Whether you are looking for a small romantic inn or a full-service resort, Arizona offers many great places to stay. Weekend vacation activities in Arizona include spas, golf, hiking, mountain biking, hot air ballooning and horseback riding. Check into at a golf and spa resort with many on-site activities, or stay at an inn with a more intimate atmosphere. Popular Arizona vacation destinations to visit include Tucson, Phoenix and Sedona. Here are the best Arizona vacations.
1. Loews Ventana Canyon - 1 hour 45 minutes from Phoenix
Loews Ventana Canyon is one of the best romantic spa resorts in Arizona. Located in Tucson, the hotel offers panoramic city views, two great golf courses and a spa. During the day, relax next to two swimming pools, work out in the fitness center or take a yoga class to find your inner zen. In the evening, celebrate with champagne and delicious food at one of the resort restaurants. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is ideal for couples who like a choice of many activities and luxurious accommodations. Take advantage of large private balconies to have a breakfast outdoors in the morning and evening drinks while enjoying the desert ambiance. Things to Do in Tucson
7000 N. Resort Drive, Tucson, AZ 85750, Phone: 520-299-2020
2. The Royal Palms
At the Royal Palms in Phoenix, you can choose from a wide variety of activities, ranging from golf and hiking to relaxing at the resort's beautiful spa. Or you can simply spend your days next to the swimming pool which offers private cabanas, chaise lounges and dining tables. The resort has a fitness center, a full-service salon and ten spa treatment areas, all housed in a two-level open air facility.
T. Cook's is one of the top restaurants in the area, featuring high-vaulted ceilings, romantic atmosphere and panoramic views. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rooms start at $522 per night. Things to Do in Phoenix
5200 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018, Phone: 602-840-3610
3. Briar Patch Inn - 2 hours from Phoenix
If you are looking for unique romantic getaways in Arizona, the Briar Patch Inn in Sedona offers 19 guest cabins set on 9 lush acres where you will be surrounded by majestic canyon oaks. The cottages are furnished in Southwestern style with Native American touches. Relax next to your fireplace and on the patio, surrounded by nature. Start your weekend with a massage in the privacy of your guest cottage or in the creek side gazebo. During the summer months, the inn hosts Phoenix musicians playing Bach, Vivaldi and jazz outdoors while you enjoy your breakfast of home-baked breads and muffins. Rooms at the Briar Patch Inn start at $225. Things to Do in Sedona
3190 N. Highway 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, Phone: 928-282-2342
4.Boulders Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton
Located in the foothills of the Sonoran Desert north of Scottsdale on 1,300 acres, Boulders Resort and Spa is a high-end luxury resort. It features colorful Southwestern accents in its common spaces, rooms, suites, studios, villas, and houses. All rooms have fireplaces, fridges, lavish stone showers, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs, and some have patios, kitchens, and washer/dryers. The guests enjoy six restaurants including a bakery, two world-class 18-hole golf courses, four swimming pools, several tennis courts, a spa, and a gym. Out of respect for the native lands on which the resort was built, there is a shamanic tipi in the hotel garden. There is also an organic garden and a labyrinth. The surrounding desert offers plenty of opportunities for exercise and exploration, from hiking and climbing unusual rock formations to fishing and horseback riding. Best Things to Do in Scottsdale
34631 N Tom Darlington Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85262, Phone: 480-488-9009
5. Sunglow Ranch - 3 hours 10 minutes
Looking for a jam packed holiday full of adventure, fun, and the great outdoors? Sunglow Ranch in southeastern Arizona has everything that you could ever want. Sunglow Ranch prides itself on being a western guest ranch with first class ambience and amenities. Set on 475 acres at the border of Corondao National Forest, the ranch offers plenty of things to see and do.
Hike the hundreds of trails into the wilderness, swim in the pool, which is heated in the winter, or stargaze out into the clear night. Venture into Corondao National Forest by foot, horseback, or bike and explore the 200,000 acre forest. Recharge on a trip into nature, with clean air, crisp skies, and beautiful views. Best Things to Do in Hereford
14066 South Sunglow Road, Pearce, AZ 85625, Phone: 520-824-3334
6. Grand Canyon Caverns Inn - 5 hours from Tucson
The Grand Canyon Caverns Inn is a weekend getaway for couples who like adventure. The inn sits at the entrance of the Grand Canyon Caverns, the largest dry caverns in the United States. The caverns are accessible via an elevator as well as on foot along paved walkways with handrails. Ask about the Underground Cave Suite located 220 feet below the surface in 65-million-year-old caverns. This unique suite is 200 feet wide, 400 feet long and has a 70 foot ceiling. The Underground Cave Suite costs $800 per night.
