7 Day Arizona Itinerary For a Fun in The Sun Vacation
Planning a vacation can be fun and yet overwhelming at the same time. Especially when trying to fit in all of the must-see attractions and activities within a limited timeframe.
A 7 day trip is a perfect amount of time to get in several activities while still making space for rest days and arrivals and departures.
This blog post contains A complete 7 day itinerary with additional tips and reviews from our trips to AZ!
PS. Scroll all the way to the bottom for the complete Itinerary
I love visiting Scottsdale Arizona and really enjoy it every time! I am lucky to have family that lives there too which makes it even more inviting to visit. Every time we go we try to do something new or different from the previous visits.
The amazing thing about Arizona, especially the scottsdale and Phoenix area is that there is so much to do there all of the time! And every time I visit, new restaurants, shops and activities seem to pop up!
Whether you're a nature lover, art enthusiast, or foodie, this itinerary has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to maximize your next getaway to Arizona!
Pictured: Royal palms resort and spa
Whenever I plan a trip, especially with kids I try to pack my days lightly with plenty of room and space in-between activities so that there aren't any meltdowns or rushing around from one spot to the next feeling stressed out the entire time.
I will be sharing my 7 Day Arizona Itinerary from our most recent trip and how we managed traveling and exploring with a toddler and a teenager.
If you plan your days around "daily themes" and nearby locations, the trip goes smoothly and stress free! Gaining you more time to take your time and enjoy each location to the fullest!
Pictured: Lake Pleasant
Creating A Backup Plan
Another tip is to create a plan B-list incase things on your original itinerary doesnt go as planned.
You can do this by simply creating a list in your iPhone notes called "Things to do AZ" and list out a tun of ideas or places you would also like to check out.
This way if something you had planned gets booked out or closes early, you have easy access back up ideas.
Another benefit of having a fall-back plan is that it can save you a lot of time. Especially if you are in locations where the wifi is weak and you can't look stuff up on the go, just pull up your notes and the info is ready to go.
You really can't go wrong by having a back up list. You can put the websites and addresses along side each place in your notes ahead of time. This way you save time by not having to look things up while you are on your trip.
Maximizing your time by planning ahead and accordingly is a great goal to set before heading out on vacation. Of course, this doesn't always leave room for spontaneous events, however, you could always easily cancel everything if something more enticing comes up.
If your into taking photos, these spots are it! Everything in this itinerary will make for beautiful and unique photo opportunities.
Pictured: Royal palms resort and spa
Day 1: Arrival + Exploring the city
Day 1 is all about immersing yourself in the local culture and exploring the unique landmarks of your destination. If your arriving on day one, its a good idea to start out light by exploring walkable locations and avoid booking any activities in case of arrival delays.
Itinerary day 1 -Arrival
- Check into hotel
- Go out to eat
- Walk around old town scottsdale (includes shopping, dinning, exploring, art walk murals & missions)
- Shop for food to stock your (hotel/resort fridge)
- Walk around the waterfront + find art murals
Foodie spots to visit
- Lunch Diego Pops (Mexican + photogenic)
- Visit the sugar bowl (dessert + pink aesthetic)
- Dinner at the Herb Box (American, luxury)
Start your day by visiting old town Scottsdale and checking out some of the missions in the area. You can also find lots of art and paintings on the walls all over the city which make for cute photos.
Shop Vacation Dresses HERE
Take your time to learn and explore the place, and don't forget to capture those picture-perfect moments. We took over 3000 photos from our last visit! That's alot of pics!
In the evening, you can also check out the local nightlife scene. Since I have kids, I dont really get to do the nighttime stuff, but instead I hang out in the jacuzzi sippin' on something sparkly if you know what I mean. Just over here living that mom life! Even while on vacation, but it's worth it! I love being a mom!
Resorts
I stayed at the Royal palms resort and spa for a bit and it really had me feeling inspired and so happy durning our vacation! There are so many amazing resorts in the area! I am sure once you go and experience them for yourself you will leave feeling inspired with some pretty magical memories too!
From my personal experience, some of the other resorts that are worth a stay include Scottsdale Camelback Mountain and The Scott Resort and the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa At Gainey Ranch.
Pictured: Butterfly Wonderland
Day 2: Exploring & Indulging in recreational activities
Start your morning early and head to a coffee shop and grab a bite to eat to energize for the adventurous day. Start your first activity off with the butterfly wonderland and check out everything in that local area afterwards. There is a lot to explore!
