Great Mini Vacations

Sometimes you don’t have time for a long vacation, maybe only a long weekend. There are so many great places to go for a quick getaway! No matter the time of year there are plenty of choices.

Here are some of our favorites for just a day or a weekend! In the comments let us know what you’re favorite getaway is!

Summer

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa 8000 South Arizona Grand E, Phoenix, AZ 85044 https://www.arizonagrandresort.com/

I know it seems counterintuitive to go to Phoenix in the summer… but the resort is not crowded and they have an awesome water park, just be sure to take surf socks to protect your feet from the hot concrete. The resort is very nice and have discounted summer rates!

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa 3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745

Stay where style and comfort intersect at JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. Located near downtown Tucson, AZ, our hotel offers uncomplicated relaxation amid the city’s top attractions. Featuring luxury amenities and excellent service, our downtown resort is a sanctuary where your comfort is always a certainty. Test your swing on the Arnold Palmer-designed desert golf courses, pamper yourself at our spa or take a dip in our multi-level pool and lazy river. Hike and bike on Tucson’s spectacular trails or explore Mountain Park, Kino Sports complex and Old Tucson Studios. In the evening, indulge in delicious cuisine in one of our resort’s buzz-worthy restaurants before retreating to well-appointed rooms and suites with stylish decor, plush bedding and separate sitting areas. If visiting downtown Tucson for business or social events, succeed like never before in our sophisticated venues with room for up to 3,300 guests. Let JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa ensure a memorable stay

Cabins on Strawberry Inn 5306 AZ-87, Strawberry, AZ 85544 https://www.azcabins.com/

Here at the Cabins on Strawberry Hill in Arizona, Tonto and Coconino National Forests are our backyard. Our cabin resort property borders Tonto National Forest, which joins Coconino a stone’s throw away and extends clear to Flagstaff. Guests can literally walk out of their rental cabin and into several million acres of public lands for a great family vacation cabin rental experience. The national forests provide opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, ATV’s, hunting, cross-country skiing, exploring, photography and just plain old family fun. Additionally, we are the closest cabin rentals to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Fossil Springs Wilderness Area, northern Mazatzal Wilderness Area, Clear Creek Wilderness Area, and Verde Hot Springs. The cabin rental resort is centrally located between the many scenic hot-spots Arizona offers, such as Sedona, Jerome, Petrified Forest National Park, the Painted Desert, Prescott, Scottsdale, Flagstaff, Christopher Creek, the Navajo and Hopi nations and the Grand Canyon.

Fall

Colors in Oak Creek Canyon and into Sedona and the Verde Valley typically start in early October: Oak Creek Canyon and West Fork Oak Creek are extremely popular locations that attract large crowds during fall color season. Parking is limited, and traffic congestion is common. For just a day trip or a couple of days Oak Creek Canyon is stunning in the fall. You can stay in Sedona or Flagstaff for easy access. Traffic seems to move more smoothly coming down from Flagstaff than up from Sedona

Mortimer Farms 12907 AZ-169, Dewey, AZ 86327 https://www.mortimerfarmsaz.com/

Welcome to Mortimer Farms, where the story of our founders, Gary and Sharla, unfolds against a backdrop of farming and ranching heritage. Both Gary and Sharla come from agricultural backgrounds, with Gary growing up on a corn and soybean farm in Iowa, while Sharla experienced life on a cotton farm in Arizona. Their shared love for the land and their desire to instill the values of hard work and a deep appreciation for food cultivation in their family laid the foundation for their journey.

In 1996, Gary embarked on a new venture by establishing Mortimer Nursery, a thriving nursery and landscape business in Prescott, Arizona. Today, Mortimer Nursery continues to flourish, a testament to Gary’s passion, hard work, expertise and commitment. As their lives intertwined, Gary and Sharla recognized their shared dream of raising their family in a rural setting, where the principles of agriculture would be woven into their everyday lives.

SnowBowl Scenic Gondola Ride

As the gondola travels up to 11,500 feet, see the cinder cone volcanic field, the red rocks in Sedona, and as far as the Grand Canyon on a clear day. Scenic Gondola Rides offer great opportunities for photography, enjoying the fresh mountain air, and taking in expansive views like no other of the San Francisco Peaks

Winter

The Polar Express 233 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams, AZ 86046 https://www.thetrain.com/

Every winter the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express comes to life on a journey from the nighttime wilderness of Williams, Arizona, to the enchanted beauty of “the North Pole”—where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting with a keepsake present for every good boy and girl. You’ll be smiling from ear to ear, as you watch children’s faces light up when the train arrives, and enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while listening to this timeless story.

Arizona Renaissance Festival 12601 US-60, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118 https://arizona.renfestinfo.com/

This is a great way to spend the day! The weather is generally perfect and for a weekend getaway it’s perfect. Great food and entertainment!

The variety of sceneries and difficulty levels make Arizona an ideal destination for both beginners and pros. There are over 370 golf courses in Arizona, with Scottsdale and Phoenix as the most golf-rich cities.

Spring

Founded in 1947, the Cactus League has blossomed into a baseball fan’s paradise, with 10 ballparks hosting 15 Major League Baseball teams. The Cactus League is committed to strengthening and promoting the spring training industry while serving communities and contributing to the wonderful quality of life for all to enjoy in Arizona.

Take a drive to see the spring flowers that make their appearance from March to May depending on the elevation! It’s a good excuse for a road trip!