The Ultimate Southwest 72 Hour Road TripFrom San Diego to Sedona, these are the best things to do over a neck-breaking pace of a 3-day weekend. Note: With over 600,000 West Coast miles (450K of them on my 4runner) on the West Coast you can trust this intel! AuthorsPeterTaras
DestinationsSan DiegoItinerary

San Diego

Windansea Beach
Escape the riff-raff of Mission and Ocean Beach and start your day off with a stroll in La Jolla. If the weather is nice lay out at the iconic WindnSea Beach or run over to the cove for a view of the preserved seal sanctuary.
See More
Bird's Surf Shed
Whether you are a surfer or not, a local or visiting, this is where San Diego's deep surfing history comes to life. They also have the best selection of local surf brands. This place oozes cool. And if you're lucky local icon Bird Huffman might be round to talk story with you and give you a history lesson.
See More
Las Cuatro Milpas
It's San Diego's oldest Mexican restaurant. Grab a late lunch burrito and then cruise around Barrio Logan. Check out shops like Simon Limon and LatinX. Hit this for an early dinner.
See More
San Diego Sunset or Afternoon Sail on Classic Yacht
The title doesn't lie. This is the best $100.00 you can spend in San Diego. I've done this tour 6 times. A sunset cruise of the San Diego showcases an incredible glowing neon skyline that bounces off the steely sheet glass water as you cruise with a cocktail in hand. It sounds cheesy, but trust me, this is a breathtaking tour!
See More
Book
Mothership
It's the vegan death metal cocktail bar's sister bar from down the street. Mothership is well, just that, an alien mothership serving vegan eats and unique handcrafted cocktails. Come earl and get in with no reso.
See More
Casbah
End the night at the iconic rock venue Casbah. Shows start somewhat early, at 9pm, so it's the perfect nightcap.
See More
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Take a quick 5-minute Uber to one of San Diego's best hotels (book a floor ) or continue the night and explore some of Little Italy's finest cocktail bars like False Idol and Craft & Commerce
See More
Book

Scottsdale

Buttercup Campground
The road trip now starts. Head out the 8 East. Stop here for some quick photos as its right off the side of the road. No dune buggy required.
See More
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Check in early to the lovely Omni. Take a nap and nurse that hangover. Then get ready for your sunset hike at the epic Echo Canyon Head located right behind the hotel.
See More
Book
Echo Canyon Trailhead
Bring lots of water. The late afternoon hike should shield you from some of the backend climbing when you'll need that shade the most.
See More
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Maybe the best pizza chain in the nation. This Brooklyn crossover finds its way to Scottsdale and is some of the best pizza you'll ever have. Keep it simple too. The peperroni is to die for.
See More

Sedona

Enchantment Resort
If you had to splurge on a stay for once in your life, like an 800.00-a-night splurge, this might be it. It's considered one of the top 10 resorts in the United States. There's no better place to cool off after a morning hike than here.
See More
Book
Birthing Cave
Option A Morning Hike: This hike is easy, It's 20 minutes in and 20 minutes out. The view is spectacular. The Hopi Native Americans sent their women here to give birth, The place is magical.
See More
Cathedral Rock Trailhead
Option B Morning Hike: If you're not in the parking lot by 6:30 am forget it. A) because of the summer heat B) park operations. This place is consistently under construction with rules and regulations changing all the time. Make sure you go online and see the latest changes to the schedule.
See More
Mole Mexican Kitchen
The food is great but its the best margarita in town.
See More