Summer vacation is coming to an end for students and teachers all across Arizona. If you’re looking to enjoy the last remaining days of free time—or if you think you’re going to need a break from classes once they get started—check out these fun trips you can easily do on a weekend.

1. Try out a ghost town road trip!

For a spooky, historical experience, try out an overnight road trip that will have you exploring some of Arizona’s best ghost towns. On this trip, you’ll get to see seven former mining towns that were part of our Wild West legacy. Some of the towns are more alive than others and you’ll get to see a variety of abandoned buildings and quiet desert. Read more details about the ghost town road trip by clicking this link.

2. Find out why Arizona is called the Grand Canyon State.

Who wouldn’t want to spend a weekend at the Grand Canyon? Book a room in one of the lodges (or in a nearby hotel) and get ready for a couple days of fun! Take a stroll along the South Rim and see all the famous vistas and historic buildings.
If you don’t mind driving a few extra hours, you can spend one day visiting the North Rim for a quieter, more intimate experience. There, you’ll find far fewer visitors but just as many beautiful sights! Along the way, you can even stop by the Cliffdwellers Lodge for a delicious meal and see a tiny portion of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Another activity is, of course, hiking. There are quite a few day hiking trails you can do but remember to do your research ahead of time to make sure it’s feasible in summer weather conditions.

3. Explore Arizona’s forests by visiting Greer.

This tiny mountain town is the perfect spot to enjoy the last days of summer in Arizona. You’ll find cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and almost chilly evenings that will make you thankful for all the mountains in our state. Book a stay in a cabin or opt to camp nearby for a more complete outdoors experience. Enjoy the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests by hiking, horseback riding, or hopping aboard a ski lift.

4. Learn what life in a boomtown was like in Jerome.

This former mining town turned ghost town turned tourist town is one impressive place to visit and you can do it on a budget. Parking is free and most people opt to walk around town to soak in the sights and check out the historic buildings. For a quick tour, check out the Mine Museum to get insight on Jerome’s history. You can also opt for one of the historic walking tours offered for a different perspective. And don’t forget to stop by one of the delicious restaurants here! We like Haunted Hamburger, The Asylum, and The Mine Cafe but you’ll find plenty of other great spots to dine.

5. Check out some of Arizona’s best abandoned places on this road trip.

Arizona is home to plenty of abandoned places: nearly 300 ghost towns, ancient dwellings, and old attractions that have been forgotten over the years. See a collection of these by driving this road trip along Interstate 40 between Flagstaff and Holbrook. Make sure you have plenty of space on your camera’s memory card (or that you have plenty of film, if that’s your thing) because you’re going to find tons of photo opportunities here! Read more details about the ghost town road trip by clicking this link.

6. Find relaxation and beauty in Sedona.

What list would this be without mentioning Sedona? There’s plenty to do in this famous town in one short weekend. We suggest starting by getting to know the landscape with a simple hike and you’ll find no shortage of hiking trails here! We suggest starting with something short and easy, like Cathedral Rock Trail or across Devil’s Bridge. Both have spectacular views without a lot of hassle. Other activities in Sedona include heading to Slide Rock State Park, visiting the Palatki Heritage Site, and enjoying a relaxing afternoon on the Verde Valley Wine Trail. If you want to increase the relaxation factor, be sure to check one of the many fabulous spas in town; its the perfect way to start a new school year.

7. Get your Route 66 kicks in Williams.

This small town has a long list of fun things to do in a weekend. We suggest, first, enjoying the shops, diners, and general atmosphere along Historic Route 66. If your kids (or grandkids) are unfamiliar with the Mother Road, this is a fun opportunity to introduce them to a part of American history enjoyed by several generations. Also, be sure to check out Bearizona, a wildlife park that you can drive through. Think of it as a less dangerous Jurassic Park! You can also check out Fort Bearizona for a leisurely stroll and a chance to see some of the smaller animals up close.
Another option is to hop aboard the Grand Canyon Railway for a day trip to the Grand Canyon! This train will take you to and from the Canyon and gives you a few hours to enjoy the sights.

Want to find more fun things to do in a weekend in Arizona? Check out some of our day trip suggestions in 11 Out Of This World Summer Day Trips To Take In Arizona.