Visiting Arizona to see some of the world’s most beautiful scenery has always been on my bucket list! If you’re looking to relax with your favorite girlfriends, soak up the beauty of the mountainous landscape and explore some of the most famous places in the world, then you must visit to see what Arizona has to offer. This spring, my girlfriend and I flew to Phoenix to start our western road trip.
My Arizona road trip includes a 4-night itinerary beginning and ending in Phoenix with a stop at Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and more. This itinerary provides places to visit, including where to stay, where to eat and drink! Check out our itinerary, and use it as a guide for ideas on creating your own road trip.
Airport & Car Rental
We flew round trip from Miami International Airport to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Flights into the Phoenix airport are fairly cheap. After about a 5 hour flight we arrived at Sky Harbor Airport and picked up our rental car from Hertz. My #1 recommendation for visiting Arizona is to rent a car and explore the entire state. We booked our rental car reservation in advance to guarantee us a vehicle. Keep in mind that you get a better rate for booking in advance and vehicles are limited for walk-up customers. The rental car center accommodates many rental car companies, including Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, Dollar, Advantage, Avis and more. You can find the rental car center located within its own building in the airport and it is easily accessible by shuttle. Once you grab your luggage, follow signs outside for the shuttle, which will drop you off within minutes at the rental car center. From here, we grabbed our keys, hopped in our 2018 convertible Mustang and began our road trip through Arizona.
Day 1
Phoenix, AZ
After arriving in Phoenix and picking up our car we had worked up an appetite. We had lunch in Phoenix at True Food Kitchen, a health driven, seasonal restaurant with a menu renowned physician, Dr. Andrew Weil, helped establish. True Food Kitchen is located in Biltmore Fashion Park. Everything on the menu is made from scratch and includes a variety of gluten-free, naturally organic, vegetarian and vegan offerings. Just 15 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport – it’s the perfect spot for lunch (or dinner and drinks) before you kick off the rest of your vacation.
Sedona, AZ
After lunch, we continued on our road trip to Sedona. Roughly two hours from Phoenix, the easy drive to Sedona on Highway 17 North passes national forests, cacti and more. As we admired the view, we cruised along the highway towards one of the most famous spots in the Sedona area: Bell Rock. Bell Rock is one of the first formations you will see when driving into Sedona and the trail is very easy to access. We loved it because it is relatively flat for most of the trail around Bell Rock.
Before heading to our hotel, we decided to drive down the Red Rock Scenic Byway. It is such a nice way to beat the heat and still experience all the natural beauty of Sedona. Luckily, we got to go on this byway every time we drove into downtown Sedona from our hotel. There are some stops along the way where you can get out of the car to take pictures, just be careful to pull far away from the main road.
TIP: Along the way to Sedona you could stop at the famous Slide Rock area, a recreation hotspot along Oak Creek where people can float down a naturally carved slide and enjoy the surrounding beauty. We did not stop as it was really cold on this particular day and we agreed we would not be sliding down ice cold water!
DAY 2
Page, AZ
Next destination → Page, Arizona to visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. We started our day early to arrive at Horseshoe Bend before the masses of tourists and our scheduled tour at Antelope Canyon at 11:30 AM. The drive from Sedona to Page is approximately 3 hours. We were tired, but on the road at 3 AM to head to Page! I was so excited for this day because it was filled with things that had been on my bucket list for a long time!
After a smooth 3 hour drive, we parked our car and walked about 15 minutes before reaching the overlook area. Once you make it to the bend you’re rewarded with an absolutely stunning sight. Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped curve of the Colorado River and is simply a stunning scene not to be missed. We were both enamored by the views and changing colors. Depending on what time of day you’re there the light will be different, the colors of the walls and water will look different and you will see different shadows.
TIP: Arrive for sunrise or after 10 AM to avoid a huge overcast shadow over the bend. We noticed between 8-10 AM that the shadow really put a damper on taking any decent photos. Also, be prepared for the possibility of strong winds. During our visit we experienced this and actually had to end up leaving because it was so bad. Sand was pelting us and we almost were blown away.
Our next stop was to Antelope Canyon, a sandstone slot canyon that has visitors from all around the world come to see the smooth formations. This slot canyon is on Navajo land and is made up of the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. It was formed by erosion, mainly from flash flooding. We went on the tour of Lower Antelope Canyon. The Upper Canyon is more expensive (about twice as much) and is run by the government rather than the Native American Reservation. Personally, I thought that the lower canyon was beautiful.
You cannot enter the canyon without booking a tour!
We booked a tour with Ken’s Tours, which cost $40 plus an $8 Navajo Park fee and had to all be paid in cash the day of. Yes, the tour is crowded and can even feel very rushed, but you will be spending it feeling in total awe of the beauty of the canyon. It will not disappoint!
TIP: You can not bring ANY bags, selfie sticks, tripods or a Go Pro into the canyon. Most people left these things in their car.
