We don’t know about you but we’ve been getting an itch for adventure recently. It might have something to do with the pending sizzling temperatures we’ll be expecting very soon, but we like to think that it’s because Arizona is a pretty exciting place! If you’re also looking to head out on an adventure but can’t leave home for extended periods of time, you’ll want to check out these incredible day trip ideas. Each one will take you to an awe-inspiring place in Arizona that will remind you of our state’s beauty and history. Here are our picks for some of the best day trips in Arizona:
- One of our top picks: Antelope Canyon!
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr This slot canyon is hidden in the northern Arizona desert and embodies the beautiful, mysterious nature you can only find in this region of the country. Formed by rushing water, you’ll find a trek through the canyon to be an intriguing way to spend an afternoon.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
- Another hidden gem that is fantastic throughout the year, but especially after the snowmelt or rainstorms, is Paradise Forks.
Kaibab National Forest/Wikimedia Tucked away in Sycamore Canyon, Paradise Forks (also known as Sycamore Falls) has beautiful basalt rocks that jut from the canyon floors, as well as pools of cool water, and a seasonal waterfall. You’ll find rock climbers, hikers, and campers enjoying this space throughout the year.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
- Think a glass of wine in the country sounds like paradise? Check out Rune Wines in Sonoita.
Lauren Topor/Flickr Just imagine this: the sun is setting, a warm breeze is blowing through the desert grass, and it’s just you and a beautiful glass of wine, your pick. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? Rune Wines has a tasting room like no other: it is located outdoors with a perfect view of the desert and nearby mountains, offering a nice retreat from everyday life.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Address: 3969 AZ-82, Sonoita, Arizona, 85637
- Or, what about an unforgettable way to visit the Grand Canyon: by train!
Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel/Facebook Visiting the Grand Canyon is on everyone’s bucket list, and one of the best ways to make that experience even more special is by riding a historic train through the woods, right up to the park’s entrance.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Address: 233 North Grand Canyon Boulevard, Williams, Arizona, 86046
- Check out a tiny town that has been named the best in the Southwest: Ajo!
Corey Taratuta/Flickr Why, yes, Ajo was named by U.S. News as the Best Southwestern Small Town, and we have to agree! This former mining community is home to some gorgeous Spanish Colonial architecture and has recently begun a new life as an art town. You’ll find galleries, colorful murals, and plenty of beautiful desert scenery surrounding Ajo.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
- Experience a bit of Arizona history by paying a visit to the mysterious Tovrea Castle.
Trevor Huxham/Flickr Construction began on this wedding-cake like building in 1929 and it has stood like a monument in east Phoenix ever since. The mansion recently opened for tours, where you’ll get to visit parts of it and learn about the families who once called it home. Don’t forget to wander through the desert garden, too! It’s lovely, especially when the flowers are blooming.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Address: 5025 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85008
- If you want to relax in a truly remote area of the state, check out the Wave at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr Located in the secluded Arizona Strip north of the Grand Canyon, this national monument has some spectacular natural areas that look like they came from a dream. The Wave is just one example. Formed by centuries of wind erosion, you’ll have the opportunity to hike the delicate sandstone and see some of the most unique rock formations in the world.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
- If you want to see what’s left of Arizona’s Wild West past, Tombstone is the perfect place to visit.
Peter Clark/Flickr This boomtown-turned ghost town-turned tourist destination is one incredible place that lives in infamy. A visit these days will take you to the historic Allen Street (set up just like it would have been in the 1880s), plenty of historic reenactments, and you might even encounter a ghost or two!
Click here to read details in a previous article.
- Want to see just how varied Arizona’s landscape is? Check out the Petrified Forest, a staple of Route 66 travelers for decades.
Andrew Kearns/Flickr Grasslands, badlands in just about every color of the rainbow, tons of petrified wood, and centuries-old Native American dwellings can all be found in this national park/gem. It also happens to be located right along Route 66, and today, it has a small monument to the Mother Road.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
- If exploring abandoned places is your cup of tea, you need to check out the airplane boneyard in Tucson.
