In August, we set out on an unforgettable Phoenix to Sedona family road trip Phoenix to Sedona, Arizona. We knew it would be hot, really hot, especially in Phoenix and Scottsdale, where temperatures soared well over 100°F. Fortunately, Sedona offered a more moderate (but still warm) escape with its iconic red rock views.
Traveling with our six-month-old daughter made us extra mindful of the heat and this family-friendly Sedona itinerary, but we couldn’t wait to experience Arizona’s natural beauty and National Parks as a family. We love collecting stamps in our National Park passports, so we made sure not to miss a single opportunity to add to our collection!
Since this was our daughter’s first flight, we decided to break up the journey by overnighting in Miami each way, just to make things a bit easier for all of us. With two flights on different days, it gave us (and her) a chance to rest and reset before continuing on.
Days 1–2: Phoenix – Relax and Recharge
We kicked off our adventure by spending two nights at the Marriott Vacation Club Canyon Villas in Phoenix. This spot was perfect for starting our trip, offering a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of family-friendly amenities.
The villas made it easy to feel right at home, with a full kitchen for preparing meals and plenty of space for our little one to stretch out. One of the highlights was the pools, perfect for cooling off in the Arizona heat. Plus, it was an easy walk to the resort next door, which offered more dining options, additional pools to explore and most importantly, my morning caffeine fix.
The on-site food was fantastic, and the staff couldn’t have been friendlier. We kept things low-key for these two days, enjoying some much-needed downtime and soaking up the resort vibe before hitting the road.
Day 3: Family Road Trip from Phoenix to Sedona
After two restful days, we hit the road to Sedona. The drive itself is just under two hours and passes through stunning landscapes that make the time fly by.
First Stop: Montezuma Castle National Monument
We made a quick detour to see the Montezuma Castle National Monument, where we picked up a National Park passport stamp and got Marlena her first NPS passport. The well-preserved cliff dwellings are incredible to see up close and offer a fascinating glimpse into Indigenous history.
Next Stop: Chapel of the Holy Cross
Before reaching Sedona, we stopped at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Built into the red rocks, it’s an architectural marvel with breathtaking views. Our little one was fascinated by the bright light streaming through the windows, and it was a peaceful pause before diving into more exploration.
Check-In: Courtyard by Marriott Sedona
We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott, which had all the comforts we needed, but honestly, there are so many amazing options in Sedona, from luxurious resorts to charming boutique hotels.
Day 4: Exploring Sedona’s Charm
We started our morning at The View Coffee Café at The Shops at Piñon Pointe, where we enjoyed coffee and breakfast while overlooking the iconic red rocks. Talk about a view worth waking up for! Just kidding, we were going to wake up and get coffee regardless!
Afterward, we wandered through the Uptown Sedona shops, which are perfect for browsing local art and souvenirs. We also took the scenic road drive, where every turn revealed yet another jaw-dropping view.
Afternoon Adventure: Tuzigoot National Monument
We couldn’t resist a visit to another National Park site, so we headed out to Tuzigoot National Monument. This ancient pueblo perched on a hilltop is an impressive site, and the visitor center gave us great insights into the Sinagua people who once lived there. Another passport stamp collected!
Day 5: Red Rock State Park and Tlaquepaque Village
Our morning was spent exploring Red Rock State Park, which offers plenty of paved trails that are stroller-friendly, a big plus when traveling with a little one. The scenery is just mesmerising, with towering red rock formations set against the bright blue sky.
Afterward, we made our way to the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, a charming collection of shops and galleries nestled in beautiful courtyards. We wandered around, grabbed lunch, and soaked in the artistic atmosphere before heading back on the road to Scottsdale.
Check-In: Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Arriving in Scottsdale, we checked into the Westin Kierland, was a resort where luxury and family comfort blended seamlessly. It felt like such a luxury vacation
Day 6: Pool Time & Aquarium Fun
Knowing that temperatures were climbing to a blistering 114°F, we hit the pool early to beat the heat. The resort’s zero-entry pool is perfect for families, our little one loved splashing around and it was great to be able to just sit with her and relax.
In the afternoon, we headed to the OdySea Aquarium at the Arizona Boardwalk. It’s an impressive space with interactive exhibits and tons of marine life to explore, offering the perfect break from the intense sun. The area had a number of indoor attractions and we purchased a two-attraction pass to visit the aquarium and the butterfly garden.
Day 7: Old Town Scottsdale & Butterfly Wonderland
We spent our last day wandering around Old Town Scottsdale and had breakfast at Morning Squeeze which was a busy dinner with great food, a family-friendly atmosphere. We went to Old Town early so we didn’t get to experience all the area had to offer, but there are a ton of stores, restaurants, galleries and museums in the area.
Our final adventure was visiting Butterfly Wonderland at the Arizona Boardwalk. It’s North America’s largest butterfly conservatory, and our daughter (and her parents) was mesmerised by the colourful butterflies fluttering around. As I mentioned before, the Boardwalk is packed with indoor attractions, making it a lifesaver when temperatures soar.
We had an early-ish flight in the morning so we had dinner in the room and packed up to ensure we had the smoothest morning possible.
Why This Trip Was a Win
This Phoenix to Sedona itinerary was the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and family-friendly fun. Whether we were soaking up the history at National Monuments, hiking the red rock trails, or cooling off at Scottsdale’s indoor attractions, there was something for everyone to enjoy, even our littlest traveler.
If you’re looking for a trip that balances adventure and downtime with a side of stunning landscapes, this Arizona journey is a must-do. Just remember to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and some road trip snacks, and don’t forget to bring your National Park passport for all those well-earned stamps!
Road trip details
Drive times were ~ 2 hours each way
Mama Tips
- This trip was easy to do with a 6 month old and I’d imagine it would be a great trip with older kiddos.
- Overall I found everywhere to be baby and stroller friendly.
- Unless you are a desert dwelling lizard, August would not be my preferred travel month, I want to visit in spring or fall next time!
- Sedona was so much more touristy than I expected. The landscapes were stunning but I was expecting a more of a spiritual journey vibe and less of a crystal shop vibe.
Ready to map out this family-friendly adventure? Here’s a link to all the locations mentioned above 👇🏽
Boarding Pass Mama 