07-03-2025
Planning a road trip for spring break? Try one of these 9 getaways near Phoenix
Spring break is right around the corner for most Arizona students. If you don't have any travel plans yet but you're looking for a bit of adventure, consider traveling closer to home.
Families, friend groups and couples will pack up the SUVs and hit the road this month to embark on a fun — but not too far away — vacation. Arizona and its neighboring states have lots of different getaway destinations to choose from, like the sandy beaches in San Diego or the red rocks in Sedona.
Need help planning the ultimate spring break road trip? Here's your guide to some of the best vacation spots located just a few hours outside of Phoenix.
There is no shortage of small towns to explore, restaurants to try and natural sights to see in northern Arizona.
Things to do:
Grab a coffee or tea at a local cafe. For the best bagel in the high country, head to Biff.
Visit Lowell Observatory, the renowned astronomical research facility where Pluto was discovered.
Spend a day in nature at Walnut Canyon, Wupatki and Sunset Crater National Monuments. If you're feeling more adventurous, bring your headlamp and jacket to hike into the Lava River Cave.
Bop around historic downtown Flagstaff.
Spend your spring break on the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl, with lift tickets starting at $29 when you book in advance online.
Distance from Phoenix: 145 miles. A roughly two-hour drive.
Best easy day trips from Phoenix: Fun places within a 2-hour drive
Things to do:
Take a hike! Popular trails include Devil's Bridge, Cathedral Rock, West Fork, Boynton Canyon and Bell Rock.
Book an iconic Pink Jeep Tour.
Receive a spiritual reading.
Distance from Phoenix: About 115 miles. A two-hour drive.
Things to do:
Hike along Bright Angel Trail, South Rim Trail or explore the canyon on your own. Bonus: Walk the Grand Canyon Skywalk on the West Rim.
Take a hop-on-hop-off bus along the rim.
Check out the museums and galleries.
Distance from Phoenix: 225 miles. It will take about three and a half hours to drive.
Things to do:
Wine tasting at a local vineyard, like Merkin Vineyards and Winery.
Stroll through charming Historic Old Town Cottonwood for good eats and antique shopping.
Embark on a local safari through Out of Africa Wildlife Park.
Distance from Phoenix: 104 miles. It will take about an hour and 47 minutes to drive.
Things to do:
Grab a bite at the Haunted Hamburger restaurant.
Take a ghost tour or check out Gold King Mine, a ghost town with an intriguing museum.
Ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad.
Distance from Phoenix: About 110 miles. It will take about two hours to drive.
San Diego is one of the most popular spring break destinations among Arizonans of all ages. Young adults enjoy the vibrant nightlife, families flock to local attractions and everyone in between relaxes on the beach.
Things to do:
Grab lunch from Sara's Mexican Food.
Spend a few hours at Belmont Park and ride the rollercoaster, pick up a souvenir or get an ice cream cone.
Play beach volleyball at Crown Point Park.
Learn to sail, wakeboard, kayak or windsurf at Mission Bay Aquatic Center.
Book a half-day fishing trip with Seaforth Sportfishing.
Distance from Phoenix: 360 miles. It will take about five hours to drive.
Things to do:
Find your next read at Warwick's, the country's oldest family-owned and operated bookstore. Located in the Village of La Jolla.
Have a picnic on Windansea Beach and watch surfers tackle the fierce waves.
Spend some time at La Jolla Cove. You can watch sea lions sunbathe on the rocks, descend the 144 stairs of Sunny Jim sea cave, rent a kayak or relax at Scripps Park.
Have a beach day at La Jolla Shores.
Go to La Jolla's coastal aquarium: Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Distance from Phoenix: Just over 360 miles. About a five-hour drive.
Things to do:
Stroll or bike around the island. Admire the beautiful landscape and architecture. Stop by a local shop or two and grab a coffee at Parakeet Cafe.
Have a beach day at Coronado Beach, known for its clean, wide stretches of white sand.
Distance from Phoenix: 360 miles. A five-hour and 30-minute drive.
Things to do:
Wander through The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.
Take a stroll around Carlsbad Village, a touristy neighborhood with shops, restaurants and a weekly farmers market.
Bring the family to LEGOLAND California.
Beach day at South Carlsbad State Beach.
Distance from Phoenix: 380 miles. It will take six hours to drive there.
Las Vegas.
Puerto Peñasco, México.
Imperial Beach, California.
Zion National Park, Utah.
Tucson.
Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Lake Havasu City.
Los Angeles, California.
Is it safe to go to Mexico right now? What Arizona spring breakers need to know
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Try visiting these fun, relaxing spring break getaways in Arizona
