12+ of the Best Spring Break Destinations in Arizona

(Last Updated On: January 11, 2023)

Arizona is such a fun place to spend time in during the springtime. The weather is gorgeous and warm and there are a ton of exciting things to do. You can opt to take a week-long road trip around Arizona, or spend it in one of the following best spring break destinations in Arizona. 

What is the Weather Like?

Spring break is my favorite time to visit Arizona as the weather is perfect. The sun is usually out and shining, but it is not in the high temperatures of the summer. You can usually get away with wearing shoes and a light jacket or dress in layers. 

Best Spring Break Destinations in Northern Arizona

Coconino National Forest

By Emily of The Mandagies

One of the best spring break destinations in Arizona for adventure lovers is the Coconino National Forest. From camping opportunities, incredible hiking trails, and stunning vistas, there’s so much to do here!

It is recommended to spend a long weekend here, about 3-4 days. This is an extremely budget-friendly spring break trip because accommodations are free! There are a ton of free campsites in the forest, and you can easily find these on apps like iOverlander or OnX offroading maps. Just make sure to follow all backcountry camping guidelines, and pack out everything you bring in, including trash! 

There are no services (no bathrooms, running water) like regular campsites so you’ll have to bring all of your water and food too. A high-clearance car is necessary to navigate roads to trailheads and campsites, especially if they aren’t as well known or popular. Some of the best areas to stay are right outside Sedona, off forest roads on Highway 89A, or Schnebly Hill Road.

While in the Coconino National Forest, there are several things to do, but the most popular activity is taking on beautiful Sedona hiking trails! The West Fork Trail and Loy Canyon trail are great all-day hikes. For more well-known trails, consider seeing the Devil’s Bridge or Soldier Pass Cave.

Springtime is truly the best time to visit the Coconino National Forest because the weather is cool in the mornings and not too hot during the heat of the day. If you are someone who loves the outdoors, a trip to Coconino National Forest during spring break is exactly the trip for you.

Grand Canyon

When visiting the Grand Canyon, you will want at least two days, especially if you want to visit both rims. It is possible to get to the Southern Rim by train but to get to the North Rim, you will need a car. 

For the South Rim, you will want to stay in Tusayan which is only 5 minutes from the park. There are plenty of hotels here. On the North Rim, the only close options are to stay inside the park. 

Grand Canyon National Park has a lot of scenic viewpoints. Maricopa Point, Hopi Point, and Pima Point are some of the most popular stops on the South Rim and offer the best views. If up for a strenuous hike, you can hike various lengths of the Bright Angel Trail. This takes you into the canyon. Keep in mind whatever you hike down, you will have to hike back up. 

When visiting the Grand Canyon, you will be rewarded with gorgeous views. It only costs $35 per a car for a week access or free if you have the America the Beautiful Pass, so it is also one of the affordable spring break destinations in Arizona. 

Havasupai Falls

By Kay of the Awkward Traveller

*note: the Havasupai Reservation is currently closed to tourism due to the pandemic. 

Visiting the Havasupai Reservation is one of the most beautiful spring break destinations in Arizona. The weather is comfortable in the canyons during Spring Break, especially if it falls later in March. The destination is known for its dazzling collection of waterfalls with stunning turquoise blue water, a result of the high concentration of travertine in Havasu creek. It is an outdoorsy destination, so those looking for a challenge can hike the ten miles (one way) into Havasu Canyon to get to the campground at the bottom, or for more accessible options there is a helicopter service and a small inn. However, the caveat to visiting the Havasupai Reservation is that permits are required to hike into the canyon. 

Permits for the entire year are usually issued in February, though cancellations and changes may allow for random dates to become available throughout the year. All campground reservations are now 3 Nights / 4 Days and the cost varies depending on the days selected. The most recent update to pricing in 2019 had weekdays at $100USD a night, and weekends at $125 a night. So it is a higher-end outdoor excursion, but at the same time, you are supporting the Havasupai Tribe, learning about the Havasupai history and culture, and also experiencing the outdoors when it is maintained by its original caretakers. It’s also obscenely beautiful. 

Once you secure your permit, you will need your own method of transportation because there is no public transportation to the Havasupai trailhead, which is also where the helicopter meets if you do not choose to hike into the canyon. Campsites are first come first serve, so if you arrive early, you will be able to choose your site based on your specific preferences, like proximity to the creek or a specific waterfall, availability of trees for hammocks, or even distance to the nearest restroom. 

