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phoenix to florida road trip

Hello,my family and i are going on a road trip from Arizona to Florida and was wondering any tips or advice on places to see and what to expect. Good places to eat, sight seeing, etc.

Phx-> El Paso, TX 1 night

El Paso->San Antonio 1 night

San antonio->new Orleans

New Orleans->Tallahassee

Tallahassee->Tampa

Tampa->Miami

That is just a rough draft of where we are planning to stop and drive through.

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That's a really long haul from San Antonio to NOLA. Instead of Tallahassee I'd suggest Wakulla Springs (17 miles south)...fantastic nature preserve state park with a great lodge. Besides the first couple of overnights, how long are you planning to stay in the other places? New Orleans needs more than an overnight. Tampa and Miami for what? Beaches? Clearwater Beach near Tampa is nice. Give some ideas as to interests, age of kids, etc.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Wakulla-Springs

https://thelodgeatwakullasprings.com/

http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/clearwater-beach.html

Destin is a beautiful beach town and a good stop. We stopped at Destin many times.

Clearwater Beach, FL is good.

Is the 2 weeks round-trip or one-way to Miami?

it takes you 6 days to get to miami just driving, then 6 days to return., Fot a 25 day trip???

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Travelmath

The driving time from Phoenix, Arizona to Orlando, Florida is:

30 hours, 12 minutes.

Average driving speed: 70.7 mph Kilometers per hour: 113.8 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

  • Phoenix to Orlando drive
  • road conditions from Phoenix to Orlando
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Map of driving directions from Phoenix, AZ to Orlando, FL

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest . You can use DriveDistance.com to find out how far is it to drive from Phoenix to Orlando with full directions.

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Driving time from Phoenix, AZ to Orlando, FL

How long is the drive from Phoenix, AZ to Orlando, FL? The total driving time is 30 hours, 12 minutes .

Your trip begins in Phoenix, Arizona. It ends in Orlando, Florida.

If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Phoenix, AZ to Orlando, FL .

You can also calculate the cost to drive from Phoenix, AZ to Orlando, FL based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

If you're meeting a friend, you might be interested in finding the city that is halfway between Phoenix, AZ and Orlando, FL .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the flight time from Phoenix, AZ to Orlando, FL.

Phoenix, Arizona

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Driving time calculator

Travelmath helps you find the driving time based on actual directions for your road trip. You can find out how long it will take to drive between any two cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes. This can also help you plan the best route to travel to your destination. Compare the results with the flight time calculator to see how much longer it might take to drive the distance instead of flying. You can also print out pages with a travel map.

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Florida Trippers

Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Florida!

A GPS sits on the dashboard of a car overlooking the beach, ready for a Florida road trip.

15 Best Florida Road Trips And Scenic Drives

May 15, 2023 //  by  Florida Trippers

Planning the best Florida road trip can be a daunting task, even if you’re a native. Florida is one of the few states where you could drive eight hours and still be in the same state!

Millions of tourists make Florida a hot destination because of the variety of activities. There are just so many things to do in Florida !

Roller-coaster enthusiasts will love the theme parks. Birders and nature junkies will love the best Florida hiking trails . Overworked vacationers will love the beaches in Florida .

Whether you’re a beach bunny, have an adventurous spirit, or want some rest and relaxation, there is something for everyone in Florida.

With that being said, because the state is so large, it’s hard to know where to go first! There’s so much ground to cover. Luckily, we’re here to help.

We’ve mapped out our best Florida road trip ideas to make your vacation memorable!

We’ll take you through the top destinations in the state so you won’t have any problem finding fun and interesting things to do in the Sunshine State.

Let’s go on the best road trip around Florida!

Did You Find This Post Helpful?

If so, we would love to keep in touch! We enjoy seeing photos and comments about your experiences in Florida! You can follow us on Instagram and we will repost your photos on our feed and comment too! Just tag us at @floridatrippers and hashtag #floridatrippers. We can’t wait to see your travels!

Aerial view of the road leading through the Florida Keys with islands surrounded by bright, clear water.

Miami to Key West

  • Downtown Miami
  • Coral Castle
  • Everglades National Park
  • Dry Tortugas National Park
  • Seven Mile Bridge

The journey from Miami to Key West is one of the most scenic drives in Florida! The drive is lined with greens and blues from the beaches and palm trees.

This is a great Florida road trip with kids!

It will take you through some of the most beautiful attractions the Sunshine State has to offer. It has something for everyone, no matter your interests. It’s easy to pick and choose to tailor the perfect Florida itinerary for you!

Starting in the iconic city of Miami , you’ll breathe in the South Florida culture before heading to some scenic attractions for outdoor enthusiasts.

Paddlers especially will want to make a stop at some of the best kayaking trails in Florida in the Everglades.

You can even see a real castle! Look out for Coral Castle, made completely of stone. As you head further south, you’ll start to breathe in the salty air of the Atlantic as you visit coral reefs and beaches.

When you finally land in Key West, you’ll have access to some of the most beautiful Florida beaches as well as some incredible historical sites. Don’t forget to have a piece of Key lime pie while you’re there!

There really are so many things to do in Key West !

View looking down at a woman on a dock overlooking the ocean on a Florida road trip.

Central Florida Road Trip

  • Circle B Bar Reserve
  • Celebration
  • Rock Springs/Kelly Park

The drive from Tampa to Cocoa Beach will take you directly across the state, allowing you to see the best of Central Florida !

You get nature, theme parks, and even a quaint town owned by Disney! These are some of the best places to stop in Florida!

Starting in Tampa allows you to soak up the emerging city’s culture, restaurants , and nightlife before moving on to more scenic pursuits.

As you approach Lakeland , you’ll be able to walk through the Circle B Bar Reserve and see a lot of wildlife.

Along the drive, you can stop by Bok Tower, a Carillion tower that rings as it’s played like an instrument before you approach Disney World or Universal. Spend a couple of days at the parks while staying at a cozy Airbnb!

Before you approach Cocoa Beach, make a stop at Rock Springs/Kelly Park where you can take a dip or even tube down one of Florida’s prettiest springs near Orlando .

When you make it to your destination of Cocoa Beach, you’ll enjoy the shorelines of one of the best family beaches in Florida !

If you are planning a road trip to Florida, you need to check out these highlights!

Woman in a red swimsuit standing on the edge of the blue water of Rock Springs.

Florida East Coast

  • Amelia Island
  • St. Augustine
  • Daytona Beach
  • Kennedy Space Center
  • McKee Botanical Gardens

Driving the East Coast is the Florida equivalent of driving the Pacific Coast Highway. Start with the best things to do in Amelia Island before moving down to Miami.

You’ll experience a smorgasbord of different Florida attractions!

Amelia Island might just be the prettiest island in Florida , but don’t spend too long there!

St. Augustine just to the south has incredible historic sites and castles. It is also the oldest city in the United States.

If you plan your best Florida road trip just right, you can attend one of the many festivals held in Daytona Beach like Biketoberfest.

After you’ve enjoyed the beach, head down to Merritt Island to visit the Kennedy Space Center!

If you stop in Vero Beach , you must pay a visit to the McKee Botanical Gardens which showcases the best of Florida flora.

Then as you arrive in Miami, relax on South Beach, one of the best beaches in Miami , and soak up the sun as a reward for your journey!

This is a great Florida East Coast road trip the whole family will love!

The different modules of a spaceship displayed in the interior of the Kennedy Space Center, one of the best places to visit on your Florida road trip.

Haunted Florida Road Trip

  • Spanish Military Hospital Museum
  • St. Augustine Old Jail
  • Cassadaga Hotel
  • Tampa Theatre

This road trip is perfect to welcome fall in Florida which is when things start to get spooky! There are over 570 documented haunted sites in Florida.

This Florida road trip for adults and kids alike starts off in Tampa , where the old historic theaters are haunted! Try the Tampa Theatre downtown or the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater.

Ybor City also offers walking ghost tours that take you through the historic buildings.

From there, head to Orlando and visit Lake Eola. It is said a small brown terrier runs along the lake’s east shore before vanishing into thin air.

Afterward, Cassadaga is waiting for you! This is one of the most haunted places in Florida !

A spooky forgotten town full of psychics, check out the Helen Cassadaga Cemetery or the Cassadaga Hotel.

Then head to Daytona Beach to tour the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse! One of the best lighthouses in Florida , it is also haunted!

Finally, head to St. Augustine, the motherlode of haunted cities in Florida.

There are so many St. Augustine ghost tours to take that will leave you feeling spooky like the Old Jail and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum.

Statues of former jailers work on a chain gang outside of the Old Jail in St. Augustine.

Florida Springs Road Trip

  • Ginnie Springs
  • Devil’s Den
  • Rainbow Springs
  • Ichetucknee Springs

A road trip to Florida’s natural springs can be perfect for summer or fall! They are the most scenic places in Florida!

The 72-degree waters will cool you down during the hottest summer day. During the winter, manatees migrate to the springs to keep warm.

Start your tour in Weeki Wachee to watch mermaids swim in the spring waters before heading north on US 19 to Crystal River, a spring near Tampa . If you time it right, you can attend their Manatee Festival!

Take US-41 to get to Rainbow Springs State Park , which actually has six waterfalls! Then hop back on US-41 to head north to Devil’s Den, a diver’s haven!

Get back on, you guessed it, US-41, and keep going north and you’ll hit three springs grouped very close together! Take your pick between Gilchrist Blue Springs , Ginnie Springs , or Ichetucknee Springs . Or visit them all!

End your journey by driving north for just another hour and you’ll reach Madison Blue Springs, where you can swim and relax as your final reward!

If you are planning a road trip in Florida, you definitely need to check out some springs!

Woman floating in the cool waters of Ginnie Springs, perfect for a Florida road trip.

Tampa to Naples Roadtrip

  • Ca D’Zan
  • Florida Domes
  • Edison & Ford Winter Estates
  • Ringling Museum

For a relatively short day trip, make the drive from Tampa to Naples! Along the way, you’ll hit some major Gulf Coast cities, each with its own architectural gems.

This is the best Florida West Coast road trip!

In Tampa, you can take advantage of some of the best museums in Florida , Tampa restaurants , and even the lovely Curtis Hixon Park. If you decide to spend an evening there, there’s even a speakeasy !

When you head south to Sarasota , a treasure trove of attractions awaits you! Skip the traditional beaches and head out to Beer Can Island , a truly secluded spot.

Or check out architectural masterpieces like the Ringling Museum and the Ca D’Zan!

Next up in Fort Myers , you can tour the Edison and Ford Winter Estates! Yes, the Thomas Edison of the lightbulb and the Henry Ford of Ford Motors. You can see their homes, their vintage Ford vehicles, and even their laboratory!

As you pass through Cape Coral , you’ll get to drive through Matlacha, a charming village. The homes are painted with bright neon and pastel colors. It actually feels more like Key West than Cape Coral!

When you land in Naples , you can take advantage of the fabulous Naples beaches , especially on Marco Island .

If you charter a boat, you can make your way to the Florida Domes, the sunken remains of a millionaire’s former home, now a haven for Florida wildlife.

Anyone interested in history will agree this is one of the best driving trips in Florida!

Woman in a blue dress leans against a pink pillar at the Ringling Museum.

Everglades Road Trip

  • Anhinga Trail
  • Nine Mile Pond
  • Mahogany Hammock Trail
  • Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook

The Everglades National Park is a gigantic place to explore. It’s hard to know where to start! Luckily, this road trip through the park will allow you to experience a little bit of everything the park has to offer.

Enter the park from the southernmost entrance off the Ingraham Highway. Here you’ll start your journey at the Coe Visitor Center.

As you start driving, right off the bat, you’ll have your pick between the Anhinga Trail or the Gumbo Limbo Trail, some of the best hikes in Florida.

The road continues through the Pinelands and into the Dwarf Cypress Forest whose leaves actually change during fall in Florida!

