Best Day Trips From Scottsdale

From Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona, is a gateway to a diverse range of day trip destinations that cater to various interests. From the breathtaking natural wonders of the Grand Canyon to the historic charm of Prescott, there's something for everyone. Whether you're seeking adventure, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing day out, these day trips offer a mix of nature spots, historic towns, beaches, and attractions within driving distance. Embark on a journey to discover the best of what Arizona has to offer.

1. Grand Canyon National Park

πŸ“ 220 miles from Scottsdale‒⏱️ Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views, hiking, rafting, and scenic overlooks. The South Rim is the most accessible and offers a variety of trails for all skill levels. Don't miss the Grand Canyon Skywalk for a unique perspective of the canyon.

What to See & Do:

  • βœ“Breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon
  • βœ“Hiking trails for all levels
  • βœ“Grand Canyon Skywalk
  • βœ“Scenic overlooks and picnic areas

2. Sedona

πŸ“ 115 miles from Scottsdale‒⏱️ Full day

Known for its vibrant red rock formations, Sedona offers a blend of natural beauty and spiritual experiences. Explore the numerous hiking trails, visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, or indulge in a spa day. The town is also famous for its vortex sites, believed to be centers of spiritual energy.

What to See & Do:

  • βœ“Red rock formations and hiking trails
  • βœ“Chapel of the Holy Cross
  • βœ“Spiritual vortex sites
  • βœ“Spa and wellness centers

3. Prescott

πŸ“ 95 miles from Scottsdale‒⏱️ Full day

A historic city with Victorian homes, hiking trails, and Whiskey Row saloons. Prescott offers a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Visit the Sharlot Hall Museum, explore the downtown area, or take a hike in the nearby Prescott National Forest.

What to See & Do:

  • βœ“Historic Whiskey Row
  • βœ“Sharlot Hall Museum
  • βœ“Hiking trails in Prescott National Forest
  • βœ“Downtown shopping and dining

4. Flagstaff

πŸ“ 145 miles from Scottsdale‒⏱️ Full day

A mountain town known for skiing, Route 66, and its proximity to national parks. Flagstaff offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and skiing. Visit the Lowell Observatory, explore the historic downtown, or take a scenic drive along Route 66.

What to See & Do:

  • βœ“Lowell Observatory
  • βœ“Historic Route 66
  • βœ“Outdoor activities and national parks
  • βœ“Downtown shopping and dining

5. Lake Havasu City

πŸ“ 180 miles from Scottsdale‒⏱️ Full day

A popular spot for boating and home to the transplanted London Bridge. Lake Havasu City offers a variety of water activities, including boating, fishing, and jet-skiing. Explore the historic London Bridge, visit the English Village, or relax on the beach.

What to See & Do:

  • βœ“Boating and water activities
  • βœ“Historic London Bridge
  • βœ“English Village
  • βœ“Beaches and picnic areas

6. Tucson

πŸ“ 115 miles from Scottsdale‒⏱️ Full day

Known for its desert landscapes and cultural attractions, Tucson offers a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Visit the Saguaro National Park, explore the Tucson Museum of Art, or take a stroll through the historic downtown area.

What to See & Do:

  • βœ“Saguaro National Park
  • βœ“Tucson Museum of Art
  • βœ“Historic downtown area
  • βœ“Desert landscapes and hiking trails

7. Page

πŸ“ 260 miles from Scottsdale‒⏱️ Full day

A gateway to some of Arizona's most stunning natural wonders, including Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon. Page offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, hiking, and scenic drives.

What to See & Do:

  • βœ“Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
  • βœ“Horseshoe Bend
  • βœ“Antelope Canyon
  • βœ“Scenic drives and hiking trails

8. Canyon De Chelly National Monument

πŸ“ 230 miles from Scottsdale‒⏱️ Full day

Ancient cliff dwellings and dramatic canyon scenery, rich in Native American history. Canyon De Chelly offers a variety of hiking trails and scenic drives, allowing visitors to explore the canyon's natural and cultural heritage.

What to See & Do:

  • βœ“Ancient cliff dwellings
  • βœ“Dramatic canyon scenery
  • βœ“Hiking trails and scenic drives
  • βœ“Native American history and culture

9. Winslow

πŸ“ 150 miles from Scottsdale‒⏱️ Full day

A historic town known for its connection to Route 66 and the famous song 'Take It Easy' by the Eagles. Winslow offers a mix of historic sites, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Visit the Standin' on the Corner Park, explore the historic downtown area, or take a scenic drive along Route 66.

What to See & Do:

  • βœ“Standin' on the Corner Park
  • βœ“Historic Route 66
  • βœ“Historic downtown area
  • βœ“Outdoor activities and scenic drives

10. Kingman

πŸ“ 120 miles from Scottsdale‒⏱️ Full day

A historic town known for its connection to Route 66 and the Mohave Museum of History and Arts. Kingman offers a mix of historic sites, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Visit the Mohave Museum of History and Arts, explore the historic downtown area, or take a scenic drive along Route 66.

What to See & Do:

  • βœ“Mohave Museum of History and Arts
  • βœ“Historic Route 66
  • βœ“Historic downtown area
  • βœ“Outdoor activities and scenic drives

11. Jerome

πŸ“ 100 miles from Scottsdale‒⏱️ Full day

A historic mining town turned arts community, Jerome offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visit the Jerome State Historic Park, explore the town's art galleries and shops, or take a hike in the nearby Sedona Red Rock State Park.

What to See & Do:

  • βœ“Jerome State Historic Park
  • βœ“Art galleries and shops
  • βœ“Hiking trails in Sedona Red Rock State Park
  • βœ“Historic mining town

12. Cottonwood

πŸ“ 90 miles from Scottsdale‒⏱️ Full day

A charming town known for its wine country and outdoor activities. Cottonwood offers a variety of wineries, tasting rooms, and outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. Visit the Page Springs Cellars, explore the town's shops and restaurants, or take a scenic drive through the Verde Valley.

What to See & Do:

  • βœ“Wine tasting and wineries
  • βœ“Outdoor activities and scenic drives
  • βœ“Shops and restaurants
  • βœ“Page Springs Cellars

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