Road trip from San Diego to Tempe
All Category
Food & Drink
Concerts & Shows
Shopping
Museums
Outdoor Activities
Spas & Wellness
Fun & Games
Show more (2+)
All Category
Food & Drink
Concerts & Shows
Shopping
Museums
Outdoor Activities
Spas & Wellness
Fun & Games
Nature & Parks
Reset
Show less
ITINERARY
6h 41m363 miles11 stops
1
Vee Quiva Casino
The all-new Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino is an unprecedented combination of stunning Frank Lloyd Wright inspired architecture, high-end service and spectacular amenities. The spacious 70,000 square foot gaming floor is stocked with 950 hot slot machines, a 16 table poker room, 36 oversized table games and a 550 seat Bingo Park. The property’s restaurants include; the Valley’s only Ditka’s (founded by legendary NFL head coach Mike Ditka), Fatburger, Dunkin’ Donuts, Panda Express, Los Reyes de la Torta and more.
2
Arizona Science Center
Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center has been a hub for science and discovery for the community and visitors. Featuring more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a range of interactive online science content, the state-of-the-art Dorrance Planetarium, and the five-story Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater– Arizona Science Center offers programs for all ages. For further details, please visit azscience.org.
3
Whirlwind Golf Club
Whirlwind Golf Club is truly a unique southwest golf experience. The courses, clubhouse, and practice facilities are sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community. Named for the prominent design feature of the hand-woven basketry of the Authum tribe, Whirlwind is the work of golf course architect Gary Panks. His design weaves the spirit and legacy of this ancient land into a marvelous test of golf. The Devil's Claw course features sweeping elevation changes and dramatic bunkering. The Cattail course complements the Devil's Claw, but lends a whole new flavor to this 36-hole masterpiece, with its rolling fairways accented by striking water features and deep canyons. Whirlwind promises a dynamic golf experience marked by spectacular landscaping, unrivaled course conditions, and genuine customer service.
4
Makutu's Island
Makutu’s [Ma-coo-two’s] [means magic] Island was called Club Disney - is an evergreen lush, exciting indoor “island” with towering trees, climbs, mysterious caves, a "bungee jump", a zip track, an arcade, a café, a special toddler zone and so much more. Our admission price includes ALL DAY fun (and it is not a trampoline park or bounce jungle that you need to pay by the hour). Makutu's Island has no affiliation with Disney. Even though the structure and design were done by Disney, it is now re-themed as Makutu's Island with our cute characters that include the jaguar cub Makutu and his friends. It is a unique tropical jungle themed as a Regional Entertainment. The centerpiece of Makutu’s Island is a magnificent indoor tree. The tree is filled with tunnels, tubes, mole-holes, and slides. Our facility offers hours of fun and adventure.
5
Escape the Room
Escape The Room Chandler is the premier escape game experience in the Chandler area. With three unique rooms to play and the most technologically advanced puzzles, you will truly be tested to see if you and your friends can put together enough of the clues and escape the room!
6
Chandler Fashion Center
7
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
8
Tumbleweed Recreation Center
9
KTR
10
Troon North Golf Club Monument Course
The Monument Course, which opened in 1990, was conceived by legendary golfer Tom Weiskopf and Architect Jay Morrish. In 2007, the course underwent a major renovation project, led by Tom Weiskopf. An entirely new playing experience was created by exchanging its front nine holes with the front nine of its sibling course, the Pinnacle Course, and changing the sequence in which the holes are played. Hallmarks of the course include balance, variety and immaculate course conditions.
11
Wild West Horse Adventures
Experience the Sonoran Desert the way it was intended, on horseback. We offer private trail rides in the Sonoran Preserve. They are maintained to provide the most exceptional experience that you'll remember for a lifetime. Let's hit the trails!
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
1
Start:Vee Quiva Casino
Phoenix, Arizona·
3.0
(80) review
The all-new Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino is an unprecedented combination of stunning Frank Lloyd Wright inspired architecture, high-end service and spectacular amenities. The spacious 70,000 square foot gaming floor is stocked with 950 hot slot machines, a 16 table poker room, 36 oversized table games and a 550 seat Bingo Park. The property’s restaurants include; the Valley’s only Ditka’s (founded by legendary NFL head coach Mike Ditka), Fatburger, Dunkin’ Donuts, Panda Express, Los Reyes de la Torta and more.
2
Start:Arizona Science Center
Phoenix, Arizona·
4.0
(967) review
Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center has been a hub for science and discovery for the community and visitors. Featuring more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a range of interactive online science content, the state-of-the-art Dorrance Planetarium, and the five-story Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater– Arizona Science Center offers programs for all ages. For further details, please visit azscience.org.
3
Start:Whirlwind Golf Club
Chandler, Arizona·
4.0
(94) review
Whirlwind Golf Club is truly a unique southwest golf experience. The courses, clubhouse, and practice facilities are sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community. Named for the prominent design feature of the hand-woven basketry of the Authum tribe, Whirlwind is the work of golf course architect Gary Panks. His design weaves the spirit and legacy of this ancient land into a marvelous test of golf. The Devil's Claw course features sweeping elevation changes and dramatic bunkering. The Cattail course complements the Devil's Claw, but lends a whole new flavor to this 36-hole masterpiece, with its rolling fairways accented by striking water features and deep canyons. Whirlwind promises a dynamic golf experience marked by spectacular landscaping, unrivaled course conditions, and genuine customer service.
