re: Traveling to Arizona: Recs on things to see/avoid

Scottsdale area:

Sonoran desert preserve in the McDowell Mountains - hiking trails for every level including Tom’s Thumb

Pinnacle Peak Hike - easy hike but beautiful boulders hike in north Scottsdale

Depending on the kids age check out the McCormick train park off Scottsdale road

Papago Park has a lot to do including the botanical gardens, the zoo, hole in the rock, and the golf course just redid the grill “Lou’s” that is an awesome spot to grab food, beer and enjoy the view

Breweries - OHSO is my personal favorite but also enjoyed Four peaks brewery, it’s just on a different side of town.

Restaurants - depending on what you want check out Blanco (Mexican), Diego Pops (best tacos out here), olive and ivy (great food on the water front), salty seniorita (Mexican), drunk monk has a great happy hour for sushi and tiki drinks.

I personally think the city of flagstaff is overrated, but the scenery is great. I actually really enjoyed checking out the meteor crater just east of flag.

Also as everyone else has said definitely check out Sedona. It’s right off the I-17 and then take 89A up to flagstaff. It’s a great drive through the pines and has a spot we’re local native Americans sell their hand crafted goods. It’s not cheap but i know a ton of people enjoy it.

Also when you’re in Sedona do yourself a favor and get the fudge from the fudge shop. It’ll change your life

ETA: I also just saw you mentioned a drive to tombstone. That’ll be a very long way from Prescott and do your research before. I drove through there last month for work and it appeared to just be a tourist trap.

If you’re potentially heading up to Monument Valley I highly suggest checking out the Painted Desert in the petrified forest National park.