115 Mile Marker AZ-66, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, Phone: 928-422-3223
, From LA7. Arizona Honeymoon: Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain: 20 minutes from Phoenix
Enjoy dramatic Arizona landscape surroundings at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. The resort spa offers Asian-inspired treatments, meditation garden, movement studio and fitness center. Relax next to the outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees and open vistas. Choose from 105 Casitas and seven private estate homes featuring spectacular views of Paradise Valley and the mountains. If you are looking for luxury vacation spots with beautiful natural surroundings, at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain you will feel pampered from head to toe. When you book your treatment, choose from twelve indoor & outdoor treatment rooms.
The resort offers a variety of spa packages and signature experiences. Satori Wellness Retreats are 4-day wellness journeys complete with personalized fitness activities, facial and body treatments, delicious meals and follow-up care from your personal trainer after you leave. Room rates at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain start from $259 per night, from $419 in high season.
5700 E McDonald Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, Phone: 855-245-2051
8. Arizona vacation spots: The Scott Resort & Spa in Scottsdale
Get away to The Scott Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona for a relaxing romantic vacation. The hotel is located near Fashion Square, Old Town Scottsdale museums and numerous golf courses in the area. There are two luxurious pools, a hot tub and a sandy beach. Guests can work out at the 24-hour fitness center. Relax by the pool in one of the luxury poolside cabanas. Choose from 204 guest rooms and suites, 3,500 square-foot Jurlique spa and an Italian restaurant Taggia. Dine inside or outdoors on the patio under the Sonoran sky. Join the hosted evening wine hour from 5 - 6 pm every night.
The 3,500 square foot Jurlique spa offers a menu of relaxing treatments. This is a pet-friendly hotel, so your dog will feel welcome there. The hotel offers plush amenities for your pet, including a welcome board with your pet's name on the day of arrival, bed, food and water bowls delivered to your room, exercise area within walking distance of the hotel, and other perks. The hotels accepts any number of pets without size or weight restrictions. Room rates start at $350 per night.
4925 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, Phone: 800-528-7867
9. Arizona Vacations: The Hermosa Inn
The Hermosa Inn, located between Phoenix and Scottsdale, is a stylish, fun getaway with newly redesigned guest casitas and a beautiful outdoor pool deck. LON's restaurant has received the highest praise and serves delicious American Cuisine in a romantic setting next to an outdoor fireplace. Ask for the Grand Casita which has two private patios and a luxurious bathroom with an antique pedestal tub. When you stay at The Hermosa Inn, you will be close to both Phoenix and Scottsdale where you can visit some of the top art galleries, museums and shops in Arizona. Room rates start at USD $279 per night.
5532 North Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, Phone: 602-955-8614
10. Arizona vacation spots: Arizona Inn in Tucson
Arizona Inn is a cool romantic place to stay in the heart of Tucson near art galleries, shops and restaurants. The inn is set on 14 acres of gardens, offering a quiet outdoor space in the heart of the city. Stroll through the gardens, lounge next to the outdoor pool and have a romantic dinner at the gourmet restaurant. The inn has 95 individually decorated guest rooms and suites with complimentary internet access. Ask for a Deluxe Room with a sitting area in the room and a private patio.
You can lounge next to the 60-foot heated outdoor pool, play tennis, work out at the gym and read a book in the library. The inn is popular with weddings because of its romantic gardens. You can get married surrounded by fragrant flowers and hold your reception in the garden. Several function rooms are also available if you prefer to host your guests indoors. Arizona Inn features an award-winning restaurant and a bar with live piano music. Room rates start at $170 per night.
2200 E. Elm Street, Tucson, AZ 85719, Phone: 800-933-1093
11. Arizona vacation spots: The Westin Kierland
Located in the Scottsdale-Phoenix area of Arizona, The Westin Kierland Resort is a vacation getaway with a spa and 27 holes of scenic golf. The spa has 21 treatment rooms, a movement studio and a juice bar. Some of the most popular treatments utilize the healing properties of the indigenous agave plant. The spa uses many organic products in its treatments, organic aromatherapy oils and massage oils, as well as vegan nail polish. The resort recently opened a special water park that lets you surf in the desert. FlowRider is only open to guests of the hotel. For families the resort offers the Family Fun Program with a Kids Club, a 110-foot waterslide and inner tube floating river. Rooms at the Westin Kierland rates start at $189 per night.
