15 Epic Weekend Road Trips From Phoenix
Looking for a fun weekend escape? Whether you want city life or just something totally off the grid – there are so many exciting trip ideas for you to explore!
Check out these top 15 weekend trips from Phoenix for a quick and adventurous road trip that is sure to get you completely away from it all.
With plenty of places to visit, sights to see and fresh experiences around every turn, these road adventures won’t disappoint.
Fasten your seatbelts and get ready because it’s time for the ultimate getaway from Phoenix!
1. Las Vegas (5 Hour Drive)
Ready to pick your poison? If you’re looking for a weekend full of fun and mischief, Las Vegas is your go-to destination.
Five hours of winding roads and the neon lights of the Vegas strip will put your inner adventurist in overdrive!
Vacationing in Sin City is an absolute delight; with luxurious spa packages, exotic cocktails and an unending roster of entertainment – we won’t blame you if you never want to pack up and leave.
Take some time out to recline poolside at one of the swanky resorts, followed by an evening spent shopping down the plush aisles of Crystals by Aria.
When you’ve worked up an appetite for something a bit stronger, head on over to the Chandelier in Cosmopolitan for delicious concoctions galore. Now that’s a weekend done right!
But that’s not where the surprises end – did you know that you can spend time at some of the most iconic locales around the world without ever leaving Sin City?
Without breaking a sweat (or needing a passport), you can marvel at the Eiffel Tower, take in breathtaking views of the Great Pyramids, or even float along the tranquil canals of Venice.
2. Tijuana (6 Hour Drive)
Have your passport ready, Tijuana awaits; many Americans have sought out the legendary nightlife of this Mexican city.
A road trip from Phoenix to Tijuana isn’t just about the margaritas and tequila – although, if you’re so inclined, there is plenty of that too.
Most visitors flock to Avenida Revolución in Zona Centro for the ultimate city experience: eight whole blocks packed with restaurants, souvenir shops and nifty bars.
But the city of Tijuana offers much more than just a boozy night out – check out Plaza del Zapato in the Zona Río area, which is full of plush warehouse-style nightclubs.
Further up the hill towards Calle Basil is where the cool kids hang out – trendy cafes and bars abound.
If that’s not your speed, take a stroll over to Plaza Santa Cecilia near the famous Tijuana Arch. Catch some roaming bands playing melodious tunes in between browsing through the street stalls.
3. Sedona (2 Hour Drive)
If you’re looking for a chance to get away from the city and reconnect with nature, Sedona is the perfect place.
You’ll find a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking Cathedral Rock for the ultimate sunset, fishing and horseback riding. You’ll feel like you stepped into a National Geographic special!
But keep in mind that Sedona isn’t quite budget-friendly; if you plan on staying in town or dining out, be prepared to shell out some serious cash.
Luckily, there are plenty of Airbnb and cheaper hotel options outside of town where you can comfortably stay without taking out a loan.
4. Disneyland, Anaheim (6 Hour Drive)
Step into your favorite Disney movie and create magical memories at “The Happiest Place on Earth,” Disneyland in Anaheim.
What makes this destination so magical is that you can actually meet all those beloved Disney characters live in person – Tinkerbell, Mickey Mouse, Pinocchio, the list just goes on!
Jam-packed with so much to see and do, you’ll have no trouble filling your day with fun, whether it be watching a show, seeing the fireworks, or being fully immersed in the parade atmosphere.
Ride the famously nostalgic Disneyland Railroad or monorail to get around in a flash and check out all that this incredible park has to offer.
But don’t forget the cherry on top – 250 nights of fireworks! Not only are they visually pleasing, but there’s music and special effects that tell a story.
5. Tucson (2 Hour Drive)
Tucson may be a neighbor to Phoenix, but it’s no sloppy second – it’s bold and brazen, just like its sultry Sonoran Desert backdrop.
Sun-worshippers can bask in balmy temperatures for much of the year and revel in being bathed by the warmth of over 350 days of sunshine a year.
That, along with iconic views of tall saguaro cacti that paint the rolling hills, makes a weekend getaway to Tucson a perfect escape.
Once you’ve gotten your nature fix, you can mosey on downtown to explore the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or Pima Air & Space Museum.
6. The Grand Canyon (3.5 Hour Drive)
There’s no need to travel far and wide for a huge dose of adventure – with Phoenix being just a short drive away from the Grand Canyon, you don’t have to!
Otherwise known as one of Nature’s Seven Wonders, you can bask in the extraordinary beauty of the incredible landscapes of the North Rim or South Rim.
Don’t forget to strap on your hiking boots and make sure your backpack is full before embarking on this exploration.
If you are feeling adventurous, there are three amazing hikes here that you can’t miss, including the Rim Trail, Grandview Trail and Bright Angel Trail.
Bright Angel Trail is by far the most popular one, with varying difficulty levels depending on how far you want to go – up to 12 miles roundtrip if you are really keen!
For thrill-seekers, whitewater rafting along the Colorado River can add a hint of excitement to your journey.
But if that’s not enough for you, then let your horizon reach even further at the Grand Canyon Skywalk – a bit of a drive away but an experience like no other.
7. Antelope Canyon (4.5 Hour Drive)
Just under five hours away from Phoenix, Antelope Canyon is a dream destination for any photographer looking to capture the sheer magnificence of Mother Nature.
