Road Trip in Arizona
We’ve curated the perfect guide to help you plan your road trip adventure and make the most out of your time in Arizona.
Whether you’re heading down south to Tucson or up north to Flagstaff, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon, we’ve scouted the best of the local in State 48!
Keep an eye out for Scouted Members, both of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale and sister-guides TSG Tucson & Southern Arizona. We’ve indicated these Scouted members in bold and encourage you to tell them Scout sent you!
Pro Tip: Grab a guide at any of our Scouted Businesses to peruse poolside or on your drive.
TUCSON
WHAT TO DO
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum | World-renowned zoo, natural history, museum, and botanical garden, all in one place.
2021 North Kidney Road | @desertmuseum
Old Tucson | A renowned film set and theme park located right outside of Tucson, this beautiful desert setting has been the filming location of hundreds of classic Western films and TV shows.
201 South Kinney Road | @oldtucson
Pima Air & Space Museum | Featuring over 400 historic aircrafts and 6 hangers on 80 acres, the Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest non-government-funded aviation & space museums in the world.
6000 East Valencia Road | @pimaair
Sabino Canyon | Located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Sabino Canyon is a premier natural area in Arizona, making this the perfect place to go on a hike and explore the beautiful desert.
5700 North Sabino Canyon Road
Saguaro National Park | Showcases the iconic saguaro cactus against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, one of the most biologically diverse deserts worldwide and the only place saguaros grow.
3693 South Old Spanish Trail | @sagauronationalpark
San Xavier del Bac | Known as the White Dove of the Desert, explore the beautifully preserved Spanish Catholic mission and oldest intact European structure in Arizona just short drive south of Tucson.
1950 West San Xavier Road |
WHERE TO STAY
Arizona Inn | Located in the heart of Tucson, this family-owned and run historic boutique hotel offers resort amenities with a serene setting.
2200 East Elm Street | @arizonainn
Armory Park Inn | This pre-railroad era, Sonoran-style, house said to have been a stagecoach stop for travelers en route to the Presidio, has been re-imagined into a seven-room bed and breakfast.
438 South 3rd Avenue | @armoryparkinn
AZ Roots | Looking to stay in your own space? AZ Roots is one of the fastest-growing Airbnb in the Tucson area. Find the perfect fit for your group.
@itsazroots *TSG Tucson Member
Canyon Ranch Tucson | New beginnings bloom in the desert at Canyon Ranch Tucson—the world’s premier health and wellness resort.
8600 East Rockcliff Road | @canyonranch
Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort | Located at the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Hacienda del Sol is a relaxing escape with breathtaking views and a storied history. A former school for girls built in 1929, it’s since been converted into a guest ranch with charming casitas and suites with fireplaces.
5501 North Hacienda Del Sol Road | @haciendadelsolaz
WHERE TO DINE
Breakfast & Brunch
Prep & Pastry | A new American brunch featuring cocktails, flavorful dishes, and pastries that make you feel at home.
Multiple Locations, including here in the Valley! | @prepandpastry
Presta Coffee | Operating in Tucson since 2014, Presta Coffee stems from a desire for better coffee. Offering traditionally processed coffees to beans processed using more unique methods to encourage a greater understanding of what coffee can be.
Multiple Locations | @prestacoffee *TSG Tucson Member through Mercado San Agustin
Pure Love Juice | Tucson’s favorite local juice bar with juices, smoothies, açai bowls, raw meals, and toasts.
1980 East River Road Unit 110 | @purelovejuice *TSG Tucson Member
Lunch & Casual
Kukai | A local Japanese kitchen with ramen, sushi, onigiri, and more.
267 South Avenida Del Convento Suite 11 | @kukai___ *TSG Tucson Member through MSA Annex
Seis Kitchen | Award-winning and family-owned Mexican restaurant offering a delectable menu made in a complete scratch kitchen.
Multiple Locations | @seiskitchen *TSG Tucson Member through Mercado San Agustin
Time Market | Tucson’s Original Bodega with quality ingredients, artisan bread, new-wave coffee, pizza, craft beers, and more! Get some of your grocery shopping done and get an amazing meal all in one place.
