7 Stress-Relieving Staycation Ideas in Phoenix

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You deserve a vacation, but think you can’t afford it or hate the hassle of traveling?

Staycations are a growing trend that offers convenience, lower costs, and the opportunity to explore your own city and find something new. Whether you’re looking to get away from home for a weekend or a whole week, there are plenty of places to stay and see in your own backyard.

If you live near me in Phoenix you have access to dozens of stunning resorts, golf courses and more relaxing things to do to unwind. If not however, these ideas can apply to nearly every city across the nation! Just because you live in a city, doesn’t mean you can’t staycation in it too! In fact, you’ll be surprised about what you’ve been missing all these years.

Lay by the pool at your favorite five-star resort or make a weekend trip to the mountains. Just know that you can take a breath of relief while just being miles from your home.

Here are seven stress-relieving staycation ideas great for any time of year in the Valley of the Sun:

Stay at a Five-Star Resort

We’ll start out the staycation hotspots near Phoenix with a classic resort in the heart of the city. The Biltmore is surrounded by the best shopping and activities in the city, as well as hiking destinations like Camelback Mountain.

Treat yourself with a charming villa at the Biltmore or find yourself in a mountain view suite. Feel free to bring your pet on the staycation and get fido pampered too.  Finding five-star resorts in your city can be a great start to any staycation ideas without travel costs!

Go on an Urban Camping and Hiking Trip

Don’t let the strange name scare you away from Lost Dutchman State Park. Just east of Mesa, this area is perfect for a staycation in nature. Book a camping spot and get front-row access to the area’s best trails and views.

Don’t forget to bring your binoculars to spot wildlife in the area and good hiking shoes. Trails vary in difficulty and several lead to waterfalls and creeks.

The Flatiron Trail is a four mile roundtrip hike that is for more advanced hikers. This trail gives amazing views of the canyon and state park. If you’re looking for a trail the whole family can enjoy, try the Water Wheel Falls trail in nearby Tonto National Forest.

Urban hiking and camping is possible in many cities across the U.S. and can make a great staycation idea for those wanting a little more adventure while staying nearby.

Be a Tourist

Downtown Phoenix is a destination for events and tourists around the world. See what the hype is about and stay right in Downtown at the coolest place in town, Hotel Palomar.

Enjoy the trendy rooftop bar, Lustre, then catch a show at new music venue The Van Buren. Hotel Palomar is also within walking distance of Talking Stick Resort Arena and Chase Field.

Be a tourist in your own city by searching for things, places, and events that you’ve never heard of, or places you’ve never been or wouldn’t normally frequent.

Visit New (to you) Museums and Theaters

Even if you have been before, there is always something new to see. Make a stop at local art destinations like the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum.  The Phoenix Theatre also has new shows including holiday shows and Broadway classics.  

Museums and local theaters often have revolving schedules and exhibits and can be a great way to see something new in your city.

Go to a Luxury Spa or Casino

Talk about a package deal – Talking Stick Resort and Casino truly has it all for a staycation. With its expansive gaming floor, four pools and five restaurants, there’s no reason to need to leave this resort near Scottsdale.

The resort is also known for its golf courses and year-round live entertainment. Make it a girl’s weekend or enjoy the weekend pampering yourself, you’ve earned a staycation!

While not all cities have casino’s nearby, getting a manicure, pedicure, or full spa treatment can be a real boost of confidence and leave you feeling relaxed and renewed.

Find New a New Golf Course or go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride, or a Zip Line!

Forget your worries for the weekend and head to Boulders Resort & Spa in North Scottsdale.

The peaceful terrain and luxurious amenities are just some of the perks of staying at this resort. Plus, you can find package deals in the summer that include spa visits and maybe even a round of golf.

Rated the best golf resort in the Southwest by Golf Digest, people come from around the country to visit Boulders. It’s no issue if golf isn’t your thing, as there are dozens of exciting activities within miles of the resort.

Book a hot air balloon ride or enjoy a cool evening in the movie theater before jumping in the pool back at the resort. There are also several hiking and biking trails nearby if you’re looking for a more active getaway.

Trying out a new golf course or discovering neat activities in your city like hot air balloon rides or escape rooms can help uncover a new side of your city that my surprise you.

Rent a Houseboat

Imagine telling the kids that they’ll be spending the weekend in a houseboat instead a stuffy hotel room. Just two hours from Phoenix, this staycation is worry-free. Houseboats can be reserved for a few days or weeks and give you prime access to the lake. Cool off from the Phoenix heat and enjoy a getaway the family will never forget.

If you’re looking to visit the lake on a budget, check out the lively London Bridge Hotel, named after the famous UK bridge that now calls Arizona home. There are also several RV parks and campgrounds in the area, but book in advance as spots fill up fast.

These are examples of some of my favorite staycation ideas here in Phoenix, but hopefully this list can serve as inspiration for staycations near you as well!

Author: Jayson Goetz

Jayson is a writer from Phoenix, Arizona who is a strong believer that you don’t have to be wealthy to live a rich and full life and wants to share tips on how to do exactly this.  Whether its saving money tips, smart everyday hacks, or budget travel, he hopes to inspire others to do more with less.

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