AZ 4th of July Roadtrip

Question

We are staying in Scottsdale from Sunday 7/6 - Friday 7/11 for a kids sports event. Hoping to get some itinerary help for before and after the competition as we make our drive from southern CA (south OC). We will start our trip Wednesday evening 7/2 and need to be home by Sunday 7/13.

Travelers are a mid-40’s couple and 3 kids ages 7,10,12. We would like to spend the 4th in a small town atmosphere with parades and kid activities. We would also like to try and briefly explore Flagstaff, Prescott and Sedona on this trip. We have never been to any before but want to get a quick taste so we know where to make a return trip to. Small hikes and town exploring are appealing to us.

If we can see the Grand Canyon on the way into or out of town, that would be a bonus for the kids. We are used to long drives and cramming a lot into our trips.

Any suggestions for where to spend our time and what route to take? Which of those 3 smaller towns sounds like the best 4th experience for the kids?

The sports event starts Sunday at 1pm and will end by Friday at 7pm. Here is my current plan:

7/2 - Leave Orange County at 7pm. Overnight near Bullhead City(?).

7/3 - Drive to Grand Canyon, explore the Park, then drive to Flagstaff for 2 nights.

7/4 - 4th of July in Flagstaff.

7/5 - Depart in morning for Sedona. Hike and explore.

7/6 - Depart late morning for Scottsdale for 5 nights.

7/11 - Leave Scottsdale after 7pm for 2 nights in Prescott.

7/12 - Explore Prescott (and Cottonwood?)

7/13 - Morning in Prescott then drive home to SoCal.

That sounds like a lot, but we’ll have 5 nights of R&R in Scottsdale in between. We’ll come back and spend more time north of Phoenix, but want to get a quick feel for those parts on this trip.

Thank you ahead of time want and all input!!!

Answer

Your 4th of July road trip sounds like a fantastic adventure, and there are plenty of exciting places to explore on your way to and from Scottsdale. Based on your itinerary, here are some thoughts and suggestions to make your trip even more enjoyable:

7/2 - Leave Orange County, Overnight near Bullhead City

This is a good first stop, though if you’re looking for a more scenic or enjoyable break, you could consider staying in Laughlin, NV, which is just across the river from Bullhead City. Laughlin offers river views and some family-friendly attractions if you want a bit of a diversion before continuing to the Grand Canyon.

7/3 - Grand Canyon & Flagstaff

Visiting the Grand Canyon is a great plan, especially for the kids. I’d recommend spending a few hours exploring the South Rim—it's the most accessible and has plenty of family-friendly activities like the easy walk to Mather Point, or even a short hike along the Rim Trail. If time allows, you can also take a short helicopter tour for a unique view of the canyon. Afterward, head to Flagstaff for a relaxing evening. It’s a charming town with a cool mountain vibe, and it’ll be nice to stay somewhere a bit cooler after the desert heat.

7/4 - 4th of July in Flagstaff

Flagstaff hosts one of the best small-town 4th of July celebrations. The town has a parade in the morning followed by a fireworks display in the evening. It’s very family-friendly with events throughout the day, including a festival at the city's historic downtown with food, live music, and local crafts. The cooler temperatures in Flagstaff will make it a pleasant place to spend the holiday.

Recommended Activity: Check out the "Flagstaff 4th of July Parade" and the "Pioneer Museum" for a quick glimpse into local history.
Fireworks: The Flagstaff Community Foundation often hosts fireworks at Thorpe Park, which will be great for kids.

7/5 - Sedona Exploration

After Flagstaff, heading to Sedona for a hike is a great idea. Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations, and there are plenty of kid-friendly hikes. One that’s great for families is the Bell Rock Pathway, which offers spectacular views with minimal difficulty. Afterward, you can explore the town, which has a fun, artsy vibe and is known for its quirky shops and art galleries.

Suggested Hikes: Bell Rock Pathway, Cathedral Rock, or the more relaxed West Fork Trail.
Downtown Sedona: Spend some time exploring the shops and galleries. Kids will enjoy the Sedona Heritage Museum as well.

7/6 - Drive to Scottsdale

Given your late start, the drive to Scottsdale should be pretty straightforward. The trip is about 2.5 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to relax and get settled in. With five nights in Scottsdale, you’ll be able to recharge before the kids’ sports event starts.

7/11 - Prescott

Prescott is a charming town with a welcoming, small-town feel. You can visit the historic Courthouse Plaza, which often has local events and markets. If your family enjoys hiking, you can visit the nearby Prescott National Forest. It's a good stop for a couple of days to unwind. Cottonwood is a little further out and offers a relaxed vibe with the chance to explore the Tuzigoot National Monument or visit wineries in the area.

Things to Do in Prescott: Take a stroll around the historic Whiskey Row, visit the Sharlot Hall Museum, or enjoy Prescott’s local eateries.
Outdoor Activities: For more outdoor fun, check out Thumb Butte for an easy to moderate hike with panoramic views.

7/12 - Prescott & Cottonwood

If you visit Cottonwood, it’s only a 30-minute drive from Prescott and offers a glimpse into Arizona’s mining past. Explore the old town area or head over to the Verde Valley for a scenic and family-friendly experience. The drive back to Prescott from Cottonwood is relaxing, and you’ll get a taste of the Verde River Valley, which is beautiful in its own right.

7/13 - Drive Home to SoCal

On your final day, you’ll be driving back to SoCal. The route from Prescott to Southern California will take you through the scenic desert landscape, and it’s a relatively long stretch of driving, so be sure to plan for stops and food breaks along the way. Consider stopping in Blythe, CA, for a quick break and a chance to stretch your legs before continuing south.

Additional Suggestions:

Grand Canyon: If you can squeeze it in, the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams offers a fun family experience with a vintage train ride to the South Rim.
Route to Prescott: The scenic route from Sedona to Prescott will take you through Oak Creek Canyon, a beautiful drive that’s worth a few extra minutes for photo ops.

This trip offers a great mix of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and family activities. You’ll get a quick but meaningful experience of Arizona’s highlights, and you can always plan a return trip to explore these areas more in depth. Have a fantastic road trip!

AZ 4th of July Roadtrip

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