Want to travel for spring break, but you’re stuck in Arizona? Don’t worry about it, there are a bunch of day trips you can take to make the most of your vacation. Chances are, you’ll have the opportunity to see some beautiful scenery, get some exercise, or learn something new. Here are some of my favorite spots in Arizona to get you thinking about your own plans! Have a great spring break!
- Tonto Natural Bridge- Payson, AZ
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Tonto Natural Bridge is a state park about two hours north of Phoenix. The park is at the bottom of a small valley in Payson where you can see the Tonto Natural Bridge over a small river. There are a couple of hiking trails down to the river, one that’s family-friendly and one that’s a bit more challenging. There is a small fee to enter the park, but there is a nice lodge with an information center and tables outside; it’s a great place for a picnic! This is the perfect day trip to enjoy cooler weather and see some beautiful scenery!
- Mormon Lake – Sedona, AZ
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There aren’t too many lakes in Arizona, and this is a really serene one! It’s in the heart of Coconino National Forest on the way to Flagstaff. This is yet another great place for a cute picnic- are you seeing a theme here? There’s a small town next to the lake with a small restaurant and store with a Western theme. Whether you visit Mormon Lake as a stop on your way up north or see it as your destination, it’ll be a relaxing time.
- Petrified Forest- Winslow, AZ
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A petrified forest might not be what you think it is. The Petrified Forest is a National Park almost two hours east of Flagstaff and is full of colorful petrified wood. Petrified wood is the result of natural tree remains that fossilize and turn to stone over time. You can drive through the park (for a per-car fee) and take a look at all the impressive colors! You can also take some hiking trails or take a look inside the visitor center or museum.
- London Bridge- Lake Havasu City, AZ
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Dreaming of somewhere far away but stuck in Arizona over spring break? Luckily, Arizona has its own piece of British history. If you don’t know this kind of crazy story, the London Bridge originally stood over the River Thames in London in the 1830s. In 1962 it was sold, then dismantled and shipped to the US where it was reassembled over the Colorado River in Lake Havasu City. The bridge itself is, well, a bridge, but there are some fun London-themed tourist attractions nearby! Not to mention Lake Havasu, where you can participate in all kinds of water sports.
- Fossil Creek Waterfall- Strawberry, AZ
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Last but not least, this is one of the most beautiful spots in Arizona, and it’s only two hours north of Phoenix. You’ve definitely seen pictures of the gorgeous turquoise water at the bottom of Fossil Creek valley, but you do have to put in some effort to get there. From the trailhead, it’s a 2.6-mile hike out and back. In addition, there is sometimes a permit required to park your car at the trailhead. Get yours online if you’re planning on visiting the trail after March 31st. Make sure to bring enough drinking water, and after you make it down the trail you can reward yourself with a swim- don’t forget to bring a picnic too!