The Best 3-Day Itinerary at the Grand Canyon National Park
DAY 1:
Morning: Enjoy breakfast and coffee at Harvey House Cafe.
Big Activity: Experience a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon – see the deepest and widest canyon gorges from above, fly over the Colorado River and incredible rock formations as well as the Kaibab National Forest.
Lunch: Grab a quick bite at the Fountain, a to-go restaurant perfect for fueling up while on foot.
Free Activity: Wander along the Rim Trail for excellent views of the canyon scenery.
Dinner: Enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail with appetizers, steaks, and more at the Arizona Steakhouse near the canyon’s edge, the perfect way to end the day.
DAY 2:
Morning: Start the day with breakfast at Yavapai Dining Hall, a casual cafeteria-style establishment with American and Southwest-inspired menus.
Big Activity: Visit several unique Grand Canyon lookout points aboard a military-style Hummer vehicle. This South Rim ground tour quickly transports you to destinations that aren’t easy to reach on foot, and you’ll have time to explore and take photos at each. Perfect for families!
Lunch: Grab a bite in the Maswik Food Court, offering a variety of casual culinary stations like barbeque, Southwestern, traditional American, and deli-style options. In a rush? There are grab-and-go sandwiches, wraps, salads, and snacks, too.
Free Activity: Visit the Yavapai Museum of Geology. Located between the Visitor Center and the Market Plaza, this free museum offers several educational exhibits about the history of the Grand Canyon and formation, art displays, a three-dimensional topographic map, a gift shop, and a large window offering an unparalleled view of the canyon.
Dinner: Unwind at Yavapai Tavern, a cozy establishment featuring creative dishes, a kids’ menu, a full bar, and frequent live music.
DAY 3:
Morning: Grab a bagel, breakfast sandwich, or breakfast burrito at Canyon Village Market & Deli, which also offers groceries, beer and wine, and souvenirs.
Big Activity: Venture into nearby Tusayan, Arizona and visit the Grand Canyon IMAX theater. Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time" is a riveting 37-minute show displayed on a 6-story screen, depicting the 1.7-billion-year erosion and formation of the national park.
Lunch: En route back to the park, stop at We Cook Pizza and Pasta – an iconic casual eatery in known for its Italian dishes and salad bar, serving Tusayan for nearly 50 years.
Free Activity: Visit the Lookout Studio, a historic stone building offering an unparalleled viewpoint and also houses a gift shop.
Dinner: Indulge in a fine dinner at the El Tovar Dining Room, offering upscale dishes, small plates, and a full bar. The warm and inviting patio provides stunning canyon views, perfect for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing. Proper dress is a must at this establishment.
