Itinerary Help for Family Trip to Arizona (Feb 15-22)

Question

Hi everyone!

My husband, our two kids (ages 6 and 9), and I are planning a trip to Arizona, flying in and out of Phoenix (PHX) from NYC. We'll be there from Saturday, 2/15 to Saturday, 2/22. We're really excited to explore the red rocks of Sedona but also want to enjoy some warmer weather in Phoenix.

Here’s our tentative itinerary — I’d love feedback, especially on whether the split between Phoenix/Scottsdale and Sedona makes sense, and any suggestions for improving the plan:

* Does it make sense to stay near airport or along I-17 on our first night, or should we just drive up to Sedona the first night? The kids can sleep in the car on the drive up.

* Any suggestions on a particular area to stay in Phoenix / Scottsdale? There are so many options. We're not luxury travelers, just looking for clean, comfortable accommodations and a mix of city and nature experiences while we're there.

2/15 - [Hotel near airport or along I-17] Arrive 5pm at PHX, rent a car, dinner & hotel

2/16 - [Hotel in Sedona] Drive up to Sedona, stop by Arcosanti on the way (and maybe Montezuma Castle National Monument). Possibly stargazing at night (moon will be close to full, but I think it won't rise until 10pm, if I'm reading moon schedules correctly).

2/17 - [Hotel in Sedona] Sedona, Pink Jeep tour

2/18 - [Hotel in Sedona] Sedona, possibly hiking at Bell Rock

2/19 - [Hotel in Phoenix / Scottsdale] Drive back to Phoenix, Desert Botanical Garden around sunset.

2/20 - [Hotel in Phoenix / Scottsdale] Phoenix, activities TBD.

2/21 - [Hotel in Phoenix / Scottsdale] Phoenix, activities TBD.

2/22 - depart

Answer

Your tentative itinerary for Arizona from 2/15–2/22 looks well-paced and family-friendly, balancing both Sedona and Phoenix experiences. Here’s some detailed feedback and suggestions to refine your plan.

First Night Arrival (2/15):

Since you’re arriving at PHX around 5pm, you have the option to either stay near the airport or begin driving toward Sedona. The drive from Phoenix to Sedona is about 2 hours, so it’s feasible to go straight to Sedona, especially since your kids can sleep in the car. However, if you prefer a more relaxed start after a cross-country flight, staying somewhere along I-17 (e.g., near Camp Verde) is a comfortable midpoint option.

Staying near PHX: Simplifies arrival logistics, easier for picking up rental car, and allows a more leisurely start the next morning.
Driving to Sedona directly: Saves time the next day, allows you to settle in sooner, and enjoy an early start for sightseeing on 2/16.

Sedona Stays (2/16–2/18):

Your plan to explore Sedona and do a Pink Jeep tour is ideal for families. For accommodations, staying in West Sedona or Village of Oak Creek areas gives good access to restaurants and tours.

2/16: On the way up, Arcosanti is a nice stop. Montezuma Castle is slightly off I-17 near Camp Verde and worth a short visit for kids (they enjoy seeing the cliff dwellings).
Stargazing: While the moon is near full, the dark sky in Sedona still provides great visibility; consider visiting a less light-polluted spot such as Bell Rock or Airport Mesa.
2/17: Pink Jeep tour—great for families and scenic views.
2/18: Hiking at Bell Rock is perfect for varying fitness levels. Other family-friendly trails include Cathedral Rock (shorter segments) or Fay Canyon.

Phoenix / Scottsdale Stays (2/19–2/21):

Driving back to Phoenix, staying in Scottsdale or Central Phoenix works well. Scottsdale offers walkable areas, dining options, and easy access to the Desert Botanical Garden.

2/19: Sunset at Desert Botanical Garden is ideal timing; allow extra time to explore the gardens and desert scenery.
2/20–2/21: Depending on interests, consider the following family-friendly options:

Papago Park / Hole-in-the-Rock for short hikes and city views.
Phoenix Zoo or Children's Museum for kid-focused activities.
Old Town Scottsdale for casual dining, art galleries, and strolling.
Day trip to South Mountain Park for panoramic city views.
Indoor options if weather is cooler: Arizona Science Center or Butterfly Wonderland in nearby Scottsdale.

General Tips:

Booking hotels in Sedona early is crucial as February is a popular time.
For Phoenix, pick hotels near the attractions you want to focus on to reduce driving time, especially with kids.
Keep the first and last day flexible—especially the arrival day—since flights and car rental can add unpredictability.
Consider packing layers; February can be cool in Sedona mornings and warmer in Phoenix afternoons.

Overall, your itinerary balances scenic drives, family activities, and some downtime. Splitting Sedona and Phoenix/Scottsdale is logical, giving you a mix of red rock landscapes and warmer city experiences. Directly driving to Sedona on the first night is feasible and efficient if your family can handle a two-hour drive after a flight, otherwise staying near PHX or Camp Verde is more relaxed.

Itinerary Help for Family Trip to Arizona (Feb 15-22)

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