Need to get out of the Phoenix heat? Cool off with these 10 easy getaways

Summer is so hot in Phoenix. You're desperate to escape. 

But ... you are out of ideas. 

If you need inspiration on where to flee the oppressive triple-digit temperatures, you've come to the right place. The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com travel team has brainstormed 10 cool destinations that will get you out of town with less than a day of driving. All of these destinations can be done on a budget or as luxuriously as you like.

From a quick day trip in Arizona to a long weekend out of state, here are some of our favorite cool getaways, complete with mileage from central Phoenix and typical summer temps. (Don't blame us if you hit traffic.)

Prescott

100 miles, 85 degrees

Topping our list is an Arizona city that gets you into cooler temps in the least amount of time. Prescott sits at an elevation of 5,200 feet, and the mercury rarely hits 100. 

Whether you want to hike, kayak on Watson Lake or check out the art scene, the Prescott Office of Tourism has some suggested itineraries on its website.

Fans of history will enjoy strolling Whiskey Row (don't miss the Palace Saloon, Arizona's oldest bar) or browsing booths at the art festivals on Courthouse Plaza most summer weekends.

If you want to make it a weekend trip, there are plenty of hotels and bed and breakfasts to choose from. (Tip: The Prescott tourism website has some lodging specials.) The luxury culinary resort Terra Farm Manor recently opened. The combination lodge, cooking school and working farm in Prescott National Forest is booking months in advance.

As for drinking and dining, there are numerous restaurants, breweries and distilleries to chose from. RateBeer recently ranked Superstition Meadery one of the best breweries in the world.

Flagstaff

145 miles, 79 degrees

Half the city of Phoenix seems to relocate to Flagstaff in the summer, and it's because of more than just its idyllic daytime temperatures and cool nights. You'll find plenty of things to do and places to eat.

Enjoy the beautiful patio weather while you drink and/or dine, check out an extinct volcano or maybe just hike between breweries, or schedule a tour with an ice cream cone factory.  

Learn a few things at Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered, which has daytime and nighttime programs. The family-friendly Museum of Northern Arizona preserves the history and culture of the Colorado Plateau. And the Arboretum at Flagstaff has more than 750 species of plants across its 200 acres. There are guided garden, bird and flower walks daily, or you can explore the paths and themed gardens on your own.

Flagstaff is also a good place to explore Native American history. Within a short drive are the hidden alcove dwellings of Walnut Canyon National Monument, the expansive pueblos of Wupatki National Monument and the neighboring cinder cone and volcanic flows of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.

Bisbee

207 miles, 90 degrees

You might not think you'll get cooler by heading to southern Arizona, but if you visit the historic mining town of Bisbee, elevation 5,538 feet, you'll find temperatures 15-20 degrees cooler than Phoenix. 

Once the largest town between St. Louis and San Francisco, Bisbee dwindled to a small town after the mines shut down. But there's still a lot to explore. Learn about the town's mining history by touring the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum and Queen Mine. Visit Arizona's smallest bar, go on a ghost tour or climb the Heritage Stairs.

Bisbee has an eclectic assortment of inns and hotels — including a Polynesian-themed bus and a hotel room with a stagecoach for a bed.

Puerto Peñasco, Mexico

213 miles, 90 degrees

The first luxury cruise ship is scheduled to leave from its port in December and upscale condos line the sand, but Puerto Peñasco (called Rocky Point by many Arizonans) is still an affordable beach getaway.

If you've never been there before, this first-timer's guide sorts out all the details, including planning your drive, whether U.S. currency is accepted and whether Las Conchas or Sandy Beach is right for you.

Before you head out, make sure you have your passport and read through our list of things to know before you go (like purchasing Mexican auto insurance).

It can be a little confusing to book a room, condo or house in Puerto Peñasco. You won't find the typical chain hotels, but you will find numerous beachfront condo resorts. Shop around to find the perfect combination of size, amenities and price. 

After all the planning and driving are done, treat yourself to a meal or a sunset happy hour at one of Rocky Point's bars and restaurants. After you're refreshed, hit the sand. Or choose an activity from this list of guided fishing trips, massages on the beach, sunset cruises and more.

Chiricahua National Monument

230 miles, 90 degrees

Situated in southeastern Arizona, Chiricahua National Monument spans an elevation of 5,124 feet at the visitor center to a peak of 7,310 feet at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. That elevation makes it a cool, uncrowded mountain getaway where you can hike amid wildly eroded rock formations called hoodoos.

There's no admission fee to the monument. You'll only have to pay if you plan to camp, which costs $20 per site, $10 if you have an America the Beautiful access pass.

