Looking for the best weekend getaways in Arizona? Our guide includes 14 beautiful weekend trips, complete with things to do and where to stay!

Arizona stands out as one of my favorite places in the United States to take a road trip. From the iconic Grand Canyon to the artistic allure of Sedona, the landscapes and cultural experiences are unlike any other destination in the U.S.

Best Arizona Weekend Getaways

Located in the American Southwest, Arizona offers everything from stunning natural wonders to vibrant cultural experiences.

Sedona

Known for its red rock landscape, energy vortexes and evergreen vegetation, Sedona is simply magical. It’s one of the best weekend trips on our list and a popular place for an Arizona staycation!

What to Do in Sedona

Red Rock Scenic Byway is the perfect place to witness the majestic red rock landscape Sedona is famous for. The iconic Chapel of the Holy Cross is slightly elevated, so you can easily watch the spectacular views. Cool off in the waters of Oak Creek Canyon to beat the summer heat, or enjoy the slides at Slide Rock State Park.

For a unique and memorable experience in Sedona, take a horseback riding tour through the Alcantara Vineyards, admiring scenic vineyards, panoramic mountain views and historical Apache ruins.

If you’re not able to hike, there are several 4×4 jeep tours available in Sedona like the Vortex Tour and Seven Canyons.

Read more: Sedona Travel Guide & The Best Hiking Trails

Where to Eat in Sedona

There are so many great restaurant options available around the city. Try Elote Cafe for delicious Mexican cuisine, Cucina Rustica for Italian food, The Hudson for American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, and Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill for Latin American cuisine with a twist.

Tucson

Tucson is undeniably one of the natural architectural gems of Arizona, from hiking trails to the best Mexican food options, Tucson is fantastic for that mini weekend getaway with friends!

What to Do in Tucson

Home to Saguaro cacti, Tucson is full of life and abundant nature. Mount Lemmon is a great place to visit with family, with plenty of stops to hike around and enjoy the views.

Pima Air and Space Museum is highly recommended to visit with kids. Saguaro National Park and Tohono Chul Botanical Garden are perfect places to spend your day, plan a picnic, and photograph the scenic beauty and sunsets.

Read more: Travel Guide to Tucson in a Weekend

Where to Eat in Tucson

If you’re hungry for vegan and vegetarian food, head to Tumerico. Try Charro Steak & Del Rey for traditional steakhouse fare and Mexican flavors and Kingfisher for fresh seafood.

Flagstaff

The second you arrive at Flagstaff, you will be blown away by the beauty of it. It’s a unique city with so much to offer for the perfect weekend trip.

What to Do in Flagstaff

For outdoor enthusiasts, head to Coconino National Forest for hiking and Lowell Observatory for views of the stars and planets.

If you are a history lover and want to check out ancient historical sites, then Wupatki National Monument and Riordan Mansion State Historic Park are the places to go.

Flagstaff is one of the few cities that still has the original Route 66 running through it and it’s a must-do when visiting. You can cruise down the route and look back in time at iconic buildings with neon signs!

Where to Eat in Flagstaff

The Toasted Owl Café offers locally sourced ingredients (make sure to try the popular Owl Benedict), Pizzicletta serves up Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven, and Satchmo’s has the best barbeque!

Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Arizona is known for its warm weather, beautiful desert landscapes, and thriving arts and culture scene.

What to Do in Scottsdale

Scottsdale promises a captivating blend of adventure and tranquility, with a myriad of activities to suit every traveler’s taste.

For a taste of the city’s vibrant history, a stroll through Old Town Scottsdale is a must. Discover charming boutiques, art galleries, and indulge in the southwestern flavors of local eateries.

Outdoor adventurers can conquer the iconic Camelback Mountain, offering panoramic views of the valley below. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the Desert Botanical Garden, where the unique flora of the Sonoran Desert come to life.

For guided tours, I recommend a hot air balloon ride with Hot Air Expeditions, a 2-hour desert e-bike tour, or a party bike crawl of Old Town Scottsdale.

Where to Eat in Scottsdale

Scottsdale is home to some amazing restaurants. Kodo Sushi Sake is the pace for sushi lovers. For breakfast, try Hash Kitchen in North Scottsdale or Butterfield’s Pancake House. Don’t miss True Food Kitchen for vegetarian and vegan options.

Bisbee

This historic mining town located in southern Arizona offers a unique blend of art, culture, and outdoor activities.

What to Do in Bisbee

The best things to do in Bisbee include taking a ghost tour, a guided e-bike tour, and visiting the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum.

Where to Eat in Bisbee

Bisbee Breakfast Club is a fantastic breakfast spot for yummy scrambled eggs. Thuy’s Noodle Shop serves delicious Vietnamese and Asian food. If you are a coffee lover, Bisbee Coffee Company is your spot.

