In some parts of Arizona, you might feel like it’s summer all throughout the year, but alas, Memorial Day is considered to be the unofficial start of the summer season. And that’s still a reason to celebrate. Memorial Day weekend is a great time to be in Arizona because the temperatures are pleasant, there’s usually plenty of sunshine, and there are so many summer road trip destinations to choose from. Here are our top picks for Memorial Day weekend getaways in Arizona this year!
Scottsdale
The posh town of Scottsdale feels like paradise over Memorial Day weekend, so lots of locals aren’t even enticed to take a road trip anywhere else. To treat yourself to a little rest, relaxation, and luxury, book a stay at a luxury resort, like the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, for a top-rated spa, pampering amenities, and a lovely view of the desert landscape. The JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn & Resort is another highly recommended spot for your holiday resort stay.
Lake Havasu City
Summer is always a popular time for visitors at Lake Havasu City, so why not kick off the season with a trip to this popular Arizona destination? For swimming and basking in the sun, head over to Lake Havasu State Park or London Bridge Beach. Other fun things to do during your weekend in Lake Havasu City include spending time outdoors at Rotary Park and Sara Park, taking a boat tour, seeing the Lake Havasu lighthouses, and trying your luck at the Havasu Landing Casino.
Yuma
The Arizona city of Yuma is known for lots of sunshine and for being a snowbird destination, and Memorial Day is an ideal time to visit before the summer temperatures really heat up. To get outdoors, it’s fun to rent an ATV at the Imperial Sand Dunes nearby and ride up and down the impressive mounds of sand. Typically, on Memorial Day weekend, the American Legion Post 19 hosts a Memorial Day barbecue with live music and a raffle.
Phoenix
There’s always a lot of things going on in Phoenix on holiday weekends, and Memorial Day is no exception. Hiking up Camelback Mountain and visiting the Desert Botanical Garden are always popular things to do over the holiday weekend because this is a great time to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. But to remember the true reason for the holiday, you can also check out the Memorial Day Observance at Pioneer and Military Memorial Park or the Memorial Day Rally put on by Riders USA and lined up on Cave Creek Road to honor those who have served.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is a popular Memorial Day weekend getaway too, thanks to all the rental opportunities here for houseboats, jet skis, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and other fun ways to get out on the water. Head over to the Antelope Point Marina for all your rental needs. When you come to Lake Powell for Memorial Day, you can also learn about the nearby archaeological sites and scenic canyons by checking out landmarks like the Wingate Sandstone, the Moenkopi Formation, and Glen Canyon Dam.
Sedona
Known for its impressive red rock formations and mysterious vortexes, Sedona is an Arizona destination that you’ll never forget once you’ve been here. This is an ideal place to go mountain biking and hiking, and many of the trails are dog-friendly, so you don’t even need to leave your pup behind for Memorial Day weekend. This holiday weekend, you can also check out the Oak Creek Arts and Crafts Show and the Sedona Art Shows. There are also multiple opportunities to join in a silent morning or evening meditation at the McLean Meditation Institute, take guided hikes, and learn about vortexes over the holiday weekend.
Flagstaff
Flagstaff is in a unique part of Arizona that’s more forest than desert, with high-elevation hikes and plenty of Ponderosa pines to make for an adventurous Memorial Day weekend. Although it’s still a bit of a drive to get to the Grand Canyon from here, Flagstaff is a popular gateway town that many people check out before or after visiting the famous national park. Something else that’s fun to do in Flagstaff over Memorial Day is to go to the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course, which has a series of obstacles and aerial challenges with ladders, Tarzan ropes, cable bridges, and zip lines.
Tombstone
Both kids and adults will love taking a Memorial Day trip to the old west town of Tombstone, Arizona, a place where staged gunfights take place throughout town to transform you back in time. A couple of top attractions here to check out are the Helldorado Town Western Park and OK Corral. The Wyatt Earp Days are celebrated over Memorial Day weekend here, which includes a chili cook-off and lots of street entertainment.
Tucson
It’s also fun to visit Tucson over Memorial Day because there are some great events happening in town to help you celebrate. The Arizona Air National Guard typically conducts flyovers at local Memorial Day events, including the parade and service at Tucson Estates Park and other services. You can also visit the Memorial Museum at South Lawn Cemetery and check out Old Tucson with a flag ceremony and games for prizes.
Page
Page is a small city near Lake Powell in Northern Arizona and is best known for the slot canyon tours that you can take here. Antelope Canyon is a must-see place for any traveler in Arizona, but you’ll need to hire a local guide company to take you through and get all the impressive photos that you want.