444 East University Boulevard | @timemarket
Fine Dining
The Cork | A Tucson staple offering prime cuts & exotic game to wild-caught fish, all with accents of Southwest flavor. (Our favorites are the Salmon and Baseball Teriyaki, and the Mud Pie is a must!)
6320 East Tanque Verde Road | @corktucson
Vivace | Northern Italian Cuisine with the highest quality ingredients with an exceptional wine list and served in elegant surroundings.
6440 North Campbell Avenue | @vivacetucson
WHERE TO SHOP
440 & Co. | A desert artist collective and gift shop in the heart of Tucson’s Historic Fourth Avenue.
440 North 4th Avenue | @440andcompany *TSG Tucson Member
Avenue | A mix of specialty clothing and accessories from independent designers, handpicked vintage, home goods, antique and custom furnishings, as well as many handmade pieces from owner Alexis Mosij. Located in Broadway Village 3050 East Broadway Boulevard | @avenuetucson
Bon | A local gem that offers a thoughtfully curated collection of well-made and well-designed items for home, garden, and clothing.
760 South Stone Avenue | @bontucson
Embellish | A boutique shop filled with a charming assortment of home decor, jewelry, baby items, gifts, seasonal items, and more.
6530 East Tanque Verde Road Suite 150 & 160 | @embellishhomeetc
Loop Jean Company | Offering the most sought-after denim brands for men and women, expertly sized for the most flattering fit.
7047 North Oracle Road | @loopjeancotucson *TSG Tucson Member
(W) Boutique | The chic spot for women’s contemporary clothing, shoes, accessories, home and gifts, plus men’s clothing too!
4340 North Campbell Avenue #111 | @wboutiquetucson *TSG Tucson Member
For a complete list of recommendations for what to see and do in Tucson, visit The Scout Guide Tucson & Southern Arizona website.
FLAGSTAFF
WHAT TO DO
Arizona Snowbowl | Want to get that last bit of skiing (or snowboarding) in before the season is over? Head over to Snowbowl and hit the slopes.
9300 North Snowbowl Road | @azsnowbowl
Arizona Trail | You can certainly hike, run, or bike the Flagstaff portions of this 800-mile-long trail from Mexico to Utah. We suggest traversing it Old West-style: on a horse. Saddle up and ride the Arizona Trail’s Equestrian Bypass; it runs from Fisher Point to Sandy Seep Trail, following the rim of Walnut Canyon (#9). Ride your own horse, or book a tour through a local stable. (If heading out on your own, be sure to check for trail closures, as these may occur due to wildfire activity or other restrictions.)
Hydrate IV Bar- Flagstaff | Take a break from your outdoor activities and treat your body right with an IV. Combining a spa-inspired environment with the skilled professionalism of a medical office, Hydrate IV Bar offers a cocktail-style menu of IV therapies to address illness, wellness, recovery, and beauty concerns.
601 East Piccadilly Road Suite 20 | @hydrateivbar_az *TSG Phx & Sco Member
Downtown Flagstaff | Surrounded by great restaurants and breweries in a bustling local area, Historic Downtown Flagstaff is a great place to experience local art and community events in a fun, laid-back atmosphere.
WHERE TO STAY
High Country Motor Lodge | Unwind at this modern mountain lodge, complete with a spa and general store. It is a great place to bring your pets!
1000 West Route 66 | @highcountrymotorlodge
Hotel Monte Vista | With the mountains and nearby canyon countries, The Hotel Monte Vista is your place to relax while you explore all of the natural wonders Northern Arizona has to offer. Located just off historic Route 66 as a true touchstone for all of Flagstaff and her citizens.
100 North San Fransico Street | @hotelmontevistaflagstaff
Little America | From the sincere service of their staff to the comfort of their rooms, Little American claims the phrase “Hospitality is in our Nature”.
2515 East Bulter Avenue | @littleamericaflagstaff
WHERE TO DINE
Breakfast & Brunch
Biff’s Bagels | As Flagstaff’s premier bagel, coffee, and sandwich shop, Biff’s Bagels provides good vibes and excellent service with its high-quality products.
