Tempe, Arizona: 10 Short Day Trips Worth Taking
10 Short Road Trips from Tempe, Arizona for Easy Day Trips and Nearby Getaways
|
| Trade the Tempe routine for giant saguaros, ghost-town charm, lake views, and ancient cliff dwellings on these easy Arizona day trips. |
Need a break from Tempe, Arizona without planning a huge vacation? You’re in the right place. If you’re craving a quick road trip from Tempe, a fun day out, or a simple weekend trip, there are plenty of great places beyond Maricopa County that make it easy to get away for a few hours.
One of the best things about living in or visiting Tempe is how many landscapes are within reach. Desert views, old mining towns, giant cactus forests, lakes, red rocks, and even beachy river stops are all on the table. And honestly, sometimes a short drive is all it takes to feel like you’ve hit reset.
This list sticks to out-of-county day trips near Tempe, focusing only on nearby counties like Pinal, Gila, Yavapai, Pima, La Paz, and Yuma. So if you’re looking for things to do near Tempe, AZ that feel fresh and memorable, here are 10 great picks.
1. Wander Through Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Pinal County
If you want one of the easiest and prettiest day trips from Tempe, head to Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior. It’s about an hour away, which means you can leave after breakfast and still be back by dinner.
This desert garden is packed with walking trails, cactus displays, shady spots, and mountain views. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down in the best way. If you’ve ever wanted to see Arizona plant life without doing a hard hike, this is a great pick.
- Drive time from Tempe: Around 1 hour
- Best for: Nature walks, photos, quiet mornings
- Tip: Bring water and go early if visiting in warmer months
I’ve always liked places like this because they feel a little like an outdoor museum, only with way better air and bird sounds.
2. Step Back in Time at Goldfield Ghost Town in Pinal County
Looking for a fun nearby getaway from Tempe with a little Wild West flavor? Goldfield Ghost Town is a classic Arizona stop. It sits near Apache Junction in Pinal County and is easy to pair with a half-day outing.
You’ll find wooden boardwalks, old-time buildings, shops, mine tours, and a narrow-gauge railroad. Yes, it’s touristy, but that’s part of the fun. Sometimes you just want a place that leans into its history and lets you enjoy the ride.
- Drive time from Tempe: About 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Best for: Families, casual exploring, Old West photos
- Tip: Great choice if you want something easy and low-stress
3. Take in Big Water Views at Roosevelt Lake in Gila County
Arizona and lakes don’t always get mentioned in the same sentence, which is exactly why Roosevelt Lake feels like such a nice surprise. For a scenic road trip near Tempe, Arizona, this is a strong choice.
The drive itself is part of the appeal. Once you arrive, you can fish, picnic, relax by the water, or just enjoy the open space. It’s ideal when city noise starts feeling too loud and you want something peaceful.
- Drive time from Tempe: Around 2 hours
- Best for: Scenic drives, lake views, laid-back day trips
- Tip: Pack snacks, sunscreen, and a folding chair
If red rock and desert roads are Arizona’s heartbeat, then a place like Roosevelt Lake feels like its deep breath.
4. Explore the Cliff Dwellings at Tonto National Monument in Gila County
Want a day trip that mixes history, views, and a little adventure? Tonto National Monument is one of the most memorable things to do near Tempe outside Maricopa County.
Here, you can learn about the Salado people and see cliff dwellings tucked into the rock above Roosevelt Lake. It’s a fascinating place, and it gives you that rare feeling of seeing something both beautiful and deeply important.
- Drive time from Tempe: Roughly 2 hours
- Best for: History lovers, scenic stops, light hiking
- Tip: Check conditions and tour details before you go
Have you ever visited a place that makes you instantly talk quieter? This is one of those spots.
5. Walk Among Giant Saguaros at Saguaro National Park in Pima County
For a longer but still doable day trip from Tempe, AZ, head south to Saguaro National Park near Tucson. If you picture Arizona as a postcard filled with giant cacti and glowing sunsets, this is probably what you’re imagining.
The towering saguaros are the stars, but the scenic drives and trail options make the whole trip worth it. Even a simple stop-and-stroll visit can feel special.
