Arizona is your next girls trip destination, whether you want to be outdoors or need some Zen
By Erin Karasewski
Have a need for it all on your next girls’ trip? Can the group never decide what to do? Arizona is the place for you. Between the outdoor attractions, nightlife, culture, spas and more that this state has to offer, you’ll be asking yourself, “Why didn’t we go here sooner?” Here are 10 Arizona cities for your next trip.
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PHOENIX
If you and the girls are looking for that concrete jungle in the middle of the desert, look no further than Phoenix. Endless opportunities can be found, whether you’re looking for sporting events, live music, museums or art galleries. With a variety of districts to stay in easy-to-use, safe public transportation, Phoenix is a winning destination. A day could include brunch at the Breakfast Club, catching a game at Chase Field, and then making your way to Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour or Floor 13 Rooftop Bar for a few drinks, both located around the corner from the stadium.
SCOTTSDALE
Scottsdale is the perfect destination for a more relaxed weekend. Things are done a bit more luxuriously in this town located just east of downtown Phoenix. Here, you can find multiple spas offering desert treatments unlike anything you can find elsewhere, such as an Adobe Clay Detox Wrap at the Spa at Camelback Inn or Cactus Lift and Tone Facial at the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary. Eat like the locals do at places like The Thumb for BBQ or The Frybread Lounge for authentic Southwest eats.
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MESA
Golf, anyone? Mesa is known for its top-tier golf courses. If a weekend away on the links sounds like heaven, Mesa is your girls’ trip next spot. If you’re just starting out, Augusta Ranch is a well-loved beginner course while Las Sendas offers a challenging round with the promise of breathtaking views. Mesa is also close to the infamous Apache Trail, which was used by the indigenous people of Apache, in the Superstition Wilderness Area. Take the day to go back in time and see the beautiful landscape and wildlife, finishing the trek for dinner at the Superstition Saloon & Restaurant.
CHANDLER
A bit southwest of Phoenix, Chandler is the shopping destination in Arizona. Home to the Chandler Fashion Center, if the theme for the girls’ trip is to shop’ til you drop, then you’ll want to make Chandler your next spot. Boutique shops offer unique finds to start your trip, then tour Arizona’s largest combined brewery distillery, the SanTan Gardens, for a well-earned drink, and end with a relaxing walk or cycle along one of the many, lowkey trails found in the Veterans Oasis Park (where you might stumble upon aconcert if visiting October through March).
GLENDALE
Calling the football fans! Glendale is home to the Arizona Cardinals, so visiting for a game is a must during the season. The group can also do an interactive walking tour, the Glendale Scavenger Hunt, allowing you to be immersed in the city’s hidden gems and historic wonders. Ever wanted to ride in a hot air balloon at sunrise over the desert? Glendale gives you that chance! Enjoy four hours’ worth of spectacular views of the Sonoran Desert over a champagne toast with the girls.
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TUCSON
If your girls’ trip wants to make its way further into the desert but still has the options that a larger city offers, Tucson is the perfect location. Located 90 minutes south of Phoenix, it is the second largest city in Arizona and is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert. Just outside of the city, you can visit the Saguaro National Park, which boasts the nation’s largest cacti and is a must see. Tucson is also renowned for its Mexican food, so make sure to stop at one of their many restaurants to sample the authentic tastings and indulge in a margarita flight (or two!).
GILBERT
If you’re looking for a little bit of everything while still staying close to Phoenix for that next trip, look no further than Gilbert. The historic downtown that was the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World” has much to offer from farmer to table culinary experiences and stunning public art displays. Visit Agritopia, a farming community that provides for the metropolitan area surrounding it. You’ll find many restaurants that feature farm-to-table menus and shops that showcase local craftsmen goods. After your visit, go to Postino Esat for a glass of wine before catching show at the Hale Centre Theatre.
TEMPE
Tempe is a mini oasis in the chaos of Phoenix’s metropolitan areas. If the girls’ trip isn’t a girls’ trip without water, Tempe is going to be the destination for you. Tempe Town Lake is open year-round and offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Nearby you can find the Tempe Center for the Arts which features rotating exhibits all year long and multiple hiking trails in Papago Park. You won’t hurt for food options either in this relaxed suburb, specifically known for its vegan and vegetarian choices.
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FLAGSTAFF
Known as the “City of Seven Wonders,” Flagstaff is the perfect city for the outdoorsy girls’ trip, tucked away in the northern mountains of Arizona. There are seven national parks and monuments within an hour and a half of this main hub, including the Grand Canyon National Park, Wupatki National Monument, and Sunset Crater Volcano. There are a variety of accommodations available including campgrounds with cabins and quaint bed and breakfasts. Flagstaff is also home to a thriving microbrewery scene, giving endless options for summit beers.
LAKE HAVASU CITY
Even though Lake Havasu City is the furthest destination from Phoenix, the drive is well worth it. The city is the perfect blend of recreation and relaxation. Situated around the lake, the city is dropped into the middle of desert. You can spend your mornings hiking on one of the many trails surrounding the city and spend your afternoons sunbathing on the lake. Be sure to visit the London Bridge, Lake Havasu’s water crossing, that features granite blocks and ornate lampposts from the original London Bridge that stood for hundreds of years across the pond.
Arizona has it all—culture, nature, relaxing, and adventure. With the addition of almost perfect, year-round weather, considering any of these cities for you next girls’ trip is an easy choice.
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