4
Start:Makutu's Island
Chandler, Arizona·
3.5
(92) review
Makutu’s [Ma-coo-two’s] [means magic] Island was called Club Disney - is an evergreen lush, exciting indoor “island” with towering trees, climbs, mysterious caves, a "bungee jump", a zip track, an arcade, a café, a special toddler zone and so much more. Our admission price includes ALL DAY fun (and it is not a trampoline park or bounce jungle that you need to pay by the hour). Makutu's Island has no affiliation with Disney. Even though the structure and design were done by Disney, it is now re-themed as Makutu's Island with our cute characters that include the jaguar cub Makutu and his friends. It is a unique tropical jungle themed as a Regional Entertainment. The centerpiece of Makutu’s Island is a magnificent indoor tree. The tree is filled with tunnels, tubes, mole-holes, and slides. Our facility offers hours of fun and adventure.
5
Start:Escape the Room
Chandler, Arizona·
5.0
(92) review
Escape The Room Chandler is the premier escape game experience in the Chandler area. With three unique rooms to play and the most technologically advanced puzzles, you will truly be tested to see if you and your friends can put together enough of the clues and escape the room!
6
Start:Chandler Fashion Center
Chandler, Arizona·
4.5
(85) review
3111 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226-5071
7
Start:Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Scottsdale, Arizona·
4.0
(95) review
9051 East Via De Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
8
Start:Tumbleweed Recreation Center
Chandler, Arizona·
5.0
(9) review
745 E Germann Rd, Chandler, AZ 85286-1318
9
Start:KTR
Chandler, Arizona·
5.0
(8) review
1050 E Pecos Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225-2407
10
Start:Troon North Golf Club Monument Course
Scottsdale, Arizona·
4.5
(96) review
The Monument Course, which opened in 1990, was conceived by legendary golfer Tom Weiskopf and Architect Jay Morrish. In 2007, the course underwent a major renovation project, led by Tom Weiskopf. An entirely new playing experience was created by exchanging its front nine holes with the front nine of its sibling course, the Pinnacle Course, and changing the sequence in which the holes are played. Hallmarks of the course include balance, variety and immaculate course conditions.
11
Start:Wild West Horse Adventures
Scottsdale, Arizona·
5.0
(97) review
Experience the Sonoran Desert the way it was intended, on horseback. We offer private trail rides in the Sonoran Preserve. They are maintained to provide the most exceptional experience that you'll remember for a lifetime. Let's hit the trails!
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
Download Offline Map
Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
Camera or smartphone
Unlock Effortless Travel Planning
Create your dream trip in minutes by this prompt. Try now!
EXPLORE MORE
Discover Exciting Road Trip Inspirations
San Diego to Dallas
1,358 miles
23h 22m
20 stops
NightlifeSights & LandmarksOutdoor ActivitiesMuseumsConcerts & Shows
San Diego to San Jose
450 miles
8h 37m
43 stops
Sights & LandmarksShoppingNature & ParksMuseumsTours
San Diego to Fort Worth
1,325 miles
22h 46m
17 stops
NightlifeSights & LandmarksOutdoor ActivitiesMuseumsConcerts & Shows
San Diego to Austin
1,297 miles
22h 20m
25 stops
Nature & ParksFood & DrinkFun & GamesOutdoor ActivitiesConcerts & Shows
San Diego to Jacksonville
2,334 miles
40h 46m
45 stops
NightlifeFun & GamesShoppingToursNature & Parks
San Diego to San Francisco
497 miles
9h 23m
25 stops
Sights & LandmarksShoppingNature & ParksMuseumsTours
EXPLORE OTHER
Check Out Different Road Trip Options
Fort Worth to Atlantic City
1,535 miles
28h 25m
36 stops
Concerts & ShowsSights & LandmarksShoppingNature & ParksFun & Games
Riverside to The Woodlands
1,512 miles
25h 48m
27 stops
NightlifeFun & GamesMuseumsTraveler ResourcesConcerts & Shows
Las Vegas to Stockton
533 miles
9h 55m
28 stops
Fun & GamesOutdoor ActivitiesNature & ParksWater & Amusement ParksSights & Landmarks
Lakewood to Victorville
932 miles
16h 8m
37 stops
Sights & LandmarksOutdoor ActivitiesConcerts & ShowsMuseumsCasinos & Gambling
Akron to Fontana
2,324 miles
40h 54m
41 stops
Nature & ParksWater & Amusement ParksOutdoor ActivitiesMuseumsFun & Games
Corona to Hayward
407 miles
7h 39m
23 stops
Outdoor ActivitiesMuseumsFun & GamesTraveler ResourcesNature & Parks
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between San Diego and Tempe?
The distance is 363 miles
What's the travel time between San Diego and Tempe?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 6h 41m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between San Diego and Tempe?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Tempe?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Tempe
What’s the weather like in Tempe?
The weather in Tempe is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Tempe in January
Weather in Tempe in February
Weather in Tempe in March
Weather in Tempe in April
Weather in Tempe in May
Weather in Tempe in June
Weather in Tempe in July
Weather in Tempe in August
Weather in Tempe in September
Weather in Tempe in October
Weather in Tempe in November
Weather in Tempe in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Tempe?
Plan your dream Tempe trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Tempe
A 2-day itinerary in Tempe
A 3-day itinerary in Tempe
A 4-day itinerary in Tempe
A 5-day itinerary in Tempe
A 6-day itinerary in Tempe
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in San Diego?
We have a lot of great trip options for San Diego! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you