A day trip to Wickenburg

Wickenburg makes an easy day trip from the Phoenix area: it is an Old West town roughly an hour or so northwest of the Valley, with a walkable center, local restaurants and western shops. Start with a late breakfast or lunch, spend the afternoon browsing, and head home before dark. The directory lists Wickenburg restaurants, shops and lodging, each with a phone number.

A simple plan for the day

Morning. Leave Phoenix after the commute and drive out on US 60. Plan on an hour or so, depending on where you start.

Late morning. Park and walk around. Wickenburg's shops sell western wear, tack, antiques and gifts, so take your time. Western Trading Post is a shop and auction house for Native American, cowboy, Old West and Southwestern antiques and collectibles.

Lunch. Eat at a local restaurant. Cowboy Cookin' serves homemade recipes and comfort food for lunch and dinner, with all-day breakfast. A sports bar with a dog-friendly patio is also on the list.

Afternoon. Finish your shopping. If you want to bring home dinner, Capital Farms Meats & Provisions is a butcher shop selling steaks, jerky and sausages. Bring a cooler with ice in the warm months, since the drive home is warm. A plant nursery in town sells desert-adapted plants, cactus and succulents.

Evening. Head home before dusk. If you want to stay overnight, the list includes a Western-style hotel with a pool.

Places to go in Wickenburg

Here are the shops, restaurants, attractions and lodging you can browse:

Tips for the drive and the day

• Go in the cooler months if you can. October through April is comfortable for walking around town.
• In summer, shop early. Wickenburg is hot in July and August. Stay mostly indoors in the afternoon.
• Call ahead. Small shops can keep short hours or close on certain days.
• Bring a cooler. If you plan to buy meat or other groceries, keep them cold on the drive home.
• Watch for wildlife at dusk. Slow down on highways after sunset.
• Fill up on gas and water. Do it before you head out.

How far is Wickenburg from Phoenix?

It is roughly an hour or a little more from the north Valley, and longer from the east side. Check a map for your starting point and traffic.

Questions people ask

What is Wickenburg known for?

It is known as an Old West town, and its shops sell western wear, tack and antiques. Many visitors come for the history, the food and the small-town feel.

Is Wickenburg a good day trip with kids?

It can be, if kids like walking and browsing. Plan a long lunch and a snack break. Call shops to ask about hours.

Can I stay overnight in Wickenburg?

Yes. The list includes lodging in town. One western-style hotel on the list has a pool, a heated whirlpool and pet-friendly rooms. Call to ask about rates and availability.

Plan the trip with the trip planner, see the weekend trips guide, or browse places in Wickenburg.