After passing Rock Reef Pass, stop at Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook. You’ll have the best views of the enormous sawgrass prairies from the elevated platform.

After another 20 miles, you can see the nation’s largest mahogany tree on Mahogany Hammock Trail!

Unfortunately, it doesn’t make for a great photo op. The tree is 90 feet tall and the shorter trees shroud the mahogany’s height.

Keep on to Nine Mile Pond for canoeing and kayaking!

If you’re driving towards the end of March to early April, stop at Mrazek Pond. During this time, and only this time, it becomes one of the best birding spots in the country.

After passing several optional hiking trails, you’ll arrive at the Flamingo Visitor Center, your final destination. Here, you can book an airboat tour to see the nooks and crannies of the park not visible from the road.

It is clear the Everglades is one of the top places to go on a road trip in Florida!

An aerial shot of the Everglades, a perfect stop on your Florida road trip.

Waterfall Road Trip

  • Falling Waters State Park
  • Big Shoals State Park
  • Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park

There are amazing waterfalls in Florida ! On this Florida road trip, you’ll discover the best sound is a waterfall crashing down in front of you!

Start in Chipley in the Panhandle with a bang. Falling Waters State Park is home to the largest of Florida’s waterfalls at 73 feet high!

From there, head to Bristol to get to Torreya State Park. Consider skipping this waterfall if you’re not a strong hiker.

Afterward, the following three waterfalls are thankfully close together. First, see the “Disappearing” Waterfall at Camp Branch Conservation Area.

Then head to Big Shoals State Park, which also offers river rafting! Just to the south is Falling Creek Falls.

As you head south to Gainesville , you’ll reach Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park. Here the waterfall was created by a series of sinkholes. You can even stand inside the sinkhole right next to the waterfall!

Finally, you’ll end your journey with a refreshing reward at Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon just outside of Ocala .

Here, you’ll get not one, but six waterfalls! You can also enjoy swimming, tubing, kayaking, snorkeling, and more.

Aerial view of the bright blue Rainbow River.

UFO Sighting Tour

  • Gulf Breeze
  • Fort Walton Beach
  • Panama City
  • Unidentified Flying Objects?

Did you know that next to California, Florida has the most UFO sightings of any other state? On average over 30 sightings are reported each month in Florida!

If you’re skeptical about whether or not life is out there, it doesn’t matter. This Florida road trip will take you through the best places in the panhandle.

Start in Panama City , where two bright orbs were seen zig-zagging over Tyndall Air Force Base. As you head west, ride the shoreline, as this has been a popular sighting place.

As you approach Fort Walton Beach, look out for a white diamond-shaped craft with a vapor trail as well as saucer disks.

Even if you don’t see anything, you’ll have an enjoyable night walking the beach and looking at the stars through binoculars.

You’ll eventually land in Pensacola where the most sightings have been recorded. Head to the Gulf Breeze neighborhood especially! Keep your eyes peeled!

Metal UFO flying out of a cloud in a dark sky.

North Florida Road Trip

  • Wakulla Springs State Park
  • Castillo de San Marcos
  • Big Talbot Island State Park

Begin your journey across the top of the state in the panhandle at Falling Waters State Park, the tallest natural waterfall in Florida!

Then head to Marianna, the only open-air-filled caves in Florida. Outside of the Florida Caverns, you can also hike, bike, or camp on the Chipola River.

Then you’ll head to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, beautiful and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also one of the best springs for camping in Florida .

Next, get a taste of the prehistoric as you travel to Devil’s Den . A natural spring, Devil’s Den is actually a karst window, which means it’s a huge open cave over a river. Divers will love descending the depths!

Next, it’s time for St. Augustine. History buffs will love exploring the oldest city in the United States! Stop at the Castillo de San Marcos to see a real Florida castle!

You’ll end your North Florida Road Trip at Big Talbot Island, one of the best things to do in Jacksonville ! The beaches here are covered with driftwood and dried tree branches, creating the illustrious Boneyard Beach!

The sun sets, casting shadows over the sun-bleached trees on the shores of Big Talbot Island.

Florida Castles Road Trip

  • Solomon’s Castle

Did you know that there are real castles in Florida ? Europe has nothing on the Sunshine State!

This Florida road trip takes you from St. Augustine all the way down to the West Palm Beach area to see the best castles in Florida!

When you start in St. Augustine, you’re practically in the castle capital of the state! Here you have Castle Warden which eventually was turned into the first Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

You also can see Villa Zorayada which is a replica of the Alhambra Palace. Don’t forget the historic Castillo de San Marcos, once a Spanish fortress of war. Castle Otttis is also here, but because it’s privately owned, tours are rarely available.

From there, head to St. Pete to see the Don Cesar. Built originally to be a “pink castle,” today it functions as a high-end resort and spa ! You can even take ghost tours of the grounds.

Next up is Solomon’s Castle. The home and art studio of Howard Solomon, the castle is made entirely of aluminum. You can even have lunch at the Boat on the Moat!

Finally, you’ll head down to the mysterious Coral Castle. Made of 1,000 tons of coral rock, the structures have been arranged into elaborate gardens complete with bougainvillea.

The pink Don Cesar Hotel in St. Pete.

Surfing Road Trip

  • St. Augustine Beach
  • Cocoa Beach
  • Boynton Beach

Similar to the East Coast Road Trip, this Florida road trip will take you along the Atlantic coast. This is where all the best waves are!

So if you’re a surfer, load up the car for these can’t-miss surfing spot s in Florida !

Start north at Jacksonville Beach before hitting St. Augustine. From there you can hit Flagler Beach before heading to Daytona Beach.

If you visit Daytona on Christmas Eve, you can even see Santa surfing! This is a great winter in Florida activity.

Then you can hit the waves at New Smyrna Beach before heading down to Cocoa Beach. Don’t forget the Sebastian Inlet, just to the south of Melbourne.

The last leg of your trip will take you to the beautiful beaches of Jupiter, where you can take a break to see the limestone formations!

From there, hit West Palm Beach before concluding your trip to Boynton Beach.

A man surfing in a wave.

Scenic Hiking Road Trip

  • Blowing Rocks
  • Big Talbot Island
  • Ocala National Forest

This Florida road trip from Jacksonville to Jupiter is designed to take you on some of the most unique hiking trails the state has to offer. You won’t see sights like these anywhere else.

First, start at Big Talbot Island in Jacksonville, where the Black Rock Trail will take you to the beach. You’ll see dried, sun-bleached trees creating Boneyard Beach!

Next in Gainesville, you’ll find the Prairie Paynes Loop Trail. Here bison and wild horses roam free. Hop down to Dade City to attempt the four-day, 39-mile Citrus Hiking Trail!

Head down to Bok Tower outside of Lakeland next. The tower is actually a Carillon bell that can be played like an instrument!

You’ll finish your tour at Blowing Rocks in Jupiter, where waves crash up against limestone as you walk along the beach.

Overall, this is one of the best road trips in Florida for nature lovers!

Boardwalk trail leading through the lush jungle of Ocala National Forest on a Florida road trip.

Brewery Road Trip

  • Cigar City Brewing
  • 7venth Sun Brewing Company
  • Hourglass Brewing
  • Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co.

Craft beer is having a revival, not only in Florida but across the country! To taste the best that local breweries have to offer, take the Brewery Road Trip!

Start in the Tampa Bay area where you can hit up the highest-rated brewery in Florida, Cigar City Brewing. There are plenty of other breweries in Tampa to check out too.

Likewise, you can visit Cycle Brewing in St. Pete and 7venth Sun Brewing Company in Dunedin.

Next, head to some Orlando breweries ! Grab a Grove IPA or Side Chick Blonde at Deadly Sins Brewing. Try out Hourglass Brewing or Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. as well!

Finally, head to Jacksonville and grab a pint at Green Room Brewing. You can even bring your own food or order from a binder of restaurants that deliver right to the bar!

This is one of the best weekend road trips in Florida for adults!

Exterior of the Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. housed in a old building.

Florida Keys State Park Road Trip

  • Bahia Honda State Park
  • Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
  • Curry Hammock State Park
  • Oleta River State Park

There are beautiful state parks in Florida , rivaling those across the country.

This South Florida road trip will take you from Jupiter all the way to the end of the Florida Keys to enjoy some tropical state parks!

Start to the north of Jupiter at Jonathan Dickinson State Park to walk through pine scrub flatwoods and mangrove forests.

Then head to Fort Lauderdale to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to see native Florida wildlife like butterflies, turtles, and of course, alligators .

Right on Biscayne Bay in North Miami Beach, you’ll head to Oleta River State Park next. Here you can find the greatest concentration of Australian pine trees!

Now you’ll be crossing the bridge to the Keys and traveling west. In Key Largo, stop at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. You’ll love snorkeling among the reefs and seeing the tropical fish!

Next up at the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park , you can see fossils frozen in time in the Key Largo limestone.

Then head to Curry Hammock State Park, housing one of the best beaches for shelling .

Finally, at scenic Bahia Honda State Park , you can walk up to the gorgeous, dilapidated bridge.

Since you’re at the end of your journey, sit and relax on the beach and stay for one of the most beautiful sunsets in the state.

View looking down at a woman wading at the beach of Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys.

Hopefully, this Florida road trip planner helped you plan an epic vacation!

walking down into one of the prettiest springs in Florida

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  • Mar 18, 2023

The Ultimate List of Things to Do On an I-10 Road Trip (CA, AZ, NM, TX, LA, AL, MS, FL)

Updated: Aug 5, 2023

There's never been a better time for a road trip and why not drive from California to Florida and see the country?

We are so lucky in the U.S. to have a great interstate highway system (thanks Ike!) that can connect the North to the South and the East to the West. You’re probably familiar with the old Route 66 highway that connected Chicago to LA. Sadly, it met its demise because of the same interstate system that paved the way (ha ha) for other cities to flourish along the new routes.

Interstate 10 (I-10) goes through the following cities:

Santa Cruz, Los Aneles, Anaheim, Palm Springs (CA)

Phoenix, Tucson (AZ)

Las Cruces (NM)

El Paso, Kerrville, San Antonio, and Houston (TX)

Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans (LA)

Mobile and Fairhope (AL)

Tallahassee and Jacksonville (FL)

Glitz and glam, fiestas, cajun food and great beaches – this trip has it all.

Quick Links

Alabama and mississippi.

But you know what drives me crazy?

A search for things to do along I-10 or better yet, an itinerary, will show the same or very similar sites on most articles. Someone decided that a handful of places are the only places to stop, and I humbly disagree. I have to guess that most of these folks have never toured much of this highway or the cities that surround it. Because as I looked across I-10 on the map, I just kept thinking of all the amazing side trips that could take place along the route.

I thought about just coming up with a list of places that could be reasonably done in a week or so (like most articles), but that doesn’t seem particularly helpful because it forces you to eliminate so many places. I certainly didn’t include everything because that would also not be particularly useful. Instead, I focused on the main sites along the highway with some side trips within a couple of hours of the route that would be a shame to miss if you had the time (I'm looking at you, Marfa ).

You may not have time to do the entire highway at once. No worries. You may even choose not to do the whole thing ever. This itinerary can help you do segments or the whole shebang. It should be noted, however, that it is a huge source of pride (and bragging rights) to say that you’ve traversed from one end of the country to the other and all on the same highway.

So, let’s get started.

Please note: there may be some affiliate links on this site which means that I get a small commission if you book from a link at no additional cost to you.

Where does Interstate 10 start and where does it end? Does I-10 go across the country?

I-10 runs cross-country from California to Florida. If you are headed west, you start in Jacksonville, Florida and end in Los Angeles, California. If you are headed east on I-10, well.... you can figure that out.

A yellow infographic of important facts and information about I-10 including the number and names of states crossed, the total number of miles, cities and National Parks along the way and more.

I-10 through California

Santa monica pier.

Since 1909, the Santa Monica Pier has been one of the most fun and photographed places in California. Whether you ride the Ferris Wheel or just walk the pier, you are going to have a good time.

