Help with 5 day Phoenix to Sedona Itinerary in December

Question

Hello, I am searching for ideas for our upcoming trip to Arizona Dec. 26- 30. Two college age boys, my husband and I. Flying in and out of Phoenix. We have 2 nights arranged in Sedona. Do not need to see GC, as we have already done that. What are suggestions for 2 nights in between Phoenix and Sedona? We have considered 2 nights in Scottsdale, the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest . Also, the towns between Phoenix and Sedona, like Cottondale or Prescott. Are there any that are recommended over another, or something else altogether someone can recommend? We do like hiking, but will definitely do that in Sedona, so it doesn't have to be all hiking related. Thank you so much for any ideas!

Answer

For a 5-day trip in Arizona flying in and out of Phoenix and spending 2 nights in Sedona, you have several good options for the 2 nights in between that offer variety in scenery, activities, and experiences. Since you’ve already done the Grand Canyon, you can focus on either scenic drives, small towns, and cultural or outdoor activities that appeal to a family with college-age kids.

Here are some suggestions for the 2 nights between Phoenix and Sedona:

Scottsdale/Paradise Valley: These areas are very close to Phoenix and offer upscale dining, art galleries, and some easy outdoor options like Camelback Mountain or Pinnacle Peak hikes. Scottsdale’s Old Town is fun for walking around, boutique shopping, and casual restaurants. If you’re looking for nightlife or trendy spots, this is the most lively option.
Prescott: About 1.5–2 hours north of Phoenix, Prescott has a charming historic downtown, Whiskey Row bars, and access to nearby hiking and lakes. It’s a great base if you want a smaller town feel with history and outdoor options without being too far off the route to Sedona.
Payson & Tonto Natural Bridge: Payson is around 1.5 hours north of Phoenix and offers forested landscapes and easier access to hiking or scenic drives. The Tonto Natural Bridge State Park nearby has one of the largest natural travertine bridges in the world and is worth a stop if your group enjoys light hiking and nature photography.
Flagstaff (via Painted Desert & Petrified Forest): While the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest are further east (about 3.5–4 hours from Phoenix), they can be done as part of a scenic drive en route to northern Arizona. Flagstaff is a good base afterward if you want a college-town vibe with restaurants, breweries, and easy access to Sedona the next day. This option involves more driving, so it’s best if your family enjoys road trips and scenic stops.
Jerome & Cottonwood: Small towns closer to Sedona that have a historic mining town feel, art galleries, and quaint restaurants. You could combine a night in Jerome with Sedona for a slower, more relaxed travel pace.

Sample itinerary options for the 5-day trip:

Option 1: Scottsdale + Sedona: Day 1: Arrive Phoenix, drive to Scottsdale, explore Old Town. Day 2: Scottsdale hiking or day trip to nearby attractions. Day 3: Drive to Sedona, settle in. Days 4–5: Sedona hiking, Red Rock State Park, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Pink Jeep Tour.
Option 2: Prescott + Sedona: Day 1: Arrive Phoenix, drive to Prescott, explore Whiskey Row and downtown. Day 2: Day hike or visit Watson Lake. Day 3: Drive to Sedona, explore town. Days 4–5: Sedona activities.
Option 3: Flagstaff + Sedona via Painted Desert: Day 1: Phoenix to Painted Desert and Petrified Forest (long drive), stay in Flagstaff. Day 2: Flagstaff exploring or nearby hikes. Day 3: Drive to Sedona. Days 4–5: Sedona activities.
Option 4: Jerome/Cottonwood + Sedona: Day 1: Phoenix to Jerome, explore historic town. Day 2: Short drive to Cottonwood for wine tasting or historic Old Town, then settle in Sedona. Days 4–5: Sedona hiking and Red Rock adventures.

In terms of recommendations: If your family enjoys small-town charm with history and less driving, Prescott or Jerome/Cottonwood are excellent. If you prefer more lively areas with restaurants and urban amenities, Scottsdale is best. The Painted Desert and Petrified Forest option is more for scenic and unique landscapes, but it does involve longer drives.

Additional tips:

December weather can be cool, especially in northern Arizona. Flagstaff and Sedona may have highs in the 40s–50s°F (4–10°C) and lows near freezing. Bring layers and jackets for outdoor activities.
Road conditions are generally good, but always check for any winter advisories in northern Arizona.
Advance booking for accommodations is recommended, especially since this is around the holiday season.
Consider planning some shorter hikes or stops along the way to break up driving days.

This itinerary gives you flexibility while keeping a mix of urban, historic, and scenic experiences leading up to your Sedona stay.