Day Trips from Prescott

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.
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.
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.
Verde Valley Wine Country (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 a few miles down the road with a museum and several easy-to-walk trails.
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.
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.
Crown King (57 miles) 
Tiny Crown King in the southern Bradshaw Mountains is “Far From Ordinary” and knows it.  Part ghost town and part piney oasis from the surrounding desert, this burg has made itself known for events like “the World’s Shortest Memorial Day Parade” and the annual CK Apple Festival.
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 its in-house, hand-crafted micro-brewed beer selections.
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. 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 for “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. 
Grand Canyon (123 miles)
Hiking trails, shopping, gorgeous hotels and cabins, shopping, restaurants and more are awaiting the visitor to the Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. See historical buildings, hear stories of former residents, and learn about the designs of trailblazing architect Mary Colter. Trailheads for Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails start near the village. Tour more of the South Rim on the shuttlebuses to see even more views before heading back to one of the numerous restaurants for a tasty meal with views that can’t be beat.
Kingman/Grand Canyon West
(148 miles)
Along the historic Route 66 you can find a city with a storied history. Check out the Powerhouse Visitor Center, the Mohave Museum of History or Locomotive Park before stopping at one of the many restaurant options offered in this wonderfully historic city.
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.
Sunset Crater (115 miles)
Black ash and volcanic rock are just two amazing things to see when visiting this otherworldly site. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is home to a dormant volcano whose last eruption was just a thousand years ago. Just a short drive from lively Flagstaff, this destination offers hiking trails, a visitor center and amazing views.
Meteor Crater (137 miles)
Fifty thousand years ago a meteor hit earth with more energy than 20 million tons of TNT. That meteor happened to land in Northern Arizona. The Meteor Crater Visitor Center is located at the rim with an amazing view of the massive crater. Learn about Meteor Crater, experience the Discovery Center, see artifacts and exhibits on space, catch the Collision! 4D Experience Room, or snag a snack at the Blasted Bistro. Meteor Crater is a fun experience for all ages.
Please contact parks and attractions directly before your visit to verify current hours of operation and availability of attractions and reservations.