Day 1: Santa Monica Pier

Los angeles (la) and anaheim.

Los Angeles is a very unique American city. It's a good place to visit [once], but I hate it when people come to the U.S. and feel like LA and NYC are representative of the States. Wrong. They are iconic, but not representative. Having worked and spent a fair amount of time in LA, I would say that it is worth a visit, but I would stay just as long as necessary, and then get out. Here are some suggestions:

Day 1, cont.: Hollywood and see the Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive, and end the day at a beach (Venice, Manhattan or Malibu would be my recommendations)

Day 2: disneyland, day 3: wake up and drive to palm springs.

A close up of the double double animal style burger at In-N-Out Burger in California

Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park

I've actually driven through Palm Springs and not stopped. That was young Chrissy. Middle-age Chrissy appreciates mid-century modern architecture and the Hollywood glamour of a bygone era that vacationed in Palm Springs. I've since added it to my bucket list and look forward to doing an architecture tour when I can.

Day 3, continued: Take an architectural tour or just lounge by a pool. By 5:00 p.m., head to Joshua Tree to catch the sunset. Spend the next two nights near the park or in Twentynine Palms, CA.

Day 4: take a hike at joshua tree national park. here is a 1-day itinerary for joshua park ., i-10 through arizona, day 5: drive to phoenix (~4 hours).

Phoenix is a nice city with a lot of great restaurants and shopping, but I also think that you could stop for lunch and then get back on the road to head to Tucson within the same day. If you enjoy museums, the Heard is a great one. For architecture and design buffs, Taliesin West is a must-see. This is where Frank Lloyd Wright created his desert laboratory with his apprentices. It's not just a place that he built; it's a place that he frequented. That's cool.

Want to add a detour to the Grand Canyon or Sedona? Get our itinerary here.

Day 5, continued. drive to tucson (~1 hour, 45 minutes)..

Eat dinner and make it an early night (unless you got there late). Either way, go to bed!

Day 6: Visit Saguaro National Park.

When you think of the West, you probably think of saguaro cacti. Come to the desert and see these beautiful giants. Overnight in Tucson

The author stands next to a saguaro cacti that towers over her

Day 7: Time to get out of Dodge ...er, Tucson.

Consider stopping by Tombstone (that is a very multi-layered Western joke). I hear that it's very kitschy including re-enactments at the O.K. Corral. That is OK by me...(wink, wink). Tombstone is just 1 hour and 11 minutes down I-10.

White Sands National Park

Day 7, continued. las cruces, nm.

Continue driving on I-10 and in just under four hours, you will arrive in Las Cruces, NM. Check in to your hotel or AirBnb.

Day 8. Check out and head to White Sands National Park (~1 hour).

Check out my post on our trip and visiting white sands national park..

The author and her two kids walk with a sled at White Sands NP

It's surreal to drive through the West and then get to White Sands. You don't expect to see beautiful dunes of powdery, white sand. And you certainly don't expect them to be comfortable to the touch out here in the desert, yet here they are...little pieces of broken gypsum. Take a sled down and then repeat. Now if you've done this in Colorado or another place, this is probably skippable. If not, make sure to add it to your list, especially if you have kids.

Day 8, continued: El Paso

El Paso is about 1 hour and 10 minutes further. El Paso is a scenic border town where the mix of American and Mexican culture intermix equally. If you've spent half a day at White Sands, you will arrive in time to get some good food and check in to your accommodation.

Then, go up to the scenic overlook , which provides a look over El Paso and into neighboring Juarez, Mexico.

Balmorhea and Kerrville

Day 9: balmorhea state park.

Today, you will drive through to Kerrville (~7 hours from El Paso). Balmorhea State Park has one of the largest spring fed natural pools in the country and is GORGEOUS, The park is just off of I-10.

Optional Trip: Time is always at a premium, but if you are in this area, try and figure out a way to make a side trip to Marfa for galleries, food and funk and the McDonald Observatory for a Star Party .

Further south, Big Bend is the least visited National Park in the contiguous United States because of its remoteness. It is a certified international Dark Sky location and seeing the Rio Grande and the Santa Elena Canyon are well worth the stop. It's also just outside of the amazing town of Terlingua, Texas famous for it's people and it's chili cook-off. Don't miss the Starlight Theatre restaurant.

Day 9, continued: Kerrville

Once you get to Kerrville (7 hours later), you've arrived into the Hill Country. This area has a special place in my heart. It's where Bill and I got married and it is a magical land of river tubing, barbecue, wineries, distilleries, antique stores and wild flowers. Stay around Kerrville or exit TX-16 and stay at the Hangar Hotel or a quaint house in Fredericksburg (30 minutes away). Plan on spending at least 2 full days (3 nights) in the area.

Day 10: Go tubing on the Guadalupe River

Day 11: Explore Fredericksburg's Main Street for shopping and the biergarten and consider venturing out to the Wildseed Farms or one of the areas wineries or distilleries.

San Antonio

Day 12: head back to i-10e and drive another hour into san antonio..

San Antonio is one of my favorite cities in Texas and it's not a surprise why that's the case. The Riverwalk is fabricated but magical and is amazing around the holidays. The lights drip down from the trees, music can be heard throughout the river and the boats are filled with tourists and locals alike. There's so much to do - you could easily spend a week here. But if you are just needing a taste as you pass through, make these stops:

Day 12: Riverwalk and the Alamo Day 13: Pearl Market and shops Day 14: Six Flags Fiesta, Texas and/or Sea World (if you or your family are interested. Otherwise, skip)

The author's sister in front of the Alamo

See more of my favorite Texas stops with my article on my Top 10 Texas Bucket List Places You Must Visit

Day 15: houston.

Leave San Antonio and head on I-10E for Houston (just 3 hours down the road). Houston has a lot of things to offer, but as a Dallasite, I am pre-disposed to drive through it:) With that said, by far one of the coolest things to see there is Space Center Houston . I think it's pretty cool that you can start in desolate West Texas - among the cacti and rattlesnakes - and end up among Mission Control and gators within the same (very long) day. Say what you want about Texas, but we have variety.

Lake Charles

Lake Charles is approximately two hours and fifteen minutes from Houston. If you need a break - or better yet, are feeling lucky, play some tables or slots at the Golden Nugget . The pool setup is pretty swank and the rooms are nice, so it makes a good stopover as well.

Day 16: Lake Charles

It's just over two hours away from Houston though, so I am going to assume that you are going to continue on to...

Baton Rouge

The State Capitol is lovely and worth a look if you like to visit state capitol buildings. You arrive in Baton Rouge 4 hours and 35 minutes after leaving Houston. If you are not interested in touring the capitol, skip it and make the choice between...

Heading straight to New Orleans via I-10 or

Adding 15-20 minutes to your drive (plus the additional time to make a couple of stops) along River Road at some of the antebellum houses

Day 16, cont: Baton Rouge OR...

Now, the second option may be a reluctant choice for the purist that wants to say that he or she traveled the entire I-10 without circumventing the highway at any spots. Plot twist - no one will ask you specifically if you got off of I-10 and you can still claim credit as far as I'm concerned. I promise not to say a word.

To learn more about the history of the area, tour a couple of houses with differing styles and histories. Houmas House is considered the crown jewel of River Road and is in the Greek Revival Style (see orange button above). Laura House, is not nearly as ornate (it was actually pre-antebellum if that's a word). But if you can only make it to one house, make it to this one. It is a Creole plantation and there is a fascinating history that has been well-preserved both on the tour and in the book that's for sale in the gift shop. It also has slave quarters still intact on the property which gives a small but potent glimpse into the conditions that its slaves had to endure.

New Orleans

As you continue down River Road, you will arrive to New Orleans (just about an hour and a half from Baton Rouge). I find that people either love or hate New Orleans. I also find that the people that don't like New Orleans are people that I don't like to hang out with too much.

It's an amazing city. The history, the blend of cultures, the food, the personalities, the music, the atmosphere...if you can't get behind at least one of those things, you should really reevaluate how you spend your time. I don't like to repeat a lot of places, but a weekend trip to NOLA now and then always refills my soul with happiness.

Looking for a mid-range NOLA hotel with a fun vibe for a stopover?

There are so many things to do in New Orleans , but having visited most of the sites, we usually just focus on eating and drinking our way through. Bill and I enjoy oysters, but the first time we heard about chargrilled oysters, we were uninterested. I made the unfortunate (or so I thought) mistake of asking our server what she recommended and...you see where this is going. But since I asked, I ordered them. Holy hell. I will never forget that first time - it was one of those few food experiences where it's just on another level. If you've never had them, try them. Acme's and Felix's are across the street from each other. Acme's is more famous but Felix's is more of a local favorite. We love Felix's .

A dozen chargrilled oysters sit around French bread

I would suggest spending a couple of nights here. If you can, I would highly recommend a Jazz Cruise on the Mississippi .

A link to a tool to see if it makes sense for you to purchase a Go City New Orleans pass

In the morning, pack a daypack and prepare for a fun-filled day out on the town. Here's my idea of a perfect day in New Orleans:

Have coffee and beignets at Café du Monde (800 Decatur St.)

Walk around Jackson Square and inside the French Market

Grab a muffuletta at Central Grocery & Deli (923 Decatur St.)

Hop on the Canal St. streetcar to the Garden District

Pay your respects at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Take a break at your hotel or Airbnb

Grab an early dinner at Felix's

Walk through Bourbon St and get a hurricane at Pat O'Brien's

Finish your evening at Preservation Hall , on a ghost tour or anywhere on Frenchman's St.

Spend another night in this beautiful and vibrant city and prepare to get up sometime before check out (hell, ask for a late checkout, you're on NOLA time).

Days 16 and 17: New Orleans

You drive through just a sliver of both Mississippi and Alabama. Both have good beaches. But if that's something that you are really interested in, I would continue on to Destin and possibly even detour further down highway 30A along the Emerald Coast in Florida where you'll find sugary sand and emerald green water. And if you decide to do that, make sure to add at 2-3 days onto your itinerary.

Mobile, Alabama

Mobile is a nice town, just two hours from New Orleans. For history or more specifically, World War II history, the USS Alabama , which was part of the Pacific Theater is interesting to tour.

Day 18: Mobile, AL

Thirty-two minutes away from Mobile is Fairhope, Alabama . It's just off of I-10. This is a really cool little town with funky shops and good restaurants. If you need a break, make it here.

Day 18, cont.: Fairhope, AL

Tallahassee.

Welcome to Florida! You've driven a lot today and have made it to the capitol city. Check into your hotel and if you have the energy, see some of the sites. If not, go to bed and get up early. There are some good history and art stops here:

Railroad Square Art Park - here you can watch artists create magic, peruse galleries, listen to blues and grab a yummy bite to eat

Tallahassee Automobile Museum - with over 150 cars - including Lincoln's hearse (what is it with this city and Lincoln?), this is a cool stop for any car lovers

Day 18, cont: Tallahassee

If these ideas all appeal to you, spend at least 2 nights here. Otherwise, just pick one and move on. You have a busy day ahead of you.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

If you didn't get a chance to tube as you passed through the Texas Hill Country, try and make a stop at Ichetucknee Springs State Park . This is just over 30 minutes off the highway (and ~2 hours from Tallahassee). Not only can you swim or tube, but you also have a chance to see manatees. These gentle giants are a bucket list favorite for adults and kids alike. And did I mention otters? You may have a cuteness overload! I thought that you had to go further south to see manatees so while I have done most of I-10, I have added this detour to my bucket list and plan to visit on the next trip to the region.

Day 19: Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Jacksonville

Just one and a half hours down the road from Ichetucknee, you reach Jacksonville. Congrats - you've reached the Atlantic Coast! Jacksonville has beautiful beaches, great food, wonderful shops and lots of places to hike and enjoy other outdoor sports.

