If you are in Scottsdale and you like driving, you are in the right place. The area around the city has some of the best roads in Arizona. The views change fast. The drives are not boring. And many routes feel made for a smooth, enjoyable car ride — especially if you’re exploring with an exotic car rental Scottsdale travelers often look for.

You do not need to drive all day to find something beautiful. Some places are closed. Others take a couple of hours. Both can be worth it.

This blog shares the best day-trip destinations near Scottsdale. The focus is simple: good roads, great views, and easy stops.

Before You Go: A Few Quick Driving Tips

A better drive usually comes from better timing.

Here are a few things that help:

Start early. Morning roads are calmer.
Avoid the hottest time of day in summer.
Keep water in the car, even for short trips.
Do not plan too many stops. One well-executed route is better than three rushed routes.

These are small Arizona travel tips, but they make the day easier.

1) Bartlett Lake (Easy drive, big payoff)

Time from Scottsdale: About 60 minutes

Bartlett Lake is one of the easiest scenic drives near Scottsdale. The road is smooth. The desert views feel wide and open. and things to check when renting a car become especially useful when planning a comfortable ride out here. You also get water at the end, which feels like a surprise in the middle of the desert.

Why do people like this drive?

It is close, so you do not need a full day.
The road has gentle curves and long open stretches.
The lake area is calm and good for a break.

What to do there:

Park and sit near the water.
Walk a short bit and take photos.
Eat a snack and drive back before it gets too dark.

This is a great option if you want a short, stress-free day drive in Scottsdale. It is also one of the simplest Scottsdale road trips for visitors.

2) Cave Creek (Short drive, desert town feel)

Time from Scottsdale: 35 to 50 minutes

Cave Creek is close, but it feels different from Scottsdale. The drive is easy, and the town has a relaxed, western vibe. It is a good pick when you want to drive a little, stop for food, and enjoy the area without a big plan.

Why it works:

Roads are simple and easy to follow.
You can stop for coffee or lunch.
The desert scenery feels “real Arizona.”

Good for:

A quick afternoon drive
A sunset ride
A casual weekend plan

If you want the top road trip spots in Scottsdale that don't take a full day, Cave Creek fits the bill.

3) Fountain Hills (Scenic views without going far)

Time from Scottsdale: 25 to 40 minutes

Fountain Hills is another easy drive that still feels like a getaway. It is clean, quiet, and offers great desert views.

Why is it worth it:

The drive is short, so it is low effort.
Roads are smooth and wide.
You can stop at the park, stretch, and head back.

What people usually do:

Stop near the fountain park.
Walk for 15–30 minutes.
Grab a drink or snack and drive back.

It is not a “big adventure” destination. But for a short scenic drive, it works well.

4) Sedona (The classic red rock drive)

Time from Scottsdale: About 2 hours

Sedona is popular for a reason. The red rocks are real. The views are strong. And the drive feels like a journey, not just a highway.

Why the drive feels special:

The scenery changes a lot as you get closer.
The road becomes more interesting near the end.
You get plenty of spots to stop and take photos.

How to enjoy Sedona without stress:

Go early so you can park more easily.
Pick only one or two main stops.
Do not try to do everything in one day.

Sedona is one of the best Scottsdale travel spots if you want a destination that feels different from the city.

5) Prescott (Cooler weather and mountain roads)

Time from Scottsdale: About 2 hours

Prescott is a great break from the desert heat. The air feels cooler, and the best features to look in a luxury rental car naturally comes to mind as the road climbs into higher areas. The vibe is slower and calmer.

Why do many people enjoy this trip?

You get trees, not just desert.
The drive has more elevation changes.
Downtown Prescott is walkable and relaxed.

What to do there:

Walk around the central plaza.
Get lunch and take a slow break.
Drive back before it gets too late.

This drive is best for a longer day trip and a different kind of scenery.

6) Payson (A simple drive that feels refreshing)

Time from Scottsdale: Around 90 minutes

Payson is an easy drive with a nice reward. You get cooler weather, more green views, and a break from the city.

Why is it a good choice?

The highway is simple and comfortable.
The change in scenery feels refreshing.
It is not as crowded as some tourist towns.

This works well if you want a calm day and do not want to deal with heavy tourist traffic.

It also suits people looking for must visit travel destinations near Arizona for car travel that are not too far away.

7) Apache Trail (For people who want something rugged)

Time to reach the start: About 1 hour

Apache Trail is not a “quick casual drive.” It feels more wild. The views are strong, but parts of the route can be narrow.

Why people love it:

It feels like true desert Arizona.
You see lakes, cliffs, and wide open land.
It is less “city” and more “adventure.”

Important note:

Drive slow. Do not treat it like a race. The goal is to enjoy the route.

If you want a drive that feels different from everything else, this is one of the strongest options.

Picking the Right Drive

Here is a simple way to choose based on your day:

These are some of the most practical top road trip spots from Scottsdale for drivers.

Why These Drives Work Well in a Great Car

A good car does not make the scenery better. But it does make the hours on the road feel better.

You notice it when:

The ride feels smooth
The cabin feels calm and quiet
You feel comfortable even after a long drive
The car feels steady on curves and hills

This matters in Arizona because so much of the trip happens on the road.

Conclusion

Scottsdale is a strong base for day trips. You can drive for 30 minutes and feel like you escaped the city. You can drive for two hours and reach a completely new landscape.

If you enjoy driving, it makes sense to plan routes that are fun to drive, not just places to visit. — top things to do in Scottsdale, AZ – explore luxury, adventure & style fits perfectly when you’re choosing what to add to your trip. That is what turns these routes into real Scottsdale road trips.

And if you want the drive to feel just as good as the destination, choosing the right car can make the day smoother from start to finish.

Top Travel Destinations Near Scottsdale for Exotic Car Drives