Phillip Capper/Flickr Located on the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, this is the largest airplane boneyard in the world. It houses more than 4,000 old military and NASA planes to be used for storage or scrap. If you enjoy seeing old military planes, like B-20s, then you’ll love an informative visit!
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Address: 6000 East Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona, 85730
- While we’re talking about the Tucson area, check out the intriguing Biosphere 2 in Oracle.
Paucal/Flickr This experimental facility dates to the 1990s and was a bit controversial for its time. The attempts made at people living long-term within the secluded facility were pretty unsuccessful, with oxygen depletion, filtration systems not working, and problems with management in and outside of the dome all contributing to the failure. These days, it is owned by the University of Arizona, and it’s operated as both a museum and research facility.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Address: 32540 South Biosphere Road, Oracle, Arizona, 85739
- If the wonders of the universe intrigue you, then you’ll want to check out Meteor Crater near Winslow.
Julius Whittington/Flickr The world’s best preserved meteor crater, this is one of the largest in the world and is actually a pretty cool spot to visit. While you may not get to see the meteorite sticking out of the earth, you will get to see the unique pattern that dates to a time when giant sloths and woolly mammoths were still roaming the planet!
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Address: Interstate 40, Exit 233, Winslow, Arizona, 86047
- And, finally, if you’re in the mood for a hike, you’ll want to check out one of the most beautiful trails in Arizona: West Fork of Oak Creek.
Giuseppe Milo/Flickr This trail is mega-popular for a reason! It takes you through the lush landscape that surrounds Oak Creek in the Sedona area, where you can see a canyon of red rocks, towering trees, and even learn a bit of history along the way. The trail measures about 6.6 miles overall and is worth every minute of walking!
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Address: West Fork Trail, Sedona, Arizona, 86336
Now that warmer months are approaching, you might be interested in finding some fun outdoor activities that you can enjoy despite the temperatures. Read some of our suggestions in 11 Things You Must Do Underneath The Summer Sun in Arizona.
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr
This slot canyon is hidden in the northern Arizona desert and embodies the beautiful, mysterious nature you can only find in this region of the country. Formed by rushing water, you’ll find a trek through the canyon to be an intriguing way to spend an afternoon.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Kaibab National Forest/Wikimedia
Tucked away in Sycamore Canyon, Paradise Forks (also known as Sycamore Falls) has beautiful basalt rocks that jut from the canyon floors, as well as pools of cool water, and a seasonal waterfall. You’ll find rock climbers, hikers, and campers enjoying this space throughout the year.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Lauren Topor/Flickr
Just imagine this: the sun is setting, a warm breeze is blowing through the desert grass, and it’s just you and a beautiful glass of wine, your pick. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? Rune Wines has a tasting room like no other: it is located outdoors with a perfect view of the desert and nearby mountains, offering a nice retreat from everyday life.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Address: 3969 AZ-82, Sonoita, Arizona, 85637
Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel/Facebook
Visiting the Grand Canyon is on everyone’s bucket list, and one of the best ways to make that experience even more special is by riding a historic train through the woods, right up to the park’s entrance.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Address: 233 North Grand Canyon Boulevard, Williams, Arizona, 86046
Corey Taratuta/Flickr
Why, yes, Ajo was named by U.S. News as the Best Southwestern Small Town, and we have to agree! This former mining community is home to some gorgeous Spanish Colonial architecture and has recently begun a new life as an art town. You’ll find galleries, colorful murals, and plenty of beautiful desert scenery surrounding Ajo.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
Construction began on this wedding-cake like building in 1929 and it has stood like a monument in east Phoenix ever since. The mansion recently opened for tours, where you’ll get to visit parts of it and learn about the families who once called it home. Don’t forget to wander through the desert garden, too! It’s lovely, especially when the flowers are blooming.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Address: 5025 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85008
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
Located in the secluded Arizona Strip north of the Grand Canyon, this national monument has some spectacular natural areas that look like they came from a dream. The Wave is just one example. Formed by centuries of wind erosion, you’ll have the opportunity to hike the delicate sandstone and see some of the most unique rock formations in the world.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Peter Clark/Flickr
This boomtown-turned ghost town-turned tourist destination is one incredible place that lives in infamy. A visit these days will take you to the historic Allen Street (set up just like it would have been in the 1880s), plenty of historic reenactments, and you might even encounter a ghost or two!
