Places to visit in the vicinity of Phoenix (Tucson, Scottsdale: to buy, camp)

[tahiti]

Hi all - my boys will be heading to ASU in August. We are flying out the day they check in, then the next day they head to a camp in Prescott for 2 nights, so my husband and I will be flying solo. While there, I'd rather venture out of the area than stay in Tempe. We've been to Sedona and loved it so that's a possibility, but what are some other suggestions? I saw in another post about Palm Springs, is driving 4 hrs each way for 2/3 night worth it (we've never been). Any other hidden gems worth it for a few nights stay? TIA!

ETA: We've been to Lake Havasu and don't want to go back (not in a bad way, just BTDT).

[observer53]

I see no reason to drive all the way to Palm Springs. I don't "get" Palm Springs, having been there once years ago. I'd go north to Flagstaff or Payson (you could go all the way up to Show Low instead of stopping around Payson. If you don't mind the desert in summer, drive up to the Boulders Resort in Carefree. Summer staycation rates might be pretty good!

[tahiti]

Originally Posted by observer53

I see no reason to drive all the way to Palm Springs. I don't "get" Palm Springs, having been there once years ago. I'd go north to Flagstaff or Payson (you could go all the way up to Show Low instead of stopping around Payson. If you don't mind the desert in summer, drive up to the Boulders Resort in Carefree. Summer staycation rates might be pretty good!

Thanks. I'm interested in Palm Springs bc I've never been there, but I'm not sure it's my vibe. But I'm not sure what the exact vibe is, my impression (uber rich, high end stores that I have no interest in, we don't play golf) is only what I see on TV, lol. Another question - is it worth it just to go to Joshua Tree?

We've been to Flagstaff but not Payson. I've only been to Carefree once for dinner I think so I'll check that out. Thanks again!

Another ETA: I looked up Boulders - is that a Hilton resort? HOLY COW is that gorgeous!

[Ponderosa]

If shopping is your thing, my impression is that Scottsdale has far more high roller shops and restaurants than Palm Springs. Palm Springs has kind of a 60s feel, IMO. Its best days are behind it.

[ArrisSevvin]

Payson is a nice mountain town. Not at all desert. I like lunch at the airport diner when I go. Then head up the hill. Lots of small towns if that's your thing (it's mine). Strawberry, Pine, to name a few. Or you can turn toward Show Low. At a mile altitude you'll find the Mogollon Rim. It's a scenic drop-off where the mountains give into the valley. Spectacular views.

If you want to spend a day locally, Goldfield is fun once or twice. It's our original Goldmine Town. No admission. Lots of touristy shops. Just beyond that Tortilla Flat is interesting. Small town...I mean smaaalllllll. But their local diner is wallpapered with real money. Last count, over $90,000 stapled to the walls and ceiling. Food is okay. Atmosphere is great. Nice drive up, too...if you are into small winding roads and scenery. Only about 10 miles north of AJ.

Old Town Scottsdale is good for an afternoon shopping trip. Nothing but tourist shops, art dealers and restaurants. Only about five miles north of ASU.

Tombstone is only about a three hour drive from Tempe. It's really the only authentic wild west town left...touristed up, but you're still walking through the same buildings as our western legends. If you get down that way don't miss Bisbee. A great place to buy artsie stuff. From there Naco, Mexico is only about ten miles. I've never been there but those small border towns can be fascinating.

Plenty to do. You're going to need more than a few days.

[Java Jolt]

Seriously, Palm Springs? There isn't much of anything worthwhile around there.

There's plenty to do around Phoenix without having to venture too far out, and summertime can be fun despite the heat.

Phoenix Zoo.

Wildlife World Zoo.

Desert Botanical Gardens.

Golfland-Sunsplash.

Wet 'N' Wild.

Big Surf.

Sealife Aquarium.

Arizona Science Center.

Catch a ballgame at Chase Field.

Ride the Desert Belle on Saguaro Lake.

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by Java Jolt

Seriously, Palm Springs? There isn't much of anything worthwhile around there.

There's plenty to do around Phoenix without having to venture too far out, and summertime can be fun despite the heat.

Phoenix Zoo.

Wildlife World Zoo.

Desert Botanical Gardens.

Golfland-Sunsplash.

Wet 'N' Wild.

Big Surf.

Sealife Aquarium.

Arizona Science Center.

Catch a ballgame at Chase Field.

Ride the Desert Belle on Saguaro Lake.

Add the Musical Instrument Museum and a drive on the Apache Trail. Both are remarkable.

Two adults? I'd skip Sunsplash, Wet `n Wild, Big Surf. I'd probably skip the aquarium - there are plenty of better ones. And if they are really interested in zoos, do the easy 2 hour drive to Tucson to the Desert Sonoran Zoo. It's truly special.

[FirebirdCamaro1220]

Palm Springs does have one thing that's beneficial in the summer that we don't... The Arial Tramway that goes up Mt San Jacinto, where you can go from 109 in Palm Springs to 77 at the top of the tram with scenic views along the way 😊

[tahiti]

Originally Posted by Java Jolt

Seriously, Palm Springs? There isn't much of anything worthwhile around there.

There's plenty to do around Phoenix without having to venture too far out, and summertime can be fun despite the heat.

Phoenix Zoo.

Wildlife World Zoo.

Desert Botanical Gardens.

Golfland-Sunsplash.

Wet 'N' Wild.

Big Surf.

Sealife Aquarium.

Arizona Science Center.

Catch a ballgame at Chase Field.

Ride the Desert Belle on Saguaro Lake.

Thank you, but no need to be so negative. I know generally zero about that area of CA so I thought PS might be nice. No need to make me feel like a dope for asking.

I was asking outside of Phoenix b/c we'll be there a lot in the future so wanted to venture outside the area.

[tahiti]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

Add the Musical Instrument Museum and a drive on the Apache Trail. Both are remarkable.

Two adults? I'd skip Sunsplash, Wet `n Wild, Big Surf. I'd probably skip the aquarium - there are plenty of better ones. And if they are really interested in zoos, do the easy 2 hour drive to Tucson to the Desert Sonoran Zoo. It's truly special.

Thank you! Yes, not interested in water parks without kids.