Itinerary Day 2 - Exploring
Morning:
- Berdena’s Coffee (photogenic)
- Butterfly wonderland
Afternoon:
- Check out all of the activities at the butterfly wonderland included but not limited to: Ody-sea aquarium, Pangea, Museum of illusion etc.
Evening:
- Relax at resort or hang by the pool/jacuzzi
Foodie spots to visit:
- Breakfast: The Montauk Brunch (crepes & avocado toast) (photogenic)
- Lunch: Flower Child
- Dinner: Olive & Ivy restaurant
Shop Cadigan HERE
Butterfly Wonderland: Yes, the butterflies here really do land on you! I went a couple of years ago, and it was so memorable I had to go again! This time it was even better since there were so so many more butterflies! The way they fly around you makes you feel like you are in a magical fairytale!
Butterfly wonderland
If you have kids they will absolutley love the butterfly wonderland! This was fun for both my toddler and teenager. It can sometimes be a bit challenging to find activities that they will both enjoy due to the age difference, so it's safe to say that this place is great for all ages.
There's just something magical about seeing so many beautiful butterflies flutter all around. There's a lot of fun to be had here!
Pictured - Costini
Want to connect with nature? Here are some more ideas you can try out:
Connect with the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether it's mountains, cactus forests, or breathtaking views, defenitly take the time to appreciate the gift of nature and let it rejuvenate your soul.
Stunning state parks you can check out in Arizona:
- Lost Dutchman State Park
- Usery Mountain Regional Park & surrounding areas
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve
- Lake Pleasant
As the day comes to a close, don't forget to capture those breathtaking sunset views. Whether it's atop a hill, on a lake, or even from the comfort of a cute and cozy café, witnessing the sun dip below the horizon is a moment to treasure -especially in Arizona.
Shop Swim HERE
Day 3: Relaxation and wellness experiences for rejuvenation
Day 3 of your ultimate 7-day itinerary is all about taking care of yourself and finding inner peace.
Usually by the 3rd day the excitement and adrenaline from being in a new environments tends to wind down which makes day 3 the perfect day to relax and decompress a little. Having rest days or slower going days are defiantly important! Especially when on vacation!
Pictured: Royal Palms Resort and Spa
DAY 3- Relax & rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul
Day 3 is the perfect day to relax and treat yourself to a message, some spa time and truly rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
After all, traveling isn't only about adventure but can also be a time to indulge in relaxation and wellness experiences.
Start your day with a stretchy yoga or meditation session. Connect with your inner self as you stretch and breathe deeply, leaving behind any stress or worries. Feel the tension melt away as you find balance and harmony within.
After a calming morning, treat yourself to a spa day. Whether it's a massage, facial, or soothing body treatment, let the skilled hands of the professionals pamper you and release any lingering tension. Choose from a range of holistic therapies and treatments to rebalance your energy and promote overall well-being.
In the afternoon, explore the local wellness scene. Visit a hot spring or thermal spa, known for their healing and rejuvenating properties. Immerse yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters and let their therapeutic effects soothe your muscles and promote relaxation.
End your day with a healthy and nourishing meal. Seek out a restaurant or café that specializes in organic and locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a delicious meal that not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body from the inside out.
Pictured: Palms Resort & Spa
Itinerary Day 3: Relax
Morning:
- Yoga at Power Core Plus In Scottsdale
Afternoon:
- Message and spa day at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa (Check in early or stay late after your message to fully enjoy all of the amenities that come with your treatment + order some wine and snacks from the poolside cafe)
Evening:
- Relax at resort or hang by the pool/jacuzzi
- Grab dinner at the Giving Tree Cafe for a healthy and fresh dinner
Pictured: Wonderspaces
Wonderspaces Interactive Art Gallery in Arizona
After breakfast head over to visit one of the local art museums and give yourself the grace to spend the time you need to really enjoy yourself and the art.
We went to wonderspaces, which is an interactive art museum and it was so much fun! I literally had a blast and my kids were obsessed!
My toddler has surprisingly been to several of these types of museums, so when she goes, she knows the drill. Some of the art however, I dont actually find appropriate for a toddler, so we skip these rooms.
(We always skip any movies and virtual realities -especially since im paranoid about everything on screens for my toddler.)
The art galley was very interesting and creative, which I love. You can also order a drink at the beginning of the museum and you get to keep the glass. They have several rooms with various art being featured. You could easily spend hours here. Since we have kids, we made sure to go first thing in the morning on a weekday, which helped us avoid any crowds.