6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, Phone: 480-624-1000
12. Weekend Trips from Phoenix: W Scottsdale - 30 minutes
At W Scottsdale, you will be surrounded by great nightlife, restaurants, shopping and top art galleries in town. The AAA Four Diamond hotel offers stylish accommodations, romantic dining at Sushi Roku and the elegant Living Room lounge, perfect for sipping cocktails. Thursday through Sunday, the pool hosts fun events and live music. Rent a luxury poolside cabana and spend your day sunbathing, people watching and cooling off in the pool. Poolside service and dining ensure that you don't have to leave your comfy spot. Saturday and Sunday pool parties at Wet are open to the public and are popular with visitors and locals alike. On weekends, vacationers can also enjoy the Living Room Live series from 9pm to 12am featuring local and national recording artists.
For the ultimate indulgence on your romantic weekend trip, rent one of the VIP suites on the 6th floor which feature a separate living room, kitchen, large balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. Don't forget to book a massage at Bliss Scottsdale Spa which offers seven treatment rooms, Bliss products and the legendary brownie buffet.
7277 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, Phone: 480-970-2100
13. Arizona Vacations: Kayak Powell
Explore Lake Powell and the Colorado River from the water with a guided tour from Kayak Powell. Hire kayaks or canoes and experience a world like no other with stunning scenery and the unique geology of Glen Canyon and Lake Powell. Visit the Colorado River where Kayak Powell can offer you Stand Up Paddleboard lessons and tours or even rent you a canoe!
Try out the Lone Rock Canyon Sunset or Morning Tour, where you will paddle beneath breathtaking cliffs and float into the canyon. Hike up to the lookout point and enjoy a swim during the summer. The tour is suitable for children and is the perfect introduction to exploring off the beaten track. Best Things to Do in Page
816 Coppermine Rd., Page, AZ 86040, Phone: 928-660-0778
14. Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters
Take to the skies of the western United States with a helicopter tour from Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters. Flying over 600,000 passengers each year to the Grand Canyon, they are one of the largest and oldest sightseeing companies in the world. Fly over popular and famous sites such as Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and, of course, the Grand Canyon.
Papillon offers over 40 unique adventures that are not limited to just the skies, but include horseback rides, river rafting, and 4-wheel driving. A day out with Papillon will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. If you are looking for unique vacation ideas to celebrate your birthday, anniversary and other occasions, this is a great tour.
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15. Arizona Vacations: Pleasant Harbor Boat Rentals
Head to Lake Arizona and have a calm day out, or if you’re more of the daredevil type, a day filled with extreme fun. Whatever your preference, Pleasant Harbor Boat Rentals has something for everyone. Hire a boat and take to the waters, where you can enjoy activities such as swimming, water skiing, knee boarding, and tubing.
If you have a bit more daredevil in you, try Flyboarding, the latest in extreme sports. Shoot up to 50 feet in the air on a FlyBoard and see the lake from the air. The instructors are not only dedicated to your safety but also ensuring that you have a fantastic day out. Make sure a trip to Lake Arizona is on your family’s bucket list.
16. Arizona Honeymoon: L'Auberge de Sedona - 2 hours from Phoenix
L'Auberge de Sedona is a romantic getaway in Arizona where you can spend your days relaxing by the pool, strolling through the gardens and hiking in the Red Rock Canyon, the Coconino National Forest and Magenta Cliffs. The hotel offers in-room spa services - try the Couples Spa Package which includes a Tai Chi lesson and a 90-minute massage. There are 33 secluded cottages and a 21-room Lodge with panoramic views of the famous Red Rocks. The cottages are decorated in elegant Country European style and feature covered porches and wood-burning fireplaces. The hotel has two restaurants: L'Auberge Restaurant and Terrace on the Creek which offers outdoor seating. Outdoor activities include fly fishing, horseback riding, cattle drives and Hopi Indian Village Tours. The hotel has a staff of wedding and catering specialists which can arrange receptions, dinner parties and romantic wedding ceremonies. VacationIdea.com Vacation Tip: Book your spa services and activities before you go to make sure that you can get what you want. The resort is a 2-hour drive from Phoenix and Scottsdale. Doubles start from $389 per night, but rates vary by season.
