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.
Located in the American Southwest, Arizona offers everything from stunning natural wonders to vibrant cultural experiences.
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!
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
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.
For a romantic getaway in a luxury resort, stay at L’Auberge de Sedona or Enchantment Resort. Arabella Hotel Sedona and Orchards Inn are other great options in Sedona.
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!
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
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.
Experience the ultimate stay in Tucson at Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort and The Lodge at Ventana Canyon.
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.
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!
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!
Preferred hotels include the Residence Inn and Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort.
Scottsdale, Arizona is known for its warm weather, beautiful desert landscapes, and thriving arts and culture scene.
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.
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.
For accommodation, pick between the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort, both featuring private patios and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
This historic mining town located in southern Arizona offers a unique blend of art, culture, and outdoor activities.
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.
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.
Recommended hotels that provide a cozy yet luxurious stay are Canyon Rose Suites and Eldorado Suites Hotel.
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.
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.
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 Highland Hotel and Hampton Inn Prescott are excellent accommodation options.
If you find yourself in Arizona without the Grand Canyon on your list of must-visit places, you’re definitely missing out!
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.
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.
For accommodation, consider Thunderbird Lodge and The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon.
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.
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.
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!
Unwind at one of the cute hotels in town, like The Clinkscale and Connor Hotel.
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.
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.
Big John’s Texas BBQ has the most delicious bbq options. Birdhouse and El Tapatio are also excellent local eateries.
Sleep Inn & Suites and La Quinta by Wyndham are clean and comfortable accommodation options in Page.
A drive to Monument Valley is another great place if you’re looking for weekend trips from Tucson.
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.
Head to Goulding’s Stagecoach Dining Room; it has everything and a spectacular valley view!
Need some chic, comfortable and clean accommodation options with beautiful scenic views from the room? Book your stay at The View Hotel or Hampton Inn Kayenta Monument Valley.
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.
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.
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.
If you have a group of people, I highly recommend renting a houseboat. Recommended hotels include Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell and Home2 Suites By Hilton Page Lake Powell.
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.
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.
Saguaro Corners Restaurant is just outside the east district and it offers American comfort food like burgers, pulled pork sandwiches and meatloaf.
If you’re adventurous and you book in advance, try camping inside the park. If you’re looking for a cozy stay, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson is the most suitable option.
If you are looking for outdoor adventures around the most beautiful lake, Lake Havasu City has to be on your bucket list.
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.
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.
Recommended hotels include London Bridge Resort and Heat Hotel.
Don’t get petrified by the name itself; it’s a lot of fun here!
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.
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.
Book your stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Holbrook Petrified Forest.
Flights: Going is the first place we check when searching for cheap flights. If you sign up for their email alerts, you’ll receive flight deals at up to 90% off. I have traveled all over the world using their flight deals.
Accommodation: Booking.com offers savings on hotels, apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.
Travel Insurance: We never travel without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! We use and trust Visitors Coverage, which we’ve used for the past 10 years.
Let us book your trip! Looking for a Travel Advisor to help you plan your trip? Contact us here for more information!
The post 14 Beautiful Weekend Getaways & Staycation Ideas in Arizona appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.
