Globe and Miami AZ — Hidden Gem Day Trip from Phoenix

Why Globe and Miami Deserve More Attention

Most Phoenix day trippers think of Sedona, Jerome, or Prescott. Globe and Miami — twin towns about 90 minutes east of downtown Phoenix on US-60 — fly almost entirely under the radar, which is part of their appeal. The drive itself through the Superstition Mountains and into the Pinal Mountain range is genuinely dramatic, and the towns themselves offer a combination of genuine Old West history, excellent food, and surprising arts infrastructure that rewards curious travelers.

From Chandler, Gilbert, or Mesa, Globe is about 90 minutes on US-60. From the West Valley, budget closer to two hours.

Globe: Copper Town with Character

Globe was founded as a copper mining camp in 1876 and grew into one of Arizona's most productive mining regions. The Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park — managed by the City of Globe — preserves a significant Salado culture site with more than 200 rooms dating to the 1300s. The on-site museum is genuinely excellent and admission is inexpensive.

Historic downtown Globe along Broad Street is worth a slow walk. The stretch of preserved 1900s-era commercial buildings houses antique shops, a handful of galleries, and local restaurants. Look for the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts, a regional arts organization operating out of the old Gila County Courthouse — they host rotating exhibitions and an active events calendar.

Miami: The Smaller, Scrappier Neighbor

Immediately adjacent to Globe, Miami is smaller and rougher around the edges, but has developed a loyal following among artists and vintage enthusiasts. The Miami Inspiration Mine — one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world — is visible from several overlooks around town and offers a striking sense of scale. The Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum documents the multicultural history of the Copper Corridor, including the significant Slavic, Mexican, and Italian immigrant communities that worked the mines.

Where to Eat

• Guayo's El Rey: A Globe institution since 1938, this family-run Mexican restaurant is the main reason many Phoenix residents make the drive. The enchiladas and red chile are exceptional by any standard.
• Cobre Kitchen: A newer addition to Globe's downtown with a menu built around local and regional ingredients — good for lunch or an early dinner.
• Tonto Bar and Grill (adjacent to Tonto Natural Bridge): If you extend the trip north to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park — about 30 minutes from Globe — the grill at the nearby Pine resort makes a good lunch stop.

Pairing Globe with Tonto Natural Bridge

Globe is the natural staging point for a visit to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, home to the world's largest natural travertine bridge. The two destinations combine easily into a full day. See our complete guide to hiking near Phoenix for trail details, and check Arizona day trips for other route combinations worth building around Globe and Miami.