301 Little Ln, Sedona, AZ 86336, Phone: 855-905-5745
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17. The Saguaro - 1 hour 45 minutes from Tucson
Located near shops, art and nightlife of Old Town Scottsdale, the Saguaro is a unique hotel for couples who like colorful decor and lively outdoor pools. Rent a cabana next to one of the two pools and have fun in the sun, complete with live music and DJ entertainment. The hotel has a spa, fitness center and a modern Mexican restaurant & bar serving over 100 varieties of tequila. The Sagurao guests get to use complimentary desert cruiser bikes to explore the city. Rooms start at $139 per night.
4000 North Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, Phone: 480-308-1100
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18.Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
Surrounded by massive red rocks in Sedona’s Bell Rock neighborhood, Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock is a chic, modern resort less than 12 miles from Oak Creek Canyon. The hotel’s traditionally decorated rooms are spacious and extremely comfortable, with custom-designed beds, incredibly soft goose down comforters, mini-fridges, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, gas fireplaces, and private patios or balconies. Guests enjoy a range of amenities, such as a full-service luxury spa, the Southwestern grill restaurant The Grille, a fitness center, a large outdoor swimming pool with a poolside cafe, tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, and extensive event spaces.
90 Ridge Trail Drive, Sedona, AZ 86351, 928-284-4040
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25 Best Romantic Arizona Vacations
- Loews Ventana Canyon - 1 hour 45 minutes from Phoenix, Photo: Loews Ventana Canyon
- The Royal Palms, Photo: The Royal Palms
- Briar Patch Inn - 2 hours from Phoenix, Photo: Briar Patch Inn
- Boulders Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton, Photo: Boulders Resort & Spa
- Sunglow Ranch - 3 hours 10 minutes, Photo: Sunglow Ranch
- Grand Canyon Caverns Inn - 5 hours from Tucson, Photo: Grand Canyon Caverns Inn
- Arizona Honeymoon: Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain: 20 minutes from Phoenix, Photo: Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain
- Arizona vacation spots: The Scott Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Photo: The Scott Resort & Spa
- Arizona Vacations: The Hermosa Inn, Photo: The Hermosa Inn
- Arizona vacation spots: Arizona Inn in Tucson, Photo: Arizona Inn
- Arizona vacation spots: The Westin Kierland, Photo: Westin Kierland
- Weekend Trips from Phoenix: W Scottsdale - 30 minutes , Photo: W Scottsdale
- Arizona Vacations: Kayak Powell, Photo: Kayak Powell
- Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, Photo: Courtesy of huci - Fotolia.com
- Arizona Vacations: Pleasant Harbor Boat Rentals, Photo: Pleasant Harbor Boat Rentals
- Arizona Honeymoon: L'Auberge de Sedona - 2 hours from Phoenix, Photo: L'Auberge de Sedona
- The Saguaro - 1 hour 45 minutes from Tucson, Photo: The Saguaro
- Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, Photo: Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
- Cover Photo: Loews Ventana Canyon
More Weekend Destinations: Flagstaff
Located at 7,000 feet elevation, surrounded by the largest forest of Ponderosa pines in the world and the home of the famous Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff is a curious study in contrasts. Start your adventure with a hike to the Walnut Canyon National Monument to see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings. Get an adrenaline rush while white water rafting on the mighty Colorado River with the Hatch River Expeditions.
Take the trail through the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument to see the 900 year old volcanic cinder cone.
For more of nature’s majesty, visit Grand Falls of the Little Colorado River that is actually higher than Niagara Falls. The Museum of Northern Arizona celebrates the Native American heritage of the area. Try to catch a concert at the world-renowned Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. Take a tour of the Lowell Observatory at night - they will let you peek through the telescope.
Romantic Ideas in Sedona
A small quirky, charming desert town, Sedona is surrounded by so much natural beauty that there is no wonder it became home to so many artists. Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon offers magnificent views of this smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon. Cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and pictographs at the Palatki Heritage Site were left behind by the Southern Sinagua people more than thousand years ago. The only way to see the Devil's Bridge, a fantastic natural sandstone arch, is by hiking up the steep trail.
Visit the Sedona Heritage Museum and a well-preserved homestead to learn about the life of Sedona pioneers. Check what is going on at the Sedona Arts Center, the heart of Sedona’s art community. Northern Arizona produces some great wines and the Wine Tours of Sedona will help you discover some of the best ones.
