Have a few free hours this weekend and want to try one one of the best day trips in Arizona? If you want to escape the heat and enjoy a fun-filled day, then a day trip just might be in store. Here’s a look at some of the best day trips in Arizona.
- Spend a hot afternoon sliding and splashing in a natural waterslide!
Bill Morrow/Flickr Head out to Sedona’s Slide Rock State Park for a chance to cool off from the heat in a natural waterslide. Sitting just off the side of highway in the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, this popular spot is truly one of the unique things to do around Arizona and has routinely been named one of the top swimming locations in the country. For more information, read our full article here. Slide Rock State Park, 6871 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
- You can also enjoy a day of floating on the Salt River.
Salt River Tubing/Facebook If you live in the valley, and are asking yourself, “What is a great day trip near me?” Salt River Tubing is your answer. Enjoy beautiful views of the Sonoran Desert and its wildlife when you enjoy a few hours of tubing on the Salt River. You will enjoy cool water temperatures and a fun time floating for up to five hours. For more information, read our full article here. Salt River Tubing, 9200 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85215, USA
- When the weather permits, enjoy a short yet demanding hike to Devil’s Bridge.
CEBImagery/Flickr This beautiful place is absolutely heavenly and a must-see when you’re in the Sedona area. The weathered arch is located 12 miles west of Sedona via a 1.8 mile hike. For more information, read our full article here. Devil’s Bridge Trail, Arizona 86336, USA
- Pay a visit to Lockett Meadow for a beautiful view at the Peaks.
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr This area is one of the prettiest areas in the state year round! During the summer, you’ll find the temperatures feel delightfully cool making it one of the best day trips in Arizona, and it’s the perfect location for a hike or picnic. For more information, read our full article here. Lockett Meadow Spring, Arizona 86001, USA
- Spend an afternoon at Bearizona in Williams to see bears and other wildlife in a natural habitat.
Bea K./Yelp This family-friendly adventure is one that can be done from the comfort of your own vehicle. A slow three-mile drive through the forest habitat will give your kids a chance to safely see a variety of native wildlife playing, eating, and napping. For more information, read our full article here. Bearizona Wildlife Park, 1500 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
- Visit Flagstaff Extreme for a chance to exercise in the pines.
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course/Facebook This adventure course sits just south of Flagstaff city limits. It ranges from a simple course for the kids to something a bit more difficult for you adventure seekers. For more information, read our full article here. Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course (FLG X), Brigade Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, USA
- Enjoy a drive up to Mount Lemmon for a chance to enjoy cooler temperatures and tasty cookies.
Mr. Lemmon Cookie Cabin/Facebook Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin sits at the top of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson and is a delightful retreat from the desert heat. After a quick hike on one of the trails, enjoy a massive cookie or fresh pizza at the cookie cabin. For more information, read our full article here. Mt Lemmon Cookie Cabin, 12781 N Sabino Canyon Park, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA
- Enjoy the spectacular views at Petrified Forest National Park.
Andrew Kearns/Flickr This national park is a must-visit along Route 66 and is one of the most stunning places you’ll ever set your eyes on. Not only will you see a massive collection of petrified wood but also petroglyphs, old ruins, badlands, and even a monument to the Mother Road. For more information, read our full article here. Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028, USA
- Spend an afternoon exploring the massive beauty at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
Randy Jenkins/Flickr A delightful hike to this natural wonder is the perfect way to spend a summer day. Located just 14 miles northwest of Payson, you’ll find the place is enchanting with its short hikes and lovely views. For more information, read our full article here. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Nf-583A, Pine, AZ 85544, USA
- Enjoy a drive and visit to the tiny town of Strawberry.
MPR/Flickr One of several Rim Country towns, Strawberry is a cute little place surrounded by pines, charming eateries, and hidden gems. You could probably fill up an entire week with all the local activities but a hike and some sightseeing is good for a day trip. For more information, read our full article here. Strawberry, AZ 85544, USA
- Head underground for a tour in the old Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee.