- Drive time from Tempe: About 2 hours
- Best for: Desert scenery, iconic Arizona photos, hiking
- Tip: Pick either the east or west district if you want to keep the day simple
This is one of those weekend trip ideas that can also work as a packed day trip if you start early.
6. Visit Mission San Xavier del Bac in Pima County
If you love beautiful architecture and meaningful historic places, Mission San Xavier del Bac is a wonderful stop. Often called the “White Dove of the Desert,” this spot offers a very different kind of Arizona experience.
The church is striking on the outside and even more detailed inside. It’s peaceful, memorable, and easy to add to a Tucson-area outing. If your ideal Tempe road trip includes culture instead of hiking boots, this one fits.
- Drive time from Tempe: Around 2 hours
- Best for: History, architecture, quiet reflection
- Tip: Dress respectfully and check visitor hours before leaving
7. Stroll Through the Artsy Streets of Jerome in Yavapai County
Jerome is one of Arizona’s most famous small towns, and it makes an excellent nearby getaway from Tempe. Built into a mountainside, this former mining town is full of steep streets, quirky shops, galleries, and big valley views.
It has a little bit of everything: history, character, local art, and that slightly spooky old-town feel people love. If Sedona is polished, Jerome is its funky cousin.
- Drive time from Tempe: Around 2 hours
- Best for: Couples, shopping, photo walks, local flavor
- Tip: Wear comfortable shoes since the town is hilly
This is the kind of place where you plan for lunch and somehow end up staying until late afternoon.
8. See Red Rock Country at Montezuma Castle National Monument in Yavapai County
Another smart day trip near Tempe, Arizona is Montezuma Castle National Monument. This well-known site protects impressive cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people, and it’s one of those places that really sticks with you.
The paved path makes it approachable for many travelers, and the setting is beautiful without needing a full hiking day. It’s simple, educational, and very Arizona.
- Drive time from Tempe: About 1 hour 45 minutes
- Best for: History, easy walks, family road trips
- Tip: Pair it with nearby stops in the Verde Valley for a fuller day
9. Relax by the River at Lake Havasu State Park in La Paz County
If your perfect road trip from Tempe sounds like sunshine, water, and a change of scenery, consider heading west to Lake Havasu State Park. It’s a longer haul, but still possible for an ambitious day trip or easy weekend trip.
The blue water against the desert backdrop feels almost unreal the first time you see it. You can swim, picnic, walk the shoreline, or simply enjoy a place that feels more beachy than most Arizona escapes.
- Drive time from Tempe: Around 3.5 hours
- Best for: Water lovers, sunny weekends, laid-back escapes
- Tip: This is best if you leave early or turn it into an overnight stay
10. Discover the Sand Dunes at Imperial Sand Dunes near Yuma County
For something that feels totally different, head toward the Imperial Sand Dunes recreation area near the Yuma side of Arizona travel routes. While the dunes stretch into California, this region is a popular escape for travelers heading out from central Arizona and looking for dramatic desert scenery near Yuma County.
The sweeping dunes look like a movie set. If you’ve never seen sand hills roll on for what seems like forever, it’s worth the drive. Sunset is especially beautiful here.
- Drive time from Tempe: Roughly 3.5 to 4 hours
- Best for: Big scenery, off-road fans, unique desert views
- Tip: Go prepared for heat and check access rules ahead of time
This one feels less like a quick errand and more like a mini adventure, which can be exactly what you need sometimes.
Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Tempe, Arizona
When you’re based in Tempe, Arizona, you’ve got more than just one kind of escape within reach. Maybe you want giant saguaros. Maybe you want cliff dwellings, a ghost town, a red rock drive, or a peaceful lake. The good news? You don’t have to go far to find a memorable day trip from Tempe.
That’s what makes these nearby getaways so appealing. They’re short enough to fit into a day, but different enough to feel like a real break from your routine.
Which one would you pick first? If you’ve taken any fun road trips near Tempe, share your favorite in the comments. And if this list helped you plan your next adventure, send it to a friend or share it on social media so they can start planning too.
Comments
Post a Comment