I've cherrypicked a few places, but I also am including a link from Busy Tourists: 64 Best & Fun Things to Do In Jacksonville (Florida) :

Amelia Island - you have your pick of beaches, but Amelia Island has 12 miles of beach and beautiful water

Riverside & Avondale - these two areas are right by each other and sport beautiful, historic homes. The Five Points area has cafes, bookstores, bakeries and lots of great shopping

Friendship Fountain - When built in the 1960s, this fountain was the largest and tallest fountain in the world. It's no longer as grand as it once was, but it still is an icon of the city and is a great backdrop for pictures

Plan to spend 2-3 days. Two is probably sufficient if you are just doing one beach day, but make it longer if you want to enjoy the ocean.

Days 20 and 21: Jacksonville, FL

You did it! Completing this trip surely should earn you some bragging rights. And I bet that not only do you not regret doing the trip, but you have probably added a lot more places to your bucket list. Traveling always makes for longer bucket lists and the joy of knowing that you’ll never run out of new places!

Related Posts:

Staying afloat's cross-country trip, my tips for a great road trip, my favorite road trip playlists.

Also, please subscribe at the bottom of this page to get updates with new posts and infrequent - but valuable - emails with information that you won't find on the site.

Happy travels,

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Road tripping from Phoenix? Here are 6 destinations to set your sights on

Mimi Wright

With its dry, sunny weather and picturesque surroundings, Phoenix, Arizona , is a popular year-round destination with plenty of fun attractions. For travelers eager to get out of the capital, though, there are also many great spots within driving distance of the Valley of the Sun.

Explore the surrounding trails, incredible natural landscapes and smaller cities just beyond Phoenix. They offer iconic views and plenty of history — if you're anything like me, learning the backstory of a destination is an important part of any trip.

Whether you want to discover a new favorite destination, or you're itching for a scenic escape after spending too much time inside over the past two years, here are six of our favorite road-trip destinations for a day trip or weekend getaway from Phoenix.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

1. Gold Canyon, Arizona

Lost Dutchman State Park over the Superstition Mountains. (Photo by David Kiene/Getty Images)

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour

What to do in Gold Canyon

If you're interested in getting some exercise while discovering the region's history, head to the Hieroglyphic Trail. This moderate trail, located in the Superstition Mountains, measures 1.5 miles each way. It leads to a steep valley where you can take in sweeping views of the landscape, as well as ancient petroglyphs from Hohokam natives who called the region home about 1,500 years ago. After you work up an appetite, pop into Wahoo's Restaurant & Bar, located on Topaz Drive in Gold Canyon, for beer-battered mushrooms and the namesake three-pound burger with house-made jalapeño cream cheese and bacon.

Related: Going on road trips this summer? Consider using these credit cards

Where to stay in Gold Canyon

Gold Canyon has a few places to bed down, but one of our favorites is Gold Canyon Golf Resort & Spa. The hotel features two 18-hole golf courses, Dinosaur Mountain and Sidewinder, and offers beautiful views of the Superstition Mountains. Rooms start at $265 per night. You can easily relax and unwind here after a day of hiking and golfing — just be sure to book with a credit card that will help you maximize your travel purchases, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve (3 points per dollar) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2 points per dollar).

Related: Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great pick for golf fans

2. Flagstaff, Arizona

The Walnut Canyon cliff dwellings. (Photo by E3SN/Getty Images)

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours

What to do: Located northeast of Phoenix, this town is popular among hikers. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon or a long weekend thanks to its cool breweries (grab a pint at Lumberyard Brewing Company) and coffee shops (refuel at Kickstand Kafe). Travelers can also use Flagstaff as a comfortable overnight stop before venturing on to the Grand Canyon, which is only about two hours away.

Like Gold Canyon, Flagstaff is surrounded by trails. Head east to Walnut Canyon, with its sheer, vertical cliffs, to see endemic plants and animals, such as mountain firs, canyon wren and elk. It's the perfect place to enjoy meaningful time outdoors if you've been working from home.

Related: 10 tips for anyone taking a road trip this summer

W here to stay: To get a taste of downtown Flagstaff, stay at the Hotel Monte Vista . Open since the mid-1920s, the Hotel Monte Vista sits just off historic Route 66. Guests can grab a drink at the cocktail lounge which was disguised as a newspaper publishing house during Prohibition. Room rates start around $100 per night.

If you'd prefer to book a stay with points, Marriott has four properties located right in Flagstaff. Just be sure to compare the cash rates before emptying your points balance, since rates start at $139.

Related: How to redeem points with the Marriott Bonvoy program

3. Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Westend61/Getty Images)

Distance from Phoenix: 4 hours

What to do in Palm Springs

Honestly, who doesn't want to escape to California for a long weekend these days? Quirky Palm Springs is the perfect road-trip destination for travelers seeking a sunny escape with excellent golfing, great food and stunning midcentury modern architecture. Tee up at the reopened Escena Golf Club, where you can also elbow up for California-fusion fare.

Related: 9 great restaurants for families in Palm Springs

If golfing isn't your thing, venture out to Cabazon Outlets, a sprawling shopping paradise perfect for travelers looking to snag a deal at a bevy of shops ranging from Oakley and Merrill to Tommy Bahama and Brighton.

Related: 6 tips for surviving a road trip with a large family

Where to stay in Palm Springs

Spend the night at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel , where rates can get as low as 31,000 IHG points or less than $300 per night. Guests will enjoy spaces filled with midcentury furnishings, though the rooftop pool is the property's crown jewel.

For Marriott loyalists, the Triada Palm Springs, Autograph Collection has a central location and rates from $275 or 40,000 points on off-peak nights. Just beyond Palm Springs, the clifftop Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage will set you back 50,000 points on off-peak nights. Cash rates can drop as low as $250, but can exceed $600 per night.

4. San Tan Valley, Arizona

The San Tan Valley. (Photo by SCEDIT/Shutterstock)

What to do in San Tan Valley

For a family-friendly adventure, visit Schnepf Farms, an organic farm where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables. With 300 acres, Schnepf Farms is the perfect place to enjoy fresh air and naturally grown, pesticide-free produce (peppers, cucumbers, kale and green onions, among others). They are especially known for their peaches, and picking season is usually in May.

Related: Farm to flight: Korean Air grows its cabin food from its own Jedong Ranch

If you're into clean eating, check out the Queen Creek Olive Mill. You can tour the grounds and learn how to make extra virgin olive oil, the best uses for it in the kitchen and why it's so healthy.

Related: 10 airlines that let you get your regional foodie fix

San Tan Valley also has incredible trails and peaks to explore, including the Goldmine Trail. The trail is relatively steep and takes you to the highest point in San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Goldmine Mountain.

Where to stay in San Tan Valley

Schnepf Farms offers several RVs and Airstreams available for rent for travelers searching for a weekend glamping trip. Some rentals come with outdoor seating and uninterrupted mountain views. Most rentals start at $198 a night, and you can't beat the location.

5. Coyote Buttes North, Utah-Arizona border

The Wave. (Photo by Praveen P.N/Getty Images)

Distance from Phoenix: 5.5 hours

What to do in Coyote Buttes North

Though quite a ways north of Phoenix, this stunning area is worth the drive — and a far cry from your home office. Visitors will be drawn to The Wave , a natural phenomenon in the Coyote Buttes North area along the Utah and Arizona border. This copper-and-tan-banded rock formation attracts photographers from around the globe.

Expect a six-mile round-trip hike to and from The Wave. You can hike there with a guide, but if you plan to navigate the trail on your own, a map and compass or GPS is recommended. Only a certain number of permits are available each day to hike to The Wave, so it's important to plan in advance.

Related: 8 survival tips for wilderness hikes

You can also explore around Kanab, Utah , while you're in the area. As the name implies, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park features vibrant sand dunes known to move as much as 50 feet per year. So even if you've been before, the view will be slightly different every time you return.

Related: The best U.S. state parks

Where to stay in Coyote Buttes North

The Grand Circle Bed and Breakfast is a charming place to stay, with easy access to beautiful trails in the area. Rates start at $120. This is just one of multiple hotels in the Canyon Collections group. Others include the Canyons Boutique Hotel, Canyons Lodge and Quail Park Lodge. There's also a Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Kanab for IHG loyalists. Rates start around $120 and IHG members can redeem a reward night for as low as 20,000 points.

Related: Transferring ultimate rewards points to IHG

6. Tucson, Arizona

Saguaro National Park. (Photo by Danny Lehman/Getty Images)

What to do in Tucson

The West is full of beautiful national parks , but one of the most iconic symbols of the West is the cactus — and Saguaro National Park is full of them. Declared a national monument in 1933 by Herbert Hoover, the park has a long history. Learn about cacti in the gardens on the east and west sides of the visitor center, and take in beautiful sunsets on the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (a half-mile hike) from the Javelina Rocks pullout on the east or from the Gates Pass on the west side. Sample Sonoran hot dogs (bacon-wrapped franks) which are a Tucson staple, or head to The Neighborhood for their award-winning Michelada.

Where to stay in Tucson

Camping at the Saguaro National Park is an option, but plan ahead because it's first come, first served. Vehicles cannot access the campsites, so visitors must hike there. Camping permits start at $8 per campsite per night.

Looking for something a bit more upscale? Stay at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa, located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. With views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this Westin property has an ideal location with even better views. For a standard room, Marriott Bonvoy members would need 30,000 points per night during off-peak dates, and cash rates may be an even better value, starting as low as $189.

Related: The best hotel credit cards for 2022

Guided by Destiny

Epic 7-Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary: From Phoenix to Page

This post contains affiliate links which means that I will make a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on any of them, at no extra cost to you.

Looking for an unforgettable adventure in the American Southwest? You’re going to love this epic 7 day Arizona road trip itinerary! This state is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country, from the red rocks of Sedona to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. And what better way to experience all of the beauty and diversity of Arizona than with a week-long road trip?

In this post I take you on a journey from Phoenix to Page, highlighting the best stops and sights along the way. So buckle up , hit the road, and get ready for a week of adventure you’ll never forget!

Grand Canyon in Arizona, one of the best Arizona road trip stops

Table of Contents

7-day Arizona road trip itinerary

Day 1-3: phoenix and scottsdale.

Scottsdale and Phoenix are pretty close driving distance to each other, so we kind of went back and forth between the two. We made Phoenix our home base and stayed at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix . I love Kimpton hotels, and I knew our stay would be nothing short of delightful. I have the IHG credit card ( check out my travel credit card guide! ) so 9 times out of 10 those are the hotels we stay at since they typically give us free upgrades, or we book with points ( book through IHG directly here ).

The Kimpton has public bikes available for use, a lovely pool, and daily wine hour from 5-6 PM. Yes, free wine! Feel free to check out other Phoenix and Scottsdale hotel options in the booking widget below.

Quick links for your Arizona road trip

🏨 Accommodation

Easily compare prices, secure great deals, and enjoy the added benefit of flexible cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for the majority of hotels with Booking

🎟️ Tours and tickets

Discover your next adventure with ease by using Viator which allows you to explore a multitude of local tours, ensuring you find the best experiences at the best prices.

🚘 Car rental

Rentalcars is the best tool for comparing prices for your date amongst the most popular rental car companies!

Phoenix and Scottsdale very much gave me Tampa and St. Pete vibes. There was plenty to do in both of these towns, so get ready to have your hands full!

Phoenix, Arizona sits at an elevation of 1,028 feet and is the capital city of Arizona. It’s also one of the most populous cities in the U.S., with more than 1.6 million residents! Great hikes, mouthwatering restaurants, interesting museums, and historic areas like Old Town Scottsdale and Downtown Phoenix are just a few of Phoenix’s top attractions.

Desert Botanical Garden, one of the best things to do in Phoenix Arizona

Things to do in Phoenix and Scottsdale

Changing hands bookstore.

First, we stopped at Changing Hands Bookstore . If you don’t know this by now, I have an obsession with speakeasies, bookstores, and libraries. So when I read about Changing Hands Bookstore, I knew we had to go.

