Whether you’re interested in taking in desert beauty, museum-quality art, or a sporting event, the Southwest offers no shortage of weekend activities. And there are several options within easy driving distance if you’re setting out from Chandler, AZ.
1. Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum

If you’re looking for a true desert experience that’s also educational, pack your vehicle and head to the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, located in Tucson at 2021 N. Kinney Road. This attraction is part zoo, part botanical garden, part natural history museum, and part aquarium. There’s also an art gallery onsite. You can expect to see cacti, desert flora, and wildlife including coyotes and mountain lions at this mostly outdoor facility.
The museum is just less than two hours from Chandler, but the six-speaker audio system in your Chevrolet Equinox will keep your gang entertained on the drive.
2. Phoenix Art Museum
If you’re in search of an indoor activity on one of Arizona’s hot days, drive into the city and visit the Phoenix Art Museum. This museum has more than 20,000 pieces on display and is known for its Western American collection, which features artwork dating as far back as the late 18th century. Located at 1625 N. Central Avenue in Phoenix, the art museum is just a 35-minute drive from Chandler.
3. South Mountain Park and Preserve
South Mountain Park and Preserve offers something for everyone. The park’s environmental education center is a great way to get started. After that, there are more than 58 miles of trails that can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Better yet, drive your Chevrolet up the road to the top of South Mountain and enjoy sprawling views of the Phoenix metro area.
South Mountain Park and Preserve, located at 10919 S. Central Ave. in Phoenix, is only a 20-minute drive from Chandler.
4. Old Town Scottsdale
If you’re interested in a lazy day spent exploring boutique shops and enjoying Southwest culture and cuisine, look no further than Old Town Scottsdale. This neighborhood boasts walkable streets and plenty of cowboy history. Fifth Avenue is a great place to shop for turquoise jewelry and other Western souvenirs, and when you’re hungry The Mission, located at 3815 N. Brown Ave., is a great spot for Latin American cuisine.
Your day won’t be complete without a quick photo stop at Scottsdale’s iconic “Most Western Town” cowboy sign at the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Main Street. And if you’ve got plenty of time, swing by Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, located at 3830 N. Marshall Way. Just a 30-minute drive from Chandler, Old Town Scottsdale is an easy weekend outing.
With so many great weekend excursions ahead of you, you’ll want to have a comfortable and reliable car or truck on hand. Head to Earnhardt Chevrolet and pick out your next set of wheels today!
Image by Mike Goad from Pixabay


