Arizona Adventure Travel Agent Advisor

Arizona is a place that is truly close to my heart. I fell in love with Arizona in 2020 when I visited at Christmas with my now-husband and his family. There are so many reasons Arizona is special to me, so I wanted to share a few.

Phoenix is where it all started. The Greater Phoenix area is awesome year-round, but at Christmas time, it's truly MAGICAL. The weather makes it perfect for exploring the city and getting outdoors, plus, how cool is it to be able to swim on Christmas Day? There are opportunities for awesome hikes for those who want to take adventures without traveling too far from the big city. Hole In The Rock is a great hike for every age. Our group ranged from 3-64 and everyone had a blast. If you're a little more experienced, you can't leave Phoenix without conquering Camelback Mountain. If hiking isn't your cup of tea, then head over to the Desert Botanical Garden, home to 140 acres of beautiful desert plants and cacti. The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari in Litchfield Park is also one of our family favorites. Featuring unique animals, educational shows, and a ski lift that takes you right over the animals, it's fun for the whole family.

Scottsdale is another favorite, especially Old Town. With beautiful desert scenery, resorts, restaurants, galleries, and nightlife, there's plenty to explore. In my opinion, a perfect evening starts with eating at Farm & Craft. It doesn't matter what you order, but you should definitely get the mac and cheese. Then take a stroll over to Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams and sample all the new flavors before sticking with your regular. Scottsdale is also home to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, an incredible over-the-top resort with everything you could ask for, plus more. Spend time at one of the six pools, including the only beach in Arizona, of course. You can also hit the greens at one of Scottsdale's finest courses, home of the PGA Tour WM Phoenix Open. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess hosts incredible events, including a personal favorite, Christmas at the Princess. With 65 acres of Christmas magic, 17 million lights, a real outdoor ice rink, a 120-foot Ferris wheel, fire tables with s'mores, and rides for the little ones, the whole experience feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie. From incredible meals and unforgettable resorts to golf and amazing Christmas events, Scottsdale has you covered.

Sedona is one of my favorite places to explore. Surrounded by incredible red rock formations, Sedona is perfect for hiking, scenic drives, photography, shopping, and watching unforgettable sunsets. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, and Oak Creek Canyon are just a few of the places worth visiting. And if you’re hungry, the sesame chicken from Szechuan is a must. It is MSG-free and unbelievably delicious. It’s one of those meals I would drive hours for every time I visit. For a truly unforgettable Sedona experience, I highly recommend adding a hot air balloon ride to your itinerary. A sunrise flight gives you a completely different perspective of the red rocks as the first light of day begins to illuminate the landscape. It’s peaceful, breathtaking, and definitely a bucket-list experience for anyone visiting. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is another stop that is definitely worth your time. Designed like a traditional Mexican village, it features charming walkways, beautiful courtyards, art galleries, unique shops, and restaurants. Take some time to wander, browse, grab a bite, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Surrounded by towering pine trees and mountains, Flagstaff offers cooler temperatures and four distinct seasons, making it a refreshing change from the desert. Take a stroll through historic downtown, explore the local shops and restaurants, or head outdoors for hiking, scenic drives, and incredible stargazing. It's also a great home base for exploring the Grand Canyon, making it an easy addition to your Arizona adventure.

Of course, I couldn’t talk about Arizona without mentioning the Grand Canyon. This is one of those places that pictures simply cannot do justice. Standing at the edge and looking out over the canyon is something everyone should experience at least once. The views are incredible from just about every direction, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the main overlooks. If you have the time, take a scenic drive, explore some of the trails, or simply find a quiet spot to take in the view. Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful, and watching the colors change across the canyon is an experience you won’t soon forget. If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, I also recommend allowing enough time to actually enjoy it rather than trying to rush through just to check it off your list. It is absolutely worth slowing down and taking it all in.

Of course, that is not all Arizona has to offer; it is just a taste.

One state. Countless places to discover. Endless memories waiting to be made.

Let's plan it today.