Need some help

Question

Hi Everyone,

Everyone was so helpful on our last trip to northern Arizona I was just wondering if I can get some helpful info for our trip to southern Arizona. Here is my plan but not sure where to stay along the way. We will be flying into Phoenix at the end of March. We are wanting to go to the Mesa Market Place Swap Meet over the weekend and also drive the Apache Trail. From there we will be heading toward Tucson and while we are in that area we are wanting to see the Sonora Desert, possibly Old Tuscon and the Gaslight Theatre, Tubac, Tombstone, Bisbee and Mesa Market Place Swap Meet if we can fit it in before flying back out of Phoenix. So I am needing help on where to stay in Phoenix for a night or two thinking possibly Old Town Scottsdale. Then how many nights when and where down south to be able to really enjoy each town. Not really wanting to spend a lot on a hotel since we will not be at the hotel a bunch, but would really like a desert sort of feeling and view while staying. Can anyone help on which towns we should stay in and not have to be driving back and forth all the time? Also, any hotel recommendations would be great. We can do Hampton, BW or a desert hotel as long as the beds are comfortable and a nice area to stay in. Thanks for all your input.

Answer

For a southern Arizona road trip from Phoenix to Tucson and beyond at the end of March, careful planning of overnight stops will make your trip smoother and minimize backtracking. Here’s a suggested itinerary and accommodation guidance based on your interests.

Phoenix / Scottsdale (1–2 nights)

Since you want to visit the Mesa Market Place Swap Meet and explore the Apache Trail, basing yourself in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area for the first night or two is ideal. Old Town Scottsdale is a good choice because it offers a vibrant downtown, restaurants, and easy access to both the Swap Meet (about 15–20 minutes by car) and the start of the Apache Trail.

Stay in Old Town Scottsdale or nearby Tempe for convenience. Hotels like Hampton Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus, or small desert resorts provide comfortable beds and decent amenities without high cost.
From here, you can take a day trip along the Apache Trail, which is scenic and includes stops like Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat.

Tucson area (3–4 nights)

After exploring Phoenix and the Apache Trail, head south to Tucson. Tucson is centrally located for visiting the Sonoran Desert, Old Tucson, Gaslight Theatre, and nearby towns like Tubac, Tombstone, and Bisbee. Staying in Tucson for multiple nights minimizes back-and-forth driving.

Consider hotels near the Catalina Foothills or east/north Tucson for a desert feel with mountain views. Hampton Inn, Best Western, and similar chains are available and comfortable.
Plan your days as follows:

Day 1 in Tucson: Explore the Sonoran Desert (Saguaro National Park East or West) and Old Tucson Studios.
Day 2: Visit Tubac, a historic arts village about 45 minutes south, and Tombstone, about an hour southeast. This can be combined into a single day trip.
Day 3: Explore Bisbee, which is about 1.5–2 hours southeast. Consider leaving early for a leisurely day trip and return to Tucson at night.

Return to Phoenix (1 night optional)

If your flight is late in the morning, it’s possible to drive back to Phoenix the evening before, especially if you want to make an early visit to the Mesa Market Place Swap Meet. Otherwise, a very early morning drive from Tucson can also work, but it may be a long drive for a short flight.

Tips for accommodations:

Look for hotels with free parking, as you will likely have a rental car for the entire trip.
Desert-view or mountain-view properties in Tucson or Scottsdale add ambiance without necessarily increasing cost significantly.
Book early if possible, even for last-minute trips, as March can be busy due to spring break.

In summary, a suggested distribution of nights is:

Phoenix/Scottsdale: 1–2 nights (for Swap Meet and Apache Trail)
Tucson: 3–4 nights (for Sonoran Desert, Old Tucson, Gaslight Theatre, Tubac, Tombstone, Bisbee)
Optional Phoenix night before flight if desired

This plan allows you to explore the southern Arizona highlights efficiently, stay in comfortable hotels, enjoy the desert scenery, and avoid excessive driving back and forth.

Need some help

More Tucson Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions