7 AZ Day Trips to Beat the Heat

7 AZ Day Trips to Beat the Heat

(No Hiking Boots Required)

When the Phoenix heat hits triple digits, you don’t need to flee the state, just grab your keys and head for higher ground, cooler breezes, or a well-placed cocktail. These relaxing day trips from Phoenix are perfect for people who want fun without the sweat—think train rides, charming towns, museums, wine tastings, and just the right amount of quirky.

Whether you're a seasoned explorer or just someone who wants to sip sangria in the shade, here’s your ultimate list of day trips that don’t require hiking boots, kayaks, or bug spray.

1. Verde Canyon Railroad – Clarkdale

~2 hours from Phoenix
This is the ultimate cool-down activity: a vintage train ride through red rock canyons along the Verde River. Choose a first-class car with big windows, snacks, and AC. Sit back with a cocktail and enjoy the scenery without lifting a finger.
Bonus stops: Visit Tuzigoot National Monument (an easy stroll through ancient hilltop ruins) or browse Clarkdale’s Arizona Copper Art Museum, which is far more elegant (and air-conditioned) than you'd expect.

2. Prescott for History & Whiskey Row

~2 hours north
Prescott brings small-town charm with a side of saloon swagger. Stroll the shaded Courthouse Square, browse antique stores, and sip your way down Whiskey Row, stopping at The Palace Saloon, Arizona’s oldest bar.
Also check out:

• The Sharlot Hall Museum for Old West history

• Lunch or happy hour at El Gato Azul (locals love it for tapas & sangria)

• A quick photo op at Watson Lake—no hike needed, just park and snap

3. Jerome – Haunted & Artsy

~2 hours from Phoenix
Jerome is weird in the best way. Once a booming mining town, it’s now home to artists, ghost stories, and one very haunted hotel. And yes, plenty of funky shops—think crystals, antiques, taxidermy, and oddities galore.
Don’t miss:

• The creepy-cool Jerome Grand Hotel (formerly a hospital)

• The Sliding Jail, which is literally sliding downhill

• Art (and AC) at Raku Gallery

• Haunted Hamburger for big views, bigger burgers

4. Cottonwood – Wine + Main Street Meandering

Just next to Jerome (~2 hrs total)
After your ghostly fun in Jerome, unwind in Cottonwood’s low-key charm.

• Wander Old Town, lined with tasting rooms like Pillsbury, Merkin, and Arizona Stronghold

• Eat at Pizzeria Bocce—wood-fired pizza and craft cocktails in a stylish, shady setting
  Cottonwood is a perfect midday break between adventures or a great destination all on its own.

5. Globe – Vintage Shopping + Mexican Food

~1.5 hours east
Globe is an underrated gem with lots of personality.

Bonus: Drive the Salt River Canyon for dramatic views without ever leaving your car.

• Shop vintage finds and retro collectibles downtown

• Eat handmade tortillas at La Luz del Día, a local favorite

• Visit the sprawling and quirky Pickle Barrel Trading Post

Bonus: Drive the Salt River Canyon for dramatic views without ever leaving your car.

6. Pine & Strawberry – Chill Mountain Vibe

~1.5 to 2 hours northeast
No hiking, just relaxing. You’ll find funky thrift stores and sleepy forest-town charm at every turn.

• Grab a craft beer at THAT Brewery and sit under the pines

• Order wood-fired pizza at Old County Inn—you’ll thank me later

• Visit Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm for a photo op and souvenirs

7. Wickenburg – Cowboy Museums + Ice Cream

~1.25 hours northwest
This historic cowboy town serves up small-town hospitality with a side of Western flair.

• Explore the Desert Caballeros Western Museum (surprisingly immersive)

• Grab a cone at one of the local ice cream parlors

• Bonus: some days feature gunfight re-enactments or dude ranch experiences

Now all that’s left is to gas up the car, pick a playlist, and hit the road!