4 Beautiful Cities for Cheap Vacations in Arizona this Winter
Are you trying to escape the cold this winter? How about looking for some new scenery? Arizona is the perfect winter destination, with its warm temperatures, plethora of outdoor activities and year-round sun.
Learn More: 6 US Cities Where You Can Still Enjoy a Luxury Vacation for Cheap
Try It: 6 Best Hidden Gems for Middle-Class Families in the Caribbean
Narrowing down which city to visit in Arizona can be challenging, especially as every city has something different to offer. In this article, we’ll explore four beautiful cities for cheap vacations in Arizona this year, outlining what makes these destinations unique and the average vacation cost.
Also see some good budget trips for your family next spring.
Tucson
Tucson is known for its vibrant culture, exquisite food, and endless activities. Popular attractions include the Pima Air & Space Museum, the Tucson Botanical Gardens, Reid Park Zoo, and numerous hiking trails.
The city also offers various tours and excursions, such as horseback tours, ATV tours, and hot air balloon rides.
The average vacation to Tucson costs about $184 per day per person. For a one-week trip for two people, the average cost is $2,576, which includes accommodations, meals, transportation, and excursions.
“Tucson is a beautiful destination that perfectly mixes big-city offerings with a small-town feel,” says Mo Olivas, Communications Manager at Visit Tucson. “With a population of 1.04 million, Tucson has vibrant arts, live music, restaurant, and bar offerings while still holding onto the affordability and hidden gem feeling that comes with a secondary city. Nestled between a national park and surrounded by five mountain ranges, there are endless opportunities to get out and hike, bike, run, walk, or climb (all free!).”
Discover More: 10 Airline Rewards Programs That Provide the Most Value for Your Points
Cottonwood (Verde Valley)
Next up on our list of cheap vacation cities in Arizona is Verde Valley. Verde Valley is home to many well-known attractions, like the Tuzigoot National Monument, the Montezuma Castle Monument, and Fort Verde State Historic Park. In addition to visiting attractions, Verde Valley has shopping centers, restaurants, golf courses, and kayaking parks.
Even better, the average hotel price in Cottonwood for a week’s stay is $1,190. Furthermore, budget hotels average $137 a night, while luxury hotels retail for $259. Keep in mind that you’ll need to budget for food, transportation and excursions.
“Cottonwood is an underrated gem in Arizona, offering access to both the outdoors and the nearby wine region of the Verde Valley, all at affordable prices,” said Maddi Bourgerie, travel expert at RVshare.com. “It’s a quieter alternative to nearby Sedona, but still close enough to enjoy the area’s stunning red rock landscapes.”
Flagstaff
Flagstaff is filled with wildlife, culture and Arizona’s tallest mountains. With the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, Museum of Northern Arizona and Lowell Observatory all nestled in Flagstaff, it’s the perfect winter destination. Additionally, you’ll find waterfalls, lava tube caves, meteor craters and dinosaur footprints around Flagstaff.
Despite the endless attractions and things to do, Flagstaff remains an affordable winter destination. The average one-week trip for two people costs $2,898, which includes accommodations, meals, transportation and excursions. This translates to an average daily cost of $207 per person.
“Flagstaff offers a special mix of adventure and cost,” said Tim Choate, found and CEO of RedAwning, a vacation rental company. “Tucked close to the San Francisco Peaks, it presents chances for winter snowboarding and skiing. Flagstaff’s assortment of reasonably priced housing choices and the availability of cheap passes for nearby attractions help to make it more desirable so that guests may enjoy their stay without going over budget.”
Lake Havasu City
Lake Havasu City is another great destination for you to visit in Arizona during the winter months. The downtown district has dozens of shops and boutiques, along with bars and restaurants. Similarly, Lake Havasu State Park is filled with beaches, nature trails, campsites, and boat launches, giving you access to different activities. There are also tours, like a sunset cocktail cruise or ATV excursions.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly destination, Lake Havasu City might be for you, with the average person spending just $28 per day on food. Similarly, the average hotel cost in Lake Havasu City for a one-week stay is $1,260. If you’re looking to save more money, Lake Havasu City is home to budget hotels that average $84 per night.
“Lake Havasu City is a fantastic budget destination, especially if you’re looking to enjoy outdoor activities by the water,” Bourgerie said. “It’s famous for the London Bridge and is a great spot for winter getaways because of its mild temperatures.”
More From GOBankingRates
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Beautiful Cities for Cheap Vacations in Arizona this Winter
