Looking for an excuse to cruise through Arizona? If you’re short on time but still craving a chance to get out onto the open road and experience all the beauty and adventure our state has to offer, then you’ll love these road trip ideas. Each one can easily be done in a weekend and will show you some of the best places you can see in Arizona!

1. Explore the beauty and seclusion of the Arizona Strip.

The Arizona Strip is a secluded part of the state partitioned by the Grand Canyon. Extending from the North Rim to the Arizona-Utah border, this section of the state has few towns and roads but is absolutely gorgeous. From Flagstaff, travel north through the Navajo Nation on Route 89 and 89A to the scenic Marble Canyon. You’ll get to see the historic Navajo Bridge that spans more than 460 feet above the Colorado River while passing over the new bridge. From there, you can grab lunch at the secluded Cliff Dwellers restaurant and check out some of the sights at Vermilion Cliff National Monument. Continue west to Jacob Lake, then head south to the forested North Rim for a view of the Grand Canyon that few people see. For lodging, check out Lee’s Ferry Lodge, Cliff Dweller’s Lodge, or grab a campsite at the North Rim!

2. Experience small town Arizona along Route 66.

Route 66 is a true American icon that continues to live even after it was decommisioned in 1985. This is especially true in Arizona where huge segments of the highway still exist and some of the original businesses and attractions continue to stand. The western portion of Arizona’s Route 66 is the perfect example where you can still drive most of the original two-lane highway. We recommend starting from Flagstaff and heading west on Interstate 40 to Williams and Ash Fork before turning onto Historic Route 66. (The exit will be at Crookton Road.) From there, drive through the tiny towns of Seligman, Peach Springs, and Valentine, while checking out the stops along the way. For example, you grab lunch in Seligman at Westside Lilo’s or Delgadillo’s Snow Cap, check out Grand Canyon Caverns near Peach Springs, visit Keepers of the Wild Nature Park in Valentine, and stop by the Hackberry General Store. From there, drive out to Kingman then to Oatman. You’ll get to see the old Cool Springs Station Museum and check out what remains of the former mining town of Oatman. Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at the Oatman Hotel and see if you can find evidence of their resident ghost, Oatie.

3. See some of the most beautiful sights of Arizona’s northern country.

Arizona is known for the stunning landscapes you’ll find out in our deserts and forests but no place seems quite as surreal as northern Arizona. Unique rock formations are shaped from red sandstone and look like they could be from another planet. There are so many different areas to see here that it’s difficult to figure out which places to see! However, for a quick weekend trip, we recommend driving from Sedona north to Page for one easy to navigate route. Sedona is known for being one of the most beautiful areas of the state, so it’s a natural place to begin. After sightseeing the area, head north to the San Francisco Peaks just north of Flagstaff and check out Lockett Meadow, which is the perfect spot for a picnic. From there, drive to Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments for more sightseeing opportunities. After checking them out, continue north to Page. In the Page area, you’ll get to check out some stunning spots, like Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Glen Canyon which is home to Lake Powell.

4. Pay a visit to Rim Country for a chance to cool off from the summer heat.

Arizona in the summer is no joke but if you want a chance to cool off, you don’t have to travel far. Rim Country is home to some deliciously mild summer temperatures and the multitude of trails, lakes, creeks, and campsites is the perfect reason to head out here for a weekend. We suggest starting at the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center, located about 60 miles east of Show Low via State Route 260. This will give you a good introduction to the Rim, its ecology, and a chance to see some of the pretty views. From there, head west to Payson then to Pine and Strawberry. Each of these towns has some cool places to visit, like the Zane Grey Rim Country Museum (Payson), Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, a delightful small town atmosphere in Pine, and the state’s oldest one-room schoolhouse in Strawberry. Be sure to check out Fossil Creek if you have a chance! From Strawberry, continue on Route 87 to Rim Road. This drive can be a bit rough but you’ll forget all about that once you cast your eyes on some of the prettiest views around! You’ll also be able to access a few of the lakes and hiking trails from here, so be sure to head out early.

5. Discovery the beauty of the Verde Valley.

Named after the Verde River that runs through it, the Verde Valley is one unique place rich in agriculture, gorgeous scenery, and history. It tends to be heavy with tourists but you’ll still love visiting this area. Make this trip is a simple one by driving Route 89A from Prescott up to Sedona before looping back through the Village of Oak Creek and Cornville. You’ll pass through little towns like Jerome and Clarkdale, each one pretty and historic. Be sure to check out the museums, hiking trails, and tasty restaurants before heading into Cottonwood and then Sedona. You can probably create a week-long itinerary for Sedona alone but we suggest choosing one hiking trail (such as the one around Bell Rock), a sightseeing destination (like the Chapel of the Holy Cross), and a couple of restaurants.

6. Enjoy the beauty in life when you visit southern Arizona.

First of all, did you known Arizona has several major wine regions? When you head south of Tucson to Patagonia and Elgin, you’re not only seeing some beautiful grasslands but areas growing grapes for plenty of award-winning wines. There’s no better thing to pair that with than art and some beautiful scenery and history. For this road trip, start in Tucson then head south on Interstate 19 towards Nogales and then head east to Patagonia and Sonoita via State Route 82. Along the way, you’ll encounter museums, art galleries, epic murals, historic buildings, and wineries. Take your time to smell the wine and enjoy each of these places.

Want to check out some incredible themed road trips? You’ll love reading about some of our favorites in 6 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Arizona Before You Die.