Lake Powell

By Ashlee Fechino of The Happiness Function

Lake Powell makes for a fantastic and budget-friendly spring break destination when spring weather is on the warmer side in northern Arizona! So, pack all your camping gear, plan some fun water activities, and spend spring break on the beach in the desert! Whether traveling with family or friends, this is an excellent time to visit the lake.

One of the most popular places to camp on the beach at Lake Powell in Arizona is Lone Rock Beach. No reservations are accepted. The camping area is first-come, first serve. It costs $14 a night to camp, making it a budget-friendly holiday option. Spend the weekend or as long as you’d like to be out in nature.

You can also rent boats or water toys from local marinas to explore even more of the lake if you are feeling adventurous! The lake has water sports options for everyone, from houseboats to powerboats and even kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

One of the most popular activities is to rent stand-up paddleboards (or bring your own). A few guiding outfits are in Arizona to rent gear from, such as Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks.

The great thing about exploring Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon National Recreation area is that visitors of all kinds are welcome. So, bring the family, friends, and even the dog on an epic spring break road trip adventure! Lake Powell is one of the best spring break destinations in Arizona. 

Monument Valley

Michelle of The Wandering Queen

One of the best spring break destinations in Arizona is Monument Valley. This beautiful area has been in countless films and is an iconic American Southwest beauty. There is so much to do and unique things to see that you will surely fall in love. You need around one day to explore most of Monument Valley, and you do need a car to get to this area because it is very remote. 

One of the best places to stay is at The View Hotel. It is owned and operated by the Navajo Tribe and is beautifully decorated, has a fantastic authentic Navajo restaurant, and has some of the best views in the area. Even if you are not staying there, you should visit this beautiful hotel as they have such beautiful handcrafted items in the gift shop. 

One of the best things to do is the self-drive tour loop (which is budget-friendly) around the valley. Some fantastic views include West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte, Elephant Butte, The Three Sisters, John Ford Overlook, Rain God Mesa, the Totem Pole, and Artist Point. You do not need to hike to see these one-of-a-kind buttes and formations. 

You can also take tours led by the Navajo tribe. This is highly recommended as many of the best spots are out of reach by the public unless you take an official tour guide. Some popular tours include the Mystery Valley Tour and the Hunts Mesa Tour. You can also take sunset, sunrise, and stargazing tours.

Page

Page, Arizona is one of the best spring break destinations in Arizona to spend at least two days. It offers a host of gorgeous outdoor activities and unique sites to see. 

You will want a car to get there and get around as the closest airport is about a 4-hour drive away. Visitors can opt to fly into the small airport in Page, but flights can be expensive. There are not a ton of hotel options in Page, but you can still find hotels like the Best Western or the Courtyard Marriott. Page is pretty small, so all the options are in a convenient location.  

The most popular thing to do in Page is to visit Antelope Canyon or one of the other slot canyons. You can opt to visit Upper Antelope Canyon which is less strenuous and more accessible than Lower Antelope Canyon. I recommend the Lower Antelope Canyon because it has better rock formations and is less expensive to visit. 

Visitors will also want to see Horseshoe Bend, a big curve of the Colorado River that winds through Arizona. It costs $10 to park and then it is a short hike to various viewpoints of the river. 

Other things to do in Page include the Glen Canyon Dam National Recreation Area and Lake Powell. Grab food at Birdhouse and Big John’s BBQ when you get hungry. 

Plan to spend a couple hundred dollars on hotel and activities through the few days you are there. 

Petrified Forest National Park

By Shelly with Almost There Adventures

Petrified Forest National Park is such a unique park that can be its own trip or easily added onto a larger vacation. It has great hiking, ancient petrified wood you won’t see anywhere else, and low crowd levels during spring break time.

The ideal amount of time for this park is 2 to 3 days, but the park can also be seen in a day with less hiking, it just depends on how much time is available. To access this park you can fly into Albuquerque (213mi/3hrs 7min) or Phoenix (207mi/3hrs 31min) or drive from Flagstaff (1hr 38min), Sedona (2hr 22min), or Williams, AZ (2hr 14min). 

A car is needed as the park is in a fairly remote area. There are hotels in the town of Holbrook about 20 miles from the park for under $100. Staying in Flagstaff and doing a day trip is another option. 

The park has one of the largest petrified wood deposits in the world and you can see it throughout the park. As for hiking, the Historic Blue Forest trail gives a great overview of everything the park has to offer. You can also see an ancient village and petroglyphs at Puerco Pueblo. The painted desert overlook, hiking the one-mile Blue Mesa trail, and seeing petrified logs at the Giant Logs trail are other fun things to do. If you’re traveling with kids check out these 10 Insider Tips for the Ultimate National Parks Trip with Kids.

