The Spontaneous Road Trip Through Arizona That Is The Perfect Weekend Of Adventure

It's best to hit the road early in the morning on the first day just to fit everything in. Ready to go?

If you enjoy exploring and hiking, a trip to Agua Fria National Monument is a great first stop. Within the park are two mesas, a canyon, archeological ruins, and the Agua Fria River. If you intend on exploring by car, you'll need a 4x4 vehicle. However, you can take a short hike instead if you don't have a high-clearance vehicle.

Years ago, my husband, son, and I took a very spontaneous road trip to Out of Africa Wildlife Park. It was a blast! We absolutely loved the safari where we could see giraffes up close. We also saw many other animals like lions, tigers, zebras, and more. This is a fantastic family-friendly destination in Arizona and I thought it was worth a stop on this road trip.

After spending so much time outdoors, you've probably worked up an appetite and would love nothing more than to have a relaxing meal somewhere. Our next stop is Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria in Cottonwood. This beautiful vineyard has its own trattoria where you can sit down for dinner with a view. Enjoy an array of offerings such as pasta, wood-fired pizza, and more. Pair your meal with a glass of the vineyard's wine for a perfect end to the day.

If you need accommodations in Cottonwood, take a look at the Historic Dairy Home, and book your stay. Get some sleep and get ready for tomorrow's adventures!

Welcome to Day Two! From Cottonwood, take 89A through Oak Creek Canyon towards Sedona. On the way, you'll stop by one of my favorite spots in the state, Midgley Bridge. The bridge itself is worth the stop but once you see the views of Sedona's red rocks along with the canyon, your jaw will drop. Not only is it scenic but it's a great picnic spot. There are also hiking trails you can take here if you have the time.

I absolutely love exploring the shops, galleries, and eateries found at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. This unique shopping village in Arizona is like no other place. It's also quite a scenic and relaxing place to walk around for a few hours.

Another must-visit place for me in Sedona is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. No matter how many times I've been, I find myself in awe of its architecture. Built in the red rocks hovering over a neighborhood, the views from the church are jaw-dropping. And when you head indoors, you may be as mesmerized with its beautiful simplicity as I am.

Rock Springs Café is almost mandatory to make a stop at when traveling along the I-17. Not only is it a great pit stop but you can grab a meal and souvenirs or, better yet, some of its world-famous pie. What a way to end a trip!