1 South Beaver Street | @biffsbagels
Josephine’s Modern American Bistro | Named in honor of Chef Tony’s late mother, the Flagstaff restaurant’s commitment to exceptional food, wine, service, and atmosphere reflects the lessons she taught him.
503 North Humphreys Street | @josephines.modernbistro
Tourist Home | New American cuisine with a touch a southwestern flair, Tourist Home is Flagstaff’s ideal spot for breakfast and brunch and a great way to start your day.
52 South San Francisco Street | @tourist_home
Lunch & Casual
Diablo Burger | Local burger joint known for using all local, Arizona-based ingredients.
120 North Leroux Street | @diabloburger
Pizzicletta | Traditional, wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked in 90 seconds at this intimate Italian destination.
203 West Phoenix Avenue | @pizzicletta
Proper Meats & Provisions | An Arizona-raised meatery with locally sourced and sustainably raised meat that extends beyond the block to include local cheese, baked bread, soups, sandwiches, and more.
110 East Route 66 | @propermeats
Fine Dining
Atria | With a hyper-seasonal approach to modern American cooking, Atria is Flagstaff’s home to farm-fresh plates, craft cocktails, and more.
103 North Leroux Street | @atriarestaurant
Brix | A restaurant and & wine bar serving seasonal and contemporary American cuisine made with fresh ingredients from local farmers in the region.
413 North San Francisco | @brixflagstaff
Tinderbox Kitchen | With an extensive menu and wine list, Tinderbox Kitchen offers a variety of American comfort food with a twist, making a culinary experience like no other.
34 South San Francisco Street | @tboxkitchen
WHERE TO SHOP
Bright Side Bookshop | Everyone loves a good book as a travel companion, and this local bookshop is the perfect place to find your next read. You can also find a great selection of stationery, including cards featuring local artists.
18 North San Francisco Street | @brightsidebooksflag
Sage Brush Trading Co. | Locally owned and operated in the Old Town Shops, Sage Brush Trading Co. is a women’s boutique with a touch of mountain chic and a great place for souvenirs.
120 East Leroux Street | @sagebrushtradingco
Sweet Shoppe Candy Store | This old-fashioned candy store has everything from fresh fudge and caramel apples to gelato and all the chocolate you could ask for. This will be a must-stop if you have a sweet tooth in your family.
15 East Aspen Ave. | @sweetshoppecandystore
SEDONA
WHAT TO DO
Pink Adventure Tours | Each excursion of Sedona’s famous red-rock landscape offers an unforgettable backcountry adventure with insider info from the area’s most experienced local guides.
@pinkjeeptours
Sedona Stargazing | Offering a personalized and custom astronomy experience from professional astronomers. View the night sky, learn stories about ancient constellations, and leave knowing something new.
WHERE TO STAY
Enchantment Resort | A secluded vacation spot in Boynton Canyon where you can reconnect with yourself and nature.
525 Boynton Canyon Road | @enchantment_resort
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock | Surrounded by Sedona’s famous red rocks and located less than a mile from Oak Creek, this hotel is the perfect place to bring your kids and pets for adventure. Plus, you can book your Pink Adventure Tours right there!
90 Ridge Trail Drive | @hiltonsedona
L’Auberge de Sedona | An unmatched luxury Sedona resort, nature spa, and award-winning dining. Everything is done with intention, and each amenity is fine-tuned to create unforgettable moments.
301 L’Auberge Lane | @laubergesedona
WHERE TO DINE
Breakfast & Brunch
ChocolaTree Organic Oasis | A funky oasis for seasonal vegetarian American fare and sweet treats. Each item on the menu is created from scratch for the sake of the ingredients, our planet, and our bodies.
1595 West Highway 89A | @chocolatree
Coffee Pot Restaurant | Family owned and operated for 30 years, the Coffee Pot Restaurant offers a casual and colorful dining experience featuring award-winning breakfast, authentic Mexican cuisine, Colombian coffee, and classic cocktails.
