Looking for something within 8 hours of Phoenix
 

I only have 4 days for a vacation in August and I am trying to find something within 8 hours of Phoenix, AZ to visit. We have already decided against San Diego and Durango. Any suggestions?

What do you like to do? 8 hours covers a lot of territory - the entire state of AZ, plus parts of Mexico, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, California and even a little bit of W. Texas.

Weasel, it's funny you would say that, because we used to sit in Scottsdale looking at Maps. We realiized it's not that far to the Gulf coast of Texas
and Padre Island if you drive I 10 like a bat out of Hell.
We did, and it was so different than heading to San Diego(Again) or LA. After that we started heading any direction but West, and eventually left all together for Southern Oregon

We're not really picky in what to do. We're not really into crowded places and amusement parks.

Go north and see the Grand Canyon and the national parks of southern Utah. August is by far the worst time to see these sites (heat and crowds), but there's never a bad time to see some of the most beautiful spots on this planet.

Is there a good city to stay in where we could easily drive to all 3? Do you know of any places that are cooler. Part of the reason we are leaving is to cool off. Anything below 100* would be excellent. :)

A central location would be Flagstaff.

A cooler location would be the White Mountains. I've only driven through (looping back to Phoenix airport after a visit to Grand Canyon, 4 Corners, etc. I fell in love with the area and plan to go back sometime.

Here are some links -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Mountains_(Arizona)

http://www.go-arizona.com/white-mountains

I'd choose a cabin rental.

Greer, AZ in the White Mtns is beautiful. We stayed in a cabin that was reasonably priced. If I can remember the name I will post it.

How hot is Zion National Park this time of year? And Bryce and Capitol Reef and Salt Lake City?"

How about Santa Barbara California? I heard that when it was 100 degrees in Los Angeles last week, it was only 75 at the beach in Santa Barbara.

Here is a link to the place we stayed at in www.theaspenscabins.com/

Any other suggestions. We were thinking that someplace green might be nice. :)

Santa Barbara has been 74degrees lately while some of L.A. county has been roasting in 100 degree temperatures. From SB you could visit Ojai one day, or drive up to wine country/Santa Ynez/Solvang. See the movie "Sideways" to get in the mood for Santa Ynez!