It had an awesome variety of book genres, a great area to read or get work done, and it even had a book bar. And get this, it’s called First Draft . I’m sorry but I died at how clever that was! Okay, now that I’m done geeking out…just know that it’s a great stop if you’re looking for a new read or just want to experience a cool vibe and grab a drink!

Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix Arizona

Desert Botanical Garden

Another must on your list of things to do in Phoenix is the Desert Botanical Garden . The Desert Botanical Garden is a great place to explore, get some steps in, and see some beautiful flora.

It’s open daily from 7 AM – 8 PM and general admission costs $24.95-29.95 (active military personnel gets in free with a valid ID). The garden sits on 40 acres and has over 50,000 plant displays which include over 4,000 different species. In addition to having several cacti and other sorts of desert plants, they also feature several trails , a butterfly pavilion, and greenhouses where you can observe various tree and plant species.

Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix Arizona

Camelback Mountain

Ahhh Camelback Mountain …my old friend. Okay, more like a foe, but whatever. It’s still a must! We made the mistake of going midday, you know when the scorching Arizona sun was beating on us.

Camelback Mountain is one of the most popular and well-known hikes in Phoenix. It’s a 2.4-mile challenging hike with an elevation gain of 1,322 ft. It offers amazing views of Phoenix once you reach the top. Learn from my rookie mistake and go early in the morning. Also, be sure to take plenty of water!

Hiking Camelback Mountain, one of the best things to do in Phoenix Arizona

Dobbins Lookout at sunset

Dobbins Lookout is a moderately challenging 4-mile out and back hike in Phoenix. It’s one of the most stunning views in Phoenix, especially around sunset. You have the option to make the hike or drive to the summit. The road is open for vehicles to drive here most days between 5 AM – 7 PM.

Dobbins Lookout at sunset

Hot air balloon ride

Take in stunning vistas of the Sonoran Desert on a thrilling hot air balloon ride . You’ll have the ideal morning feeling like you’re floating on a cloud followed by a Champagne breakfast. Each flight lasts around an hour, and hotel transportation is available.

I have done a hot air balloon ride in Tampa , and it was so magical! It’s truly a surreal experience that you can’t really explain.

Enjoy some of the amazing restaurants and eateries Phoenix has to offer

In between all of these fun things, you’re of course going to be working up an appetite. Check out this list of great restaurants in Scottsdale and Phoenix . It also includes two of my favorite coffee shops, one of those being Dutch Bros of course!

Day 3-4: Sedona

You’ll know you hit Sedona when you begin to see all of the gorgeous red rocks. Sedona is a resort town, as well as a popular tourist destination. There are many red rock formations, hiking trails, art galleries, wineries, and vortexes for you to explore! This fun mix of activities made Sedona one of my favorite Arizona road trip stops. Below I’ve compiled my top picks for things to do in Sedona.

We ended up staying at the Holiday Inn Express Sedona – Oak Creek . What I love about Holiday Inn Expresses is that they include breakfast (always thinking of little ways to save during my trips). This stay came equipped with everything we needed, and the location was perfect.

Book the Holiday Inn Express Sedona directly with IHG here , or check out other hotel options for your stay here !

Cathedral Rock hike at sunset in Sedona, one of Sedona's vortexes

Things to do in Sedona

Winery hopping.

You certainly can’t leave Sedona without checking out a winery or two! Lucky for you several areas have multiple wineries just a hop, skip, and jump away from each other! We did DA Winery, Javelina Winery, and Oak Creek Winery and loved each one of them.

Several areas with groups of wineries are all a part of the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Check out the full map here . If you don’t want to worry about driving, book this all-inclusive wine tasting tour ! The tour includes a souvenir wine glass, 5-6 tastings at each of the three vineyards, a picnic lunch, and round-trip transportation from Sedona.

If you want to mix wine with adventure, check out this water-to-wine kayak trip . Taste wines from Arizona’s top wine-growing region, the Verde Valley, while taking a leisurely paddle down the Verde River. You’ll also get a $20 credit to use on tastings, snacks, or gifts at the winery.

Charcuterie and red wine from Javelina Winery near Sedona Arizona

Experience a vortex

For those unfamiliar, a vortex is a location where the earth seems to be particularly buzzing with energy. They are said to be beneficial for meditation, self-discovery, and healing.

Many individuals experience inspiration, refueling, or a boost after going to a vortex. I suggest taking a journal, or just taking some time to meditate while you’re in the vortex.

The four most well-known Sedona vortexes are located in Boynton Canyon, Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa, and Bell Rock. Each emits its own distinctive energy. Some are supposed to create energy that spirals downward and into the earth, while others are thought to produce energy that flows upward.

Couple holding each other at the top of Cathedral Rock

Enjoy a hike

We hiked Cathedral Rock at sunset, and just wow . Not to mention you’re killing two birds with one stone here as it’s also a vortex! This Sedona activity should be a part of anyone’s Arizona itinerary!

It’s a somewhat challenging 1.2-mile out-and-back trail with epic views at the summit. There is some nearly vertical climbing and hiking involved at one part of the trail so good hiking shoes with traction are important.

At one point we were following people and realized we were off the trail, so be sure to download the All Trails map when you do trails! This helped us navigate back to the proper path.

Devil’s Bridge and Birthing Cave are also popular hikes. Devil’s Bridge is a 3.9-mile trail that’s recommended for sunrise. It typically takes around 2 hours to complete. Birthing Cave is 2 miles long and usually takes less than an hour.

Climbing Cathedral Rock in Sedona Arizona

Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Roman Catholic church erected into the red rock buttes of Sedona. It’s a must-see as it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in all of Sedona. The chapel’s most prominent feature is a 90-foot-tall iron cross that serves both decorative and structural functions.

Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a local rancher and artist, was the one who came up with the idea for and commissioned the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Her first efforts were to construct it in Budapest Hungary, however, the start of World War II forced her to abandon the endeavor and bring it to her homeland, Sedona.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is open seven days a week from 9 AM-5 PM.

Chapel of the Holy Cross Sedona Arizona road trip stop

Eat at The Hudson

I didn’t get to check out too many restaurants in Sedona, but our experience at The Hudson was so good I can only assume it’s one of the best restaurants in Sedona.

The Hudson is perched on a hillside with a view of Sedona’s picturesque red rocks. They offer lunch and dinner which showcases seasonal American cuisine with inventive takes on tried-and-true comfort foods. Their cocktails and wine selection were also lovely.

They have a fantastic patio, open dining area, and a central bar with an industrial-chic atmosphere overall. Check them out for their daily happy hour at the lounge and bar for special pricing on select apps, wine, cocktails, and draft beer.

If you plan ahead, make reservations. We went here without them, but enjoyed some of the happy hour prices at the bar while we waited for a table on the patio!

Glass of white wine from The Hudson restaurant in Sedona Arizona

Grab Firecreek Coffee on your way out

We just really enjoyed our stop here on the way out! Delicious coffee and some yummy baked goods you can snag for the road!

Firecreek Coffee coffee shop in Sedona Arizona

Slide Rock State Park

This was the one thing on our Sedona list we, unfortunately, didn’t get to check out, but I wished we did! Slide Rock State Park has a few short nature trails and a swimming hole where you can cool off after a long day roaming through the town. It has even been named one of America’s top 10 swimming holes.

The park gets its name from the 80-foot-long slippery chute that is worn into sandstone visitors get to enjoy. It’s vehicle admission only and there are no walk-ins or drop-offs.

Hours and prices vary depending on the season, so check those out here .

slide rock state park

Day 4-5: Flagstaff and Page

Things to do in flagstaff, sunset crater volcano national monument.

One of the most popular places in Flagstaff is Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument . This national monument is one of the best places to see the effects of volcanic eruptions in Arizona. It features several hiking trails including a 1-mile loop trail located at the base of Sunset Crater. Hiking to the summit is not permitted. Be sure to come with good shoes or boots on hand if you’re planning on exploring on foot!

Sunset Crater Volcano National Park in Arizona

It costs $25 per vehicle unless you have an America the Beautiful Pass which I recommend getting, especially if you’re heading to Utah after your Arizona road trip. The pass costs $80 and covers the entrance to over 2,000 parks across the US and is valid for 1 year!

Sunset Crater Volcano National Park entrance

Lowell Observatory

Lowell Observatory was established in 1894, making it one of the oldest observatories in the US. Discover planets, faraway gas clouds, and distant galaxies at night with the Giovale Open Deck Observatory’s six cutting-edge telescopes and Flagstaff’s renowned dark sky.

Admission is $25 for adults, aside from Tuesdays when it is $18.

Grand Falls

Grand Falls is a chain of natural waterfalls in the Painted Desert on the Navajo Nation, 30 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona. It’s also known as Chocolate Falls due to its hue. It is higher than Niagara Falls at 185 feet. It empties seasonal rain or snow melt into the Little Colorado River beneath.

The view trail is 1.1 miles out and back and is considered to be easy with a small amount of elevation gain. Be sure to check the conditions before going. There are certain months when the falls don’t have much flow and may not be worth the stop. March and April are the best times to visit because of the melting snowfall.

Grand Falls in Arizona

Grab a cocktail at a fun bar

We, unfortunately, had left Flagstaff before it got into the evening, but if you’re still around Hotel Monte Vista Cocktail Lounge and Annex Cocktail Lounge were both spots on my list that looked super cool with some fun specialty cocktails.

Annex Cocktail Loung is a modern club with a speakeasy feel that also has a rustic patio, and Hotel Monte Vista Cocktail Lounge is an old-fashioned, bi-level hotel cocktail lounge featuring karaoke and live music nights.

Page, Arizona

We ended the day in Page, Arizona where we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Page – Lake Powell . Page is a small town located in northern Arizona. It’s known for its hiking and camping opportunities, scenic views, and wildlife. The town also has several shops and restaurants where you can enjoy the local cuisine.

If you’re looking for something to do other than hike then there are many places to visit including Antelope Canyon which is well known for its beautiful scenery! Another must-see place is Horseshoe Bend which was formed by the Colorado River thousands of years ago when it carved out this beautiful valley over time. It’s one of America’s most spectacular natural wonders!

There are so many beautiful views in Page , you’d be amazed!

Day 5-6: Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon

We certainly crammed a lot in here, but it was so worth it (that’s what she said)! Right we woke up we headed to Horseshoe Bend. Luckily it was just a short 10-minute drive from our hotel . We arrived around 6:30 AM and then left by around 7:30 AM to head to our Antelope Canyon tour .

We decided not to spend too much time at the Grand Canyon doing hiking trails, but instead drove through and stopped at some of the viewpoints.

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is a unique geological formation. It’s literally a horseshoe-shaped incised meander carved out in the Colorado River. From the parking lot to Horseshoe Bend is about a 0.6-mile walk.

The cost is $10 per vehicle. Despite it being a National Park, you will still have to pay this fee even if you have a National Parks Pass . The parking lot belongs to the city of Page, and the fee is charged by them.

The timing of visiting can be tricky. We visited for sunrise. While the shots we got were okay, there is a shadow on the bend or river that we couldn’t avoid. The most ideal time to visit is late morning or midday when the sun is more directly overhead so you can avoid shadows.

Woman in a red dress at Horseshoe Bend in Page Arizona

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon was the most unique experience and my favorite activity of the entire Arizona road trip! It is a slot canyon located on Navajo land and is protected by the Navajo Parks and Recreation. The only way you can visit and experience the canyon is through an authorized tour company.

While the tours are a little costly, I can assure you they are so worth it! Going with a tour group was actually great though. They were so informative, took dozens of photos for us, and even gave us some good laughs.

The canyon formed from water running through Navajo Sandstone over the course of hundreds of years. The walls of the canyon are so smooth it’s really wild to see!

You can choose to take a tour with either the Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon . The size of the canyon itself is the main distinction between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. The iconic light beams that fill the canyon are caused by the fact that the upper canyon is broader at the bottom than the top.