David Leicken/Flickr If you want to stay out of the sun, check out this unique tour! You’ll get to ride a mine cart 1,500 feet into the earth and receive a well-informed tour from a former miner. For more information, read our full article here. Queen Mine Tour, 478 N Dart Rd, Bisbee, AZ 85603, USA
Hopefully we answered the question, “Where are the best Arizona getaway spots near me?” Be sure to let us know where you want to spend your summer vacation hours on the best day trips in Arizona!
Bill Morrow/Flickr
Head out to Sedona’s Slide Rock State Park for a chance to cool off from the heat in a natural waterslide. Sitting just off the side of highway in the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, this popular spot is truly one of the unique things to do around Arizona and has routinely been named one of the top swimming locations in the country. For more information, read our full article here.
Slide Rock State Park, 6871 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Salt River Tubing/Facebook
If you live in the valley, and are asking yourself, “What is a great day trip near me?” Salt River Tubing is your answer. Enjoy beautiful views of the Sonoran Desert and its wildlife when you enjoy a few hours of tubing on the Salt River. You will enjoy cool water temperatures and a fun time floating for up to five hours. For more information, read our full article here.
Salt River Tubing, 9200 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85215, USA
CEBImagery/Flickr
This beautiful place is absolutely heavenly and a must-see when you’re in the Sedona area. The weathered arch is located 12 miles west of Sedona via a 1.8 mile hike. For more information, read our full article here.
Devil’s Bridge Trail, Arizona 86336, USA
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr
This area is one of the prettiest areas in the state year round! During the summer, you’ll find the temperatures feel delightfully cool making it one of the best day trips in Arizona, and it’s the perfect location for a hike or picnic. For more information, read our full article here.
Lockett Meadow Spring, Arizona 86001, USA
Bea K./Yelp
This family-friendly adventure is one that can be done from the comfort of your own vehicle. A slow three-mile drive through the forest habitat will give your kids a chance to safely see a variety of native wildlife playing, eating, and napping. For more information, read our full article here.
Bearizona Wildlife Park, 1500 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course/Facebook
This adventure course sits just south of Flagstaff city limits. It ranges from a simple course for the kids to something a bit more difficult for you adventure seekers. For more information, read our full article here.
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course (FLG X), Brigade Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, USA
Mr. Lemmon Cookie Cabin/Facebook
Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin sits at the top of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson and is a delightful retreat from the desert heat. After a quick hike on one of the trails, enjoy a massive cookie or fresh pizza at the cookie cabin. For more information, read our full article here.
Mt Lemmon Cookie Cabin, 12781 N Sabino Canyon Park, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA
Andrew Kearns/Flickr
This national park is a must-visit along Route 66 and is one of the most stunning places you’ll ever set your eyes on. Not only will you see a massive collection of petrified wood but also petroglyphs, old ruins, badlands, and even a monument to the Mother Road. For more information, read our full article here.
Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028, USA
Randy Jenkins/Flickr
A delightful hike to this natural wonder is the perfect way to spend a summer day. Located just 14 miles northwest of Payson, you’ll find the place is enchanting with its short hikes and lovely views. For more information, read our full article here.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Nf-583A, Pine, AZ 85544, USA
MPR/Flickr
One of several Rim Country towns, Strawberry is a cute little place surrounded by pines, charming eateries, and hidden gems. You could probably fill up an entire week with all the local activities but a hike and some sightseeing is good for a day trip. For more information, read our full article here.
Strawberry, AZ 85544, USA
David Leicken/Flickr
If you want to stay out of the sun, check out this unique tour! You’ll get to ride a mine cart 1,500 feet into the earth and receive a well-informed tour from a former miner. For more information, read our full article here.
