Most people think of Arizona as nothing more than a desert metropolis, but if you need a little fall feeling, this state has so much to offer – from changing leaves in the mountains of northern Arizona to orchards that are perfect for a day apple own harvest in southern Arizona. The best part? You don’t need to drive more than a few hours for a total change of landscape. So get in the fall mood and fill your weekends with fall adventures across the state. Arizona SnowbowlFlagstaffDriving Time from Downtown Phoenix: 1 hour 20 minutesFlagstaff is a must-see in Arizona. Not only does Northern Arizona University give it a lively college town vibe, it also offers great views of changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and plenty of outdoor activities – from hiking to the highest point in the state to biking downtown. For spectacular views, head to Snowbowl and take a cable car ride ahead of the ski season.Thrillist TVDiscover Bisbee ArizonaBisbeeTravel Time from Downtown Phoenix: 3 hours, 15 minutesBisbee is an often overlooked Arizona destination, but the historic mining town offers a glimpse into southern Arizona’s past through its various museums alongside art galleries and colorful, whimsical buildings. The best part? You might not think about heading south for sweater weather, but Bisbee’s altitude makes it 10 to 20 degrees cooler on average than Phoenix, and one of the best orchards in the state – the aptly named Apple Annie’s – is in Wilcox , less than three hours south of Phoenix. It’s the perfect place to leisurely pick produce, bite into an apple fritter, or even go to the nearby farm to explore the pumpkin patch and corn maze. To make a day of it, grab Mexican food from Isabel’s South of the Border or sip wines at one of the many tasting rooms.Visit SedonaSedonaDrive time from downtown Phoenix: 2 hoursSedona has a moment, and for good reason. This quaint mountain town is the ideal spot for red rocks, a great clairvoyant reading, or a hike to a vortex. It is also increasingly becoming an epicenter for renowned restaurants such as Lisa Dahl’s Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill or L’Auberge de Sedona’s Cress. The city also has a surprising number of boutiques to offer, especially in the popular Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village.Visit TucsonTucson Travel time from downtown Phoenix: 1 hour, 45 minutes As Arizona’s second largest city, this metropolis in southern Arizona is a center for art, culture and good food. In fact, it has the highest concentration of local restaurants in the country. Even if there’s not much to recover from the heat, there are plenty of autumnal activities on offer, from a college football game at the University of Arizona to pumpkin picking at the nearby Marana Pumpkin Patch & Farm Festival, which takes place throughout October . Visit Prescott, ArizonaPrescottDrive time from downtown Phoenix: 1 hour 45 minutesArizona’s original capital is a few hours outside of town, but it’s well worth the drive – especially in the fall when you can see fresh mountain air, the colors of the leaves, and more stroll through Courthouse Square near the famous Whiskey Row (great for finding a bar or boutique – whatever you like). To take in the city’s scenic views to the full, visit Watson Lake Park, where you can also kayak, fish, and hike.Jerome Grand HotelJeromeDrive time from downtown Phoenix: 2 hours the state’s most famous ghost town. It is even called the “worst city in the west”. After becoming an abandoned mining town, the city was revitalized with ghost tours, wine tasting rooms, and museums.Grand Canyon National ParkGrand CanyonDrive Time from Downtown Phoenix: 3 hours, 30 minutesNo list of day trips in Arizona is complete without a trip to the best of the city State-famous attraction, the Grand Canyon. Fall is a relatively slow time of year for the canyon, so it’s a great time to visit if you want to avoid the tourists. You can even see a bit of snow sometimes. While hiking might not be ideal in the cooler months, there are plenty of other options – like strolling the canyon on the Skywalk Glass Bridge or taking a helicopter tour. Are you in the mood for more thrills? Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat. Jamie Killin is a Phoenix native and Arizona state graduate specializing in lifestyle and feature writing. You can usually find them in the spin studio, at a concert or trying out new restaurants across the valley. Follow her at @jamiefayekillin.
[ad_2]
