590b60f54dbe31052b1-29648-page-upper-antelope-canyon-admission-ticket-antelope-slot-canyon-tours-03_converted.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1242 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b77bae9e7dbf3590b60f54dbe31052b1-29648-page-upper-antelope-canyon-admission-ticket-antelope-slot-canyon-tours-03_converted.jpg 702w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b77bae9e7dbf3590b60f54dbe31052b1-29648-page-upper-antelope-canyon-admission-ticket-antelope-slot-canyon-tours-03_converted-300x171.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 702px) 100vw, 702px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 702px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 702\/401;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width:100%; max-width:none;\">\n  <figure class=\"wp-block-table has-small-font-size\" style=\"margin:0; width:100%;\">\n    <table style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; border-spacing:0; border:none; font-size:inherit; line-height:1.5;\">\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Drive time<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">2.5 hrs via US-89 N through the Navajo Nation<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Antelope Canyon tour cost<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">$85\u2013$120\/person for Upper Canyon (photography tours $100\u2013$160); must book through licensed tour operator<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Horseshoe Bend<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Free, $10\/car parking fee \u2014 1.5-mile round trip walk from the lot<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Photographers, bucket list travelers, couples<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best season<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">March\u2013October for light beams in Upper Canyon (10am\u20131pm tours are best for photography)<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Leave Phoenix by<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">5:30\u20136am for a full day<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Book tours through<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours or Ken&#8217;s Tours \u2014 most reputable operators<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n  <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tip: If Antelope Canyon tours are sold out (common in spring), Lower Antelope Canyon (also called &#8216;The Corkscrew&#8217;) is often easier to book and equally beautiful, just narrower and more ladder-heavy. Combine with Horseshoe Bend either way.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Tucson, AZ<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1.5 hrs each way<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sonoran Desert culture, saguaro forests, and exceptional food<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Tucson is a proper city with its own distinct identity infused with Mexican cultural influence, a stronger arts and music scene than Phoenix, and the spectacular Saguaro National Park on both its east and west sides. The saguaro forests here are unlike anything else in the US: towering cactus stands that look almost prehistoric against the Santa Catalina Mountain backdrop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"659\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/98008fb8dad2e1f55740426bd7239afc-1024x659.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1245 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/98008fb8dad2e1f55740426bd7239afc-1024x659.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/98008fb8dad2e1f55740426bd7239afc-300x193.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/98008fb8dad2e1f55740426bd7239afc-768x494.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/98008fb8dad2e1f55740426bd7239afc-1536x989.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/98008fb8dad2e1f55740426bd7239afc-2048x1318.jpeg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/659;\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>The food scene has gotten national attention in recent years. Downtown Tucson&#8217;s food truck park, the historic Hotel Congress, and the 4th Avenue dining strip make for an excellent afternoon and early evening. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Combine with a morning hike at Saguaro National Park West (Gates Pass to the Valley View Overlook Trail is the best easy option) for a full day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width:100%; max-width:none;\">\n  <figure class=\"wp-block-table has-small-font-size\" style=\"margin:0; width:100%;\">\n    <table style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; border-spacing:0; border:none; font-size:inherit; line-height:1.5;\">\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:20%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Drive time<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">1.5 hrs via I-10 E<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:20%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Foodies, history lovers, cactus landscape photography<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:20%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best season<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">October\u2013April; summers are hot but less brutal than Phoenix at 2,400ft elevation<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:20%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Must-do<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Saguaro National Park West hike + Gates Pass viewpoint + 4th Avenue lunch<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:20%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Entry fee<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Saguaro National Park: $25\/vehicle (7-day pass); America the Beautiful accepted<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:20%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Don&#8217;t miss<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">The Hotel Congress (1919 hotel with a legendary bar where John Dillinger was captured in 1934)<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n  <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. <strong>Old Town Scottsdale<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>20\u201330 min each way<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The easiest half-day trip \u2014 art, nightlife, and the farmers market<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Technically Scottsdale is part of the Phoenix metro rather than a true &#8220;day trip&#8221;, but if you&#8217;re staying in Phoenix proper, Old Town Scottsdale deserves a dedicated afternoon or evening. The Arts District has over 80 galleries, the Thursday evening ArtWalk (October\u2013May) draws significant crowds, and the restaurant and bar scene along 5th Avenue and Scottsdale Road is the best in the metro for a night out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>The Saturday Farmers Market at Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market is one of the best in Arizona, running November through May from 8am\u20131pm. If your trip overlaps, it&#8217;s a perfect Saturday morning.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"738\" height=\"461\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Find-Your-Local-Farmers-Market_1524216983t.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1246 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Find-Your-Local-Farmers-Market_1524216983t.jpg 738w, https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Find-Your-Local-Farmers-Market_1524216983t-300x187.