Tamekia and I have found that one of the best things we can do for our relationship—and our sanity—is to take a break from the day-to-day and just get away together. Life can get hectic, and when it does, even a one-night trip can give us time to talk, laugh, and reset.
That’s why every six to eight weeks, we try to plan a quick getaway. It’s not just a chance to relax, but to reconnect as husband and wife. And along the way, we’ve had the added bonus of seeing more of what makes Arizona special.
Now just to be clear—this list isn’t from a tourist’s perspective. These getaways are ranked for people who live in Arizona. If you’re visiting from out of town or showing friends around, your list might look different (and yes, Sedona would probably be #1). But when you’re local, things like traffic, hotel pricing, and off-season timing really matter.
These are our Top 5 Arizona Getaways—the places that consistently give us the recharge we’re looking for.
1. Cottonwood – Quick, Easy, and Relaxing
Cottonwood is our go-to spot. It’s easy to reach, never seems too crowded, and always delivers a peaceful atmosphere. Even though it might not have the jaw-dropping beauty of some other places, it wins for convenience and consistency. The drive is predictable, the vibe is chill, and it’s rarely overrun with tourists—unless there’s a big event.
We often stay at the Iron Horse Inn. From the outside, it looks like an older, modest motel—but inside, the rooms are small, charming, and surprisingly well-maintained. When we want to splurge, The Tavern Hotel is a favorite, but it can push past $300–$400 a night, so we only book it when we catch a good deal.
Cottonwood’s food scene is better than you’d expect. Merkin Vineyards is an experience in itself—especially now that it’s perched above the city with amazing views. And Crema Craft Kitchen is an absolute must for breakfast or brunch. Many of the best spots in town are tied to the Haunted Group, which has shaped a lot of Cottonwood’s restaurant and hotel scene over the years.
And when we have a little extra time, we’ll take a short drive up to Jerome—a quirky, fun, slightly eerie hillside town that’s great for a day trip.
2. Sedona – Red Rock Paradise
Sedona is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it holds a special place in our hearts—we got married in the chapel at Tlaquepaque, a charming arts and shopping village with cobblestone paths and serene beauty.
That said, Sedona ranks #2 for us because it can be unpredictable. If you’re driving in on a weekend or during a holiday, be prepared for traffic—especially if you’re coming from the I-17. Even the scenic back way through Cornville or Page Springs can get backed up. Once you’re there, navigating downtown Sedona during peak seasons is a lesson in patience.
Lodging can also be expensive, with many rooms running $300–$500 a night during popular months. And although it’s technically cooler than Phoenix, a 10-degree drop in the summer (say, 115 down to 105) isn’t exactly refreshing.
Still, we love visiting Sedona—especially during the quieter times of the year. The beauty is breathtaking, and there’s no better place to feel small in the best way possible.
3. Flagstaff – Cool Mountain Escape
Flagstaff is our favorite place to cool off—literally. It’s usually about 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix, which makes it the perfect summer escape when we just need some fresh air. It’s also where we’ve had some of our favorite winter moments, like taking the kids up to Snowbowl for skiing or enjoying the Electric Light Festival during the holidays.
Our go-to hotel is Little America, which sits among tall pines and always gives us those peaceful forest vibes. The rooms are cozy, and it just feels like a mountain getaway from the moment we check in.
When it comes to food, MartAnne’s is a must—probably my favorite Mexican restaurant anywhere. Whether we’re there for breakfast or lunch, it never disappoints.
Flagstaff can get pricey during peak seasons (winter ski trips or summer heat escapes), but if you plan it right, it’s a perfect change of pace and scenery.
4. Prescott – A Step Back in Time
Prescott is a little cooler than the Valley and has a lot of personality. It mixes Western charm with Victorian elegance in a way that’s completely unique. The downtown area is walkable, lively, and full of good restaurants and historic architecture.
We love the variety of places to stay—some are old Victorian homes turned into cozy inns, while others lean into early 1900s Western themes that give you a sense of Prescott’s past.
It’s less crowded than Sedona or Flagstaff most of the year, and there’s a simple, small-town charm that makes it a peaceful getaway with just enough to explore without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Local Staycations – Biltmore & Scottsdale
Sometimes, we don’t even want to leave town—we just want to be somewhere else. When that’s the case, we look for local staycations in Scottsdale or the Biltmore area. We usually go off-season when hotel prices drop, and it gives us a mini escape without a long drive.
Staying in these areas gives us a chance to try restaurants we wouldn’t normally visit on a regular date night, since we live in Peoria and don’t always want to drive across town. These quick, close-to-home escapes are perfect when we need that couple time but can’t carve out a full weekend.
We’ll be sharing more about each of these spots in individual posts—favorite places to eat, places we want to try, hotel tips, and more. But these five are where we go when we need to slow down and focus on us.
If you’ve got suggestions for where we should roll next, let us know! Or just want to callaborate and discuss your Top 5 Arizona Getaways, contact us!
P.S. If you love road trips, scenic drives, and amazing photography as much as we do—take a minute to explore one of the best resources out there: Arizona Highways.
Their articles on scenic routes and hidden gems are a great complement to any of these Top 5 Arizona Getaways.