Got a day, or friends in town for a weekend? These are the five places we take people first.
By Patrick & Tamekia Dolan|Updated October 11, 2026|5 min read
We get this question all the time, usually from someone whose family is flying in next week: "What should we do with them?"
You don't need a full weekend to show someone what Arizona is about. Every one of these works as a day trip from the Valley, and a couple you can do before lunch. If you have more time and want to stay overnight, our Top 5 Arizona Getaways has you covered.
1
Sedona
This is the view we want every visitor to see at least once.
If someone is visiting from out of town, this is the absolute number one thing we'd take them to see. Nothing else in the state hits people quite like the first view of those red rocks.
It's about two hours from Phoenix without traffic, which makes it an easy day trip. Leave early, spend the day, and be home for dinner.
Sedona is also special to us. We got married at Tlaquepaque, the arts and shopping village, and it's still a great place to wander, grab a bite, and browse.
The chapel at Tlaquepaque, where we got married.Plenty of little shops and galleries to poke into.
A few tips from us
Weekends and holidays bring real traffic, both on I-17 and coming into town. A weekday visit is a completely different experience.
Summer is only about ten degrees cooler than Phoenix, so spring and fall are the sweet spots.
Hungry on the way? Peach Tree Cafe in Rimrock is a casual stop just off I-17. Patrick loves the Reuben, and Tamekia goes for the pancakes and coffee.
2
Hike Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak
Camelback Mountain, right in the middle of the Valley.
You don't even have to leave town for this one. Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak are right in the middle of the Phoenix area, and the view from the top shows visitors just how big the Valley really is.
If your guests are only in town for a short time, this is the one to squeeze in. It's close, it's memorable, and you can be done by lunch.
A few tips from us
These are real climbs, not strolls. Wear good shoes and bring more water than you think you need.
Go early. Parking fills up fast, and the heat builds quickly.
On extreme heat warning days, the City of Phoenix restricts these trails from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., so check the city's trail heat safety page before you go in summer.
3
Oak Creek Canyon
Fall color on the West Fork Trail.
Okay, this one is kind of cheating, since it's right next door to Sedona. But it earns its own spot.
Oak Creek Canyon is amazing in the fall. If you're visiting from a colder state and miss the fall leaves, it might surprise you that you can find real fall color not too far from Phoenix. The drive through the canyon is half the fun.
If you're going to hike one trail in the canyon, make it the West Fork Trail. It's the best spot for fall colors, hands down.
A few tips from us
Get there early. West Fork parking fills up fast, and later in the morning you'll end up parking along the road. Then you've got a hike just to get to the hike.
Pair it with Sedona and make a full day of it.
4
Jerome
The Jerome Grand Hotel, watching over the whole town from the top of the hill.
Jerome is just plain fun to see. It's a quirky little town built right into the side of a hill, and it doesn't feel like anywhere else in Arizona.
It sits just above Cottonwood, which is about an hour and 45 minutes from Phoenix, and Jerome is a little further out, so it's an easy add-on if you're already headed up that way. Before you head up the hill, Crema Craft Kitchen in Cottonwood is our go-to for breakfast or brunch.
You can't miss the Jerome Grand Hotel. It sits at the very top of town, and it's worth the walk up just for the view of the whole valley below.
Our tip
Wear comfortable shoes. The streets are steep, and you'll want to walk around and poke into the shops.
5
A Resort Day in the Summer
This last one is a little different, and it's a local secret worth sharing.
Summer is when Phoenix-area hotels and resorts drop their rates. A place with big pools and fun amenities that would cost a fortune in March can be a real deal in June or July. That works whether you live here and want a break without driving anywhere, or you're visiting and need somewhere to cool off.
Two of our favorites:
The Wigwam, Litchfield Park. We've stayed here ourselves. A classic West Valley resort with a big pool surrounded by palm trees, cabanas, and a lawn full of rocking chairs and fire pits for when you need a break from the water.
The Wigwam in Litchfield Park.Plenty of places to sit back at The Wigwam when you need a break from the pool.
The Scott in Scottsdale.
The Scott, Scottsdale. A smaller, laid-back spot with a pretty pool, striped umbrellas, and a rock waterfall. It's an easy way to feel like you're on vacation without leaving town.
Yes, it's hot outside. That's what the pool is for.
Our tip
Book midweek in the summer for the best rates, and plan your pool time for the morning or late afternoon when the sun isn't quite as brutal.
Pick one and go
You don't need a big trip to make a great memory. Two hours in the car, or twenty minutes across town, and you're somewhere that makes visitors say "wow." Start with Sedona, and work your way down the list.
Got a favorite day trip from Phoenix we should try? Tell us. We're always looking for the next one.