Last time I went it was later in the evening and the place was packed. It's also a great place to go on dates and just something fun and different to do!
Pictured: Desert Botanical Garden
Day 4: Immersing in local art and dining experiences
On Day 4 of your ultimate 7-day itinerary, get ready for a brilliant art day and a culinary experience.
Start your day with a scenic breakfast at a local café or bakery, where you can indulge in freshly brewed coffee or tea, along with a selection of pastries, bread, and local delicacies. Make sure you try something new too!
Pictured: Lake Pleasant
For lunch, head out to a beautiful winery for a relaxing wine tasting experience along with a snack board if offered. One of my favorite recreational activities is visiting a winery and bringing a bottle of something special for later.
It's fun to engage with an expert sommelier and learn something new. Sometimes they are also passionate about wine pairings and can guide you in the right direction and perhaps even introduce you to new unique flavors and spices.
After a light snack you can head to the next art locations. Visit the SMOCA (Scottsdale museum of contemporary art) and Cosanti which is a small historic site scottsdale art studio and it is stunning! You can even purchase some of the work to place in your home!
End your day with a memorable dinner at a fine dining restaurant of your choosing!
Pictured: Cosanti
Itinerary Day 4: Local art and A winery experience
Morning:
- Breakfast at Camelback mountain resort
- Headover to Wonder spaces Museum (located inside the mall)
Afternoon:
- Visit a winery for a tasting and lunch
- Visit the SMOCA and Cosanti
Evening:
- Relax at resort or hang by the pool/jacuzzi
Pictured: Lake Pleasant
Day 5: Connecting with nature and outdoor escapades
Here's to connecting with nature and slowing down a bit. Sometimes for a vacation to really feel like a vacation, we have to step back from all of the noise and take in some stillness and outdoor escapades.
Start your day early by heading to a nearby national park or nature preserve. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the scenic trails that wind through lush cactus forests. Take in that fresh air and get into the serenity of nature.
For lunch, pack a picnic with some local goodies. Find yourself a picturesque spot to enjoy your picnic amidst the breathtaking landscapes. I like to pack a blanket and hike out until we get hungry or get to a really pretty spot. Then we take a pause there and have some lunch.
Itinerary Day 5: National park hike & a picnic day
Morning:
- Breakfast at resort
- Pack a picnic
- Headover to a national park
Afternoon:
- Explore the national park
- Enjoy a picnic lunch
- Watch the sunset
Evening:
- Relax at the resort or hang by the pool/jacuzzi with a glass (plastic of course for pool safety) of wine
Pictured: Glow Putt Mini Golf AZ
Day 6: Shopping and exploring
If there are any local events going on, I like to partake and get a feel of the city this way. I also love to visit local libraries and check out the local farmers markets and gardens when possible.
Old town scottsdale is a fun place to check out some of the local markets, where you can find unique treasures and souvenirs to take home with you. These little nicknacks can also make great gifts for friends and family. You can find everything from handcrafted jewelry to intricate artwork, these markets offer a glimpse into the local creativity and craftsmanship.
After an afternoon of shopping we went to lunch and then the desert botanical garden. This garden is beautiful and I visit it every time I go to Arizona! There's so many beautiful sights to see and its just a relaxing walk through, even if your not a crazy plant lady (; After all of the walking we were just starving and decided to head back and have some dinner.
Pictured: Sugar bowl, Old Town Scottsdale
Itinerary Day 6: Shopping and exploring
Morning:
- Breakfast at resort
- Head over to a mall or market for shopping
Afternoon:
- Grab some lunch at the desert botanical garden
- Explore the desert botanical garden
- Watch the sunset
Evening:
- Relax at the resort or hang by the pool/jacuzzi with a glass (plastic of course for pool safety) of wine! Cheers!
Shop Dress HERE
Day 7: Departure day and reflection
As your vacation comes to a close, take some time on Day 7 to reflect on the amazing experiences you've had throughout your vacation!
But first, I like to start the day by getting ready and packing everything up. Once everything is ready you can take some time to relax and reflect. This of course all depends on what time you will be leaving.
If you have enough time before your departure, you can probably squeeze in a farewell lunch or time to walk around the city for a bit before heading home. If you have kids and are flying, take them to a nearby park to get some of that energy out which will ensure a more pleasant ride or flight home.
If you have a little bit more time with a nighttime flight, you can probably enjoy your resort for as long as possible before check out too. Giving your self the space to wind down before coming back to reality.
