PHX next week- where to base, must do/see?

Question

Hi all- we are headed to PHX next week for 6 nights. First time in AZ, coming from Charlotte, NC.

We will rent a car and hope to explore as much as we can & we don’t mind making drives to must see areas around AZ!

We were thinking of basing in PHX for most of the time- but want to spend at least a full 24 hours in Sedona and a full 24 hours in the Grand Canyon.

Other than those general plans , we don’t have any ideas on what would be considered “must go/do”.

I would love your thoughts on basing in PHX, or maybe there’s other areas better, annd recommendations for where to go/what to do

A little about us :-)

We love wildlife, horseback riding, don’t mind hiking but don’t want anything crazy hard/strenuous. Exploring is very important but also really want a day or two to just RELAX - a nice pool, drinks and super chill vibe.

Thanks in advance!

Answer

Basing yourself in Phoenix for your 6-night trip is a sensible choice, especially if you plan to do day trips to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Phoenix offers a wide selection of hotels, restaurants, and rental car accessibility, which makes it a convenient hub for exploring central and northern Arizona. However, if you want a more relaxed vibe with fewer city distractions for part of your trip, consider splitting your stay with a couple of nights in Sedona or near the Grand Canyon.

For your day trips and activities, here’s a detailed breakdown:

Sedona (24 hours): Drive north from Phoenix (approx. 2 hours). Focus on easy to moderate hiking trails like Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, or Devil’s Bridge. Enjoy a scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon. Consider a short horseback ride with local stables or a Pink Jeep tour that isn’t too bumpy. Sedona’s art galleries and shops in the town center are also worth exploring.
Grand Canyon (24 hours): From Phoenix, it’s about a 3.5–4 hour drive to the South Rim. For a comfortable first visit, consider staying at or near Tusayan to maximize time at the Canyon. Use the free shuttle to visit key viewpoints like Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Hermit’s Rest. For light hiking, the Bright Angel Trail offers options for a short walk down into the Canyon. Sunset or sunrise viewpoints are spectacular.

Other must-do and see experiences in and around Phoenix:

Desert Botanical Garden: Explore the unique Sonoran Desert flora. Easy walking paths and beautiful photo opportunities.
Wildlife Viewing: Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or the Phoenix Zoo for local and regional wildlife.
Scottsdale: Check out Old Town Scottsdale for art galleries, local shops, and good restaurants. Consider a spa day or relaxing by the pool here if you want downtime.
Day Trips:
- Jerome – a historic mining town with artsy vibe, about 2 hours from Phoenix.
- Payson/Strawberry area – if you want mountain scenery, hiking, or a quieter desert escape.
- Superstition Mountains and Lost Dutchman State Park – easy hiking and scenic desert views, approx. 45 minutes east of Phoenix.

For relaxing days, look for resorts in Scottsdale or the Phoenix metro area that feature pools and outdoor seating with desert views. This will give you balance between exploration and downtime. Since you have a car, planning your long drives to Sedona and the Grand Canyon early in the morning is ideal to avoid traffic and make the most of daylight.

Additional tips:

Start early for day trips to Sedona and the Grand Canyon to maximize your time outdoors and avoid the hottest parts of the day.
Pack layers for the Grand Canyon, as it can be significantly cooler than Phoenix, even in late spring/early summer.
Stay hydrated—Arizona’s climate is dry, and hiking or outdoor activity requires more water than you might expect.

In summary, Phoenix is a practical base, but consider a short stay in Sedona or near the Grand Canyon for a more immersive experience. Balance your itinerary with at least one full day of relaxation, and prioritize early starts for the longer drives and outdoor adventures.

PHX next week- where to base, must do/see?

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