Prescott

Prescott is another must-visit place in Arizona, known for its cowboy history, surrounded by beautiful pine trees, and has a lot of touristy locations to visit.

What to Do in Prescott

Prescott is home to Arizona’s few most majestic museums, like Sharlot Hall Museum, Smoki Museum, and Phippen Museum; go and explore some!

Prescott is also known for its bars and live music venues, so make sure to check out the Whiskey Row/Courthouse Plaza to get the true live music experience of Prescott.

Watson Lake is a gorgeous outdoor spot surrounded by granite boulders and hiking trails. I highly recommend packing a picnic lunch and spending the day here.

Where to Eat in Prescott

Prescott has a variety of excellent eateries all around the city. Italian food lover should visit Papa’s Italian Restaurant and Rosa’s Pizzeria. Or go to Murphy’s Restaurant, for that fine dining experience.

Grand Canyon National Park

If you find yourself in Arizona without the Grand Canyon on your list of must-visit places, you’re definitely missing out!

What to Do in the Grand Canyon

Lace up those shoes because the Grand Canyon has some awesome hiking trails like the Bright Angel Trail and The South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge.

And if hiking isn’t really your thing, no worries! There are commercial outfitters offering whitewater rafting trips down the Colorado River. Plus, you can hop on free shuttles to check out spots like Yavapai, Mather, and the Grand Canyon West’s Skywalk. Trust me, they’re not just fascinating; they also offer some jaw-dropping views of the Grand Canyon.

Where to Eat in the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Village Market & Deli is a lovely spot to eat if you are on a budget and for something a little fancier, try El Tovar Dining Room.

Jerome

Jerome is one of Arizona’s most peaceful and artistic towns, so if you want to replenish your soul, plan a mini getaway in Jerome.

What to Do in Jerome

Jerome is especially great for those looking for historic sites and museums and it’s known as one of the most haunted towns in Arizona (book a Ghost Walk tour here). Make sure to visit Jerome State Historic Park, The Douglas Mansion and Jerome Ghost Town.

Where to Eat in Jerome

Craving a burger? The Haunted Hamburger is a must visit, not just for the food, but the history as well. Check out Asylum Restaurant for tasty American food with a view!

Page

Page is no doubt one of the most beautiful cities in Arizona. Once you see it, you will be awestruck and never want to leave again.

What to Do in Page

One of the most popular places is Horseshoe Bend, a definite stop! The view is breathtaking, and the panoramic scene are even better than photos can ever capture. Another iconic stop is Antelope Canyon, which is only available by group tour (book here). I highly recommend booking in advance!

For an experience of a lifetime, you can also kayak into the lowest section of Antelope Canyon with a professional guide; take in the beauty of one of the prettiest places in the world while learning about the history of the land.

Where to Eat in Page

Big John’s Texas BBQ has the most delicious bbq options. Birdhouse and El Tapatio are also excellent local eateries.

Monument Valley

A drive to Monument Valley is another great place if you’re looking for weekend trips from Tucson.

What to Do in Monument Valley

Being one of the most majestic places in Arizona and known for its red sandstone mesas, buttes, and spires that tower over the desert, you can get amazing pictures that obviously won’t do justice as it’s too beautiful to capture.

Recommended tours include a sunrise or sunset 4×4 tour and a Monument Valley tour with a Navajo guide.

Where to Eat in Monument Valley

Head to Goulding’s Stagecoach Dining Room; it has everything and a spectacular valley view!

Lake Powell

Nestled in the southwestern region, Lake Powell is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, making it a standout among the picturesque lakes in the area. Offering a diverse array of recreational opportunities, this stunning reservoir captivates visitors with its mesmerizing landscapes and plenty of activities to engage in.

What to Do in Lake Powell

Boating enthusiasts can navigate the expansive, crystal-clear waters, exploring hidden coves and iconic landmarks like the Rainbow Bridge. Adventure enthusiasts can try water-skiing, jet-skiing, and fishing.

Lake Powell is one of the best places in the U.S. to rent a houseboat, allowing for a tranquil retreat with the convenience of being on the water.

For those who prefer land-based adventures, the surrounding red-rock landscapes offer hiking trails with awe-inspiring views of the canyons and mesas.

Where to Eat in Lake Powell

If you need good grab-and-go food, head to Paco’s Tacos and Birdhouse. El Tapatio and Rainbow Room also serve good food and offer spectacular views.

Saguaro National Park

Just 15-minutes away from Tucson (so it’s a perfect staycation if you live in the city), you’ll find Saguaro National Park, a must-visit weekend destination with breathtaking landscapes, iconic saguaro cacti, and diverse wildlife.

