Arizona is a state filled with natural beauty and diverse landscapes, from the red rocks of Sedona to the towering saguaro cacti of the Sonoran Desert. It’s the perfect place for a road trip, and with this itinerary, you’ll be able to discover the best of the Southwest.
Day 1: Phoenix
Your road trip begins in Phoenix, the capital of Arizona. Start your day by exploring the Desert Botanical Garden, where you can see a variety of cacti and other desert plants. After that, head to the Heard Museum, which has an impressive collection of Native American art and artifacts. In the evening, catch a spring training baseball game at one of the many local stadiums.
Day 2: Sedona
From Phoenix, make your way up to Sedona, a city known for its red rock formations. Spend the day hiking through the stunning landscape and exploring the city’s many art galleries. In the evening, catch a sunset at Cathedral Rock, one of the most iconic landmarks in the area.
Day 3: Grand Canyon National Park
No trip to Arizona is complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon. It’s a bit of a drive from Sedona, but it’s well worth it. Spend the day exploring the rim of the canyon and taking in the breathtaking views. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider hiking down into the canyon or taking a mule ride. In the evening, grab a bite to eat at El Tovar, a historic hotel located on the rim of the canyon.
Day 4: Route 66
From the Grand Canyon, make your way west to Route 66, the famous American road that stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica. Along the way, stop at Seligman, a small town that’s home to the longest remaining stretch of Route 66. Take some time to explore the town and grab a bite to eat at the Roadkill Cafe, a local institution.
Day 5: Lake Havasu
From Route 66, head south to Lake Havasu, a man-made lake on the Colorado River. Spend the day swimming, boating, or fishing in the lake. In the evening, check out the London Bridge, which was bought by a local businessman and reassembled in Lake Havasu.
Day 6: Joshua Tree National Park
From Lake Havasu, make your way to Joshua Tree National Park, located on the border of California and Arizona. The park is known for its distinctive Joshua trees and rock formations. Spend the day hiking through the park and exploring the various trails. In the evening, grab a campsite and relax around the campfire.
Day 7: Palm Springs
From Joshua Tree, head back to Arizona and make your way to Palm Springs, a popular desert resort town. Spend the day relaxing by the pool or playing a round of golf. In the evening, check out one of the local casinos or catch a show at the Palm Springs Follies, a vintage variety show.
Day 8: Tucson
From Palm Springs, make your way to Tucson, the second largest city in Arizona. Spend the day exploring the University of Arizona campus and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a botanical garden and zoo. In the evening, catch a performance at the Tucson Symphony Orchestra or grab a drink at one of the many local bars.
Day 9: Phoenix
Your road trip comes full circle as you make your way back to Phoenix. Spend your final day in Arizona exploring the city and checking out some of the local attractions you may have missed on the first day. In the evening, grab a
