Tucson is a popular destination in Arizona for its relaxing spas, outdoor recreation, and amazing food. If you live in Tucson or are visiting the area for an extended period of time, you might be interested in finding a weekend getaway from Tucson to change up your routine and explore nearby cities. There are many great places to visit that are only a short drive away, so you can easily make the most of your time off. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat or an action-packed adventure, there is sure to be a perfect destination for you. These are our favorite places to go for a weekend outside of Tucson.
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Southern New Mexico is an ideal spot for a quick getaway, especially if you center your trip around Las Cruces. You can get here in about four hours from Tucson to experience the top attractions in Las Cruces first-hand. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city, from exploring the area’s natural beauty to indulging in its culinary delights. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away or a fun-filled adventure, Las Cruces is the perfect place to be. The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum and the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument are both great places to spend a day. At the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, you can explore the exhibits and learn about the history of farming in New Mexico. At the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, you can see footprints that are millions of years old! The White Sands National Park is an excellent place to explore and offers a unique environment where you can walk among the gypsum sand dunes.
Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico
Although Tucson is in the United States, it is located close to Mexico. Therefore, there is no need to stay in Tucson when you could go to Mexico instead. One popular destination for tourists in Sonora is the beach town of Puerto Peñasco. The town is located less than four hours away from Tucson and provides tourists with plenty of fun activities to enjoy, such as swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the local shops and restaurants. Also known as Rocky Point, this small beach town is a great getaway for those who want a resort experience without the high prices. There are plenty of things to do in Puerto Peñasco, such as spending time at one of the many beaches or wandering along the boardwalk to check out the traditional restaurants and shops. While you’re here, you can do a tequila tasting, go on a boat tour, and check out the Seashell Museum.
Phoenix, Arizona
There are always many things to see and do in Phoenix, making it a great weekend trip destination. This easy weekend trip only requires a short drive on the interstate and is less than two hours away. Experience all that the city has to offer with its vibrant nightlife, hilarious comedy shows, and pulsing dance venues. If you’re watching your wallet, take advantage of the best free activities Phoenix has to offer. People from Tucson often come to Phoenix for the weekend to attend a sporting event or go shopping in the upscale boutique shops. Other local ideas here are the Desert Botanical Gardens, Musical Instrument Museum, and hiking up Camelback Mountain. Hiking up Camelback Mountain is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors. The views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking. The Musical Instrument Museum is a must-see for music lovers. They have an amazing collection of instruments from all over the world. The Desert Botanical Gardens are a great place to learn about different types of cacti and other desert plants.
Cottonwood, Arizona
A great way to change up your routine and see something new is to take a weekend trip to Cottonwood, Arizona. Cottonwood is only a few hours away from Tucson by car, making it the perfect place for a short getaway. Cottonwood is a great place to visit for an Arizona wine experience, with many different wineries offering tastings and tours. You can also enjoy the outdoors here, with activities like hiking, swimming, and fishing at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Meanwhile, Old Town Cottonwood is a historic place to visit with quaint shops and restaurants for your evening dining experience. The area is full of charm and character, and there are plenty of things to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out or a fun night with friends, Old Town Cottonwood is the perfect place to be.
El Paso, Texas
We absolutely love El Paso, Texas as a great destination for a weekend trip from Tucson. It’s only about 4.5 hours away, and the atmosphere is both affordable and family-friendly – perfect for a quick getaway! There are tons of great things to do in El Paso, from exploring the city’s unique history and culture to simply enjoying the beautiful scenery. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed weekend or a more relaxed vacation, El Paso is sure to please. There are some very talented local artists in El Paso, so make sure to check out some of the art galleries around town. The El Paso Zoo is also a great place to take the kids. Other top things to do in El Paso include hiking the Mission Trail and visiting Ysleta Mission, taking the Wyler Aerial Tramway, exploring Franklin Mountains State Park, and Hueco Tanks State Historic Site.
Flagstaff, Arizona
The blistering Arizona summers can be swapped for tall evergreen trees by planning a weekend excursion to Flagstaff. This northern Arizona destination, located about four hours from Tucson, is perfect for a weekend trip. In the winter, you can come here to go skiing at the Arizona Snowbowl. The area is home to many national monuments dedicated to ancient pueblo life and Native American ancestors, which aim to preserve and educate about their cultures. Flagstaff has a pedestrian-friendly and enjoyable downtown area that is full of fashionable eateries and breweries. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about the area’s history and culture, as well as enjoy some of the best local food and drink. If you have a bit more time on your hands, pay a visit to the Meteor Crater nearby to see the spot where a rock hit the earth and left a very lasting impression.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona’s red rocks and healing energy attract people from all over the world. If you’re in Tucson, this popular destination is less than four hours away. The Sedona area is renowned for its strange and wonderful rock formations. Hiking through the area is a great way to see them up close. After a day spent enjoying the outdoors, treat yourself to a delicious meal. You’ll love exploring the Sedona area on foot, and it’ll be even sweeter knowing that a good meal awaits you at the end of the day! Sedona is a well-known destination for meditation retreats and yoga, as well as spa getaways for couples, groups, and solo travelers. Its popularity stems from its many natural features that are believed to promote relaxation and well-being. Cathedral Rock, Oak Creek Canyon, Bell Rock, and Slide Rock State Park are popular outdoor destinations that you can choose from on your weekend adventure.
Bisbee, Arizona
Tucson residents who are short on time often travel to Bisbee, as it is only about an hour and a half away. Bisbee is a small town near the Mexican border that is rich in history. The quaint mining town of Bisbee is located in the Arizona desert. Visitors can learn about the region’s mining industry, take a walk through the downtown area, and even stay in a haunted hotel. Other weekend activities in Bisbee include visiting the Lavender Pit, the Bisbee Restoration Museum, and the Mulheim Heritage House. The Old Bisbee Brewing Company is the perfect place to enjoy some delicious local craft beer and celebrate the weekend. With a great atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy some great brews.
Silver City, New Mexico
The Silver City area of New Mexico is a popular destination for tourists from Tucson. The Gila Cliff Dwellings are located just three hours away from Tucson, making it the perfect home base for exploring the area. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Silver City Clay Festival and the Catwalk National Recreation Trail. These attractions are sure to make your weekend exploration a blast! Other great places to visit nearby are the Silver City Museum, Billy the Kid Homesite, and various hiking trails in the national forest.
Tombstone, Arizona
A weekend getaway to Tucson is like a journey back in time to Arizona’s history. The town was established by silver miners in the late 1800s and is best known for its gunfights in the Wild West. As profits from the silver mines dwindled, Tombstone became a ghost town. Tombstone, which was once a deserted town, is now a popular tourist destination for those interested in the Wild West. The town has been brought back to life and now boasts many attractions and activities for visitors. Mine tours, trolley rides, and reenacted gun battles are popular attractions in Tombstone. The city offers insight into what life was like when the American frontier was still being settled. This is a relaxing weekend getaway that won’t require a long drive because Tombstone is only a short distance away from Tucson, although it has a completely different atmosphere.
Yuma, Arizona
It takes about three and a half hours to get from Tucson to Yuma, where you can experience a different side of Arizona. This is a family-friendly destination where you can explore a historic prison, visit a children’s museum, and take off-road vehicles for a spin in the Imperial Sand Dunes. Main Street in Yuma is a popular destination for many people looking to escape the cold weather. The street is lined with quaint shops and plays hosts various festivals throughout the year. Many RV enthusiasts and “snowbirds” flock to this area because of the mild temperatures. Therefore, it’s a smart idea to book your RV site well in advance if you want to camp on your weekend trip here.
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