2050 West Highway 89A | @coffee_pot_restaurant
Sedonuts & Coffee | Enjoy fresh donuts, parties, and exceptional coffee every morning from this locally-owned shop.
2370 West Highway 89A #6 | @sedonutsandcoffee
Lunch & Casual Dining
Pisa Lisa | A snug, modern pizzeria with authentic wood-fired pies & gelato.
2245 West Highway 89A & 6657 State Route 179 | @pisa_lisa_az
SaltRock Kitchen | Upscale-casual restaurant with Southwestern cuisine, an award-winning craft cocktail program, & outdoor patio with a beautiful panoramic red rock view.
100 Amara Lane | @saltrockkitchen
Fine Dining
Cress on Oak Creek | Located at L’Auberge, this fine dining experience features seasonal and French-infused cuisine, dynamic cocktails and wines, and immerses you in Sedona’s natural beauty.
301 L’Auberge Lane | @cress_on_oak_creek
Elote | Award-winning modern Mexican & Southwestern restaurant offering seasonal, locally grown ingredients and a handpicked cocktail menu highlighted by the finest tequilas and mezcal.
350 Jordan Road | @elote_cafe
Mariposa | An upscale Latin-inspired restaurant, making it on OpenTable’s 100 most scenic restaurants in the US. Reserve a table to receive an unforgettable dinning experience.
700 West Highway 89A | @mariposa_sedona
WHERE TO SHOP
Garland’s Indian Jewelry | Home to one of the finest collections of Authentic Native American Jewelry and Navajo Rugs.
3953 North State Route 89A | @shopgarlands
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village | Auethically fashioned after a traditional Mexican village, Tlaquepaque, meaning “best of everything”, is the home to many local galleries, craft shops, clothing stores, and more.
336 State Route 179 | @tlaqsedona
GRAND CANYON
WHAT TO DO
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours | Discover the South Rim from above with a Helicopter Tour. As spring is right around the corner, you may see some wildflowers bloom around the Kaibab Plateau.
Rafting Tours | Exploring the Grand Canyon by river is an experience you truly won’t forget. If you’re chasing a rush of adrenaline, join a whitewater rafting trip or take things down a notch and raft through one of the most beautiful parts of the Western United States on a smooth water trip.
WHERE TO STAY
Bright Angel Lodge and Cabins | Located at the Sout Rim, you can stay in cozy historic units to standard lodge rooms and historic cabins.
9 North Village Loop Drive
El Tovar Hotel | With its elegant charm, El Tovar Hotel is considered the crown jewel of Historic National Park Lodges. Located directly on the canyon rim, El Tovar features a fine dining room, lounge, gift shop, and newsstand.
1 El Tovar Road
Under the Canvas | Upscale outdoor “glamping” experience with king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, running water, and wood-burning stoves. Under the Cavana is devoted to fostering connections with extraordinary people, places, and the planet by enhancing access to the great outdoors.
@undercanvasofficial
WHERE TO DINE
Arizona Steakhouse | Located directly on the rim, this is the best place to enjoy “A True Taste of Arizona”. Arizona Steakhouse offers an interpretive dining experience that focuses on ingredients grown and created in the state.
10 Albright Avenue
Bright Angel Fountain | The Fountain offers great bites, from getting a morning coffee and light breakfast to grabbing a snack or lunch after hiking the Grand Canyon.
9 Village Loop Drive
El Tovar Dining Room | Gourmet dining in an atmosphere of historic and casual elegance describes this world-class dining experience with a traditional menu integrated with international & local Southwest influences.
1 El Tovar Road
Harvey House Cafe | A casual-family friendly restaurant offering healthy diner-style dishes in a relaxed and comfortable setting.
9 Village Loop Drive
WHERE TO SHOP
Historic Village | Take a step into one of the many gift shops throughout the park. There’s a gift or souvenir for every occasion, many of which come from local artisans!
We hope you have the best time exploring what our beautiful state has to offer! And if you choose to pop into any of the places we suggest, don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!
