Great idea — Arizona is perfect for mixing art, food, and world‑class desert golf. Below is a compact, ready-to-book plan with route, top venues (museums/galleries, restaurants, golf courses), where to stay, timing tips, and packing/booking notes.
Quick overview and timing
- Best overall seasons: fall through spring (late Oct–April) — comfortable temps for golf, walking galleries, and outdoor dining. (Arizona summers are very hot.) (scottsdale.com)
Suggested 6‑day Arizona loop (Phoenix/Scottsdale → Sedona → Tucson or skip Tucson for a relaxed 4–5 day trip)
Day 1 — Arrive Phoenix/Scottsdale
- Morning/afternoon: Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Museum (Native American art). Evening: dinner in downtown Phoenix (see picks below). (en.wikipedia.org)
- Stay: central Phoenix or Old Town Scottsdale (good balance of dining, nightlife, galleries).
Day 2 — Scottsdale galleries + golf
- Morning: stroll Old Town Scottsdale — Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) and local galleries. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Afternoon: tee time at a Scottsdale classic (Troon North, Grayhawk, We‑Ko‑Pa, or Estancia — see notes). Play one 18. (scottsdale.com)
- Dinner: high‑end desert cuisine in Scottsdale (farm‑forward/modern Southwest).
Day 3 — Transfer to Sedona (about 2 hours from Phoenix)
- Midday: arrive Sedona, lunch at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, explore galleries and sculpture courtyards. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Afternoon: light hike or Jeep tour for red‑rock views; sunset at a scenic overlook.
- Evening: dinner at a Sedona restaurant (regional/ingredient‑driven). Stay in Sedona.
Day 4 — Sedona art + golf
- Morning: gallery walk (Tlaquepaque + local independent galleries).
- Afternoon: Sedona Golf Resort or Oak Creek Country Club for a desert/river setting. Evening: relaxed dinner and stargazing. (en.wikipedia.org)
Day 5 — Option A: Tucson (drive ~3.5–4 hours) or Option B: extra Scottsdale day
- Option A (Tucson): arrive midday; sample Sonoran cuisine (Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy) and visit local art spots and the Arizona‑Sonora Desert Museum area. Tee time at Ventana Canyon or Omni Tucson National if you want more golf. (Chron.com)
- Option B (Scottsdale extra): play a different Scottsdale course (We‑Ko‑Pa, Troon North, Grayhawk) and enjoy a chef’s dinner/resort spa.
Day 6 — Depart from Phoenix (or extend for more golf/art/food)
- If time allows: quick gallery/museum visit or brunch before departure.
Top art stops (must‑visit)
- Phoenix Art Museum — large, encyclopedic collections and rotating exhibitions. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Heard Museum (Phoenix) — nationally recognized Native American art & culture. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) + Old Town Scottsdale galleries. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Sedona — Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and dozens of independent galleries and sculpture sites. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In Tucson consider local galleries, the arts district, and the Arizona‑Sonora Desert Museum area for nature + art contexts. (Chron.com)
Top golf courses (desert and resort experiences)
- Scottsdale: Troon North (Monument & Pinnacle), Grayhawk, We‑Ko‑Pa (Saguaro & Cholla). These offer quintessential Sonoran Desert golf. (scottsdale.com)
- Scottsdale private/high‑end option: Estancia (Tom Fazio design) — beautiful mountain backdrop (private, but resort stays/guest rounds sometimes available). (en.wikipedia.org)
- Sedona: Sedona Golf Resort — scenic red‑rock backdrop with walkable course. (wsj.com)
- Tucson: Ventana Canyon, Omni Tucson National or Whirlwind (south of Phoenix in Gila River area) if you want variety. (en.wikipedia.org)
Food experiences to include
- Phoenix/Scottsdale: farm‑forward Southwest cuisine, Mexican‑influenced fine dining, and celebrated chef restaurants. (Reserve ahead for weekend nights.)
- Sedona: ingredient‑focused restaurants with vineyard/wine pairings and southwestern flavors.
- Tucson: sample Sonoran hot dogs, regional Mexican, and farm‑to‑table — Tucson is recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Must‑try: local Sonoran hot‑dog stands and mission‑style Mexican flavors. (Chron.com)
Where to stay (one pick per area)
- Phoenix/Scottsdale: a resort in Old Town Scottsdale or central Phoenix (easy access to galleries, restaurants, and tee times).
- Sedona: a boutique resort or lodge near Tlaquepaque or Oak Creek for art access and red‑rock views.
- Tucson: central arts/downtown or a golf resort if you prioritize playing.
Booking & practical tips
- Tee times and restaurant reservations: book at least 30–60 days out for Scottsdale’s best courses and top restaurants, especially in high season (Nov–Apr). Many courses allow online booking; some private clubs require intermediaries or resort packages. (scottsdale.com)
- Drive times: Phoenix ↔ Sedona ≈ 2 hours; Phoenix ↔ Tucson ≈ 1.5–2 hours; Sedona ↔ Tucson ≈ 3.5–4 hours (plan accordingly). (wsj.com)
- Rentals and clubs: consider traveling with a golf travel bag or renting clubs at courses to avoid airline hassles.
- Altitude/Desert care: stay hydrated, use sun protection, and expect large temperature swings between day/night.
Sample packing list
- Golf shoes, breathable polos, hat, sunscreen, light jacket for evenings.
- Comfortable walking shoes for gallery districts and short hikes in Sedona.
- Chargers, camera (red rocks + art photography), reusable water bottle.
If you want, I can:
- Turn this into a full, bookable itinerary with suggested hotels, specific restaurant names and current tee‑time availability (I can check dates and make reservations suggestions), or
- Create a shorter city‑only 3‑day Phoenix/Scottsdale art+food+golf plan.
Which would you prefer — a detailed 6‑day booked plan with dates, or a tight 3‑day city itinerary?