Fun fact: The park is one of the few national parks that is pet friendly and they actually allow dogs, cats, and horses in the park, thus making it one of the best spring break destinations in Arizona.

Prescott

By Taryn of Chasing Trail

One of the best and most underrated spring break destinations in Arizona is Prescott. This mountain town isn’t nearly as well-known as other cities around the state but has just as much to offer. 

Plan to spend 2-3 days in Prescott. Dedicate at least one to enjoying Mother Nature, whether it is hiking, biking, or kayaking. Watson Lake offers a little of everything. Hike around the lake, then rent kayaks to paddle around and check out the famous Granite Dells up close. The Hotshots Trail at Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park is another must-do hike, honoring 19 wildland firefighters who tragically lost their lives in 2013. 

Another one of the best things to do in Prescott is to enjoy the historic downtown. There are dozens of antique stores and other eclectic shops and galleries, plus several restaurants and breweries lining Whiskey Row. Highlights include Superstition Meadery and Prescott Brewing Co. 

Prescott is close to the tiny, hidden-gem town of Jerome, so a day trip is a must. The historic mining town is built right into the side of a cliff and overlooks Sedona and the entire Verde Valley. Plan to grab lunch, browse the shops, and take a ghost or mining tour. 

Speaking of Sedona, Prescott is located right between it and Flagstaff. Because of this, it’s easy to add a couple of days in Prescott onto a trip to either destination (or both!). 

In terms of where to stay, your best bet is to split time between downtown and the mountains. Consider renting a cabin on Airbnb for a night or two, then staying in one of the historic hotels downtown so you’ll be within walking distance of the nightlife. Bonus: because Prescott is somewhat tucked away, you’ll find it’s far more affordable than other Arizona cities!

Sedona

By Kim of Traveling Swansons

If you are an outdoor lover, Sedona should be high on your list as one of the spring break destinations in Arizona. Spring is an amazing time to visit because the weather is warming up and most days are beautiful and sunny. You will avoid the scorching heat of summer by traveling in the spring.

Sedona is absolutely stunning! Stay at least 3 full days to see and do as much as you can in Sedona. The red rocks with the green vegetation offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the U.S. There are over a hundred hiking trails in Sedona. A very popular activity in Sedona is taking a jeep tour. While in Sedona, you also have to visit the unique Chapel of the Holy Cross.

Sedona also offers many amazing dining and shopping options. There are also many art galleries to browse while you are in town. If you are on a budget, Sedona is a great place to travel to. Pick accommodations within your budget. Spend your days hiking and picnicking and just enjoying the amazing scenery.

If you want to stay in the heart of the city and be able to walk to restaurants and shops, Uptown Sedona might be a good place to stay. The Oak Creek area is another great place to stay.  It’s about 7 miles south of Uptown Sedona.  You are near some amazing restaurants and still have a wonderful view of the beautiful red rocks.

The closest airports to Sedona are Flagstaff Pulliam (approximately 25 miles) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International (approximately 120 miles). Phoenix Sky Harbor International is the most popular airport to travel to Sedona.  This is because you can usually find more direct and affordable flights than Flagstaff Pulliam. You will definitely need a car while in Sedona, so rent one at the airport.

Best Spring Break Destinations in Southern Arizona

Phoenix

Two to five days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Phoenix. Phoenix has a lot of outdoorsy things to do and it is close to a lot of other places if you want to take some day trips. Phoenix is another pretty affordable destination to get to and stay at thus making it one of the best spring break destinations in Arizona. 

To get to Phoenix, there are many international and domestic flights into the Phoenix airport. It is easier if you have a car to get around as the public transportation options are not the best. Having a car also allows more flexibility in your plans. 

If possible, opt to stay in Downtown Phoenix as you can walk to a lot of cool things from there. However, as long as you have a car, you can stay anywhere around Phoenix and have lots of things to do around you. 

Some of my favorite things to do in Phoenix include the Desert Botanical Gardens, the Musical Instrument Museum, and wandering around Scottsdale. If visiting in early March, you can even catch Spring Training with the baseball teams. 

You can also go on some awesome hikes, especially in Papago Park, Camelback Mountain, and Dobbins Lookout. 

Scottsdale 

By Danielle of Danielle Outdoors

Scottsdale is one of the perfect spring break destinations in Arizona that offers a combination of warm weather, mountains, resort-style hotels, and cute restaurants. I recommend at least a 3-day stay in Scottsdale. 

