Food destinations within easy reach of Phoenix. worth the train, the rental car or the early start.

Worth the trip

Tucson (Mexican food capital) ★ 4.6

About 2 hours by carDrive south on I-10 from Phoenix

Famous for: Sonoran hot dogs, carne seca and UNESCO-recognised Mexican cooking

Tucson is the first US UNESCO City of Gastronomy, a two-hour drive south for Sonoran hot dogs, El Charro's century-old carne seca and deep Mexican cooking.

Sedona (red-rock dining) ★ 4.2

About 2 hours by carDrive north on I-17 to SR-179

Famous for: Patio dining under the red rocks and Verde Valley wine

Sedona is a two-hour drive north for red-rock patio dining and nearby Verde Valley wine, with Uptown restaurants and tasting rooms out in Cornville.

Cave Creek (Old West dining) ★ 4.0

About 40 minutes by carDrive north on Cave Creek Road from Phoenix

Famous for: Retro diners and Old West saloons with patios

Cave Creek is a 40-minute drive north into the high desert, an Old West town of retro diners, saloons and patio kitchens just past the edge of north Phoenix.

Chandler (Wild Horse Pass) ★ 4.4

About 30 minutes by carDrive south on I-10 to Wild Horse Pass Boulevard

Famous for: Native American fine dining and Gila River community cooking

Chandler's Wild Horse Pass is a 30-minute drive south to Kai, Arizona's only AAA Five Diamond restaurant, on Gila River Indian Community land in the desert.

Book food day trips in Phoenix

See all 94 bookable experiences in Phoenix

← Back to Phoenix food guide