Day Itinerary
5 Activities
Day 2
169 mi
Spend the Day in Phoenix and Head North to Cottonwood
You'll pack a lot of activity into your limited time in Phoenix. Much of the day will be spent outdoors before enjoying what many call America's best pizza before venturing back north to the state's Verde Valley region.
13.2 mi
20 min
09:001 hr
Papago Park
Park
Open Details
Wake up early and enjoy the complimentary breakfast in the hotel lobby before driving to Papago Park, a scenic destination between Tempe and Scottsdale. A short hike leads to the "hole-in-the-rock" formation, a popular spot for downtown views and eye-catching photography. You'll also overlook the Phoenix Zoo and have access to the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden.
Arrive early and soak in the desert air before returning to your hotel room. It's an inspiring way to begin the day.
Arrive early and soak in the desert air before returning to your hotel room. It's an inspiring way to begin the day.
10.4 mi
20 min
10:3030 minHotel visit
Comfort Suites Scottsdale Talking Stick Entertainment District
9.3
Return to your hotel room, pack and clean up after your hike. Time to check out and hit the road.
8.4 mi
20 min
11:301 hr 30 min
Taliesin West
Landmark
Open Details
Taliesin West was the winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright, and now welcomes guests for tours by appointment. The property was designed to complement the surrounding desert landscape while taking advantage of the views and mesa location. It consists of multiple structures and pools, showcasing the acclaimed architect's organic prairie style.
Today, Taliesin West is the final resting place of Frank Lloyd Wright and the home-base for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Guided tours last up to 90 minutes, but today you'll opt for a one-hour self-guided tour. Bring your own headphones or earphones and follow along with the official app on your phone.
Tours are offered throughout the morning and afternoon. Book one in advance.
Today, Taliesin West is the final resting place of Frank Lloyd Wright and the home-base for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Guided tours last up to 90 minutes, but today you'll opt for a one-hour self-guided tour. Bring your own headphones or earphones and follow along with the official app on your phone.
Tours are offered throughout the morning and afternoon. Book one in advance.
27.5 mi
40 min
13:451 hr 30 min
Pizzeria Bianco
Restaurant
Open Details
It's rare when a city can call a pizza joint one of its best restaurants. Pizzeria Bianco, however, is a true bucket-list dining destination. Chef and founder Chris Bianco pioneered the artisanal pizza movement in the United States, taking advantage of fresh ingredients and a wood-fired oven to bring his creations to life.
The original Pizzeria Bianco is inside a rustic brick building in Phoenix's Heritage Square district. Put your name down on the wait list, although it shouldn't be long for a table in the late afternoon. Enjoy a full pizza while your car charges a block away.
The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays.
The original Pizzeria Bianco is inside a rustic brick building in Phoenix's Heritage Square district. Put your name down on the wait list, although it shouldn't be long for a table in the late afternoon. Enjoy a full pizza while your car charges a block away.
The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays.
32.6 mi
40 min
16:001 hr 30 min
Electrify America Charging Station
Open Details
Stop by Walmart Supercenter, which has Electrify America charging station. Pull in and give your EV battery a full charge. There are numerous shops and business to browse while waiting for your vehicle.
Type: CCS 4 stations, 7 plugs Power: 50 – 350 kW
Type: CCS 4 stations, 7 plugs Power: 50 – 350 kW
71.2 mi
1 hr 20 min
19:0045 minMotels
Pines Inn & Suites
8.8
Leave Phoenix with a fully charged battery and drive north to Cottonwood, a small community in Arizona's Verde Valley region. Check in to the Pines Inn & Suites, a simple, but stylish and contemporary hotel with comfortable rooms and easy parking.
3.1 mi
10 min
20:001 hr 30 min
Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria
Restaurant
Open Details
Downtown Cottonwood is a charming district with independent businesses, restaurants, bars and wine rooms all within steps of each other. Choose the Merkin Vineyards tasting room for dinner. It doubles as a restaurant with an open kitchen (on a second-floor perch) serving fresh-made pastas, individually portioned lasagnas and salads made with locally sourced ingredients.
The business was founded by Maynard James Keenan, singer of the rock band Tool, who has a strong presence in the region. His wines are all produced in Arizona.
Service is first come, first served. But you can leave your name at the host standing while exploring Cottonwood's Main Street area.
The business was founded by Maynard James Keenan, singer of the rock band Tool, who has a strong presence in the region. His wines are all produced in Arizona.
Service is first come, first served. But you can leave your name at the host standing while exploring Cottonwood's Main Street area.
2.7 mi
10 min
21:459 hrsHotel visit
Pines Inn & Suites
8.8
Return to your hotel room and turn in for the night.