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Andrew Kearns/Flickr
Grasslands, badlands in just about every color of the rainbow, tons of petrified wood, and centuries-old Native American dwellings can all be found in this national park/gem. It also happens to be located right along Route 66, and today, it has a small monument to the Mother Road.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Phillip Capper/Flickr
Located on the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, this is the largest airplane boneyard in the world. It houses more than 4,000 old military and NASA planes to be used for storage or scrap. If you enjoy seeing old military planes, like B-20s, then you’ll love an informative visit!
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Address: 6000 East Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona, 85730
Paucal/Flickr
This experimental facility dates to the 1990s and was a bit controversial for its time. The attempts made at people living long-term within the secluded facility were pretty unsuccessful, with oxygen depletion, filtration systems not working, and problems with management in and outside of the dome all contributing to the failure. These days, it is owned by the University of Arizona, and it’s operated as both a museum and research facility.
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Address: 32540 South Biosphere Road, Oracle, Arizona, 85739
Julius Whittington/Flickr
The world’s best preserved meteor crater, this is one of the largest in the world and is actually a pretty cool spot to visit. While you may not get to see the meteorite sticking out of the earth, you will get to see the unique pattern that dates to a time when giant sloths and woolly mammoths were still roaming the planet!
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Address: Interstate 40, Exit 233, Winslow, Arizona, 86047
Giuseppe Milo/Flickr
This trail is mega-popular for a reason! It takes you through the lush landscape that surrounds Oak Creek in the Sedona area, where you can see a canyon of red rocks, towering trees, and even learn a bit of history along the way. The trail measures about 6.6 miles overall and is worth every minute of walking!
Click here to read details in a previous article.
Address: West Fork Trail, Sedona, Arizona, 86336
Have you ever visited any of these amazing Arizona wonders? Tell us about your favorite in the comments.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Antelope Canyon, Arizona 86040, USAAddress: Sycamore Falls, Williams, AZ 86046, USAAddress: 3969 AZ-82, Sonoita, AZ 85637, USAAddress: 233 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams, AZ 86046, USAAddress: Ajo, AZ 85321, USAAddress: 5025 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USAAddress: Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036, USAAddress: Tombstone, AZ 85638, USAAddress: Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028, USAAddress: 6000 E Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85756, USAAddress: 32540 S Biosphere Rd, Tucson, AZ 85739, USAAddress: Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, Interstate 40, Exit, 233, Winslow, AZ 86047, USAAddress: West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead, W Fork Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips in Arizona March 29, 2021 Tori Jane What are some fun road trips in Arizona? Arizona is a fairly large state with endless options for things to do. It’s truly the perfect state for day trips, where you leave early in the morning and return home after dark, but only after a day’s worth of discovery and adventure. Some of our favorite road trips to take in Arizona include driving the 89A from Prescott to Flagstaff, and beyond. The 89A-North between Sedona and Flagstaff is easily one of the most beautiful drives in the country, let alone the entire state. Another fun trip to take is driving along famous Route 66, where you’ll encounter tons of old gas stations, historic buildings, and more. Where can I have outdoor adventures in Arizona? Luckily for us, Arizona is an outdoorsy person’s dream. The most obvious example is probably the Grand Canyon, where you can spend an entire day hiking, sightseeing, and learning about the fascinating history of the area. In Flagstaff, Arizona, there are hundreds and hundreds of ridiculously beautiful hiking trails that are open year-round, and in southern Arizona, Saguaro National Park beckons guests with its incredibly unique landscape (Arizona is one of the only places in the world where Saguaro cacti grow). Adventure awaits even in metropolitan areas lie Phoenix; the Desert Botanical Garden is perfect for a low-key outdoor adventure that you can bring the whole family on. What are some amazing Arizona parks? Arizona has 31 state parks to choose from, and because that number is so high, it’s ridiculously hard to narrow an answer down to just a few choices. However, some particularly notable state parks include Picacho Peak State Park, which was once the site of the only Civil War skirmish Arizona ever saw. The geology here is intriguing, as Picacho Peak is an unusual mountain sticking up out of the southern Arizona desert. The wildflowers there in the spring are nothing short of heavenly. Tonto Natural Bridge is beautiful, and exactly what it sounds like - a natural bridge with a minor waterfall trickling over the edge year-round. Slide Rock State Park is another park with notable beauty; it’s located on the 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips in Arizona