After a long day of exploring and driving around Page, we were ready for lunch. We were craving Mexican food and stopped to eat at El Tapatio. Nothing like a good ol’ margartia, guac and some enchiladas to get you running like new again! If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite while in Page, I suggest giving El Tapatio a try. We loved the food and it really hit the spot!
Our plan after lunch was to visit Lake Powell, however due to really cold and windy weather, we did not make it there. If you experience better weather, I highly recommend you visit Lake Powell, which is about a 20 minute drive from Antelope Canyon. I would suggest kayaking or renting a boat depending on how many people and how much time you have.
DAY 3
Page Springs, AZ
Page Springs, home to Arizona’s finest wineries, is just 45 minutes from the Red Rocks of Sedona. Touring this area is an excellent opportunity to get outside, sip a fabulous wine, and admire the stunning views. We decided to book a tour with AZ Winery Tours and it was such a fun filled day. This is a very good way to sample the wineries in the Sedona area if for no other reason than having a designated driver. We were picked up promptly at our hotel by our guide, Roger, who knew everything about the wineries and the area. The luxury limo bus arrangement was stocked with cheese, fruit and water. We were allowed to bring our own alcoholic beverages too and decided to bring a bottle of champagne for the drive. We picked up the rest of the tour group, three other young women, at the Hilton Bell Rock and hit the road.
We visited three wineries: Page Springs Cellars, Javelina Leap Vineyard and Winery, and Oak Creek Vineyards and Winery.
All three wineries were very pleasant with very good wines. Page Springs Cellars offers a full menu which was nice to have a bite while tasting. Javelina Leap Vineyard gave us a tour of their wine room and educated us on how their wines were made. The tour included lunch, which we ate at Oak Creek Vineyards. Lunch was catered by Wildflower Bread Company and included our choice of a salad or sandwich that we preselected when booking our tour. The tour cost $85 per person and I think it was completely worth it. Wine tasting fees are not included in the price, but range from $5 to $10. A souvenir glass is included with the tasting fee at some wineries. Although we had a car, having a designated driver who was knowledgeable about Arizona vineyards was the perfect option.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
Tlaquepaque, (pronounced T-la-keh-pah-keh), is easy to access as it’s just a block south of the Uptown area in Sedona. The Village boasts Southwestern architecture and its vine covered walls, cobble-stoned walkways and magnificent arched entryways give you the feeling that Tlaquepaque has been here for centuries. We found that the village mostly consists of art galleries and jewelry shops, along with a handful of eateries.
We decided to have cocktails and enjoy some appetizers at Rene Restaurant & Bar, which was lovely. Rene Restaurant & Bar gives a feeling like you’re in a small and quaint town in Italy. We continued tasting more wines following our winery tour and went all out and ordered champagne and wine flights. If you’re a wine lover, you will find a nice selection of wines in a charming atmosphere at Rene’s.
DAY 4
Sedona, AZ
Pink Jeep Tour of the Red Rocks
From the moment you arrive in Sedona you will notice hot pink jeeps driving around town. A visit to Sedona isn’t quite complete without a Pink Jeep Tour through the Red Rocks! They’re ranked as one of the best tour companies by TripAdvisor. Choose a quick trek or a full day excursion. I personally opted for their most popular tour, Broken Arrow, which lasted about 2 hours. Our driver was a lot of fun and was extremely knowledgeable on the area’s geological history. He took tons of gorgeous landscape photos of us and provided an unforgettable off road experience. We were even lucky enough that the group of 6 people scheduled for our tour didn’t show up so we got the entire jeep to ourselves. How awesome! Our own private tour!
Hiking the Vortexes
Sedona is a very spiritual place with a hippy vibe. Over 4 million visitors a year travel here to hike to vortexes in the area. A vortex is a place where people have reported feeling inspired by a beneficial source of energy, either on or near a rock formation. I recommend you give it a try. Coming from a place like Florida, where everything is flat, this was such a unique experience.
Spa Day at Amara Resort & Spa
What girl doesn’t love a relaxing spa day, right? Can you imagine how amazing a massage would be after bouncing around on a Pink Jeep Tour or hiking on a hot Arizona day? The Spa at the Amara Resort is a full service spa within the hotel property. With a spa treatment, enjoy the use of their steam room, fitness center and pool. I was lucky enough to experience a relaxation massage and it was heavenly! They have an extensive spa menu so you’re bound to find something just right for you!
DAY 5
Phoenix, AZ
On this morning, we made our way back to Phoenix as our flight left back to Miami in the afternoon. The two hour drive went by quickly, as the views capture your attention. Before heading to the airport, we made one last stop to visit an abandoned structure called “Scorpion Gulch” located in South mountain Park. This was once a trading post selling jewelry, leather goods, curios, Indian-made items, sodas, and candy. In the 1970s, it became a bar. Today, it’s a very unique landmark and we chose to visit to snap some photos.
Stay
We visited Arizona during the month of April, which is the beginning of high season and means all hotel pricing is typically double what it is any other season. We initially wanted to stay at least one night in all the cities we passed during our road trip, however it was much cheaper to just book 4 nights at one location. We decided Sedona was the best option for us, as it was centrally located and had the most to offer as far as activities we were interested in for our first trip to Arizona. Below I have listed several hotel recommendations depending on your budget and needs.
