Road tripping in Arizona is more than just a stop at the Grand Canyon and a hike in Sedona. It’s spending time with the family enjoying beautiful sights while making new memories. Arizona vacation rentals bring you right to the action and make it easy to enjoy the trip with no worries. Find a vacation rental near Old Town Scottsdale for city attractions within walking distance or rent a quaint cabin at Lake Havasu. No matter where you choose to take your adventure, we’ll be right there with you helping you know where to go and what to see. Here are 10 of our favorite places to visit on a road trip through Arizona.
1. Explore Kartchner Caverns
Many travelers in Arizona don’t expect to find stunning caverns in the “Grand Canyon State.” However, just nine miles south of Benson and about an hour south of Tucson is Kartchner Caverns State Park. This beautiful show cave has 2.4 miles of passages through the limestone caverns aging 50,000 years plus. Be sure to check out the hummingbird garden at the entrance of the park and keep in mind that cameras are not allowed in the caverns. This is an easy road trip for families visiting Tucson and want to explore all that Southern Arizona has to offer.
2. Drive to the London Bridge
You may be thinking, “How would it be possible to see the London Bridge on a road trip in Arizona?” Surprise the family by taking them to Lake Havasu City where the original London Bridge lives today. Sold to the United States in the 1960’s, this iconic bridge towers over Arizona’s Lake Havasu. Besides seeing the bridge, you’ll also enjoy swimming at the lake and renting boats, jet skis and kayaks. Be sure to check out the Lake Havasu Museum of History then head over to the Lake Havasu City Aquatic Center for waterslides, a wave pool, and much more!
3. Marvel at the Painted Desert
Head 90 miles east of Flagstaff for stunning badlands and the unique Petrified Forest National Park. Your road trip to the Painted Desert will be filled with vast Arizona skies, cacti, and quite possibly the most amazing sunset you’ve seen in your life. There are several hikes around the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest worth the views, including Red Basin and Blue Mesa. Don’t forget to bring the camera to capture the bright colors and family fun.
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4. Add a New Page to your Memory Book
The red rocks of Page, Arizona against the bright blue waters of Lake Powell will make a road trip of any distance worth it. Located on the Arizona and Utah border, Page is home to the famous Antelope Canyon. Take a tour of this slot canyon to get the best photo of this red rock masterpiece. Then, take a tour of the Glen Canyon Dam and grab a bite to eat at Big John’s Texas BBQ. Find a vacation rental near the lake to close to all of the fun activities and adventures in Utah.
5. Old Town Scottsdale
From shopping and restaurants to some of the best golf courses in the state, Old Town Scottsdale has everything you need for the perfect road trip. Stay in a vacation rental in Old Town to be within walking distance of the attractions and restaurants. Spend a date night at Bandera then walk over to Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” sculpture for the perfect selfie opportunity. There’s plenty in Scottsdale for kids as well, including the OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland.
6. Seek Adventure in Sedona
The red rocks and tranquil vibes of Sedona is something everyone must experience once in their lifetime. The whole family will enjoy the many scenic areas in the relatively small town. Just about two hours north of Phoenix, the drive up to Sedona is hilly and picturesque. Take a pink jeep tour offered on Main Street Sedona and enjoy a bumpy, informative tour of the desert landscape. After a long day exploring, take in a glass of wine at Javelina Leap Vineyard or dinner with a view at Creekside American Bistro. Then, head over to your relaxing vacation rental for a comfortable sleep in paradise.
7.Take a Tour of Tombstone
Experience the wild, wild west in Tombstone, Arizona, located just over an hour’s drive south of Tucson. This small town packs a punch with its cowboy gunfight re-enactments and horse-drawn carriages. Watch a show, go on a ghost tour, then visit the Boothill Graveyard. You’ll be transported to the olden days in this friendly town known for its fun and history.
8. Go to the Grand Canyon
No road tripper’s passport is complete without a drive to the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Grand Canyon is almost 2,000 miles in area, meaning you need to find the best spots to check out on your road trip. One of the most popular highlights of a Grand Canyon trip is the Bright Angel Trail on the North Rim. This trail is intermediate difficulty and has great views for photos. If you’re feeling brave, try Colorado River Rafting or ride a donkey into the Grand Canyon. Vacation rentals around the Grand Canyon are an easy way to be close to the national park while also having your own private getaway.
9. See the Towering Saguaros in Tucson
One of our favorite parts of an Arizona road trip is spotting the enormous saguaro cacti that line the highways. Just outside of Tucson is Saguaro National Park, where you’ll find hundreds of these giants reaching up to 45 feet high. Take a hike at the Douglas Springs Trail Head and enjoy a magical sunset overlooking the desert scenery. Tucson also has several popular museums as well as the famous Kitt Peak National Observatory.
10. Check Out Canyon de Chelly
Canyon de Chelly National Monument located within Navajo Nation and is surrounded by history and panoramic views. The park is not far from the four-corners border of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, making it a great road trip for those exploring any of those states. Take a tour of the park for the best experience and be sure to check out Spider Rock. This park is nearby Petrified Forest National Park and Monument Valley, so grab the kids and get ready for the ultimate tour of the Southwest!
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