Ok…a slightly different question. We are going to Phoenix at the beginning of April to visit our son. He wants to take us someplace away from Phoenix for an overnight while we are there. He says we have seen everything in Phoenix ( which isn’t true…but we will still have plenty of time IN Phoenix).
I’m really not interested in Flagstaff. Have been to Sedona. And the other little artsy town on the way. Also have been to Prescott, and Tucson.
Any suggestions?
I take it you’ve been to Tucson and the Saguaro Natl Park or Savino Canyon or Old Town Tucson or Tohono Chul? Tons to do in and around Tucson, more than Phoenix.
If seeking another small town within two hours, maybe Jerome. I’d prefer the others mentioned including Flag but you want a new one. But Tucson would be my choice. Or Bisbee but it’s past Tucson.
Have fun.
I mentioned…we have already been to Tucson, and Jerome is the artsy town I couldn’t remember the name of. Don’t need to go back.
Bisbee was suggested…but I’m not a hiker…at.all. So there would need to be other things to do there.
My H was in Bisbee for worked and loved it! An old mining town built into the mountains. He stayed in a “haunted” hotel (the Copper Queen) right downtown. He said even when he went quite some time ago, there were lots of great shops, restaurants, coffee shops, brew pubs, etc… And Tombstone is along the way.
I don’t see Tucson in your first note. It has so much. You can go to other things.
Bisbee - depends on what you like. Put a link below. Has more than hiking.
There’s Wickenburg on the way to Vegas have only stopped for gas. Probably something to do.
Winslow - east of Flag. Near the Petrified Forest National Park which is cool but walking - wouldn’t say hiking. Winslow is in the song take It easy by the Eagles. They have an old time hotel I’ve eaten at.
Carefree is a small town less than an hour. Nature and galleries. North of Scottsdale but likely not far enough for you.
There’s Yuma, El Centro CA, and Calexico. Haven’t been in years to any but perhaps research will yield a positive result.
Good luck.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g31171-Activities-Bisbee_Arizona.html
Here is what I wrote…just for reference. I don’t want to go back to any of these places. Want someplace different. Jerome is the artsy town. Don’t want to go back there either.
I’ve lived here 26 years and know the Phoenix metro area like the back of my hand but haven’t been to half the places posted here (but I did like Jerome). People look at me like I have three heads when I tell them I’ve never been to Mexico either. Ha!
Zion National Park is just under 6 hours drive from Phoenix.
https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-day-trips-from-phoenix/
6 hours is way too far. This is an overnight trip. Leaving Phoenix early one morning to go someplace…spending the night, and coming back late in the day the second day.
The link to the day trips does not work.
Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park is just under 4 hours drive from Phoenix.
Will look at those two options…but I’m not hiking! I’m not even walking trails. Not my thing.
I fixed the link. Should work now.
I was going to suggest San Diego if you want something very different from Phoenix. We have been to Phoenix many times from San Diego and it’s about a 5.5 hour drive. Is there a reason you only want to go away for 1 night? We have lots you can do here in San Diego.
Are you trying to stay in AZ?
Joshua Tree is mostly a place to drive the road from the south to north entrance or vice versa and get out to look at rocks, trees and views.
Palm Springs and the adjacent towns have several nice (although fairly modern) downtowns to wander. Good hotels, restaurants and shopping. You can also go up the mountain on the cable car.
For a two day trip I’d suggest one day driving through the National Park (maybe the second, then you just arrive back in Phoenix late evening) and one more leisurely afternoon after arrival relaxing in Palm Springs/Palm Desert.
The trip is to Phoenix. Not to CA. We have a close relative who lives in San Diego. If we wanted to go to San Diego, we would just go…there. We have been at least four times already…and yes, there is still plenty for us to do there. But not on this trip.
Frankly, I’d be happy just staying in Phoenix…thus the limit to one night away.
go to the art colony and shops in Tubac.
That would be my preference. My Phoenix son says there is a lot to see in AZ that is not in Phoenix…that we already have not seen.