Perfect Day Trip from Tempe to Florence, AZ: St. Anthony's Monastery and Historic Downtown

Florence, Arizona, is far more than its reputation as home to a state prison. Nestled in the desert, this charming town offers a serene escape just an hour and 20 minutes from Tempe. Our group of four discovered its hidden gems, starting with the breathtaking St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery and exploring the Historic Downtown district.

We fueled up with a delightful breakfast at US Egg in Tempe, savoring protein-packed pancakes, classic eggs and bacon, and hearty Idaho Hot Skillets on the sunny patio. Energized, we embarked on our scenic drive via US 60 and AZ 79, enjoying views of the Superstition Mountains. Use our Google map for directions and addresses.

Located 12.5 miles south of Florence, St. Anthony's Monastery welcomes visitors via Paisano Drive to its parking lot. Dress code is modest: long skirts, long-sleeved shirts, and headscarves for women; long pants and long-sleeved shirts for men. At the gatehouse, a volunteer provides a brief history and self-guided tour map.

Founded in 1996 by six monks from Greece's Holy Mountain of Athos, the monastery embodies coenobitic life—shared prayer, work, and obedience to the abbot. The lush grounds feature shaded paths, fountains, desert flora, and peaceful alcoves amid stunning churches and chapels.

Highlights include the grand St. Anthony's Church, a Byzantine domed basilica with Greek-imported icons and a brass chandelier; the Romanian-style Chapel of St. George; rural Russian-style St. Demetrios Chapel; Fountain of the Cross; and outdoor St. Seraphim's Fountain Chapel.

The tour concludes at the bookstore, offering books, religious items, monastery-baked goods, and fresh artesian water.

For lunch, we dined at family-owned LB Cantina, sharing Mexican pizza, tamales, tacos, and a massive burrito in green chili sauce. Generous portions and warm service from Manuel made it memorable.

Historic Downtown Florence, founded in 1866 and a National Historic District, showcases Territorial to post-WWII architecture. Repurposed buildings like the Main Street Vault sandwich shop in a former bank add character. The Pinal County Historical Museum displays settler artifacts, Tom Mix memorabilia, and prison relics like nooses and an execution chair.

We capped our visit at the 1891 Pinal County Courthouse, a refurbished Victorian red-brick gem now housing administrative offices.

Back in Tempe for happy hour at Culinary Dropout, we shared roasted garlic hummus and antipasti while playing cornhole and ping-pong.

Florence proves an ideal day trip: close yet refreshing, with St. Anthony's spiritual beauty, historic allure, and culinary delights. View our full road trip on Google Maps.