Lower Antelope is formed like a “V” and is considerably smaller towards the bottom. There is also a little bit of price difference. Lower Antelope Canyon is a little bit cheaper (almost half the price), which is the tour we decided on. While it doesn’t have all of the light beams that the upper canyon has it was nothing short of amazing! There’s really no bad choice.

Be sure to book your tour for Upper Antelope Canyon , or for Lower Antelope Canyon in advance.

Lower Antelope Canyon in Page Arizona

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. Formed by erosion from flowing water over millions of years—its shear walls are almost vertical at some points. Today visitors come from all over the world to see this marvel firsthand so make sure not to miss visiting during your road trip through Arizona!

The Grand Canyon is actually the second most visited National Park in the US. You can explore the North or South Rim. 90% of visitors explore the South Rim, as the North Rim is harder to get to and more secluded.

We chose to do the South Rim. You can drive, hike, or take the free shuttle around the park. Check out this guide for how to spend a day visiting the Grand Canyon !

Grand Canyon in Arizona

After all of these adventures, we headed back to Sedona to stay at the Holiday Inn Express Sedona – Oak Creek for one more night. We planned on heading back to Scottsdale in the morning so we figured it was best to begin making our way back that way after the Grand Canyon.

Day 6-7: Scottsdale

The great thing about Scottsdale is it is right next to Phoenix, so anything you didn’t have time for in this area at the beginning of your Arizona road trip, you can check it out here! If you’re looking for more Scottsdale recs check out this guide .

I’m not going to lie, we didn’t get to experience too much of Scottsdale. This was the last day of our 3-week road trip so we were pretty beat. We had friends we were visiting with so on this last day we just relaxed by the pool and then went out for a night on the town. It was so fun, but I definitely need to make an Arizona trip just to spend a few days in Scottsdale.

We did enjoy Old Town Scottsdale which definitely has some charm to it, and the bars were a blast! The Old Town district has tons of shopping options, restaurants, art galleries, museums, and more.

Some of my favorite coffee shops, bars, and restaurants:

  • Luci’s at the Orchard — for brunch
  • Toca Madera — for dinner
  • Fat Ox — for dinner

Brunch from Luci's at the Orchard in Scottsdale

  • Culinary Dropout — for lunch or dinner
  • Hash Kitchen — for brunch
  • AZ/88 — for drinks

Salmon from Culinary Dropout restaurant in Scottsdale

  • Dutch Bros — for coffee
  • Sip Coffee and Beer — for coffee
  • The Beverly on Main — for drinks
  • Sugar Bowl — I didn’t get to check this spot out, but it looks like such a fun spot for ice cream and a little photoshoot

Dutch Bros pumpkin spice cold foam coffee

If you want to spend some time outdoors sunrise at Papago Park and hiking Tom’s Thumb Trail are two of the most popular outdoor activities in Scottsdale.

Sunrise at Papago Park is a good choice if you want to see Phoenix from above without having to climb any mountains yourself! This park offers beautiful views of downtown Phoenix as well as South Mountain Park where all those big red rocks are located.

Whether you choose to hike along the East Side Trails or the West Side Trails at Papago Park , you’ll have a grand start to your morning enjoying the sunrise here. You will need to enter the park on your own because the parking lot doesn’t open until sunrise and the gated roads don’t open until 6 AM.

Papago Park one of the best things to do in Scottsdale

One of the most visited trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is Tom’s Thumb Trail. Due to how steep it is and how many twists and turns you must navigate in order to reach the peak, this 4-mile climb is moderately challenging. Along the way, you’ll get to enjoy some breathtaking vistas of Phoenix and the McDowell Mountains.

Bring lots of water and be sure to wear sunscreen. Check out this awesome tour if you prefer to experience this iconic hike with a guide!

Toms Thumb Trail in Scottsdale

The next time you’re thinking about taking a road trip, I hope you consider this Arizona itinerary. It’s a beautiful state with many exciting places to visit and see, from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon. You may even want to stop in Sedona or Page for some great sights!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other West Coast blog posts:

Joshua Tree day trip

One day in Palm Springs

LA to Joshua Tree road trip itinerary

7 day arizona road trip itinerary

My husband and I are wanting to take a trip like this and this itinerary is perfect! Hoping to see Arizona this year or next!

Yay! You’re going to love it! SO much to see and do

A great guide to follow with much to see and experience. Having visited Sedona and the Grand Canyon this post brought back wonderful memories.

Wow Arizona has been on my list but this post makes me want to go even more now!! Your pictures are beautiful. Saving this to use for my own road trip in the future, thanks for sharing!

Arizona looks so beautiful! I am planning a long US road trip soon and there really is so much to see! Thank you for sharing your itinerary!

Love Arizona, been there twice on a road trip and it’s a beautiful state. Somehow I have in my mind that we could still hike up Sunset Crater. It could be that it has changed since 2008 or that I’m mixing things up.

If you don’t mind me asking how much did this entire trip cost you. Planning one in October-December.

I honestly wish I would’ve kept track because you’re not the first to ask, but I don’t recall

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phoenix to florida road trip

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Father daughter road trip part 1: florida to arizona.

   Renter Guest Posts , Trip Ideas & Guides

Thanks to CoolWorks, John and I will both be trying out seasonal jobs in a spectacular place this summer. We want to take our Big Blue campervan with us, as our mode of transportation, so we can explore the area and van camp on our days off. We spent the last several months getting ourselves geared up and get our own Big Blue campervan ready to make the epic cross country road trip from the bottom right corner of the U.S. to the far upper left. For the van, we installed new windshield wipers, applied RAIN-X to the windshield and windows, got a safety inspection, and cut Reflectix to fit/cover and insulate all the van windows. We also purchased a NOCO GB40 jump starter, Zerostart Electric Heat Magnet, a mile by mile travel planner, a Mr. Heater Buddy propane heater, and snow tires. The snow tires had to be special ordered… they don’t get too many requests for those down here in Florida.

I wanted so badly for us to do this road trip out there together, but his job starts in late March, and mine doesn’t begin until early May. We didn’t want John doing this 5,000-mile drive by himself; winter weather is still a concern in late February and March. Ideally, it would take two people to help keep an eye on each other, the weather, share the driving and help with navigation. We were surprised when my daughter volunteered to be John’s road trip buddy. We both tried to talk her out of it… explaining that this is NOT going to be a FUN trip, it is going to be long days of driving, down snowy icy roads in the mountains, the weather is going to be cold and nasty, and you will be sleeping in the van… with your dad… who snores.

Texas Welcome Sign

But she said it was a once in a lifetime chance to do a dad-daughter road trip across the country from east to west, and then to the far north. She couldn’t pass up the chance and insisted she was going. Her husband and her work agreed, and her PTO request was approved. She was able to take a month off from work for the drive out, a short stay and the flight back home. John was hoping they could do the drive in 17 days or less. They decided to take a scenic route across the southern U.S. and stop at some iconic natural places along the way that Sara had never seen. This schedule would also allow time to hunker down in a hotel for a day or two if there was a severe winter storm, or if they had any mechanical issues with the van.

Spoiler Alert

They had an awesome adventure and got to see deserts, mountains, frozen lakes, tons of wildlife including coyote, bison, elk, caribou, lynx, and moose. They drove 6,627 miles through 15 states, and several Canadian Provinces. They slept every night of the trip in the van, even when it was single digit temps. Read on for details about the route they took and the remarkable things they got to see during their epic Dad-Daughter road trip adventure in the Big Blue campervan!

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Oklahoma Van

Cross Country Road Trip Part 1: Florida to Arizona

A late start is better than no start.

Sara had to work a long shift on the leave date, so they couldn’t get on the road until she got home, took a quick shower and ate dinner. It was a much, much later start than John had hoped for. I brewed a pot of coffee and sent it with him in a large Thermos. It was raining when they finally pulled out of the driveway at 8:00 PM. John’s detailed itinerary/schedule had them covering 465 miles on day one. They had a foggy drive in the dark through Florida and Georgia. After multiple coffee stops and pits stops at rest areas, and about eight hours of driving, they finally stopped for the night. I was relieved when I got John’s text message at 4:12 a.m. that they had made it past Atlanta. They pulled into a Pilot Travel Center truck stop West of Atlanta on I-20 West and slept for about four hours.

Just keep driving

They drove all the way through Alabama, Mississippi, the corner of Tennessee at Memphis, and crossed the mighty Mississippi River into Arkansas. The temperature was dropping and it rained off and on all day, but they were still able to make good time. They covered their first 1,000 miles less than 24 hours from leaving the house. They drove through Little Rock and stopped for a steak dinner. They almost made it across the entire state of Arkansas. But all of that days driving, and yesterday’s late night caught up with them. They pulled into the Ozark Rest Area on I-40 West, and turned in for the night… and slept for TEN HOURS! We have always slept great in our Big Blue van–we call it “van coma.” I think the Reflectix on the windows probably helped keep the sunlight out and really let them sleep in. They will be setting a wake-up alarm going forward.

Rest Area Tip

Most rest areas do not allow overnight parking. You are usually ok to pull in and sleep for a few hours. My personal rule is “be long gone at first light, and always stay less than 8 hours.” Also, these are NOT campgrounds.  While you may use the picnic area, and restrooms, please do NOT set up “camp.” This means no camp chairs, clotheslines, or loitering, please.

Palo Duro Canyon Texas

Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma

The weather was cool and clear. This was their first of several scheduled adventure days. As they drove across fields of cattle, horses, cotton, windmills and oil derricks in Oklahoma along historic Route 66, they took time to stop at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge .  They enjoyed views of the mountains, rocks, lake, and prairies. They saw bison, turkey, free-range Texas Longhorn, a kestrel, flocks of geese, a huge prairie dog town, and heard coyotes howl in the distance.

They contemplated staying the night at Doris Campground, but it was still early, so they headed toward Palo Duro Canyon State Park near Amarillo, Texas. This is “The Grand Canyon of Texas,” the second largest canyon in the country. They camped at the bottom of the canyon that night and enjoyed hot showers in the heated bathhouse. The temperature was 27, but they slept warm in the van under the down duvet and quilt. They did not need to break out the warm sleeping bags.

New Mexico Rainbow

Palo Duro Canyon, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona

Brrrr, it was cold. In the twenties, but “real feel” was 19 degrees. Time to dig out the wool socks and beanies. They woke up early hoping to catch the sunrise across the canyon, but it was foggy and overcast. The canyon was still beautiful with its layers of green, red, purple, yellow, and white clay and stone. They spotted deer, including several bucks, a cottontail rabbit and a coyote. They booked it through the rest of Texas and randomly spotted a bison and a camel in someone’s yard?!  They were fascinated to observe an entire field of wind turbines under construction. They stopped by the famous Cadillac Ranch, an art installation created in 1974. The ten nose-down cars were covered in so many layers of graffiti; the spray paint was several inches thick.

The sun came out for a little while as they drove into New Mexico. It warmed up into the ’60s, time to shed some layers. It rained as they neared Albuquerque, but then they were treated to an awesome sight: a desert rainbow. They stopped for some yummy Mexican food at lunchtime and saw their first bit of snow, already on the ground.  They observed a lone pronghorn (“antelope”) after they crossed into Arizona . They drove into a beautiful orange sunset and stopped for the night at a truck stop outside of Petrified Forest National Park.

Petrified Forest Arizona

Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Grand Canyon, Arizona

The sun was shining as they took time to explore the 28-mile scenic drive through Petrified Forest National Park and the surrounding Painted Desert. There were huge mesas and 130-200+ million year old petrified logs. The ancient forest turned to stone was intriguing and expanded much farther than they expected. The Crystal Forest had full size chunks of quarts all over the hills. Next, they drove toward Flagstaff and the gorgeous white-capped San Francisco Peaks on their way to check out the South Rim of the Grand Canyon at Desert View Watchtower . This was a great stop, not too far out of the way, that allowed them to take in a view of this Natural World Wonder, even though they were on a tight schedule. After a long day of exploring, they were excited to cook a meal and chill out, outside of the van at camp that night. But it started raining as they checked into the Page Lake Powell Campground. The indoor Jacuzzi was closed (bummer). But all was not lost. The drizzle stopped and the night was salvaged. Gazing at the night sky in the desert was mesmerizing.

