First timers, September trip

Question

Sorry for the long post. My wife and I, both 61, moderately active, will be in the area September 13-21. I'll be attending a conference in Sedona 15th-18th. Will fly into phoenix, 1st night stay in Scottsdale, then drive to Sedona. Will be done in Sedona early afternoon 9/18, and have the next 2 days on our own, before flight home from Phoenix Saturday around noon. Looking for suggestions on things to see and where to stay the last 2 nights. Back to Scottsdale, somewhere in Phoenix, someplace between Phoenix and Sedona? Have never been in the area, so open to suggestions. We like trying most things, willing to do moderate hikes, see museums, points of interest, etc. Really just want to get an overview of the general area. Any help is appreciated

Answer

Your September trip to Arizona sounds wonderful! With your conference in Sedona occupying September 15–18, you’ll have the first couple of days in Phoenix/Scottsdale and two free days after Sedona to explore the region. Here’s a detailed overview and suggestions to help plan the last portion of your trip.

First Night: Scottsdale (September 13–14)

Stay in Old Town Scottsdale for walkable access to galleries, restaurants, and shops.
Evening stroll along Main Street or enjoy dinner at a local southwestern cuisine spot.
If you have energy, consider a sunset walk at Pinnacle Peak or a short hike nearby for panoramic desert views.

After Sedona Conference: September 18–20

Since you’ll be done in Sedona early afternoon on the 18th, you have several options depending on your interests and how much driving you want:

Option 1 – Stay in Phoenix/Scottsdale: Return to the Phoenix metro area. Benefits: easier airport access for your Saturday flight, more urban amenities.
Option 2 – Stay in a scenic town between Sedona and Phoenix: Consider Camp Verde or Cottonwood. These towns offer small-town charm, vineyards, and shorter drives back to Phoenix on the 20th.
Option 3 – Explore another nearby destination: If you want to experience different landscapes, consider staying in Jerome (historic hillside town) or Prescott (slightly cooler, pine forest environment, charming town square). Both are within 1–2 hours of Sedona and provide a mix of moderate hikes, history, and arts/culture.

Activities for the last two days:

Phoenix Area:
- Desert Botanical Garden – beautiful plant exhibits and walking paths, great for morning/late afternoon to avoid heat.
- Papago Park – easy hikes and iconic red rock formations, also home to the Hole-in-the-Rock viewpoint.
- Heard Museum – excellent Native American art and cultural exhibits.
- Scottsdale Art Walk – casual evening activity if back in Old Town Scottsdale.
Between Sedona and Phoenix:
- Montezuma Castle National Monument – ancient cliff dwellings, short walking paths, easy to access by car.
- Verde Valley wineries – several options for tastings and scenic views.
- Jerome – explore historic town, galleries, and viewpoints overlooking the Verde Valley.
- Prescott – moderate hikes at Watson Lake or Thumb Butte Trail, stroll around Courthouse Plaza.

Suggested Itinerary for September 18–20:

September 18: After conference, drive to Jerome or Cottonwood for a relaxed afternoon and evening.
September 19: Morning moderate hike or historical exploration in Jerome/Prescott/Camp Verde. Afternoon drive back toward Phoenix/Scottsdale, stopping at Montezuma Castle or wineries along the way.
September 20: Full day in Phoenix/Scottsdale exploring Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Park, or museums. Evening dinner in Old Town Scottsdale.
September 21: Morning drive to PHX airport for noon departure.

This plan allows you to enjoy Sedona thoroughly, explore different environments (desert, historic towns, Verde Valley), experience moderate hikes and cultural sites, and keep a manageable drive to the airport for your flight home.

First timers, September trip

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