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While Phoenix is a colorful desert city, there may be more of a treasure in the lesser-known places to visit near Phoenix. The area surrounding Phoenix has lovely towering red rocks, pine trees, and historical cultural sites. Most importantly, everything around Phoenix provides a cooler alternative to the heat and chaos of the metropolitan area. Scenic drives trace through beautiful landscapes and connect you with charming towns with fantastic histories and characters. Whether you seek to connect with the natural world, visit quiet escapes, or hear stories from the past, the areas around Phoenix offer diverse access to experiences.
10 Places To Visit Near Phoenix
Places to visit near Phoenix offer a great compilation of natural beauty and adventure in the surrounding areas.
1. Sedona
Photo: Tuxyso / Wikimedia Commons
Sedona is a perfect desert town that presents a surreal natural escape into art, religion, and spirituality. Framed by massive red sandstone cliffs, the view here changes with every roll of the light, as it is an enchanting sight to makes people come all year round. The town itself is serene and open, and there are cafes that are owned by locals, specialty shops, and wellness centers, non-conventionally representing the creativity that runs throughout this town. It is also famous for its energy vortexes, which are said to encourage the healing and meditating process, and that is why tourists come to have some peace and healing.
Distance From Phoenix: 188.5 km
Major Attractions: Hiking, photography, art shopping, vortex tours
2. Jerome
Photo: dbking / Wikimedia Commons
Jerome used to be a prosperous mining town, but now it is a curious combination of history, art, and everything that is strange. Found on Cleopatra Hill, this ghost town which has been abandoned has fantastic views of the Verde Valley as well as a trip back towards the rugged Arizona past. Surrounding the streets, there are not only fun shops, but local art galleries, and the historical buildings turned into cafes, inns, and museums. This is partially spooky, and people tell of creepy hauntings, which further enhances the interest. History enthusiasts like to visit the Jerome State Historic Park and the Sliding Jail.
Distance From Phoenix: 178.1 km
Major Attractions: Jerome State Historic Park, Sliding Jail
3. Prescott
Photo: Mike McBey / Wikimedia Commons
Prescott is a unique combination of pine forests, Old Western history, and a small town and is thus an ideal getaway that can be used to avoid the soaring temperatures of Phoenix. It is located in a high-altitude area and is characterised by cool temperatures, and is beautiful. Courthouse Plaza forms the historic downtown with a circle of preserved 19th-century buildings, antique shops, and small cafes all around it. Prescott offers a combination of both rest and excitement that makes it one of the best places to visit near Phoenix.
Distance From Phoenix: 160.4 km
Major Attractions: Watson Lake, Courthouse Plaza, Whiskey Row
4. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Photo: ksblack99 / Wikimedia Commons
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is home to one of the largest natural travertine bridges in the world and highlights Arizona’s geological marvels, as it is only around 30 minutes from the town of Payson. Tonto Natural Bridge is a hidden gem in a forested area of pine trees, flowing creeks, and cooler temperatures, as it is away from the desert. The unique travertine bridge measures 183 feet (56 m) tall. Tonto Natural Bridge is an amazing place and is one of the most amazing places to see near Phoenix with its unique rock formations as well as its peaceful and relatively undiscovered environment.
Distance From Phoenix: 166.5 km
Major Attractions: Natural travertine bridge, Pine Creek Trail
5. Payson
Photo: davidpinter / Wikimedia Commons
Payson, sometimes referred to as “the heart of Arizona,” is a tranquil mountain town that is covered with the green Tonto National Forest. It is a beautiful place with a mild climate that gives one a welcome relief from the desert environment in Phoenix. An outdoor destination in the town offers fishing in the neighboring lakes, hiking in the region with pine trees, and spending time at waterfalls, which are yet to be discovered. It is laid back and of a similar character to a small town, so it is a perfect place to spend a quiet weekend getaway.