What to Do in Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is separated into two districts: Rincon Mountain District (East) and Tucson Mountain District (West). The Rincon Mountain District is particularly popular with visitors. For hiking, recommended trails include Valley View Overlook, the King Canyon Trail, and the Signal Hill Petroglyphs.

Keep your eye out for Gila monsters, roadrunners, desert tortoises, and a variety of bird species.

You can also participate in ranger-led programs and guided walks to learn more about the park’s natural history, geology, and cultural significance. The park often hosts astronomy programs, or you can simply find a quiet spot to stargaze.

Where to Eat Near Saguaro National Park

Saguaro Corners Restaurant is just outside the east district and it offers American comfort food like burgers, pulled pork sandwiches and meatloaf.

Lake Havasu City

If you are looking for outdoor adventures around the most beautiful lake, Lake Havasu City has to be on your bucket list.

What to Do in Lake Havasu City

Lake Havasu is home to the iconic London Bridge, which was built in the 1830’s and relocated from England to Lake Havasu City in 1968. For water activities, rent a boat, try jet skiing, go swimming, or plan a picnic around the shore of the lake.

Bridgewater Links Golf Course, located at the London Bridge Resort, is a 9 hole, 1,769 yard golf course with scenic views of the London Bridge. Havasu 95 Speedway, Lake Havasu Museum of History, and hiking at Lake Havasu State Park are wonderful options as well.

Where to Eat in Lake Havasu City

Try El Paraiso Family Mexican Restaurant for the best Mexican food in town and Juicy’s “The Place with the Great Food” for American dishes such as fish and chips, prime rib and eggs benedict.

Petrified Forest National Park

Don’t get petrified by the name itself; it’s a lot of fun here! 

What to Do in Petrified Forest National Park

Start your morning by stopping at one of the visitors centers — either Rainbow Forest Museum or the Painted Desert Visitor Center — and follow it up with a scenic drive along the park’s main road.

Popular hiking trails include the Blue Mesa Trail, Crystal Forest Trail, and the Long Logs Trail. I also recommend a visit to the Agate House, a reconstructed pueblo made from petrified wood. This site provides insight into the ancient Puebloan people who once inhabited the area.

Where to Eat in Petrified Forest National Park

Holbrook is the nearest town to Petrified Forest National Park. Dining options include Joe & Aggie’s Cafe — a historic diner serving American and Mexican cuisine — and Globetrotter Lodge Restaurant with a mix of American and international dishes.

The post 14 Beautiful Weekend Getaways & Staycation Ideas in Arizona appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

We all love a bargain, especially when the object of our desires performs far above its pay grade. And that hold true for cameras, lenses, and other photo gear. Today’s case in point is the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 APS-C manual focus lens that delivers remarkable results for less than the cost of a couple cheap ND filters.

Reviewer Mark Wiemels’ popular YouTube channel is devoted to budget gear that “delivers pro results,” and this episode may encourage you to pull out your wallet after watching the video. He puts it like this: “For me there’s almost no better experience than buying a cheap lens, spending a day shooting with it, and then coming home and being shocked at the quality of the photos I captured.”

That was exactly his experience with TTArtisan’s $64 dollar wide-angle lens. It’s available in various configurations, including Sony E-mount and Fuji-X and there’s links beneath the video where you can purchase it online.

The lens features a fast f/2 maximum aperture for shooting in low light with less noise and beautiful bokeh. Equivalent to 37.5mm in full-frame terms, the TTArtisan 25mm is light and small enough to fit in your pocket. And it’s a perfect choice for landscapes, street photography, and shooting small objects as lose as 9.8 inches.

Here’s how Wiemels summarizes his experience after putting the 25mm f/2 through its paces: “The images coming out of this cheap lens were honestly amazing and in some situations the photos were on par with lenses I have that cost $1,500 to $2,000.” He admits that the lens isn’t perfect but insists that its few flaws certainly aren’t a dealbreaker—especially for $64.

Weimels explains why he appreciates the versatility of this particular focal length for shooting still photos and video. He provides a number of practical example of images captured on the street and inside spectacular buildings that illustrate the “incredible” image quality you can expect.

For this purpose Wiemels loves the 25mm focal length because “you’ll be able to capture  photos of people that fill enough of the frame so that the viewer’s eye is drawn to that person.” At the same time, you’ll have enough context of the background to tell a story with your shots—a key aspect of great street photography.

Wiemels recommends the aperture settings he prefers when using this lens, depending upon the task at hand. And along the way you’ll pick up valuable tips on composition. He also discusses how the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 can be expected to perform as a general-purpose lens, while traveling, and shooting at night.

After watching the video, and before going shopping, be sure to take a look at Wiemels’ popular YouTube channel where there are reviews of other budget glass.

And speaking of new gear, don’t miss the recent tutorial we posted, explaining what you should do when getting a new camera before going out to shoot.