Arizona’s Must-See Spots: Epic 5-Day Road Trip Itinerary

I have been waiting to write this blog post for almost 2 years… I just can’t seem to get down on paper how much I LOVE the state of Arizona. This has to be one of the coolest domestic trips in the USA I have ever planned. Designed for adventurers, history buffs, and nature lovers alike, my itinerary is packed with must-see sights and insider tips to help you make the most of your time in the Grand Canyon State. I will take you through the most thought out 5 day itinerary in Arizona that will make every moment count.

Once you’ve landed in Arizona (likely Phoenix Harbor International Airport) you are definitely going to want to rent a car. There will be lots of driving on this trip, if you’re anything like me.. I’m not very fond of roadtrips, BUT the beauty of Arizona made it all worth it. We rented a Corvette Grand Sport convertible (raise your hand if you have a significant other who also has to have a cool car on vacations).

Once you’ve picked up your car, let’s head to our first stop in Sedona. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride 🙂

Sedona (1 night)

Sedona is one of the most beautiful red rock formations and landscapes in the United States. Every turn and every crevasse, it’s very easy to fall in love with Sedona. It is truly an adventure seekers dream and a perfect pit stop on our road-trip.

Hotel

• Sky Rock Hotel: We stayed here for our 1 night in Sedona. It is a gorgeous hotel with picturesque views of the red rock formations.
• The Wilde Resort & Spa: Another beautiful hotel with red rock formation views

Food

• Elote Cafe: Arizona has amazing Mexican food and elote cafe is no exception. Highly recommend making reservations
• Hideaway House: Italian restaurant with canyon views, can’t beat it.
• The Hudson: Dinner here was so amazing. We didn’t have reservations so we sat at the bar but the food and views were outstanding. Good for American food.

Activities

• Pink Jeep: Don’t be fooled by the color of the Jeep. This Pink Jeep tour is one of the coolest experiences in Sedona for everyone to get a thrilling ride in the mountains of Sedona.
• ATVs: If you are a true adventurer seeker and riding ATVs in Sedona is for you.
• Hike: And of course you can always hike solo or take a guided tour on foot, either way you will have a blast!

Grand Canyon/Lake Powell (2 nights)

The Grand Canyon and Lake Powell are two wonders of Arizona. Everyone knows the Grand Canyon and is a bucket list item for most. Lake Powell is unlike any other body of water you have ever been too. Leaving Sedona in the morning, you can drive up to the Grand Canyon on your way to Lake Powell, time to hit the road again 🙂

Hotel

• Hyatt Place Page: We stayed here our first time in Lake Powell. Super close to the lake and near lots of restaurants.
• Airbnbs: I highly recommend looking into Airbnbs when coming to Lake Powell as the hotel options aren’t too many. We stayed in this Airbnb in Big Water Utah, right on the boarder of Utah and Arizona it was incredible for a big group.

Food

• Sunset 89: Nice bar and restaurant with an outdoor area
• Bird House: Fried chicken place that looks amazing

Activities

• Hike the Grand Canyon: There are so many different tours and hikes you can do when coming to the Grand Canyon. We did a short walk around maybe about an hour as this was a stop on our way to Lake Powell but you can absolutely spend more time here if you would like.
• Rent a boat or jet ski on Lake Powell: I have done both of these on two different occasions. If you have a group of friends I suggest renting a boat and going tubing. If you are by yourself or one other person, a jet ski is so much fun. If you choose the jet ski you are also able to go into Antelope Canyons for a once in a lifetime experience.

Scottsdale (2 nights)

From Lake Powell you will drive back towards Scottsdale, Arizona. It is a lively city known for its luxurious resorts, world-class golf courses, and vibrant arts scene. Nestled next to Phoenix, it’s a great spot for both outdoor adventures and nightlife. I loved our time in Scottsdale giving me small city mixed with beautiful mountain views. Tip: On your drive back from Lake Powell to Scottsdale make a pit spot at the Horseshoe Bend.

Hotel

• The Scott Resort: We stayed at the Scott Resort on our first trip to Scottsdale. I loved the property, the pool, and the coconut mojitos are to die for.
• The Phoenician: This hotel has been on my bucket list for a while. Beautiful property with Mountain Views of CamelBack Mountain

Food

• Olive and Ivy: Great Mediterranean spot for dinner
• The Mission: Latin American restaurant inside church like building
• Diego Pops: Trendy place good for drinks and bar food
• The Canal Club: We had really good breakfast here and the coconut mojitos are ugh so good!!
• Grassroots Kitchen & Tap: American restaurant with amazing reviews
• Maya: Day club if you are looking to party

Activities

• Visit Old Town Scottsdale: Explore the charming historic district filled with unique shops, art galleries, and excellent dining options.
• Hike Camelback Mountain: Enjoy stunning views of the Phoenix area by hiking one of the popular trails on this iconic mountain.
• Wander Through the Desert Botanical Garden: Discover the beauty of desert flora and fauna with over 50,000 plants showcased in this expansive garden.
• Explore Taliesin West: Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and architectural school, which offers fascinating tours and insights into his design philosophy.

Conclusion

And just like that, this five-day Arizona journey comes to a close. I’ve covered a lot of ground (literally lol), from historical sights to hidden gems, and I hope this itinerary has inspired you to visit the beautiful state of Arizona. These five days are just a starting point; there’s always more to explore and discover, so use this guide as your jumping-off point for many adventures to come,I know I certainly cannot wait to be back. Keep this itinerary handy for your next trip to the Grand Canyon state! If you found this blog post helpful, check out my Cabo 4 night stay!