Distance From Phoenix: 144.1 km
Major Attractions: Tonto National Forest, Green Valley Park
6. Montezuma Castle National Monument
Photo: Tomas Castelazo / Wikimedia Commons
Montezuma Castle National Monument is an interesting facility that gives an insight into the lives of people living in the area almost 600 years ago. The cliff dwelling is a remarkably well-preserved five-story structure situated just south of Camp Verde and was constructed into a limestone cliff, showcasing the creativity and flexibility of its makers. The place can be understood to be a serene environment surrounded by desert bushes and shade trees, especially sycamores, which make it educational to both adults and children. Being culturally significant and located in a picturesque environment, Montezuma Castle is one of the most exciting tourist attractions near Phoenix among fans of history and archaeology.
Distance From Phoenix: 150.4 km
Major Attractions: Cliff-dwelling ruins
7. Tucson
Photo: JC Cervantes / Unsplash
Tucson is a vibrant city that combines culture, history, and nature spectacularly. It has strong Native American, Spanish, and Mexican roots, making it one of the more authentic places that emit a southwestern ambiance that is both historic and a breath of fresh air. The nearby Sonoran Desert offers an opportunity for unending hiking trails, wild animal sightings, and desert photo opportunities. New Mexico has colorful urban communities within the city with adobe structures, art displays, and a food culture that is considered innovative and traditional across the world. There are sights like Saguaro National Park, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and Mission San Xavier del Bac.
Distance From Phoenix: 181.2 km
Major Attractions: Saguaro National Park, Mission San Xavier, local cuisine
8. Superstition Mountains
Photo: lydia_pirate / Wikimedia Commons
The Superstition Mountains are a wild, mysterious, and legend-laden natural getaway located just east of Phoenix. Flanked by towering cliffs, spiky peaks, and desert routes, this place is a dream for any hiker and climber. The area is best known for the gold mine legend of the Lost Dutchman, a mystery that is attached to every hike. The trails, such as Peralta and Siphon Draw, are magnificent with different difficulty levels, and the nearest area to enjoy a picnic and wildlife is Lost Dutchman State Park. It is a dream location for someone who seeks solitude and challenge, as well as a stronger relationship with the rugged landscape of Arizona.
Distance From Phoenix: 82 km
Major Attractions: Peralta Trail, Siphon Draw
9. Kartchner Caverns State Park
Photo: Shaunnamm / Wikimedia Commons
Kartchner Caverns State Park is the secret underground gem of a park east of Benson and displays one of the most interesting examples of living cave systems in the US. The caverns were discovered in 1974 and were kept secret for years to preserve the fragile environment of the caves. Now they provide guided tours that allow the visitor to gaze at spectacular formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and huge columns that continue to grow. The Rotunda/ Throne Room and the Big Room tours also provide the visitors with an opportunity to see some rare mineral features within a well-conserved environment.
Distance From Phoenix: 270.5 km
Major Attractions: Rotunda/Throne Room, Big Room tours
10. Lake Pleasant Regional Park
Photo: Shereth / Wikimedia Commons
The Lake Pleasant Regional Park is an aquatic respite located northwest of Phoenix, which is an ideal recreation site for outdoor enthusiasts and fun seekers. With a size of more than 23,000 acres, the park focuses on a big reservoir with desert-sloping scenery lines and beautiful sightseeing positions. There is a lot of boating, kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding, and even scuba diving to be had and space in abundance to have picnics and camp by the stars. Hiking and biking trails are also present in the park, where one gets to see desert wildlife and view the sunset over the water.
Distance From Phoenix: 64.7 km
Major Attractions: Boating, kayaking, hiking, fishing
From scenic mountain villages to ancient ruins and desert landscapes, the places to visit near Phoenix offer something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, historic sites, or peaceful nature escapes, these nearby destinations are perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Just a short drive from the city, you’ll uncover Arizona’s rich diversity and natural beauty. Start planning your next adventure with TripXL today.
Cover Photo: Nicole Geri / Unsplash
