16 days in Phoenix & Central Arizona & Panama City Itinerary

Scottsdale is a city in the eastern part of Maricopa County, Arizona, adjacent to the Greater Phoenix Area. Change things up with these side-trips from Scottsdale: Queen Creek Olive Mill (in Queen Creek), Phoenix (Off-Road Tours, Balloon Rides, &more) and Phallic Rock (in Carefree). There's much more to do: examine the collection at Musical Instrument Museum, take in nature's colorful creations at Desert Botanical Garden, trek along Tom's Thumb Trailhead, and explore the world behind art at Heard Museum.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Scottsdale trip itinerary tool.

New York City to Scottsdale is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 2 hours traveling from New York City to Scottsdale. Prepare for much hotter weather when traveling from New York City in January: high temperatures in Scottsdale hover around 68°F and lows are around 46°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) so you can catch the flight to Panama City.

Explore Panama City's surroundings by going to St. George Island (Dolphin & Whale Watching, Sea Oats Art Gallery, &more), Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (in Eastpoint) and Ocheesee Creamery (in Grand Ridge).

For ratings, maps, photos, and more tourist information, read Panama City online road trip planner.

You can fly from Scottsdale to Panama City in 7 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Scottsdale to Panama City. Traveling from Scottsdale in January, you will find days in Panama City are slightly colder (62°F), and nights are about the same (44°F). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Tue) to allow time to fly back home.