Phoenix
In the middle of Sonoran desert, surrounded by picturesque McDowell Mountains, Phoenix is modern city with a unique personality and interesting places to visit. Exhibits at the Heard Museum will help you understand the American and Sonoran indigenous peoples who populated the area for thousands of years.
The enormous futuristic Arizona Science Center offers interactive exhibits that encourage interest in science and technology. The Children's Museum of Phoenix is a true wonderland with 300 hands-on exhibits that inspire creativity and encourage imagination. Walk through the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park to see the 1,500 year old remnants of the Hohokam culture. Hike to the Camelback Mountain for spectacular vistas of the city and the surrounding desert. Luxury spa resorts in Phoenix include Arizona Grand Resort & Spa and Arizona Biltmore.
Tucson
Whatever you are interested in, you are likely to find it in Tucson. A lively student town with the University of Arizona at its heart, historic, free-spirited and quirky, Tucson is fun for all ages. With a natural history museum, an aquarium, botanical gardens and an art gallery, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a great introduction to the city and the area. Walk through the Saguaro National Park to see the enormous iconic saguaros that do not live anywhere else.
Visit the beautiful Tohono Chul Park to learn about the art, culture and nature of the Sonoran Desert, especially of the indigenous Tohono O’odham people. See the art inspired by the desert Southwest at the Tucson Desert Art Museum. The University of Arizona Museum of Art focuses on the American and European art from the Renaissance to today. Kids will love Reid Park Zoo where animals live in naturalistic habitats, free of cages. Fleur de Tucson Balloon Tours Company will take you high up in the air for an unforgettable view of the city, surrounding desert and mountains. For a romantic night out, dine at one of these excellent restaurants.
Mesa
Located in the heart of Sonoran Desert, Mesa has been populated by humans for the last 2,000 years. The best place to learn more about the natural history, anthropology, art and culture of the area is at the Arizona Museum of Natural History with more than 60,000 objects. Mesa Historical Museum is another source of information on the history of Mesa, with an interesting exhibit about Boeing, one of the largest employers in the city.
You can re-live Mesa’s Wild West past at the Rockin' R Ranch, with staged gunfights, gold panning, wagon rides and typical cowboy barbecues. Grandiose Mesa Arizona Temple tells the story of the strong Mormon presence in Mesa. Take the kids to the i.d.e.a. Museum which promotes art through play and fun, or to the Riverview Park, a fun entertainment area for the whole family.
Tempe
Home of Arizona State University, Tempe is a modern, lively city in metropolitan Phoenix. Get the feel of this student city by strolling through the upbeat pedestrian-friendly Downtown Tempe, with interesting pubs, restaurants and galleries. Nearby Arizona State University Art Museum has more than 12,000 art objects focusing mostly on artists from the American Southwest. Take a hike to the Hayden Butte Preserve to see the ancient petroglyphs, some rare desert plants and spectacular views of the city.
Enjoy the lake and watersports in the middle of the desert at the Tempe Beach Park. Another curiosity in the desert is the SEA LIFE Aquarium with marine creatures from all over the world. The unique Halle Heart Children's Museum teaches the kids how to keep their heart healthy. Try to catch a game of the Arizona State Sun Devils at their home Sun Devil Stadium.
Chandler
A suburb of Phoenix, Chandler has its own unique personality. Stroll through the 113 acre Veterans Oasis Park and enjoy the stark Sonoran Desert landscapes. Stop by the Chandler’s Environmental Education Center that focuses on educating people about the desert ecosystems. Try to catch a performance at the Chandler Center for the Arts.
Find some time to visit one of the world’s best collections of Western American and American Indian Art at the Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery of Western American and American Indian Art. Koli Equestrian Center will help you see the magnificent landscapes of the Gila River Indian Reservation the most natural way - on a horseback. Let the kids create their own souvenirs at the Burst of Butterflies Paint Your Own Pottery and Art Studio.
Driving Distances from Phoenix
| From Phoenix To | Driving Time |
| Tucson, AZ | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Sedona, AZ | 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Pearce, AZ | 3 hours 10 minutes |
| Cottonwood, AZ | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Peach Springs, AZ | 3 hours 10 minutes |
| Carefree, AZ | 45 minutes |
| Paradise Valley, AZ | 20 minutes |
| Scottsdale, AZ | 30 minutes |
| Page, AZ | 4 hours 30 minutes |