Queen Mine Tour, 478 N Dart Rd, Bisbee, AZ 85603, USA
Want to find other fantastic places to visit around Arizona? Search for hidden gems in Shhh…These 10 Hidden Places Are Arizona’s Best Kept Secrets.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips In Arizona March 11, 2022 Libby Monson Which hidden gem in Arizona should I visit? The Superstition Mountain Museum is a real gem in Apache Junction, Arizona. Opened in 2003, this history museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Superstition Mountains. You’ll find displays about the lost Dutchmen, gold hunters, and local geology. Outside the main museum are displays showing what life was like for the early settlers of the Superstition Mountains. One of the most interesting attractions is the Elvis Memorial Chapel. This adorable chapel was used in the western movie Charrol starring Elvis Presley. The museum complex also includes a nature trail and general store, so you can grab a cold sarsaparilla when you are finished with your adventure. What unique tours can I take in Arizona? Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a tour that will give you a glimpse into the life and work of world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Taliesin West is the winter home and desert laboratory to Wright and his students. You can take a guided tour of Wright’s residence, drafting studio, theater, and the beautiful desert grounds. Taliesin West is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, which educates the public about Wright’s architecture and legacy. In addition, the foundation is host to an extensive calendar of arts events, including movies, music, dance, and lecture. What can I do with kids in Arizona? If you are looking for something to keep your kids entertained in Arizona, look no farther than Castles and Coasters. This small theme park offers thrill rides, mini-golf, and a full arcade. With the purchase of the Elite Pass, the kids can spend the day enjoying everything the park has to offer. Test your bravery on the two coasters, take a ride on the carousel, and go for a spin in a go-cart. Castles and Coasters have you covered with the classic theme park treats and eats when you are ready for lunch or snacks. Some rides have height requirements so measure the kids before you go.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips In Arizona
March 11, 2022
Libby Monson
Which hidden gem in Arizona should I visit? The Superstition Mountain Museum is a real gem in Apache Junction, Arizona. Opened in 2003, this history museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Superstition Mountains. You’ll find displays about the lost Dutchmen, gold hunters, and local geology. Outside the main museum are displays showing what life was like for the early settlers of the Superstition Mountains. One of the most interesting attractions is the Elvis Memorial Chapel. This adorable chapel was used in the western movie Charrol starring Elvis Presley. The museum complex also includes a nature trail and general store, so you can grab a cold sarsaparilla when you are finished with your adventure. What unique tours can I take in Arizona? Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a tour that will give you a glimpse into the life and work of world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Taliesin West is the winter home and desert laboratory to Wright and his students. You can take a guided tour of Wright’s residence, drafting studio, theater, and the beautiful desert grounds. Taliesin West is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, which educates the public about Wright’s architecture and legacy. In addition, the foundation is host to an extensive calendar of arts events, including movies, music, dance, and lecture. What can I do with kids in Arizona? If you are looking for something to keep your kids entertained in Arizona, look no farther than Castles and Coasters. This small theme park offers thrill rides, mini-golf, and a full arcade. With the purchase of the Elite Pass, the kids can spend the day enjoying everything the park has to offer. Test your bravery on the two coasters, take a ride on the carousel, and go for a spin in a go-cart. Castles and Coasters have you covered with the classic theme park treats and eats when you are ready for lunch or snacks. Some rides have height requirements so measure the kids before you go.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Superstition Mountain Museum is a real gem in Apache Junction, Arizona. Opened in 2003, this history museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Superstition Mountains. You’ll find displays about the lost Dutchmen, gold hunters, and local geology. Outside the main museum are displays showing what life was like for the early settlers of the Superstition Mountains. One of the most interesting attractions is the Elvis Memorial Chapel. This adorable chapel was used in the western movie Charrol starring Elvis Presley. The museum complex also includes a nature trail and general store, so you can grab a cold sarsaparilla when you are finished with your adventure.
What unique tours can I take in Arizona?
Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a tour that will give you a glimpse into the life and work of world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Taliesin West is the winter home and desert laboratory to Wright and his students. You can take a guided tour of Wright’s residence, drafting studio, theater, and the beautiful desert grounds. Taliesin West is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, which educates the public about Wright’s architecture and legacy. In addition, the foundation is host to an extensive calendar of arts events, including movies, music, dance, and lecture.
What can I do with kids in Arizona?
If you are looking for something to keep your kids entertained in Arizona, look no farther than Castles and Coasters. This small theme park offers thrill rides, mini-golf, and a full arcade. With the purchase of the Elite Pass, the kids can spend the day enjoying everything the park has to offer. Test your bravery on the two coasters, take a ride on the carousel, and go for a spin in a go-cart. Castles and Coasters have you covered with the classic theme park treats and eats when you are ready for lunch or snacks. Some rides have height requirements so measure the kids before you go.
