Vacation In Sedona And Grand Canyon
You don’t know what the Sedona and Grand Canyon — the widely popular American destinations. Sedona, in particular, is one of the most popular travel destinations in Arizona. It is also a beautiful place to go on vacation and enjoy breathtaking sites such as Mother Nature’s handiwork of stone archway at Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, and Bell Rock. Let’s take a look at some of best Sedona and Grand Canyon tours that offer spectacular views of the natural beauty in Arizona.
If you are looking for a peaceful place to spend your holiday, Sedona and Grand Canyon are the ideal destinations for you. These two places are located in the state of Arizona and form a beautiful region.
Sedona is a favored destination of travelers, who anticipate beyond seductive canyon charms. Adventuresome visitors are lured to the Tuzigoot National Monument, the Cathedral Rock and Airport Mesa. Visitors can hike and climb the red-rock formations of “red rock country” in their grandeur.
Sedona has a mystical energy that you won’t find anywhere else. Sedona is not just a beautiful national park, it’s also a great tourist spot for relaxation. In this article, you’ll learn about things to do and spots to visit in Sedona.
There are many wonderful places to see here in the USA. A favorite spot of mine is Sedona, Arizona. Sedona is known as “the energy vortex” where modern day spiritualism lives side by side with a vividly beautiful landscape of red rocks and blue skies. Here are a few reasons why I love visiting Sedona and why you might too:
Arizona is one of the most visited states in the entirety of the USA, coming in at number eight out of fifty, so it’s no surprise that you’re looking for the perfect Arizona itinerary.
Vacation In Sedona And Grand Canyon
Boasting mild weather (outside of the summer months), ample activities, and some of the most diverse landscapes in the country. And though I grew up in the capital of Phoenix, it wasn’t until I returned with Michael that I fully appreciated the beauty and diversity of my home state.
While many might only think of the Grand Canyon or the shopping and golf courses of Scottsdale when they think of Arizona, there is so much more that this state has to offer. Therefore, if you’re looking for the best stops on an Arizona itinerary, look no further.
Though this is only a 5-day Arizona itinerary, there are ample opportunities to spend more time in each place and to add a few more depending on your timeframe.
Planning a Trip to Arizona
Before I jump into the details of your perfect 5-day Arizona itinerary, let’s discuss the best season to visit this southwestern state. While it’s geographical position means that the weather tends to be sunny and warm most of the year, it is worth noting that the climate can change drastically depending on the region you are visiting.
For instance, if you are visiting Phoenix in December and enjoying basking in some 20°C (68°F) weather but also want to visit the Grand Canyon on the same trip, be well prepared for lots of snow and temperatures well below freezing. If you happen to be visiting Sedona in winter, expect drastic variations in the high and low temperatures but generally mild conditions.
While the area surrounding Phoenix and south have incredibly mild winters, the rest of Arizona often enjoys heavy snow and very cold temperatures. One of Arizona’s largest cities, Flagstaff, even has its own ski resort!
Arizona Highlights
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The temperatures work the other way, as well, and it is worth noting that if you plan to travel to Arizona in the summer months, be prepared for extremely high temperatures.
Phoenix has the highest average temperatures of any capital in the US and it is not uncommon for the mercury to rise to well over 40°C (104°F). Most residents of the Phoenix metropolitan area will try to get out of town if they can and it is considered to be the off-season in the tourism industry.
However, if you venture north to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff or Sedona, you will notice that temperatures in the height of summer can be immeasurably milder than farther south. So if you want to visit Arizona as part of a longer southwest road trip in the summer months, it might make more sense to skip anything south of Sedona unless you love extremely high temperatures!
Arguably the best time to embark on any Arizona itinerary is in the Spring or Autumn months. The weather is mild and sunny throughout the state, though the nights can still get chilly. You will need to pack for a couple of different climates regardless of which season you choose to visit in, however, the spring and fall temperatures tend to be a little bit more even throughout Arizona.
Beginning in Phoenix and ending in the Grand Canyon, this is the quintessential Arizona road trip itinerary.
Day 1: Phoenix
As the capital of Arizona and one of the largest cities by population in the United States, the Phoenix metro area has a lot to offer tourists. Though visitors can easily spend more than one day in Phoenix, if you want to get the most out of this five-day Arizona itinerary, the one day will be just enough.
If the weather is fine, take the morning to go for a hike up the iconic Camelback Mountain before exploring nearby historic downtown Scottsdale. The Old Town area is filled with interesting shops, cafes, and restaurants that are sure to keep you entertained.
If you want to get into more serious shopping, Scottsdale Fashion Square is one of the largest shopping malls in the country and has a number of large department stores and luxury brands.
If shopping isn’t necessarily your thing, you could easily spend the entire afternoon exploring the Desert Botanical Garden where you can learn all about the native flora in Arizona in a beautiful setting. If you’re travelling with kids, the Phoenix Zoo is located right next to the botanical and is always a favourite among families.
End your day at one of the Pheonix area’s great restaurants and maybe check out some of the famous nightlife in the Downtown area, Old Town Scottsdale, or near Mill Avenue in Tempe.
Phoenix is the ideal place to get a feel for the state when beginning your epic Arizona road trip itinerary.
Where to Stay in Phoenix
The Phoenix and Scottsdale area is a sought-after vacation destination in the US, especially during the winter months when the cities remain basked in sunshine and blessed with mild temperatures. While there are a number of high-end resorts in the Phoenix metro area, there are also a few more affordable options as well. These are our top suggestions:
Econo Lodge Phoenix Airport – If you’re looking for an affordable and comfortable accommodation option in a convenient downtown location, then this hotel is a great choice for you. It comes well-reviewed with clean, air-conditioned rooms and friendly staff. Breakfast is also included in the room rate. Click here to see their latest prices
The Saguaro Hotel – If you would like to experience a little bit of Old Town Scottsdale luxury in your short time in Phoenix, then you can’t go wrong with The Saguaro. Located in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, this hotel is incredibly clean, comfortable, and sure to impress. Click here to see their latest prices
– If you want to save some money on your Arizona itinerary or just stay in some unique accommodations, then there are a number of private vacation rental options that will suit any personality or budget such as this .
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Phoenix!
Day 2: Phoenix to Sedona
On the second day of your 5-day Arizona road trip, it is time to head north and begin to experience the dramatic and diverse natural scenery of the state. This day, we recommend spending the night in picturesque Sedona.
Though the Phoenix to Sedona drive only really takes about 2-2.5 hours along the I-17, we would suggest taking your time on this journey as there are a number of stops you can make.
If you’re looking for a scenic drive from Phoenix to Sedona, a far prettier alternative to the I-17 is to take State Highway 87 toward Payson. While this isn’t a direct route to Sedona, the smaller road and stunning natural scenery are absolutely unbeatable, no matter the season.