Old Town Scottsdale is the most popular region to stay in, where you can choose between a number of beautiful hotels. Many people choose to rent Airbnb’s in the area as well (this option is a lot more affordable if you’re traveling as a group). 

Scottsdale is only about 15-20 minutes from the Phoenix Airport. You could choose to rent a car, but getting around by Uber is plenty reasonable as well. Your budget is what you want it to be here- you could spend a little or A LOT. 

If you come in February or March, make sure to visit a Spring Training Game at one of the many local stadiums. The weather is absolutely BEAUTIFUL this time of year- you won’t want to miss out. Other top recommendations of mine include hiking Echo Canyon Trail at the classic Camelback Mountain, visiting Desert Botanical Garden, seeing the sunset at Papago Park, getting brunch at The Breakfast Club, and engaging in the nightlife of Old Town. This trip is perfect for young families, couples, and even a girl’s getaway.

Tucson

Tucson is one of the fun spring break destinations in Arizona. It has delicious food, great hiking, and wine tasting. I recommend spending at least 4 days in Tucson. Visitors can find pretty affordable places to stay and flights tend to not be too expensive. Also, there are a ton of free and cheap things to do in Tucson. 

To get there, you can catch flights from many places in the United States and fly into the Tucson airport. You will want a car to get around Tucson, especially if you plan on taking some day trips. 

Downtown Tucson is the best place to stay as it is the most centrally located. Hotel Congress is a fun option to stay at. If you want to save a little money, opt to stay near the airport. 

Tucson has a ton of things to do. My personal favorite is Saguaro National Park, home to a plethora of giant saguaro cacti. Make sure to hike the Bajada Scenic Loop, the Valley View Overlook Trail, and the Cactus Forest. 

Other than Saguaro National Park, head to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum to stroll through the gardens. This backs up to part of Saguaro National Park. Visitors can also head to the Pima Air and Space Museum, the Arizona History Museum, the Franklin Auto Museum, and Mount Lemmon. Grab a meal at Agustin Kitchen, 47 Scott, and Nook, or go wine tasting at Sand-Reckoner. 

Willcox

While Willcox can be done as a day trip from Tucson, you can also opt to stay a few nights there to get the full experience. I recommend two days if you want to experience all of the wineries. Another option is to stop in Willcox when driving from Tucson to New Mexico

You will need a car to get here and around to the various wineries. There is one place to stay, the Sunset Inn, that was recommended by all of the locals. I would recommend visiting anytime but the summertime, thus making it one of the perfect spring break destinations in Arizona. There is little shade and it is very dry out in Willcox. 

The main attraction of Willcox is wine tasting. If you do not like wine tasting, I would not head to Willcox as a spring break destination in Arizona. My favorite wineries included Bodega Pierce Vineyard, Strive, and Zarpara. The wine tastings range from $8-$15/person. 

Outside of wine tasting, you can head to some of the local National Park sites. At Fort Bowie National Historic Site, you can visit what was once an outpost of the US Army. The 12,000 acre Chiricahua National Monument offers tons of great hiking and impressive hoodoos.

Shaka Guide

Shaka Guide is a GPS self-guided audio tour that you can download to your phone. Currently, they have one for several of the Utah and Arizona Parks. They provide great background information about the area. The best part is you do not need the internet to use them.

Other Spring Break Destinations in Arizona

There are some really awesome Spring Break destinations in Arizona for all types of travelers to enjoy. Other cool places include Flagstaff, the Arizona Snowbowl, Prescott, Kingman, and Lake Havasu. If you have more time, you can even head North towards Utah to explore the spectacular outdoor areas there.

Arizona is such a fun place to spend time in during the springtime. You can opt to take a road trip around Arizona, or spend it in one of the following best spring break destinations in Arizona. Coconino National Forest, the Grand Canyon, Havasupai Falls, Lake Powell, Monument Valley, Page, Petrified Forest National Park, Sedona, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and Willcox are all fun places to visit for spring break. #visitarizona #az #zona #springbreak
Arizona is such a fun place to spend time in during the springtime. You can opt to take a road trip around Arizona, or spend it in one of the following best spring break destinations in Arizona. Coconino National Forest, the Grand Canyon, Havasupai Falls, Lake Powell, Monument Valley, Page, Petrified Forest National Park, Sedona, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and Willcox are all fun places to visit for spring break. #visitarizona #az #zona #springbreak

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