by Robin Layton
When you live in Arizona, you don’t need to worry about taking a long and costly vacation. Our state offers a wide variety of unique towns, national parks and stunning natural formations to keep you day-tripping for a few years. You can find the perfect day’s fun for your family inside the many museums, shops and restaurants or outside on trails, lakes and Jeep tours. Whether you crave the snow of Northern Arizona or the warmth of the desert, there is a day trip for you.
Jerome (35 miles)
This historic copper mining town caters to the ghost hunter, art lover, wine or beer connoisseur and history lover. After each member of your family finds something entertaining to do in the more than two dozen galleries and eclectic shops, you can meet up on the hill at the Haunted Hamburger for your choice of nine burgers or many options on the “Not The Burgers” menu.
Wickenburg (59 miles)
Thick with the atmosphere of the Old West, Wickenburg is set alongside the Hassayampa River. Its quaint downtown offers shopping and a variety of restaurants including Anita’s Cocina, where you can get authentic Mexican food. You can bring your inner cowboy and let him play on the many guest ranches or soak in some Western culture at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum.
Williams (69 miles)
Yes, you can find your kicks right here on Route 66! Williams offers six blocks of historic advertisements, shops, motor lodges and eateries. The “Gateway to the Grand Canyon” gives you a glimpse into what life on the road was like decades ago. Mountain biking, hiking and fishing are waiting for the outdoor enthusiast. Animal lovers will embrace the Bearizona Wildlife Park. Love trains? The Grand Canyon Railway leaves Williams daily.
Sedona (67 miles)
Outdoor lovers flock to the Red Rocks of Sedona for mountain biking and hiking. Enjoy the cool waters of Slide Rock State Park or the majestic natural wonders in Red Rock State Park. Many New Age shops will give you the information for visiting Sedona’s famous vortexes or you can take the official Vortex Tour from the several Jeep tour groups. If unique shopping venues are your thing, visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, as well as the main street shopping district.
Lake Pleasant (86 miles)
With 116 miles of shoreline, this recreation area offers boating, swimming, fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking … everything your outdoor warrior craves. Open all year, it boasts two marinas where you can even rent a houseboat for that day-long party.
Page Springs (59 miles)
Take the winding Page Springs Road between Cornville and Sedona to experience several vineyard tasting rooms or horseback riding under the cool trees. For something completely different, visit the two fish hatcheries for a family educational experience. Red Rock State Park is just few miles down the road with a museum and several easy-to-walk trails.
Montezuma’s Castle, Camp Verde (45 miles)
Spend the day with the family learning about the cliff-dwelling Sinagua culture at this national monument. Tours offer insights into the local reptiles and medicinal plants. After your day outside, head into the cool air of the Cliff Castle Casino Hotel to pick from several restaurant choices, including the Mountain Springs Buffet.
Goldfield Ghost Town, Apache Junction (137 miles)
This is a very active ghost town! Boasting a gunfight show, mine tours, railroad, reptile exhibit, museum, Mystery Shack, stables, shops and more, the entire family will be immersed in the Old West Arizona flavor. You can even try your luck at gold panning at the Prospector’s Palace. A full-service steak house and saloon will help you refuel and the town’s bakery will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Payson (98 miles)
“The Heart of Arizona” brings it all together with rodeos, swimming, hiking, fishing and camping. The historic downtown offers dining and shopping. Visit the Zane Grey Museum and see the Rim Country through the famous author’s eyes. Swing by Western Village Art & Antique Corral for some unique finds. Tonto Natural Bridge offers hiking trails, the natural bridge and the park’s cavern. Fossil hunting and Indian ruins will keep the history buff enthralled. The area is also a popular destination “rock hounds” looking for geodes and “Arizona diamonds” (gemstone-quality quartz crystals). After a full day of Payson touring, the Buffalo Bar and Grill will set your toes to tapping with the band and the petite dance floor will call your name.
Pine (83 miles)
Cruise into Pine and feel your temperature drop under the tall trees. Saunter through the quaint downtown area to visit an art gallery or two and small specialty shops. Don’t forget the Honey Stand or the Trident Winery. Ready for dinner? Swing into THAT Brewery & Pub and kick back on the patio to enjoy some delicious food and one of their in-house hand-crafted micro-brewed beer selections.