Filled with incredible curves, colors, and swirls created by wind and flash-flood erosion, this slot canyon is nothing short of spectacular – especially when the light hits the sandstone just right.
To get the most out of your visit, book a guided tour and don’t forget to stop at nearby Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell if you have time!
8. Joshua Tree National Park (3.5 Hour Drive)
With giant boulders and unique flora, Joshua Tree National Park is a quiet escape only 3 hours away from Phoenix.
While it may be famous for its iconic tree namesake, this Mojave Desert attraction has plenty of other things going for it.
Camping spots for your weekend retreat, trails for hiking and sightseeing stops like Barker Dam and Cottonwood Spring Nature Trail.
If discovering wildlife or scaling rocks is more your thing – well, you can do that here as well!
Don’t forget to book your campsite early though – they always sell out faster than you can blink.
So when’s the perfect time to dip a toe in the great outdoors? Joshua Tree National Park during spring or fall is a no-brainer.
The days will be blessedly warm with sunny skies, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore the park’s mysterious rock formations and miles of trails.
And when nighttime comes around, its crisp coolness will be sure to leave you feeling rosy-cheeked and energized.
Even though summer months bring extreme heat, and the winter will test your love of frozen toes, Joshua Tree is still phenomenally beautiful year-round.
9. Los Angeles (6 Hour Drive)
Phoenix to Los Angeles is a road trip made in dreams. Cruise down the highway and take in the majestic desert landscape, then arrive in vibrant L.A. – where the real fun begins.
Whether you want to see and be seen downtown or surf off one of the many coastal beaches, this dazzling city has something for everyone.
From Venice Beach Boardwalk’s shopping and street musicians to hiking up to the iconic Holywood sign and even visiting Santa Monica Pier – you’ll never be short of something exciting to do!
10. Lake Havasu City (3.5 Hour Drive)
Embark on a road trip from Phoenix and feel the excitement of wide-open roads that can take you out to Lake Havasu.
This desert city will give you the chance to finally succumb to your beach dreams – all without having to leave Arizona.
It’s not just the sand, though. Taking a trip down Route 66 is like turning back the clock – experience what it feels like to drive down one of America’s most famous highways and make pit stops to browse for vintage souvenirs.
End your day off with a bite at one of their 140 restaurants before spending the next day communing with nature at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.
If you want adventure and some relaxation, this is definitely the perfect spot!
11. San Diego (5.5 Hour Drive)
Ready for the perfect road trip from Phoenix? Look no further than the ultimate paradise of San Diego.
We’re talkin’ 70 incredible miles of coastline and all the tacos you can munch on by the sea. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?
Balboa Park offers much more than just beautiful gardens, it also has museums and the renowned San Diego Zoo.
For a touch of nature, Torrey Pines State Reserve offers a stunning beach and amazing viewpoints.
Unleash your inner child at Belmont Park’s amusement park, or get cultured at the USS Midway Museum. When night falls, explore the Gaslamp Quarter’s bars and restaurants.
The cherry on top is San Diego’s Hop-On Hop-Off Tours. Kick your feet up and leave the hard work to these trusty trollies – delicious exploration awaits!
12. Yuma (3 Hour Drive)
For a true historic treat, make sure to point your adventure compass towards Yuma, Arizona.
A great place to start is the Yuma Territorial Prison: here, visitors can stroll through dark cells and learn about infamous inmates and prison life in the 1800s.
Next, check out the Castle Dome Mines Museum & Ghost Town, where more than 50 old buildings await exploration.
For a bit more fun and a break from reminiscing over historical times, cool off at Waylon’s Water Park.
But nothing quite compares to Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area, where you can run wild on sand sleds and buggies for some off-road adventures.
13. Mojave National Preserve (4.5 Hour Drive)
Step out of your comfort zone and take a trip to the unique Mojave National Preserve.
Stretch your eyes wide open because sand dunes, Joshua Trees, and cinder cone volcanoes will be your picturesque backdrop.
Don’t forget to add some adventure to the experience with a hike along the Mitchell Caverns Trail. For those looking for a more extended visit, camping is allowed on-site as well.
14. Albuquerque (6.5 Hour Drive)
Albuquerque (or ABQ, if you’re cool) is definitely a place you want to put on your map.
This Southwestern city is bursting with culture and art, making it an enticing destination that’s oh-so worth a visit.
Start your journey in the Old Town District – dating back to 1706 – with its brick pathways, classic spanish-style buildings, and a slew of local eats that will deliver a taste of New Mexico right to your palate.
Want to feel like an insider? Head to Green Jeans Food Hall where dozens of trendy shipping containers have been transformed into eateries, bars, shacks, & everything in between.
15. Monument Valley (5.5 Hour Drive)
Monument Valley is as iconic as the Grand Canyon, if not more. Hiking through this Navajo Tribal Park will leave you in awe at its majestic views of red sandstone pillars that stand against a starkly beautiful desert landscape.
Cruising along the 17-mile Valley Drive is an experience in itself, allowing you to marvel in awe at the grandeur of North Window, Three Sisters, Yei bi Chai and the 500-foot-high Totem Pole.
Make sure to drop by the visitor center for some handy information about the significance of each peak!
That being said, it’s best to make the trip to Monument Valley during spring or fall – the hot desert climate makes summers a tad too unbearable for maximum picture-taking pleasure.
