Phoenix residents enjoy myriad pleasures, including winter warmth, tantalizing cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. The Valley of the Sun is awash in recreational opportunities, including golf at almost 200 courses.
Now and then, however, it is time to enjoy a break from city life. Set out on Arizona’s highways and byways to relax, explore, and rejuvenate. Seek out serene nature retreats, vibrant cultural hubs, and the rich history of the Old West. Along the way, partake of the multi-colored hues dancing across expansive mesas and towering sandstone spires.
Memorable Weekend Getaways
Here are some wonderful Arizona destinations a few minutes to a few hours from Phoenix. Enjoy a refreshing cool-down when you head to the water or opt for a higher elevation. Explore Arizona’s canyon country or turn back the clock on a road trip along historic Route 66.
1. Saguaro Lake recreation
Arizona’s reservoir system conserves precious water, and outdoor enthusiasts are prime beneficiaries. You’ll find an array of lakes within 70 miles of Phoenix, and many are perfect for a weekend getaway. Saguaro Lake is the nearest body of water with no restrictions on types of water-based activities. The ten-mile-long Salt River reservoir is 40 miles east of Phoenix. Twenty-two miles of shoreline feature everything from rocky crags to marsh grasses swaying in the breeze.
Consider the many activities possible on and in the water: boating, jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, and waterskiing among them. Anglers seek out the rainbow trout stocked by the state. Memorable catches of largemouth bass, walleye, and panfish are also possible. Make sure you bring your fishing license.
The area also offers abundant wildlife. Bird lovers encounter blue herons, hawks, bald eagles, cardinals, and other species. Photographers delight in spotting bighorn sheep, deer, and even bobcats. The 145-seat Desert Belle offers cruises suited to your tastes, from “narration,” to “wine and live music.”
2. Romantic Sedona
Customize your weekend Sedona getaway to your personal tastes, from invigorating hikes to sublime balloon rides. Romantic Sedona is also a great place for wine tastings, sunrise balloon rides, and strolling among the ubiquitous shops and restaurants.
The scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon is simply stunning. Marvel at the interplay of red-faced cliffs, ponderosa pines, oaks, and cascading creeks deliver one memorable vista after another. Climb 4,500 feet as you drive from Sedona to the top of the Mongolian Rim.
Area trails offer tranquility and inspiration whether you’re on foot or horseback. The world-renowned Devil’s Bridge Trail is challenging yet rewarding. Allow several hours to traverse the moderately difficult, 4.6-mile route. Boynton Canyon and Soldiers Pass are other popular options. A variety of outfitters offer horseback riding tours.
3. Historic Prescott
Prescott’s mile-high elevation often delivers temperatures 10-15 °F cooler than in Phoenix. Nearby Mount Union tops out at 7,979 feet. Watson Lake’s soaring sandstone formations frame the distant San Francisco Mountains.
Prescott’s heritage is classic Wild West. It was home to legendary 19th-century residents like Doc Holliday and John C. Fremont. Today, there are many things to do, like exploring the saloons of Whiskey Row and visiting art galleries. Try your hand at rock climbing or kayaking. Pan for gold before enjoying the fun of a cowboy cookout.
4. The petroglyphs of Gold Canyon
Arizona’s sprawling canyon country delivers distinctive sights and scents that reawaken the senses. In his riveting 1924 novel, The Call of the Canyon, Zane Grey speaks of “a sweet tang of cedar and sage on the air and that indefinable fragrance peculiar to the canyon country of Arizona.”
Gold Canyon is an hour east of Phoenix in the Superstition Mountains. A three-mile trail takes you to 1500-year-old petroglyphs of the Hohokam people. Nearby is Goldfield, a ghost town, and the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
5. The wondrous Grand Canyon
The 4.5-hour trek to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is more ambitious but worth endless sightseeing opportunities. Relax and recharge amid the magnitude and magnificence of one of the world’s natural wonders. The Colorado River cuts through the canyon floor, a full mile beneath the rim. Select from a host of activities, including hiking, horseback rides, rafting, and helicopter tours.
6. Get your kicks on Route 66
Arizona boasts the longest stretch of historic Route 66 of any state. Journey back in time as you “get your kicks on Route 66.” Bobby Troup’s classic 1946 R&B song is synonymous with the spirit of adventure on the open road. Both Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby recorded the song soon after its post-WWII debut.
Wherever you begin your Route 66 road trip, gamify it via the Route 66 Check-in Challenge. Check-in at listed locations and you’ll qualify for prizes.
Arizona’s portion of “The Main Street of America” stretches from Lupton to Kingman. Outside of Lupton are the red sandstone Painted Cliffs that appeared in the film, The Grapes of Wrath. On Kingman’s Beale Street, the retro Kingman Club neon sign is a magnet for photographers. After a visit to the Route 66 Museum, head across the street to Mr. D’Z’s Route 66 Diner for a burger and root beer float.
Partake of the vintage vibe at many other points along the iconic highway, Flagstaff included. At the train station downtown, pose for pics by the giant Route 66 sign. Check out the animated neon sign at the Western Hills Motel. Horses trot as they pull the covered wagon, and the spoked wheels rotate.
An hour east of Flagstaff is Winslow, another popular Route 66 destination. Visit the Hubbell Trading Post, a National Historic Site, and the Old Trails Museum. Winslow was forever memorialized in The Eagles’ 1972 debut single, “Take it Easy.” Jackson Browne’s Arizona sojourn in an old Willys Jeep inspired these iconic lyrics:
Well, I’m a standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona,
Such a fine sight to see.
It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford
Slowin’ down to take a look at me.
For other weekend getaways, consider destinations like Petrified Forest National Park, Monument Valley, Havasu Falls, and Glen Canyon/Lake Powell.
Luxury apartment living in Greater Phoenix
Draper and Kramer is a family-owned, full-service real estate firm founded in 1893. We manage luxury apartment communities in Illinois, Arizona, Texas, Missouri, and Colorado.
For example, Senita on Cave Creek is just north of the Loop 101 and Route 51 interchange. Apartment homes are replete with hardwood-style floors, vaulted ceilings, and classic crown molding. Residents prepare meals in gourmet kitchens. Upscale amenities include a full-size in-unit laundry and walk-in closets. The poolside paradise includes elegant cabanas and an inviting pavilion. Residents visit the 24/7 fitness center as desired. Pet owners take advantage of the pet park and indoor wash station. Cyclists benefit from a dedicated bike storage room.
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