5-Day Itinerary: Scottsdale, Phoenix, Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon — Affordable Luxury You Deserve!

6 min readSep 17, 2024

Planning a trip to Arizona? Whether you’re a desert adventurer, foodie, or luxury traveler who likes to save, I’ve got the perfect 5-day itinerary that will give you a taste of the best that Scottsdale, Phoenix, Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon have to offer. Get ready for breathtaking landscapes, exquisite dining, and experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories — all without breaking the bank.

Day 1: Arrival in Phoenix/Scottsdale

Where to Stay: The Scott Resort & Spa in Scottsdale. This boutique luxury hotel is known for its upscale island-chic design, and you can often find deals on Skyscanner that will surprise you! If you’re booking hotels, remember to check Agoda for unbeatable rates — sometimes up to 50% off if you’re lucky.
Morning: Arrive at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). If you’re flying from Dallas or LA, consider taking JSX. It’s a hop-on jet service offering semi-private flights at a fraction of the price you’d expect for such an exclusive experience.
Rental Car: Pick up your rental car using Skyscanner, which offers excellent deals on rental cars. Opt for something comfortable yet efficient, like a mid-sized SUV or luxury sedan — you’ll want space for all your desert adventures.
Lunch: Head straight to Olive & Ivy in Scottsdale for a light, Mediterranean-style lunch by the water. Their fresh, seasonal menu gives a great first taste of Scottsdale’s laid-back luxury vibe.
Afternoon: Explore Old Town Scottsdale. Wander through art galleries, boutique shops, and maybe pick up some unique Southwestern souvenirs. Don’t miss the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.
Dinner: Book a table at The Mission for dinner. This upscale restaurant serves modern Latin cuisine with a beautiful outdoor setting. Try their tableside guacamole and crispy pork tacos — you won’t regret it.

Day 2: Phoenix — City Sights and Desert Adventure

Breakfast: Start your day at Hash Kitchen, famous for their creative build-your-own Bloody Mary bar (don’t worry — I’ll stick to fresh juice and water!). Their hash skillets are also a must-try.
Morning: Hike up Camelback Mountain early in the day to avoid the desert heat. The Echo Canyon Trail is more challenging but worth it for the incredible panoramic views of Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Lunch: Cool down with lunch at True Food Kitchen. This health-conscious restaurant offers refreshing dishes like quinoa bowls and vibrant salads. It’s a light yet satisfying option after your hike.
Afternoon: Head to Desert Botanical Garden for an immersive experience among Arizona’s native plants and wildlife. Wander through paths of towering saguaro cacti, vibrant desert flowers, and if you’re lucky, spot a roadrunner or two.
Dinner: For a truly luxurious dining experience, try T. Cook’s at the Royal Palms Resort. The Mediterranean-inspired dishes with local ingredients will blow you away. Pro tip: you can find discounts here through Skyscanner or Agoda, so it’s possible to dine in style without the high price tag.

Day 3: Scottsdale to Flagstaff (via Sedona)

Morning: Grab a quick breakfast and coffee at The Henry before hitting the road. Your drive from Scottsdale to Flagstaff is about 2 hours, but you’ll take a scenic detour through Sedona.
Stop in Sedona: Take some time to explore the magical red rock landscapes. Park at Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock for short hikes that reward you with stunning views.
Lunch in Sedona: Try Elote Café for upscale Mexican food with an Arizona twist. Their elote (grilled corn) and smoked brisket enchiladas are simply mouthwatering.
Afternoon in Flagstaff: Continue your drive to Flagstaff. Check into Little America Hotel, an elegant hotel nestled among pine trees. Flagstaff’s cooler climate will be a refreshing break from the desert heat.
Dinner: For dinner, enjoy the rustic, cozy vibes at Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar. Their farm-to-table approach delivers fresh, flavorful dishes — an unexpected treat in this mountain town.

Day 4: Grand Canyon National Park Adventure

Morning: Rise early, because it’s Grand Canyon day! The drive from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim is about 1.5 hours, so grab a coffee and breakfast to-go from Late for the Train.

What to See:

Park at the South Rim Visitor Center and start with Mather Point for your first breathtaking view of the canyon.
Walk along the Rim Trail for stunning views, or if you’re feeling adventurous, hike part of the Bright Angel Trail. Just don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen — the desert sun can be unforgiving.
For a more leisurely option, take the free shuttle to different viewpoints like Yavapai Point or Hopi Point for some of the best photo ops.

Lunch: Pack a lunch for a picnic at one of the scenic spots. There are several grocery stores in Flagstaff where you can pick up sandwiches and snacks before heading out.

Afternoon: Don’t miss the Desert View Watchtower on your way out of the park. This historic tower offers panoramic views of the canyon and the Colorado River — perfect for your final look at this natural wonder before heading back to Flagstaff.
Return Trip: Drive back to Flagstaff in the evening. The round-trip from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon will take you about 3 hours of driving total, so plan accordingly.
Dinner: For dinner, enjoy wood-fired pizzas at Pizzicletta — a casual yet delicious option after a long day of adventure.

Day 5: Flagstaff to Phoenix

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at The Toasted Owl Café before making your way back to Phoenix. On your way down, consider stopping again in Sedona or take the more direct route back to Phoenix (about a 2-hour drive).
Afternoon: If you have time before your flight, spend your last afternoon relaxing at The Phoenician in Scottsdale. Their luxury spa and pool are open to day visitors (with a fee), so treat yourself to some affordable luxury before heading home.
Departure: Drop off your rental car at the Phoenix airport and catch your flight. Book your return flight through Skyscanner for the best deals and flexibility. Keep an eye out for JSX if you’re flying back to Dallas or LA.

What to Pack for the Grand Canyon:

Refillable water bottle (hydration is key!)
Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
Comfortable hiking shoes
Snacks for the trail or scenic overlooks
Layers, as temperatures can fluctuate
Portable phone charger (you’ll take a lot of photos!)

Affordable Luxury Travel Tips Recap:

Skyscanner is your go-to for finding the best deals on flights, rental cars, and hotels. Always check here first before booking anything. It’s your key to affordable luxury travel.
Start with the American Express Gold Card to earn 90K miles with the intro offer, and graduate to the American Express Platinum Card for 150K points — perfect for booking flights or upgrading your travel experiences.
For seamless trip planning, use my Ultimate Travel Guides. I’ll handle the details, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy your trip.

Other Recommendations:

For great hotel deals, check Agoda after booking your flights on Skyscanner. Sometimes you can save 50% or more on luxury stays.
Looking for local tours or day trips? Book through Viator for fun activities like Sedona jeep tours or hot air balloon rides over Phoenix.

Until next time here’s to smooth skies, good company, a journey full of happy memories. I’m your Travel Hack Guide to affordable luxury tips. Catch you later. Peace

Travel Hack Guy

ZachusTravel.com & YouTube.com/zachustravel