15 days in Chicago & Phoenix Itinerary

A huge and vibrant city, Chicago is home to top-notch theaters, shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Chicago: Basilica of the Sacred Heart (in South Bend), Butler Winery (in Chesterton) and Century of Progress Architectural District (in Beverly Shores). Next up on the itinerary: explore the world behind art at The Art Institute of Chicago, try to win big at Horseshoe Hammond, take in panoramic vistas at Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, and wander the streets of The Magnificent Mile.

To see photos, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Chicago road trip planning website.

New York City to Chicago is an approximately 4-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central Standard Time (CST), which is usually a -1 hour difference. Traveling from New York City in February, things will get a bit cooler in Chicago: highs are around 36°F and lows about 20°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Sun) early enough to fly to Phoenix.

Phoenix is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Arizona. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Phoenix: Cave Creek Olive Oil Company (in Cave Creek), Clarkdale (Mingus Mountain Area, Clarkdale National Historic District & Townsite, &more) and Scottsdale (Celebration of Fine Art, The Bajada Nature Trail, &more). The adventure continues: see Off-Road Tours, see the world from above with a helicopter tour, get outside with Arizona Scenic Tours - Day Tours, and take in nature's colorful creations at Desert Botanical Garden.

For photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Phoenix online tour itinerary planner.

You can fly from Chicago to Phoenix in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. The time zone changes from Central Standard Time (CST) to Mountain Standard Time (MST), which is usually a -1 hour difference. Traveling from Chicago in February, expect Phoenix to be much hotter, temps between 74°F and 51°F. On the 27th (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.