Phoenix, Arizona, is a paradise for car enthusiasts. From its wide-open desert highways to the world-renowned Barrett-Jackson Auction, the city offers a unique blend of automotive culture, history, and scenic drives. Whether you’re into classic cars, performance driving, or just enjoying the thrill of the open road, Phoenix and its surrounding areas provide an array of must-visit destinations. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best day trips from Phoenix that will excite any car enthusiast.
1. Historic Route 66 – Seligman, AZ
Address: 301 AZ-66, Seligman, AZ 86337
No car enthusiast’s bucket list is complete without a trip on the legendary Route 66. Seligman, often called the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66,” is a fantastic destination where you can cruise the iconic highway and explore retro diners, vintage cars, and classic Americana.
2. Tortilla Flat & Apache Trail Scenic Drive
Address: 1 Main St, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85190
For those who love winding roads and breathtaking desert scenery, Apache Trail (State Route 88) is a must. This historic route takes you through rugged desert terrain, offering stunning views of Canyon Lake and the Superstition Mountains. The town of Tortilla Flat, a remnant of the Old West, is a great pit stop for car lovers.
3. Bondurant High-Performance Driving School – Chandler, AZ
Address: 20000 S Maricopa Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226
For those who prefer hands-on driving experiences, the Radford Racing School (formerly Bondurant High-Performance Driving School) in Chandler offers professional driving courses. Whether you want to learn racing techniques, high-speed handling, or defensive driving, this is an exhilarating experience for any car lover.
4. Arizona Biltmore Concours d’Elegance – Phoenix, AZ (Seasonal)
Address: Arizona Biltmore Resort (2400 E Missouri Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016)
If you love classic cars and automotive history, the Arizona Biltmore Concours d’Elegance is an event not to be missed. This luxury car show features some of the most beautiful and rare automobiles, with a stunning backdrop of the Arizona Biltmore resort.
5. Drive Stick Shift at Manual Driving Academy – Phoenix, AZ
For an unforgettable driving experience, learning to drive a manual transmission at Manual Driving Academy is a unique and practical gift for any car enthusiast. Manual Driving Academy offers expert-led lessons, teaching the art of stick shift driving on real roads.
6. Pima Air & Space Museum – Tucson, AZ
Address: 6000 E Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85756
For those who appreciate the engineering behind both cars and aircraft, the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson is a fantastic destination. With over 300 aircraft on display, it offers a deep dive into transportation history.
Conclusion
Phoenix is an automotive enthusiast’s dream, offering a mix of scenic drives, thrilling experiences, and historic destinations. Whether you’re cruising Route 66, tackling the curves of Apache Trail, or learning to drive a manual car at Manual Driving Academy, there’s something for every car lover. Ready to shift your skills to the next level? Book a lesson with Manual Driving Academy today!