Pictured: Desert Botanical Garden
Itinerary Day 7: Departure & Reflection
Morning:
- Get ready for the day
- Pack everything up and double check every single space (under the bed, all of the outlets, AND every single drawer)
Afternoon:
- Check out
- Grab some lunch at your resort or a nearby lunch spot
- Have extra time? Walk around old town or visit a local park
- Head home
I hope this ultimate 7-day itinerary has inspired you to plan an incredible vacation filled with adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable moments. Safe travels and until next time!
Bonus: Trendy spots to eat
- Diego Pop
- The Sugar Bowl (ice cream)
- The herb box
- Farm + Craft
- The Montauk
- The Canal Club
- Diego Pops
- Berdena’s Coffee
- Pop ‘N Tea Bar (ice cream)
- Ruze Cake House
- The Mission
- Olive & Ivy
- FnB Restaurant
- Hotel Adeline Restaurant
- Elements
- Virtu
- Zuzu
- The herb box
- Flower Child
What to wear in Arizona?
Arizona is a fun and colorful place and alot of people here like to wear bright and fun colors! Most people where I am from wear black all day everyday & It's honestly so refreshing to see people wearing happy clothes in AZ! Especially since I love to wear colors and suddenly, in AZ I am not the brightest one in the room anymore!
Since Arizona is a desert and naturally a warmer location, most of what you'll want to pack should be for warmer weather, however in the winter months the temperatures can drop so make sure to bring some layers for those cooler evenings!
I have always gone in the springtime and the weather hovered around 80-90 degrees, but this year I went in wintertime and temps hovered around 50-79 degrees as a high. I was glad to bring an assortment of clothing. I brought cardigans which worked well and also a wind breaker, dresses, jeans, Chelsea boots and sandals. So basically I was prepared for anything! And it served me well!
Check out my boutique for the cutest clothes to wear to Arizona!
Check it out HERE
Rounding Up The 7 Day Arizona Itinerary
DAY 1:
- Check into hotel
- Go out to eat
- Walk around old town scottsdale (includes shopping, dinning, exploring, art walk murals & missions)
- Shop for food to stock your (hotel/resort fridge)
- Walk around the waterfront + find art murals
Foodie spots to visit
- Lunch Diego Pops (Mexican + photogenic)
- Visit the sugar bowl (dessert + pink aesthetic)
- Dinner at the Herb Box (American, luxury)
DAY 2:
Morning:
- Berdena’s Coffee (photogenic)
- Butterfly wonderland
Afternoon:
- Check out all of the activities at the butterfly wonderland included but not limited to: Ody-sea aquarium, Pangea, Museum of illusion etc.
Evening:
- Relax at resort or hang by the pool/jacuzzi
Foodie spots to visit:
- Breakfast: The Montauk Brunch (crepes & avocado toast) (photogenic)
- Lunch: Flower Child
- Dinner: Olive & Ivy restaurant
DAY 3:
Morning:
- Yoga at Power Core Plus In Scottsdale
Afternoon:
- Message and spa day at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa (Check in early or stay late after your message to fully enjoy all of the amenities that come with your treatment + order some wine and snacks from the poolside cafe)
Evening:
- Relax at resort or hang by the pool/jacuzzi
- Grab dinner at the Giving Tree Cafe for a healthy and fresh dinner
DAY 4:
Morning:
- Breakfast at Camelback mountain resort
- Headover to Wonder spaces Museum (located inside the mall)
Afternoon:
- Visit a winery for a tasting and lunch
- Visit the SMOCA and Cosanti
Evening:
- Relax at resort or hang by the pool/jacuzzi
DAY 5:
Morning:
- Breakfast at resort
- Pack a picnic
- Headover to a national park
Afternoon:
- Explore the national park
- Enjoy a picnic lunch
- Watch the sunset
Evening:
- Relax at the resort or hang by the pool/jacuzzi with a glass (plastic of course for pool safety) of wine
DAY 6:
Morning:
- Breakfast at resort
- Head over to a mall or market for shopping
Afternoon:
- Grab some lunch at the desert botanical garden
- Explore the desert botanical garden
- Watch the sunset
Evening:
- Relax at the resort or hang by the pool/jacuzzi with a glass (plastic of course for pool safety) of wine! Cheers!
Malls worth checking out in AZ
I hope this itinerary has inspired you to plan an incredible vacation filled with adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable moments. Safe travels and until next time!
