ARIZONA

Arizona is unlike any other state in the U.S. There is hardly in inch of the state that isn't drenched in natural beauty, and it's home to a large range of climates, wildlife and plant species. It's arguably one of the most culturally rich states as well, with many Native tribes still actively living in tribal territory. There is a wide range of both indoor and outdoor activities, a lot more water than you might expect, and a new way to delight the senses everywhere you turn.

🌞 🌞 🌞 NOTE: We put our trip plans into a format that makes it easy for you to map your route, and choose the stops that intrigue you the most. We don't do a stop-by-stop itinerary, because every family is different. To get the most out of your trip, we recommend choosing the stops that you can fit into your trip comfortably, at your family's pace within the timeframe you have for your trip.

TUCSON

Tucson is a hidden gem among U.S. cities, with its richly cultured background and celebrated food scene.

It is picturesquely surrounded by National parks and desert mountains, and offers an exciting array of both city and nature centered activities.

We recommend 3 nights in Tucson to get a good experience.

TOMBSTONE / BISBEE

If your family is intrigued by tales of the old wild west, this town is worth the extra 4 hour (round trip) drive!

We recommend doing it the first thing if you’re arriving in Tucson or Phoenix.

Although it's primary industry is now tourism, it really does a good job of capturing the wild west ethos.

Bisbee is only another 25 minutes down the road and offers a different flavor of old town delight.

ARAVAIPA FARMS

This hidden little oasis is much more than a Bed and Breakfast. about 1.5 hours north of Tucson and we don’t recommend missing this special experience.

A turn off the highway takes you up a windy dirt road with breathtaking views, a few miles into Aravaipa canyon to get to the property.

You know your close when you see green orchards nestled among the cactus dotted hills and as you cross the river (there isn’t a bridge, you actually drive through a few inches of water) you drive through rows of pear and peach trees until you reach the little cluster of casitas.

WINSLOW

Winslow is a good one night stop in between Araviapa and Sedona if you’re not interested in driving more than a couple hours a day.

Winslow is fun for it’s famous photo op spot “standin’ on the corner of Winslow Arizona…”, and historically founded as a stop for the Santa Fe railroad so if you’re an Eagles fan or historic railroad fanatic this is definitely worth breaking up the trip for.

WILLIAMS

Williams is an old Route 66 town right off of I-40 and the vibe takes you back to the cool version of the 50’s with a street full of vintage buildings that house retro-style souvenir shops and diners.

The town is arguably a tourist trap, but we remind you that the Route 66 towns always have been, so we enjoyed the classic vibe. Our favorite parts of this area though are Bearizona and the train to the Grand Canyon!

SEDONA

If done right, Sedona is a beautiful experience - if done wrong, it is mediocre at best.

Sedona truly has a unique landscape with thousands of hidden gems in its crevices. It’s best known for it’s red rock views and energy vortex’s, but Sedona's portfolio is much richer, especially for families!

From a classic jeep tour, to the snake man, hidden waterfalls and cliff dwellings, unmatched sunsets and more… we recommend Sedona for sure! Just do it right. ;)

JEROME / PRESCOTT

Jerome is a unique little ghost town that looks like it’s floating on the side of Mingus Mountain at night.

At one point the town was decaying so badly that it was virtually crumbling off the side of the mountain, and it almost went obsolete.

Tourism revived it, and now you can find a pleasing variety of shops, wineries, restaurants, historic pieces and of course ghost tours in this elevated little city.

It’s great for a day stop on your way up the mountains from the valley of Sedona/Cottonwood before heading over the mountain to Prescott.

ARCOSANTI

This little “town” occupied by no more than 100 people was built as an experiment in more holistic living.

Its unique architecture is an intrigue all of its own, but it’s premise and operation are even cooler.

Every space is designed to create a better living-working environment where people are continually more nurtured by their natural surroundings and vice versa.

If you’re really inspired by their mission, their immersive learning workshops and an overnight stay might be worth your time.