Antelope Canyon Arizona

Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Sara had been excited and looking forward to touring Antelope Canyon in Arizona. Tour guides and reservations are required to enter the slot canyons. They checked into their scheduled Upper Antelope Canyon tour an hour early, as required. The tour was crowded, but the canyon was amazing. The light changed every 5-10 minutes, especially during the morning. It was incredible to see the changing features and colors. Their tour guide was super and walked them through the best camera settings to capture great shots due to the low light in the bottom of the canyon. They hiked less than a mile through the washout, but the slot canyon continues for another 15 miles and varies from 100-120+ feet high. Their favorite feature was an area called “Dragon’s Eye.” It was menacing.

Horseshoe Bend Arizona

They headed on to their next stop to hike the 1 mile round trip trail to Horseshoe Bend. This is where the Colorado River pulls a 270-degree turn. The hike was at elevation, and the Florida flatlanders had to stop and take a couple of breaks to catch their breath. But on the way back to the van, they challenged each other to hike without stopping. The cliffs were sheer 1,000-foot drops. You could see ripples, current, and blue and green streaks of algae and sediment along the river. It was beautiful.

They were watching the weather closely as winter storms were hammering most parts of the country. After six days, they had gone as far as west as they wanted to, and their route had kept them just south of the nastiest weather. But the time had come to make a right turn and start heading North. Stay tuned for a future blog post with Part 2 of their epic Dad-Daughter trip to find out what they encountered next!

And if you want to do a similar road trip, book your campervan from our Orlando rental site and drop it off at our Phoenix location .

Grand Canyon National Park

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phoenix to florida road trip

Road Trip from Phoenix to Grand Canyon

A road trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is the perfect way to see some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States.

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road and exploring America’s incredible landscapes. And what could be better than combining that with a visit to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders?

A road trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is the perfect way to see some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.

The drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff is a beautiful one, as you travel through red rock canyons and past pine-covered mountains. Once you reach Flagstaff, you can continue on to the Grand Canyon Village, where you’ll find visitor centers, restaurants, and hotels.

If you’re up for an adventure, consider hiking down into the canyon itself. Or if you’d prefer something a bit more relaxed, take a scenic helicopter tour or simply enjoy a leisurely walk along the rim.

The drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is about 4 hours long, and there are many beautiful places to stop and take pictures along the way. I just did this trip with my family and it was really quite amazing!

We flew into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport which is right in downtown Phoenix. Then we hopped into our rental car for our road trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon! But, we made sure we did some sight-seeing in the Phoenix area before heading north.

The first place we stopped at was Hole in the Rock located in Papago Park. It is exactly what it sounds like – a hole in a rock. But, the cool thing is you’re able to climb up into the rock and you get a beautiful view of the park below.

The hike up to the hole is a short, easy .3 mile hike. But, this is a popular walking spot, so expect to see lots of people while you’re here. Many people like to sit and hangout in the hole for a while to enjoy the view.

Another great spot to check out in Phoenix is Tempe Beach Park. It’s a beautiful spot with lots of things to do!

You can rent electric scooters to drive around the perimeter of the lake. You can also rent paddle boats, kayaks, and paddle boards to enjoy out on the water! It’s a great place to watch the sunset.

Montezuma Castle National Monument and Well

Montezuma Castle and Well Arizona is a nice stop as you drive north from Phoenix. Both spots are a short drive off I-17.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

The castle is a national monument that was built between approximately AD 1100 and 1425. The well is about 15-20 minutes drive from the castle and is worth visiting.

Montezuma Well

The Red Rock Scenic Byway is a picturesque drive that takes you from I-17 to Route 89A in Sedona. So be sure to take the exit for Route 179 toward Sedona on your way from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon.

The route winds its way through the red rocks of Sedona, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery, including hikes, viewpoints, and photo ops.

The drive is definitely worth it if you’re looking for a beautiful Arizona road trip.

Sedona, Arizona

The Bell Rock trailhead parking lot is a worthwhile stopping point as you drive north along route 179. It’s one of the first red rock landmarks you’ll see as you enter Sedona.

Chapel of The Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross sits elevated on the red rocks that can be seen in Sedona. This building is rated as one of the best attractions in Sedona.

But, if you’re going to visit, make sure you get there as early as possible. Parking very limited, but it’s worth the visit even if you just drive by.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Slide Rock State Park Arizona

As you drive through Sedona, Arizona’s famous red rock country, you’ll see signs for Slide Rock State Park. The park is located in scenic Oak Creek Canyon, just north of Sedona.

Slide Rock State Park

The park features a natural water slide created by Oak Creek flowing over a smooth granite surface. The water is cold and refreshing, and the slide is a lot of fun! There’s also a swimming hole and some hiking trails.

The swimming area in Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park

There is a fee to enter and the park does close before sunset. You’ll find the park hours and entrance fee information on the Slide Rock Park website .

Red Rock State Park

Another great park to visit as you drive through Sedona is Red Rock State Park. This beautiful state rock is a 286 acre nature preserve and environmental education center with stunning scenery.

There are various trails you can walk on your own to get views of the red rocks of the canyon and beautiful views of Oak Creek. They also offer guided nature walks daily at 10am. If you’re into birds, there are guided bird walks on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8am.

Oak Creek going through Red Rock State Park. Swimming and wading in the creek is prohibited to help protect the habitat.

Flagstaff, Arizona is a great place to stop and see some of the natural wonders of the area. Just south of Flagstaff is Sunset Crater National Monument which is a volcano that erupted about 1000 years ago.

The lava flow from the eruption created the cone-shaped mountain that is now Sunset Crater. The monument is open year round and offers hiking trails, viewpoints, and a visitor center.

Sunset Crater

Williams Arizona

Williams, Arizona is located on Historic Route 66 and makes a perfect stop when traveling from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon. The town is known for its Route 66 memorabilia and as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” There are several things to see and do in Williams, including the following:

The Bearizona Wildlife Park is a family-friendly attraction that features drive-through wildlife habitats where visitors can see bears, wolves, bison and other animals up close.

Entrance to Bearizona

The Grand Canyon Railway offers train rides from Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The ride takes about 2.5 hours each way and includes views of the Colorado River and the canyon walls.

The Grand Canyon Railway is a great option if you’re staying overnight in one of the resorts within the Grand Canyon Village.

Grand Canyon Train

The Williams Depot Museum tells the story of Route 66 and features exhibits on local history and culture. The Frontier Museum showcases exhibits on Western history, Native American culture and pioneer life in Arizona.

Buckskinner Park is a great little park that has a reservoir with beautiful views of mountains surrounding the park. If you have some downtime, this cute little park is definitely worth visiting.

Some things you can do at this park are hiking and fishing. The day we visited, there was a man hiking who said he saw an eagle and an osprey. This is a good spot to bird watch and see other wildlife as well!

Buckskinner Park in Williams Arizona. This park is just a short drive from Historic Route 66.

Santa Fe Reservoir is another great fishing spot in Williams, Arizona. Much like Buckskinner Park, it has beautiful views of the mountains surrounding the water. There is also a dam here that you can walk across.

Santa Fe Resevoir in Williams, Arizona

The day we went, I saw more Ospreys than I have ever seen at one time. There were at least 6 ospreys flying over the reservoir and fishing for lunch. It was really quite the experience! And, I got some great pictures too.

Osprey overlooking Santa Fe Reservoir

While I was at the reservoir, I also saw a Great Blue Heron. While I see both Ospreys and Blue Herons quite often in my home state of Connecticut, it was still really exciting to be able to see these birds in a completely different environment!

Great Blue Heron at Santa Fe Reservoir

Dogtown Lake

Dogtown Lake Campground is another great place to go visit if you have some downtime on your way to the Grand Canyon. This beautiful lake is located in the Kaibab National Forest.

Dogtown Lake in Williams, Arizona

This lake is a good spot for camping, fishing, and hiking. There is a hiking trail that takes you to a scenic overlook of the area from the top of nearby Davenport Hill. Whether you’re looking to go camping or just enjoy some tranquil time in nature, this is a great spot to visit.

Enjoying the views of the lake from a wood swing at the Dogtown Lake Campground.

Kaibab Lake

Kaibab Lake Campground is another great spot located in Williams, Arizona. This lake is a great spot for fishing, hiking, picnicking, and camping. Much like the lakes mentioned above, it is a beautiful spot where you have a nice view the mountains in the surrounding area.

Kailey posing at Kaibab Lake

Mountain drive

Bill Williams Mountain is a peak that you can actually drive up to in Williams, Arizona! The Bill Williams Mountain Road Scenic Drive is definitely worth doing if you have time!

Bill Willams Mountain

The drive to the top is best to take in late spring, summer, and in the fall when the leaves are changing. The road is closed in the winter for safety reasons. The road takes you right to the top of the mountain where you get great views of the San Francisco Peaks, the Prescott/Chino Valley, and the Grand Canyon.

If you happen to be in the area when the road is closed, you can always hike up the mountain. It is a short day hike that’s moderately difficult. Along the hike, you’ll get great views of the valley below as well as views of surrounding peaks!

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world and for good reason. It is an amazing sight to see and there are plenty of activities available such as hiking, camping, river rafting, and more.

The South Rim

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the most popular spot for visitors, and is home to the Grand Canyon Village. The village offers lodging, food, and shopping options for visitors. There are also several trails that start from the village, including the popular Bright Angel Trail.

Bright Angel Lodge is one of the places to stay within Grand Canyon National Park.

The North Rim

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is much less crowded than the South Rim, and it offers visitors a more peaceful and secluded experience. It is also home to the only lodge inside the park, making it a perfect spot for those who want to avoid camping.

The views from the North Rim are just as stunning as those from the South Rim, but with far fewer people around, visitors can really take in all that this natural wonder has to offer.

A road trip from Phoenix to Grand Canyon is a great way to see some of the best scenery in the country. Starting in Phoenix, take I-17 north to Flagstaff. But instead of continuing on the interstate, get off the exit for highway 179 towards Sedona. Then head north on Route 89A towards Flagstaff.

There are many scenic routes to take between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon National Park, including the historic Route 66 in Williams. From Williams, just take Route 64 north to enter the National Park at the South Rim.

The North Rim is only open for a few months from spring through fall. It takes about 4.5 hours to drive from the South Rim to the North Rim. If you’d like to make the trip, you’ll take Highway 64 east to Cameron then drive north on Highway 89A west to Jacob Lake. From Jacob Lake, take Highway 67 south to the North Rim entrance.

The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic sights in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. The canyon stretches for more than 277 miles, and visitors can explore it on foot or by car. The drive from Phoenix to the canyon is a beautiful one, with spectacular views of the desert landscape.

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phoenix to florida road trip

40 Best Stops Between Jacksonville and Phoenix

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How long is the drive from Jacksonville to Phoenix?

The direct drive from Jacksonville to Phoenix is 2044 mi (3289 km) , and should have a drive time of 1 day 6 hrs in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Jacksonville to Phoenix, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with New Orleans , San Antonio , Houston , Austin , Tucson , Galveston , Panama City Beach , Fredericksburg , Pensacola , and Biloxi , as well as top places to visit like Three Sisters Springs and Panama City Beach, or the ever-popular Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

phoenix to florida road trip

Top cities between Jacksonville and Phoenix

Panama city beach.

phoenix to florida road trip

New Orleans

phoenix to florida road trip

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phoenix to florida road trip

San Antonio

Fredericksburg, best stops along jacksonville to phoenix drive, butterfly rainforest at the florida museum of natural history.

phoenix to florida road trip

Three Sisters Springs

Henderson beach state park.

phoenix to florida road trip

Destin Harbor Boardwalk

Navarre beach, pensacola beach, national naval aviation museum, alabama gulf coast zoo.

phoenix to florida road trip

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

Beau rivage resort & casino.

phoenix to florida road trip

Jackson Square

phoenix to florida road trip

French Quarter

phoenix to florida road trip

The National WWII Museum

phoenix to florida road trip

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phoenix to florida road trip

Canal + Baronne (In)

Airboat adventures, cajun pride swamp tours, laura plantation: louisiana's créole heritage site, oak alley plantation, houmas house estate and gardens, tabasco factory tours, champagne's swamp tours / with the only facilities and restrooms, store, ect on lake martin, louisiana, the country club at the golden nugget.

phoenix to florida road trip

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phoenix to florida road trip

Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry

Kemah boardwalk, space center houston, houston museum of natural science, top searches in phoenix, other popular road trips from jacksonville, explore nearby places.

