One of the best things about living in the Valley are the endless day trips that you can take throughout Arizona. Everything from waterfalls, hikes, delicious foods, fine jewelry and wonderful museums. The five southern Arizona day trips below will truly show you the wonders of what southern Arizona has to offer. Whether you prefer to explore the city or spend time outdoors, we have something for you! Check out our top five southern Arizona day trips:
1. Tucson
Spend your day exploring what Tucson has to offer. Start your day at Sabino Canyon Recreation center and visit the beautiful Coronado National Forest. Take a hike, walk a trail, or explore nature. Now it’s time to eat! Choose from top local spots like Teaspoon, Prep & Pastry, Franks and Francisco’s and Bisbee Breakfast Club – some of the best breakfast in the area. Check out the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum featuring a 98-acre zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, natural history museum, publisher and art gallery. A fun way to spend your day! Need to cool down a bit? Visit The University of Arizona Biosphere 2 and explore what it has to offer. Take a stroll down University Blvd and explore local shops, bakeries and restaurants. Lastly, spend your evening overlooking the city watching the sunset at Gates Pass. Tucson is truly exceptional!
2. Tombstone
Tombstone is located in southeastern Arizona, known for its Wild West history. Visit the exhibits at the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. Between 6th and 3rd streets, Allen street remains a historical old west town- a dirt road, horse and carriage transportation, saloon and gunfights (staged). You can visit the Bird Cage Theatre where visitors will get a glimpse into staged re-enactments. Shop for western wear and southwestern jewelry at Bronco Trading and Arlene’s, as well as neighboring shops. Stop by for a quick wine tasting at Silver Mine Winery and end the night with dinner at Crystal Palace a historic intact saloon.
3. Kartchner Caverns State Park
A fun way to visit Kartchner Caverns, you can visit for the day or even spend your weekend camping. The State Park has so much to offer but the real attractions are the Caverns. Take a cave tour and explore the priceless views. You can also spend your time hiking in the Whetstone Mountains above the cave. Picnicking, walking on the hummingbird garden around the Discovery Center and eating under the ramada area are great ways to spend your day here!
4. Bisbee
An old mining town and a fun day trip! So much to do in Bisbee. First, explore on foot. Ditch the car and walk through town visiting historic buildings, roads and staircases. Climb the 1,052 stairs on the nine staircases and discover that each has a unique mural at its base. Put on your hard hat and miner’s headlamp and go explore the mines. Visit the Queen Mine tour to experience this historic land. Bisbee has some of the nation’s best bird watching. Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area has an amazing view of the birds and sky. Lastly, explore the spectacular rock formations and ghost towns in the Dragoon Mountains, the wonderful rocks in the Chiricahua Mountains, and the Huachuca Mountains.
Enjoy a day of nature observation and outdoor recreation. You can do as much or a little as you like- admire nature and watch out for whitetail deer or great blue herons to cross your path or get active on the lake. The park offers a beach, a marina, a boat launch and a picnic area with tables and grills as well as other activities including fishing and hiking. A fun way to spend the day in a different scenery.
We hope you have a fun and adventurous time exploring Southern Arizona. Share your travels with us on the Cadence at Gateway Instagram or Facebook.
Interested in Mesa’s newest master-planned community or new homes in the East Valley? Sign up at http://cadenceaz.com/contact.
