Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Tempe, AZ
Tempe sits on the Salt River with access to Papago Park, Tempe Town Lake, and Arizona State University culture.
The Hole in the Rock and Papago Buttes offer Phoenix's most iconic desert hikes.
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or browse all12 destinations near Tempe
Javelina Rocks
Tucson, AZ 85748
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.9 by 0.5k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 33 min from Tempe · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Tucson, AZ 85743
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Family destination · highly rated (4.8 by 11.8k+ visitors) · 1 hr 48 min from Tempe · fits $20 - $60 budget
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Camp Verde, AZ
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 11.9k+ visitors) · 1 hr 35 min from Tempe · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Red Rock State Park
Sedona, AZ 86336
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 2.0k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 5 min from Tempe · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Clarkdale, AZ 86324
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 3.3k+ visitors) · 2 hrs from Tempe · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Crescent Moon Picnic Site
Sedona, AZ 86336
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 1.0k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 10 min from Tempe · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Apache Death Cave
Winslow, AZ 86047
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.6k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 46 min from Tempe · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Vail, AZ 85641
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 3.9k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 10 min from Tempe · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Trail Dust Town
Tucson, AZ 85715
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Family destination · highly rated (4.6 by 3.8k+ visitors) · 1 hr 58 min from Tempe · fits $20 - $60 budget
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Ghost Ranch Exotics
Marana, AZ 85653
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Family destination · highly rated (4.6 by 1.0k+ visitors) · 1 hr 33 min from Tempe · fits $20 - $60 budget
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Cottonwood, AZ 86326
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.6 by 1.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 54 min from Tempe · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Casa Grande Neon Sign Park
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.5 by 0.4k+ visitors) · 50 min from Tempe · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Tempe, AZ?
The best day trips from Tempe include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Tempe?
Most great day trips from Tempe are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Tempe?
Many of the best day trips near Tempe are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Tempe?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Tempe, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Tempe?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Tempe make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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