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Phoenix throughout the year

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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Phoenix?

Get inspired for your trip to Phoenix with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from jacksonville to phoenix.

Yes! You can drive from Jacksonville to Phoenix.

How far is Phoenix from Jacksonville by car?

The drive from Jacksonville to Phoenix is 2044 miles (3289 km).

How long does it take to drive from Jacksonville to Phoenix?

Driving from Jacksonville to Phoenix should take you 1 day 6 hrs in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Jacksonville to Phoenix?

Gas from Jacksonville to Phoenix would cost around $179 to $418 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Jacksonville to Phoenix?

You could check out Three Sisters Springs and Panama City Beach, or the always popular Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History!

What are the best cities to visit between Jacksonville and Phoenix?

People love visiting New Orleans, San Antonio, and Houston, among others.

What's the weather like in Jacksonville?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

  • Weather in Jacksonville in January
  • Weather in Jacksonville in February
  • Weather in Jacksonville in March
  • Weather in Jacksonville in April
  • Weather in Jacksonville in May
  • Weather in Jacksonville in June
  • Weather in Jacksonville in July
  • Weather in Jacksonville in August
  • Weather in Jacksonville in September
  • Weather in Jacksonville in October
  • Weather in Jacksonville in November
  • Weather in Jacksonville in December

What are some other road trips from Jacksonville?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Jacksonville.

  • Jacksonville to Orlando drive
  • Jacksonville to New York City drive
  • Jacksonville to Savannah drive
  • Jacksonville to Washington DC drive
  • Jacksonville to New Orleans drive
  • Jacksonville to Tampa drive
  • Jacksonville to Charleston drive
  • Jacksonville to Atlanta drive
  • Jacksonville to Miami Beach drive
  • Jacksonville to Chicago drive
  • Jacksonville to Nashville drive
  • Jacksonville to Titusville drive
  • Jacksonville to Gatlinburg drive
  • Jacksonville to Toronto drive
  • Jacksonville to Sarasota drive
  • Jacksonville to Myrtle Beach drive
  • Jacksonville to Boston drive
  • Jacksonville to Daytona Beach drive
  • Jacksonville to Philadelphia drive
  • Jacksonville to Niagara Falls drive
  • Jacksonville to Memphis drive
  • Jacksonville to San Antonio drive
  • Jacksonville to Baltimore drive
  • Jacksonville to Montreal drive
  • Jacksonville to Chattanooga drive
  • Jacksonville to Branson drive
  • Jacksonville to Panama City Beach drive
  • Jacksonville to Williamsburg drive
  • Jacksonville to Saint Louis drive
  • Jacksonville to Naples drive

phoenix to florida road trip

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  1. The Ultimate Florida Road Trip Guide: 14-day Itinerary

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  2. How to plan a great Florida road trip

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  3. The Ultimate Florida Road Trip: 31 Places Not To Miss

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  4. Epic Florida Road Trip Guide For July 2019

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  5. The Ultimate Florida Road Trip and 31 Places Not to Miss. Florida is

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  6. The 14-Day Best of Florida Road Trip

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  1. driving tour of phoenix

  2. Experience the Thrill of a Florida Road Trip

  3. Driving to Florida

  4. Florida Road Trip: Miami Beach

  5. Florida road trip (Part 13). Driving to Florida State Park

COMMENTS

  1. Phoenix to Florida drive

    10:00 am leave from Pensacola. drive for about 3 hours. 1:01 pm Tallahassee. stay for about 1 hour. and leave at 2:01 pm. drive for about 5 hours. 6:53 pm arrive at Florida. day 5 driving ≈ 8 hours. find more stops.

  2. Stops and things to do on Phoenix to Orlando drive or road trip

    Best stops along Phoenix to Orlando drive. The top stops along the way from Phoenix to Orlando (with short detours) are Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Clearwater Beach, and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Other popular stops include The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum), National Naval Aviation Museum, and Panama City Beach.

  3. Phoenix to Orlando Florida drive

    drive for about 8.5 hours. 5:41 pm Tampa. stay for about 2 hours. and leave at 7:41 pm. drive for about 1.5 hours. 9:02 pm arrive at Orlando Florida. day 5 driving ≈ 10 hours. find more stops.

  4. Stops and things to do on Phoenix to Tampa drive or road trip

    If you're going on a road trip from Phoenix to Tampa, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with New Orleans, San Antonio, ... Pensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle, and the county seat and only incorporated city of Escambia County, Florida. Pensacola is the principal city of the ...

  5. Phoenix to Orlando drive

    7:25 pm Pensacola. stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am. day 4 driving ≈ 8.5 hours. find more stops. Day 5. 10:00 am leave from Pensacola. drive for about 7 hours. 4:47 pm arrive in Orlando. stay at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

  6. Stops and things to do on Phoenix to Miami drive or road trip

    If you're going on a road trip from Phoenix to Miami, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Orlando, New Orleans, San Antonio, St. Augustine, Tampa, Houston, Austin, Tucson, Sarasota, and Clearwater, as well as top places to visit like Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry and Oak Alley Plantation, or the ...

  7. Roadtrip from Arizona to Florida for 2 weeks during summer

    Hello,my family and i are going on a road trip from Arizona to Florida and was wondering any tips or advice on places to see and what to expect. Good places to eat, sight seeing, etc. Phx-> El Paso, TX 1 night. El Paso->San Antonio 1 night. San antonio->new Orleans. New Orleans->Tallahassee.

  8. Driving Time from Phoenix, AZ to Orlando, FL

    The total driving time is 30 hours, 12 minutes. Your trip begins in Phoenix, Arizona. It ends in Orlando, Florida. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Phoenix, AZ to Orlando, FL. You can also calculate the cost to drive from Phoenix, AZ to Orlando, FL based on current local gas ...

  9. 15 Best Florida Road Trips And Scenic Drives

    Seven Mile Bridge. The journey from Miami to Key West is one of the most scenic drives in Florida! The drive is lined with greens and blues from the beaches and palm trees. This is a great Florida road trip with kids! It will take you through some of the most beautiful attractions the Sunshine State has to offer.

  10. Road Trip Planner

    In-app RV navigation. Hit the road with safety and ease by using turn-by-turn directions, designed specifically for your RV. Simply enter your rig's size and propane restrictions, and we'll find the best routes to your next destination. Get RV GPS.

  11. The Ultimate List of Things to Do On an I-10 Road Trip (CA, AZ, NM, TX

    Day 12: Riverwalk and the Alamo Day 13: Pearl Market and shops Day 14: Six Flags Fiesta, Texas and/or Sea World (if you or your family are interested. Otherwise, skip) That lookalike is actually my sister in front of the Alamo. Take a Night Tour with Riverboat Cruise Along Riverwalk. Take a Day Trip to the Texas Hill Country.

  12. Road Trip Route Planner, Map and Trip Guides

    The ultimate road trip planner to help you discover extraordinary places, book hotels, and share itineraries all from the map. ... Improve this map; Remove Ads. Start New Trip. Share Map. Start New Trip. Trip Guides. About; Membership; Magazine; Contact; Help; Did you know: If you use the Roadtrippers mobile app, your trips will instantly auto ...

  13. Stops and things to do on Phoenix to Fort Lauderdale drive or road trip

    If you're going on a road trip from Phoenix to Fort Lauderdale, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Orlando, New Orleans, San Antonio, St. Augustine, Tampa, Houston, Austin, Tucson, Sarasota, and Clearwater, as well as top places to visit like Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry and Oak Alley Plantation ...

  14. The best road trips from Phoenix, Arizona

    For Marriott loyalists, the Triada Palm Springs, Autograph Collection has a central location and rates from $275 or 40,000 points on off-peak nights. Just beyond Palm Springs, the clifftop Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage will set you back 50,000 points on off-peak nights. Cash rates can drop as low as $250, but can exceed $600 per night.

  15. Get Driving Directions, Live Traffic & Road Conditions

    Step by step directions for your drive or walk. Easily add multiple stops, see live traffic and road conditions. Find nearby businesses, restaurants and hotels. Explore!

  16. Epic 7-Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary: From Phoenix to Page

    Table of Contents. 7-day Arizona road trip itinerary. Day 1-3: Phoenix and Scottsdale. Quick links for your Arizona road trip. Things to do in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Day 3-4: Sedona. Things to do in Sedona. Day 4-5: Flagstaff and Page. Things to do in Flagstaff.

  17. Florida to Phoenix drive

    6:52 pm Pensacola. stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am. day 1 driving ≈ 8 hours. find more stops. Day 2. 10:00 am leave from Pensacola. drive for about 4 hours. 1:59 pm Baton Rouge. stay for about 1 hour.

  18. Gas Trip Calculator. Find lowest fuel prices & save

    Get the best prices at the perfect time. You can gain access to insider knowledge to save money by using the GasBuddy gas calculator. Find the cheapest gas stations on your route with this easy-to-use gas estimator for your trip. Discover how this simple tool can estimate your total trip cost, gas mileage, gallons used, and the savings you'll ...

  19. Phoenix to Tampa drive

    drive for about 3 hours. 1:01 pm Tallahassee. stay for about 1 hour. and leave at 2:01 pm. drive for about 4 hours. 6:15 pm arrive in Tampa. eat at Ulele. stay at Columbia Restaurant. day 5 driving ≈ 7 hours.

  20. Father Daughter Road Trip Part 1: Florida to Arizona

    This is where the Colorado River pulls a 270-degree turn. The hike was at elevation, and the Florida flatlanders had to stop and take a couple of breaks to catch their breath. But on the way back to the van, they challenged each other to hike without stopping. The cliffs were sheer 1,000-foot drops.

  21. Stops and things to do on Orlando to Phoenix drive or road trip

    Best stops along Orlando to Phoenix drive. The top stops along the way from Orlando to Phoenix (with short detours) are Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Clearwater Beach, and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Other popular stops include The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum), National Naval Aviation Museum, and Panama City Beach.

  22. Phoenix to Naples (Florida) drive

    8:00 am leave from Beau Rivage. drive for about 8.5 hours. 4:41 pm Tampa. stay for about 2 hours. and leave at 6:41 pm. drive for about 2.5 hours. 9:19 pm arrive in Naples (Florida) day 5 driving ≈ 11.5 hours. find more stops.

  23. Road Trip from Phoenix to Grand Canyon

    A road trip from Phoenix to Grand Canyon is a great way to see some of the best scenery in the country. Starting in Phoenix, take I-17 north to Flagstaff. But instead of continuing on the ...

  24. Road Trip Planner

    The Trippy road trip planner automatically calculates the optimal itinerary including stops recommended by Trippy members, favorite restaurants and hotels, local attractions and things to do based on what people who live in the area have suggested, and more. Once you have a quick trip planned, you can customize every detail, adding or removing ...

  25. Stops and things to do on Jacksonville to Phoenix drive or road trip

    Best stops along Jacksonville to Phoenix drive. The top stops along the way from Jacksonville to Phoenix (with short detours) are The National WWII Museum, French Quarter, and Space Center Houston. Other popular stops include National Naval Aviation Museum, Panama City Beach, and Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry. Show only these on map.