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 738px) 100vw, 738px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 738px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 738\/461;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width:100%; max-width:none;\">\n  <figure class=\"wp-block-table has-small-font-size\" style=\"margin:0; width:100%;\">\n    <table style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; border-spacing:0; border:none; font-size:inherit; line-height:1.5;\">\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Drive time<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">20\u201330 min from central Phoenix via AZ-202 E<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Art lovers, nightlife, farmers market, couples<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Best season<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">October\u2013April when the outdoor dining and market scene peaks<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Must-do<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">ArtWalk Thursday evenings (Oct\u2013May) + Old Town dining + Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Farmers Market<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Saturday 8am\u20131pm, November\u2013May, at the corner of Brown Ave and 1st St<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:24%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Parking<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Free street parking on side streets; paid lot at 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n  <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Day Trip Planning: Quick Reference<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width:100%; max-width:none;\">\n  <figure class=\"wp-block-table has-medium-font-size\" style=\"margin:0; width:100%;\">\n    <table style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; border-spacing:0; border:none; font-size:inherit; line-height:1.5;\">\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:40%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Destination<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">Drive time | Best season | Key highlight<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:40%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Sedona<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">2 hrs | Mar\u2013May, Sep\u2013Nov | Cathedral Rock, red rock hikes, Elote Cafe<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:40%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Grand Canyon South Rim<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">3.5 hrs | Apr\u2013May, Sep\u2013Oct | Mather Point, Rim Trail, sunrise views<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:40%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Prescott<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">1.5 hrs | May\u2013Sep | Whiskey Row, Courthouse Plaza, Thumb Butte hike<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:40%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Superstition Mountains<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">45 min | Oct\u2013Apr | Siphon Draw Trail, Goldfield Ghost Town<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:40%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Flagstaff<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">2 hrs | Jun\u2013Aug, Sep\u2013Oct | Lowell Observatory, Humphreys Peak, Mother Road Brewing<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:40%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Antelope Canyon &amp; Horseshoe Bend<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">2.5 hrs | Mar\u2013Oct | Upper Canyon light beams, Horseshoe Bend overlook<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; width:40%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Tucson<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">1.5 hrs | Oct\u2013Apr | Saguaro National Park, 4th Avenue, Hotel Congress<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; width:40%; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\"><strong>Old Town Scottsdale<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"background-color:#ebf3fb; vertical-align:middle; padding:6px 6px; border:none;\">25 min | Oct\u2013Apr | ArtWalk, Saturday Farmers Market, dining<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n  <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/staywithstay.com\/search?latitude=33.4482948&amp;location=phoenix-az&amp;longitude=-112.0725488&amp;page=1&amp;term=SHORT\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#166ef3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Explore Phoenix stays<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the best day trip from Phoenix?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Sedona is the most popular for good reason, the red rock scenery is world-class, the hiking ranges from easy to challenging, and the restaurants are excellent. It&#8217;s a 2-hour drive each way and manageable in a full day. For a quicker option, the Superstition Mountains are only 45 minutes from central Phoenix and offer dramatic desert hiking without a long drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is the Grand Canyon worth a day trip from Phoenix?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, but it&#8217;s a long day, 3.5 hours each way means at least 7 hours of driving. Leave by 5\u20136am, spend 3\u20134 hours at the rim, and you&#8217;ll be back in Phoenix by 8\u20139pm. It&#8217;s absolutely worth doing once, especially for first-time visitors. If you want to do more than view the rim, consider staying overnight in Tusayan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can you do Sedona and the Grand Canyon in the same day from Phoenix?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Technically yes, but not recommended. Sedona is 2 hours north of Phoenix; the Grand Canyon is another 1.5 hours north of Sedona. You&#8217;d be looking at 11+ hours of driving for a single day. Better to choose one and do it properly, or stay an extra night to split them across two days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the best time of year for day trips from Phoenix?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>October through April is ideal for most destinations. Spring (March\u2013May) offers wildflower blooms, comfortable temperatures, and the best hiking conditions. Summer is manageable for Flagstaff and Prescott (which are cooler at elevation) but avoid exposed desert hikes like Superstition Mountains or Sedona above 9am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do I need a car for day trips from Phoenix?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, essentially all of these destinations require a car. There&#8217;s no practical public transit option to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, or any of the other destinations listed. Rental cars are available at Sky Harbor Airport from all major agencies. If you&#8217;re staying in a Phoenix vacation rental without a car, Groome Transportation runs a shuttle to Sedona and Flagstaff from Phoenix for around $50\u201365 one-way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What&#8217;s the best day trip from Phoenix for families with kids?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Goldfield Ghost Town and the Superstition Mountains, only 45 minutes away, engaging for kids of all ages, and manageable as a half-day trip. The ghost town has mine tours, gold panning, a narrow-gauge railroad, and a reptile exhibit. Combine with an easy hike on the Prospector Trail for a full morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Use Phoenix as your base for all of it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Browse vacation rentals across Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa, all within easy reach of every day trip on this list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/staywithstay.com\/search?latitude=33.4482948&amp;location=phoenix-az&amp;longitude=-112.0725488&amp;page=1&amp;term=SHORT\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#166ef3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Browse Phoenix vacation rentals<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Phoenix is the perfect base for Arizona road trips. We cover the 8 best day trips from Phoenix \u2014 with exact drive times, what to do, and when to go.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1229,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,10,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1227","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stays","category-travel-tips","category-travelers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1227","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1227"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1227\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1360,"href":"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1227\/revisions\/1360"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1229"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1227"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1227"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.staywithstay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1227"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}