If camping isn't your thing, base yourself in Willcox, 35 miles away. The little community is building a reputation among wine lovers for its downtown tasting rooms and numerous wineries within easy driving distance. Tip: Check the hours of the tasting rooms you want to visit. Some are only open Saturdays and Sundays. Others have weekday hours; some take appointments.

Temecula, California

347 miles, 82 degrees

Southern California’s wine country made Wine Enthusiast’s 2019 list of 10 best wine travel destinations. Temecula Valley has nearly 40 family vineyards and a variety of craft breweries and distilleries.

Old Town Temecula is the heart of the foodie and event scene. Along with Shakespeare in the Vines at the Baily Winery, popular events include the Temecula Art & Street Painting Festival and Pechanga MicroBrew Festival in June, Old Town Temecula 4th of July Parade and California Wine Month in September.

Summer is a good time to visit Temecula because the vineyards are green and lush. The harvest typically is occurs between August and October.

San Diego or Carlsbad, California

354 miles (380 TO Carlsbad),

71 degrees

In summer, the Phoenicians who didn't go to Flagstaff are heading west toward San Diego and its neighboring communities.

Your toughest decision will be which of San Diego's best beaches you want to target. Once that's settled, you can be as relaxed or as busy as you like. Spend a day (or more) at Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. Have a meal or toast to happy hour at one of the many restaurants and bars with water views. And use these money-saving tips to get the most from your vacation budget.

If you don't mind another 25 minutes of drive time, head a bit north to the quieter, family-friendly town of Carlsbad. You'll find fewer people but plenty of activities. Go hiking or spend the day at the beach. Check out Legoland California Resort or Water Park. Head to the Sea Life Aquarium or the Museum of Making Music. 

If you want to stay right on the beach, get a reservation and camp at South Carlsbad State Beach, San Elijo State Beach or San Onofre State Beach.

Other California beaches

390 miles, give or take; 70 degrees

If San Diego doesn't work for you, perhaps one of these other Southern California beaches will:

• Laguna Beach: Along with gorgeous views in the heart of the "OC," Laguna has a great art scene and lots of festivals. 
• Manhattan Beach:  Visitors come for the laid-back vibe and fewer crowds. Pro volleyball tournaments and the International Surf Festival are popular events. 
• Huntington Beach: Its excellent waves have earned it the nickname "Surf City USA." 
• Newport Beach: Along with beautiful beaches, you'll find luxury shopping, sunset cruises and wine tastings.
• Venice Beach: The bohemian vibe makes it ideal for people watching. Check out the pop-up art galleries on the third Thursday of the month. 
• Santa Monica: The iconic Santa Monica Pier has an amusement park to supplement the beautiful beaches. 
• Long Beach: This is where you can catch a cruise ship to Mexican destinations such as Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas. 

Durango, Colorado

454 miles, 82 degrees

Durango shares a lot of similarities with Flagstaff — historic red-brick downtown, scenic mountain setting, lots of outdoor recreation and breweries. So why should you drive three times as far?

Well, the drive is part of the adventure. You have lots of options along the way for short breaks or longer explorations. Depending on the route you choose, you can check out Monument Valley, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument or Mesa Verde National Park.

Or you could just drive straight there with your hair on fire. Leave right after breakfast and you'll arrive in time for happy hour. Book a downtown hotel because walking to the restaurants, bars and shops is part of the fun.

But you won't be spending all your time on Main Avenue. You might take a ride up the valley and into the mountains on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or go rafting on the Animas River. Countless hiking trails are within a short drive.

And if you're really a road-tripper at heart, the languorous looping San Juan Skyway scenic drive encompasses the historic towns of Silverton, Ouray and Telluride. This outing adds 235 miles to your travels but it's well worth it. You'll want to leave yourself plenty of time to ooh at this, ahh at that and explore the towns. Consider building an overnight in Telluride into your trip.

— Jill Cassidy

Santa Fe, New Mexico

480 miles, 83 degrees

Santa Fe prides itself on celebrating all of its rich history. It recognizes its roots in Pueblo Indian culture, the Spanish colonial period and its position today as New Mexico’s state capital and a haven for artists, writers and other creative types.

Santa Fe means holy faith in Spanish, and the city also celebrates its spiritual heritage with some of the oldest churches in the country. With its intriguing mix of galleries, restaurants, museums and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, Santa Fe has experiences for everyone.

If you're looking for a particularly trippy experience, check out Meow Wolf Santa Fe. Meow Wolf is part art exhibit, part amusement park, part movie set and part play space. It's like a performance art piece where everyone who attends is part of the show. Trust us, just go with it.

— Weldon B. Johnson

You can connect with Melissa through email at melissa.yeager@azcentral.com. You can also follow her on Twitter and Instagram. 

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