Amara Resort & Spa
Sedona, AZ
The Amara Resort and Spa looks out at Sedona’s Red Rock formations and is absolutely stunning. Sometimes, you just need to treat yo’ self and splurge a bit. You’ll get a great view of the famous red rocks of Sedona and it is centrally located to the main part of town. Don’t miss out on the free happy hour every evening from 5-6 PM.
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
Sedona, AZ
The property is nestled in Village of Oak creek with views of the red rocks and plenty of shops within walking distance. Hotel is located south of the main part of Sedona and about a 15 minute drive from downtown. The hotel also offers everything from several pools to golf and spa services. This is a great place for families or larger groups.
Desert Quail Inn
Sedona, AZ
If you are looking for a fancy hotel, this isn’t your place. If you are looking for a nice, clean place to sleep, for a good price, than this is your place! The hotel is very close to the Red Rocks scenic byway and its hiking trails. You will also find a restaurant and grocery store in walking distance behind the hotel. The drive to downtown Sedona is approximately 15 minutes.
Other Options
Prefer to do something different than what I listed on my personal itinerary? Maybe you would enjoy one of these activities:
Cathedral Rock — easy to get to, and also an easy hike. You could climb all the way to the top, which is a little more difficult. The trails are clearly marked, so you won’t get lost. The entire trail to the top of the Cathedral Rock Trail and back is only 1.5 miles, so you could do it in about 60-90 minutes. If you are interested in visiting vortexes while in Sedona, this is a great place to come!
The Grand Canyon — one of the most popular National Parks in the country with nearly five million visitors annually. Of course, the Grand Canyon was of great interest to us as part of our road trip, however we did not have enough time.
Hot Air Balloon Ride— a truly magical feeling, soaring over the red rock formations of Sedona. We planned to take a hot air balloon ride with Red Rock Balloons, but it was an early wake up call and $225 per person. If you don’t mind waking up early and have a big budget, this would be an amazing start to the day. They even include a champagne celebration upon landing.
The Havasupai Falls — are some of the most notorious and mesmerising falls in all of the Grand Canyon. The Havasupai name means “The people of the blue-green waters,” which refers to the incredible turquoise color of Havasu Creek coming from limestone minerals. Note, you cannot day hike in Havasupai. You must camp, and the tribe requires that all campers have a permit. Registration for permits usually begins in mid-winter (February).
Devil’s Bridge — one of the most popular and well known hikes in Sedona. Devil’s Bridge, is more of a natural stone arch, created over time by wind and weather erosion. This trail is labeled at a moderate difficulty level.
Food & Drink of Arizona
Arizona is overflowing with foodie hotspots and creative Southwestern and Mexican dishes. There are way too many excellent spots to name, so I’ll just leave a few of my favorites below.
Phoenix — True Food Kitchen
Phoenix — Postino
Sedona — Salt Rock
Sedona — Mariposa (Amazing!)
Sedona — The Hudson
Sedona —Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano
Sedona — Elote (Amazing!)
Page — El Tapatio
Our trip finally came to a close after four amazing days of exploring Arizona. The cities, the people, and the adventures left incredible impressions – and a new vision of the Southwest. Arizona is not what I had imagined – it has easily become one of my favorite and the most beautiful places I have ever visited. This guide provides only a sample of everything to see, do and experience while visiting Arizona. I can’t express to you enough how fascinating the state of Arizona is and how much there is to do. Leaving Arizona was difficult, but I know that I will return very soon to explore more of it’s incredible landscapes.
Have you taken a road trip through Arizona? Comment below. I would love to hear about your trip.
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I did a similar trip with my girlfriends, except we used Vegas airport and included Southern Utah. There is SO much to do in Arizona! I moved here last year so I could better explore it all! I’m now writing a guidebook about it. I hadn’t heard of Page Springs, so I’ll be adding that to the vineyards chapter 🙂
Wow. Sounds like an amazing trip! I would have loved to visit Utah, but we only had 4 days. We plan on going back to explore more! When I came home I said I would love to move to Arizona! You’re lucky to live there!
THank you for this! I was looking for a blog post about Arizona. Beautiful pictures!
Thank you! Hope this is helpful.
This sounds like a perfect trip for me and my girls. We are planning one for this year. Wondering if there was a time of the year where the weather would be best to travel? Visit Powell and maybe kayak? Thanks!
Thanks Julie! Fall, (Sept – early November) is generally considered the best season for kayaking in Lake Powell since the weather is warm but not hot and the water temperature is still hot. Spring, (March – Early June) offers comfortable temperatures and less boat traffic. Cold water temperatures make a capsize very dangerous though. A wet suit maybe required during this time. Then there is of course Summer, (mid June – August) which is very hot. Getting an early start is very important since the mid-day heat and sun can make paddling very tiring. Drink lots of water. Hope this helps in planning your trip.