Bearizona – A Beary Wonderful Surprise in Williams, Arizona!
As we have shared in prior posts, relocation and laundry days are an inevitable part of family travel. I am here to say this: don’t make the mistake of writing off travel and laundry days as “non-vacation” time. Instead, make the most of those days by creatively planning mini-adventures, and turn each moment into a memorable part of your vacation.
A Wonderful Side-Trip!
Perfect example: Today’s exciting side-trip to the combination walk-through / drive-through Bearizona wildlife park located in Williams, Arizona. The Bearizona experience includes expansive grounds, unique animal encounters, spacious habitats, and plentiful photo ops. And don’t let me forget to mention the absolute COOLEST of all gift shops. Suffice it to say that we were ALL blown away by our visit to Bearizona. It was truly wonderful.
If you are in the area and enjoy wildlife at all, do yourself a favor and plan a few hours in this park. It was worth every penny at $150 for six people. However, at the homeschool rate of $105, it would have been a crime to miss.
A Pleasant Surprise!
Bearizona was easily one of the most pleasantly surprising experiences on our adventure. In case you do stop in, here is a CRITICAL pro tip: Just beyond the stone archway entrance to Bearizona, you have the choice to go left to the walk-through portion, or right to the drive-through portion. Once you go right, you are immediately IN the drive-through wildlife park and are committed to a long, slow drive through the progression of exhibits. If you have to use the restroom when you arrive (because you’ve been traveling), be sure to go left and use the restrooms near the entrance to the walk-through areas. Trust me, you will be thankful you did. We hope you enjoy these photographs.
A Delicious Recommendation!
After a grand day at Bearizona, we set out on the 80-minute drive to Sedona. The mid-point of the drive was Flagstaff where, on a recommendation from friends at church, we stopped at Diablo Burger for lunch. Ever on a quest for the best burgers at our vacation destinations, Diablo is definitely super high on the list . . . and can we add maybe the best fries on the planet!
Afterward, we enjoyed delicious pastries at Mozelle’s Bakery just next door, before heading out to the beautiful Hilton Sedona at Bell Rock.
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock for the win!
Now we are a very brand-loyal Hyatt family. That said, of the Hilton resorts we have stayed at, the Hilton Sedona at Bell Rock was easily the finest so far. After check-in, we toured the immaculate grounds, visiting the pool, spa, exercise rooms, lap pool and, yes, the laundry facilities. We are always thankful for eventful travel days . . . and equally so for clean pajamas!
Let’s Get to the Point!
Also, here’s a link to the step-by-step process that we followed to see places that I once thought were completely untouchable for an average family of six, like mine! As well, please follow along on my social media channels, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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What a great getaway! That Hilton is calling my name!
Alicia, it was beautiful! And so perfectly placed in the middle of Sedona!!
Bearizona is such a fun name! And it looks like a great place to visit!
We were so very pleasantly surprised by this entire day!!
We visited Sedona years ago and hope to make a return trip. If we do, we’ll be sure to include a side trip to Bearizona!
Linda, it’s a great stop if you’re heading up to the Grand Canyon!
This sounds like a really great place to stop. Thanks for the tip on the bathroom. That kind of stuff is great to know ahead of time.
Sabrina, we had to drive through as quickly as we could, but thankfully they let you go back around as many times as you’d like!
How fun! This reminds me of Bear Country when I went as a child. I’m sure Bearizona will be a family adventure to remember for you!
Tiffany, I’ve not heard of Bear Country – I’ll have to look it up.
I’m looking forward to visiting Sedona someday. Bearizona looks like a really cool stop!
Marianne, it really was. Thanks for stopping by.
I love Sedona! I’ve never heard of Bearizona. Looks fun. 🙂
It’s not too far, Kristin, and totally worth the drive!
Aww, how cool! I’ll definitely have to stop at Bearazona when I go to Arizona.
Wow I’ve been to Williams many time but never visited BEARIZONA. It looks like a great spot to take the family!
Such a great spot, Chelsea!!
What a great name for a unique experience! Your tips will definitely come in handy should we visit!
Suzan, thank you. And there’s something to see for everyone!!
This place sounds like a great place to visit. The price is reasonable too. Thanks for sharing
Cecile, it was extremely reasonable and such a wonderful adventure!
Bearizona looks like a fun place to visit!
It was so very fun!!
Definitely adding some of these stops to my Arizona bucket list 🙂
You will absolutely LOVE it, Tiffany!
This sounds to me like a really fun place to visit as a family. Cool name Bearizona.
We thought so too!
I’ve been to Sedona but missed this. Hopefully, I’ll make it back to see this wonderful attraction.
Kristen, it’s a bit closer to the Grand Canyon than to Sedona. A perfect stop in between though!!
Looks and sounds like a fun vacation.
How fun!
Bearizona sounds like such a fun adventure trip to take.
Looks like a fun place for the family to visit!
It really was, Danielle! Blessings!
I’ve heard of Bearizona! Great tip for going left upon arrival. I always want a restroom break before an adventure!
Cindy, for sure!! And thanks! My son would have appreciated knowing it too! 😉