Earlier this year, we took our first vacation as a family of three to Arizona. Lake was nine and a half months old and it was her first trip and first time on an airplane. The trip was in February and right before the COVID-19 craziness really hit so we were really fortunate that it even got to happen.
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This was my third trip to Arizona in three years and its become one of my favorite places to visit. My best friend, Kelsi, and I went on a girls trip to Scottsdale and Sedona in May 2018 and T and I went last January when he ran the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon.
My favorite thing about Arizona is the great hiking. I also just love the “vibe” and scenery of the desert as well as the rock formations, colors, exotic plants, flowers and palm trees. My favorite thing I’ve done so far has been hiking Devil’s Bridge Trail in Sedona.
We were only in Arizona for three full days and with a baby we didn’t want to pack our schedule too full. So while this list may look a little short, it ended up working out great for us.
RELATED READING: Arizona Trip 2022: What We Did, Where We Ate!
WHERE WE STAYED
Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas – I looked at a few different hotels but we ultimately decided to go with the Hilton because of the great experience my friend and I had when we stayed there in 2018. It’s in a great location in Scottsdale, has a nice pool, free and ample parking and is pretty quiet.
WHAT WE DID
Pool Time – It was so much fun just to hang out in and by the hotel pool. It was Lake’s first time in a pool and while she wasn’t overly excited she didn’t seem to mind it too much either. She also just loved hanging out in the lounge chairs people-watching!
Swimsuit | Reusable Swim Diaper | Hat | Sunglasses
Fashion Square Mall – This is a really nice mall and we had fun just walking around.
Papago Park – A lovely, scenic park. We also hiked up to the ‘Hole in the Rock.’ It’s a quick and easy jaunt to the top and T had no problem wearing Lake in the baby carrier.
Sedona – I was really excited for T to see Sedona for the first time. It really is a 360 degree postcard. Since it was really hot and we didn’t want to keep Lake out in the sun/heat for too long, we mainly stuck to driving around. We did do a little hiking near Cathedral Rock. Sedona is definitely somewhere I look forward to visiting again when Lake is older and we can hike as a family.
WHERE WE ATE
In-N-Out – Home of my favorite fast food french fries!
Shake Shack – Home of my favorite fast food burger!
Nekter Juice Bar – Love their açaí bowls and smoothies.
Kodo Sushi & Sake – Delicious sushi and very friendly staff. Love how they have a brown rice option for their rolls.
Sweet Republic – Delectable artisan ice cream. Lots of unique flavors.
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen – Great healthy options. This is where we ate lunch in Sedona.
Prep & Pastry – This was the restaurant I was looking forward to trying the most and it didn’t disappoint. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed the most delicious brunch!
Teaspressa – A suuuper cute all-natural, organic tea shop. This shop is so instagrammable! I (of course) got an iced matcha latte!
We’ll be back for you, Arizona! We still have a lot more to see and do, including the Grand Canyon, more hiking in Sedona, the Desert Botanical Garden and attend a spring training game for T’s beloved Cubs! Leave a comment below letting me know if there’s anything else we need to add to our future Arizona itinerary list!
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