Planning a Road Trip from Phoenix? Here Are 6 Must-Visit Destinations

Known for its sunny climate and stunning scenery, Phoenix, Arizona attracts visitors year-round with numerous attractions. For those looking to venture beyond the city, there are many fantastic locations within a short drive from the Valley of the Sun.

Discover the beautiful trails, breathtaking natural landscapes, and charming towns just outside of Phoenix. These areas offer iconic vistas and rich history — if you’re like me, understanding the background of a place adds depth to any journey.

Whether you're searching for a new favorite spot or yearning for a scenic retreat after too much time indoors, here are six of our top road-trip getaways for a day or weekend trip from Phoenix.

1. Gold Canyon, Arizona

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour

Activities in Gold Canyon

For those keen on exploring while getting some exercise, the Hieroglyphic Trail is a great option. This moderate trail in the Superstition Mountains spans 1.5 miles one way, leading to a steep valley with panoramic views and ancient petroglyphs from the Hohokam people who inhabited the area around 1,500 years ago. Once you’ve built up an appetite, head to Wahoo's Restaurant & Bar on Topaz Drive in Gold Canyon for their beer-battered mushrooms and the famous three-pound burger topped with house-made jalapeño cream cheese and bacon.

Accommodations in Gold Canyon

Gold Canyon offers several options for lodging, but one standout is Gold Canyon Golf Resort & Spa. This hotel boasts two stunning 18-hole golf courses, Dinosaur Mountain and Sidewinder, alongside breathtaking views of the Superstition Mountains. Rates begin at $265 per night. After a day filled with hiking and golfing, you can unwind here—just remember to book with a credit card that maximizes your travel rewards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve (3 points per dollar) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2 points per dollar).

2. Flagstaff, Arizona

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours

Activities: Situated northeast of Phoenix, this charming town is a favorite among hikers. It's an ideal spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway, thanks to its vibrant breweries (don’t miss Lumberyard Brewing Company) and cozy coffee shops (refuel at Kickstand Kafe). Flagstaff also serves as a convenient overnight stop before heading to the Grand Canyon, which is just a two-hour drive away.

Similar to Gold Canyon, Flagstaff is bordered by numerous trails. Venture east to Walnut Canyon, where you can marvel at towering cliffs and encounter unique flora and fauna, including mountain firs, canyon wrens, and elk. It’s an excellent destination for outdoor enjoyment, especially if you’ve been working from home.

Accommodations: For a taste of downtown Flagstaff, consider staying at the Hotel Monte Vista. Established in the mid-1920s, this hotel is located just off historic Route 66. Guests can enjoy a drink at the cocktail lounge, which was cleverly disguised as a newspaper office during Prohibition. Rates start at approximately $100 per night.

If you prefer to use points for your stay, Marriott has four properties right in Flagstaff. Just be sure to compare cash rates before using your points, as nightly rates begin at $139.

3. Palm Springs, California

Distance from Phoenix: 4 hours

Activities to enjoy in Palm Springs

Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to escape to California for a long weekend? The quirky Palm Springs makes for an ideal road-trip spot for those craving sunny weather, fantastic golfing, delicious food, and beautiful midcentury modern architecture. Swing by the recently reopened Escena Golf Club, where you can also enjoy some California-inspired cuisine.

If golf isn’t your thing, check out the Cabazon Outlets, a vast shopping haven perfect for bargain hunters, featuring shops like Oakley, Merrill, Tommy Bahama, and Brighton.

Where to stay in Palm Springs

Consider staying at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, where you can find rates starting at just 31,000 IHG points or under $300 per night. The hotel boasts midcentury decor, but the highlight is definitely the rooftop pool.

For those loyal to Marriott, the Triada Palm Springs, Autograph Collection offers a prime location with rates beginning at $275 or 40,000 points during off-peak nights. Just outside of Palm Springs, the clifftop Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage costs 50,000 points on off-peak nights, with cash rates ranging from $250 to over $600 per night.

4. San Tan Valley, Arizona

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour

What to explore in San Tan Valley

For a family-friendly outing, head to Schnepf Farms, an organic farm where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables. Spanning 300 acres, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy fresh air and pesticide-free produce like peppers, cucumbers, kale, and green onions. Their peaches are particularly famous, with picking season typically occurring in May.

If you're a fan of clean eating, don’t miss the Queen Creek Olive Mill. Here, you can take a tour of the grounds and discover how to produce extra virgin olive oil, its best culinary uses, and its health benefits.

San Tan Valley boasts amazing trails and peaks to discover, including the Goldmine Trail. This moderately steep trail leads to the highest point in San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Goldmine Mountain.

Where to stay in San Tan Valley

At Schnepf Farms, several RVs and Airstreams are available for rent, making it a great option for a weekend glamping experience. Some rentals feature outdoor seating and breathtaking mountain views. Rates for most rentals start at $198 per night, and the location is unbeatable.

5. Coyote Buttes North, at the Utah-Arizona border

Distance from Phoenix: 5.5 hours

What to do in Coyote Buttes North

While it's quite a trek north of Phoenix, the breathtaking landscape is definitely worth the journey—far from the confines of your home office. The highlight is The Wave, a unique rock formation found in the Coyote Buttes North area along the Utah and Arizona border. This copper-and-tan striped formation draws photographers from around the world.

Prepare for a six-mile round-trip hike to reach The Wave. You can hike with a guide, but if you choose to go solo, it's wise to have a map, compass, or GPS. Daily permits are limited for hiking to The Wave, so be sure to plan ahead.

During your visit, consider exploring Kanab, Utah. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, as the name suggests, showcases striking sand dunes that shift up to 50 feet annually. Each visit offers a slightly different view.

Where to stay in Coyote Buttes North

The Grand Circle Bed and Breakfast is a delightful accommodation option, providing easy access to stunning trails nearby. Rates start at $120. This is part of several hotels within the Canyon Collections group, including the Canyons Boutique Hotel, Canyons Lodge, and Quail Park Lodge. For IHG members, there's also a Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Kanab, with rates starting around $120, and reward nights available for as little as 20,000 points.

6. Tucson, Arizona

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours

Things to do in Tucson

The West boasts numerous stunning national parks, but one of its most iconic features is the cactus — and Saguaro National Park is abundant with them. Established as a national monument in 1933 by Herbert Hoover, the park has a rich history. Discover the various cacti at the gardens flanking the visitor center, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets along the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail, a half-mile trek accessible from either the Javelina Rocks pullout on the east or the Gates Pass on the west. Don’t miss trying the Sonoran hot dogs (bacon-wrapped franks), a beloved Tucson delicacy, or visit The Neighborhood for their renowned Michelada.

Where to stay in Tucson

Camping at Saguaro National Park is available, but it's essential to plan ahead as it's on a first-come, first-served basis. The campsites are not accessible by vehicle, requiring visitors to hike to them. Camping permits start at $8 per site per night.

If you're seeking a more luxurious experience, consider the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa, nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. With stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this Westin property offers a prime location and magnificent vistas. For a standard room, Marriott Bonvoy members can use 30,000 points per night during off-peak times, while cash rates can start as low as $189, making it an attractive option.