March 29, 2021
Tori Jane
What are some fun road trips in Arizona? Arizona is a fairly large state with endless options for things to do. It’s truly the perfect state for day trips, where you leave early in the morning and return home after dark, but only after a day’s worth of discovery and adventure. Some of our favorite road trips to take in Arizona include driving the 89A from Prescott to Flagstaff, and beyond. The 89A-North between Sedona and Flagstaff is easily one of the most beautiful drives in the country, let alone the entire state. Another fun trip to take is driving along famous Route 66, where you’ll encounter tons of old gas stations, historic buildings, and more. Where can I have outdoor adventures in Arizona? Luckily for us, Arizona is an outdoorsy person’s dream. The most obvious example is probably the Grand Canyon, where you can spend an entire day hiking, sightseeing, and learning about the fascinating history of the area. In Flagstaff, Arizona, there are hundreds and hundreds of ridiculously beautiful hiking trails that are open year-round, and in southern Arizona, Saguaro National Park beckons guests with its incredibly unique landscape (Arizona is one of the only places in the world where Saguaro cacti grow). Adventure awaits even in metropolitan areas lie Phoenix; the Desert Botanical Garden is perfect for a low-key outdoor adventure that you can bring the whole family on. What are some amazing Arizona parks? Arizona has 31 state parks to choose from, and because that number is so high, it’s ridiculously hard to narrow an answer down to just a few choices. However, some particularly notable state parks include Picacho Peak State Park, which was once the site of the only Civil War skirmish Arizona ever saw. The geology here is intriguing, as Picacho Peak is an unusual mountain sticking up out of the southern Arizona desert. The wildflowers there in the spring are nothing short of heavenly. Tonto Natural Bridge is beautiful, and exactly what it sounds like - a natural bridge with a minor waterfall trickling over the edge year-round. Slide Rock State Park is another park with notable beauty; it’s located on the 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Arizona is a fairly large state with endless options for things to do. It’s truly the perfect state for day trips, where you leave early in the morning and return home after dark, but only after a day’s worth of discovery and adventure. Some of our favorite road trips to take in Arizona include driving the 89A from Prescott to Flagstaff, and beyond. The 89A-North between Sedona and Flagstaff is easily one of the most beautiful drives in the country, let alone the entire state. Another fun trip to take is driving along famous Route 66, where you’ll encounter tons of old gas stations, historic buildings, and more.
Where can I have outdoor adventures in Arizona?
Luckily for us, Arizona is an outdoorsy person’s dream. The most obvious example is probably the Grand Canyon, where you can spend an entire day hiking, sightseeing, and learning about the fascinating history of the area. In Flagstaff, Arizona, there are hundreds and hundreds of ridiculously beautiful hiking trails that are open year-round, and in southern Arizona, Saguaro National Park beckons guests with its incredibly unique landscape (Arizona is one of the only places in the world where Saguaro cacti grow). Adventure awaits even in metropolitan areas lie Phoenix; the Desert Botanical Garden is perfect for a low-key outdoor adventure that you can bring the whole family on.
What are some amazing Arizona parks?
Arizona has 31 state parks to choose from, and because that number is so high, it’s ridiculously hard to narrow an answer down to just a few choices. However, some particularly notable state parks include Picacho Peak State Park, which was once the site of the only Civil War skirmish Arizona ever saw. The geology here is intriguing, as Picacho Peak is an unusual mountain sticking up out of the southern Arizona desert. The wildflowers there in the spring are nothing short of heavenly. Tonto Natural Bridge is beautiful, and exactly what it sounds like - a natural bridge with a minor waterfall trickling over the edge year-round. Slide Rock State Park is another park with notable beauty; it’s located on the 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff.
