Las Vegas to Arizona Road Trip Tritinerary

There’s no shortage of fabulous food in Las Vegas, with a world of cuisines and venues ranging from fancy to no-frills. Some of the restaurants generating buzz right now include Best Friend (Korean/Mexican fusion), Esther’s Kitchen (seasonal Italian), Bazaar Meat (high-end shared plates) and Herbs & Rye (steaks and cocktails).

If food is your number one priority and time permits, then duck over the border to enjoy one of the greatest wonders of the eating world. Tucson, Arizona—a seven-hour drive or short flight away—has earned its rightful place as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The city’s rich Mexican and Native American heritage shapes diverse culinary offerings, from street food to gourmet dining. Start with El Taco Rustico, where locals flock for mouthwatering tacos and sides.

For easy exploration, join a guided food tour. Discover hidden gems like Tucson’s farmers markets, where you can savor local delicacies like cactus, prickly pear and chiltepin. Keep an eye out for the city’s prized food, music and arts festivals, too.

Studio Janos is not a restaurant, per se, but an unforgettable private dining experience. For US$2500, Janos Wilder (one of Tucson’s most famous chefs) will cook, plate and explain an extraordinary menu right in front of you and up to 11 friends. Round out your adventure with a distillery tour and tasting at Whiskey Del Bac. Their award-winning single malt is unique to the region, using mesquite instead of the traditional peat.

Sculpted over millions of years by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon in neighboring Arizona is one of the world’s most famous landmarks and a popular side trip for visitors to Vegas. Helicopter tours to the Canyon include hotel pick-up, return narrated flights (45 minutes each way) and ground time at the West Rim.

On the ground, Grand Canyon West is a convenient viewpoint two hours’ drive from Vegas and a number of day-trip tours are available with brief stops at Hoover Dam. For the quintessential Grand Canyon National Park experience, make the four-hour journey by car to the South Rim, the deepest and widest part of the Canyon. Explore panoramic views by foot, bike, car, helicopter or boat—there are plenty of tours to suit everyone. For overnight stays, the cozy Yavapai Lodge is ideally located in proximity to key South Rim trails and viewpoints.

Back in Vegas, the iconic sights lean more to flashy but are captivating in their own way. None more so than the Strip. Snap a selfie in front of the iconic ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign, take a gondola ride at The Venetian, or catch a rollicking performance at House of Blues.

The city’s latest attraction might be new, but it’s destined to be a classic. The Sphere breaks records as the world’s largest spherical structure. A 580,000-square-foot LED screen wraps the exterior, while inside is a state-of-the-art entertainment venue offering interactive experiences, concerts and immersive films.

Las Vegas dazzles with lights and excitement, but sometimes you need a break from the buzz. A scenic 6-hour drive or short flight away, Arizona provides stunning natural retreats. Start in Tucson, where just a 25-minute car ride from either side, you’ll find the east and west halves of Saguaro National Park—an outdoor wonderland home to the largest cacti in the United States. Towering up to 50 feet tall, saguaro are exclusive to the Sonoran Desert. Ranger-guided programs are available year-round, offering insights into the park’s diverse ecosystem.

There are 165 miles of trails, but for an accessible and rewarding hike that’s abundant with wildlife and breathtaking views, try the one-mile Freeman Homestead Trail on the east side. The nearest hotel is Tanque Verde Ranch, but anywhere in downtown Tucson makes a great home base. Soak up the dynamic art and food scene while you’re there.

Arizona’s capital Phoenix is a two-hour drive from Tucson or five-and-a-half from Vegas. It also borders the Sonoran Desert and is another entry point to explore the area’s natural beauty. The city is home to the Desert Botanical Garden, where over 50,000 plants and animals provide a true desert experience just 15 minutes outside of the city. Phoenix is also known for its outdoor recreation offerings, with plenty of active ways to get close to nature, such as a stand-up paddle board tour of the Lower Salt River where you’ll learn about the landscape, flora and fauna.

When you’ve had your fill of Vegas thrills, rent a car and road-trip down to Phoenix, Arizona. It’s around five-and-a-half hours without stops, but why not take it slow and expand your route to include some iconic landmarks? Hoover Dam, Flagstaff’s snowy mountains and Montezuma Castle are all along the way.

If time is an issue, a short flight to Phoenix will land you in an adventure-lover’s paradise. The chic region of Scottsdale, 20 minutes from Downtown, is known for its resorts, golf courses and galleries, surrounded by the spectacular Sonoran Desert. One of the best ways to explore is on horseback, with operators like Cave Creek Outfitters running guided tours through the rugged terrain of McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Tonto National Forest.

For a higher perspective, take to the skies in a hot air balloon. Catch sublime views of the sprawling landscape and wildlife as you float above the desert at sunrise or sunset. Settle in for the night at Mountain Shadows Resort for a round of golf beneath the mountains, or try Senna House Hotel for lively Downtown action.

Thanks to its long list of lavish hotels, Vegas has something fancy for everyone. For the ultimate in luxury, the five-star Wynn Las Vegas is considered by many to be the best of the best (with an overflowing trophy cabinet to prove it). The Wynn is also where you’ll find the Vegas outpost of Delilah, a 1920s-inspired supper club and glamorous celebrity hotspot.

For those seeking high-energy luxury, Caesars Palace is an ode to ancient Rome that’s dripping with opulence. From its grand foyers and palatial rooms to world-class dining and legendary live shows, it’s a lavish experience from beginning to end. Swim-up blackjack at one of seven pools is the cherry on top. Meanwhile, Bellagio is pure sophistication—come for the iconic fountain shows, stay for the renowned art gallery and 55,000-square-foot spa.

Within MGM Grand, French restaurant Joël Robuchon (named after its star chef) boasts three Michelin stars and a reputation as the pinnacle of fine dining in Vegas. Alternatively, take a 15-minute cab to Chinatown for a seat at Casa de Raku. This stylish tapas bar showcases authentic Spanish cuisine with a laid-back atmosphere. Cap off your night at The Chandelier, a three-story cocktail bar in The Cosmopolitan Hotel where the ambience is as impressive as the drinks.

The outrageously beautiful, pinky-orange sandstone marvel you see pictured is four hours’ drive from Vegas, in the Coyote Buttes section of Arizona’s Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Those who complete the 7-mile round trip hike to The Wave report that it’s even more spectacular in person.

Before you program directions, be aware that visits are controlled by a permit system and only 64 are granted each day. Permit in hand, you may also choose to book a guided tour.

There are other locations in the general area that are as awe-inspiring as The Wave. The dual steel arches of the Navajo Bridge span the Colorado River at a lofty height of 470 feet. A commanding structure in its own right, the bridge is also an excellent vantage point to take in the majestic Marble Canyon below—the bridge has pedestrian access so you can walk across and soak up the vista at your own pace.

For a sublime hike, check out Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch —you’ll trek through the longest and deepest slot canyon in the USA and come face-to-face with humbling natural beauty. Horseshoe Bend is another take-your-breath away viewpoint. Its beauty isn’t a secret (read: it gets busy) but visit at sunrise for maximum tranquility.