Arizona with Food Allergies – What to Pack, Where to Stay & Eat with Food Allergies!

Amazing Arizona has something for everyone, especially for those of us with Food Allergies.

Of course, you should travel along with us!

We’ve uncovered hidden gems, from #foodallergyfriendly eats in the Red Rocks of Sedona to quiet canyon views without all the crowds. 

 

Arizona – Your Trip Plan

As a travel consultant who specializes in helping people with food allergies, Arizona is a very popular place to visit.

Arizona is home to stunning natural landscapes, many historical sites and vibrant cities.

See? Something for everyone.

From the Grand Canyon National Park to the incredible hiking trails of Sedona, luxury Scottsdale & the infamous Western town of Tombstone LOTS to see, do & eat!

Food Allergy- Friendly, of course.

Remember, YOU MUST STILL VET for your specific food allergies.

✅ Email restaurant in advance, make reservations & reconfirm on arrival with manager or chef.

When in doubt, don’t.

So, grab your Food Allergy Ultimate Packing List & let’s Travel to Arizona with Food Allergies!

Of course, add/subtract for number of days for your trip.

We highly recommend 7 – 14 days.

Exploring Arizona with Food Allergies – Phoenix

On your 1st day:

• Fly into Phoenix
• Visit the Desert Botanical Gardens where you’ll see more than cacti & tumbleweed & hear great music too!
• Delight in a food allergy friendly meal (YOU MUST STILL VET for your specific food allergies. Email in advance & make reservations) at either Intentional Foods, Can cater as well, take out: INTENTIONAL FOODS – ALLERGY-FRIENDLY CAFE & MARKET in Phoenix, Sedona & 4 other AZ locations or
• Organic, non-GMO, allergy friendly Picazzos Healthy Italian Kitchens is gluten-free, dairy free, vegan & food allergy aware, Home – Picazzos

Additionally, local restaurant, all homemade Flowerchild is a delight!

And we must mention, for Arizona with food allergies favorite True Foods Kitchen.

Now, you may have heard of this food allergy conscious restaurant & for good reasons!  See:

True Food Kitchen is a chef-driven restaurant and scratch bar that was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the pioneer of integrative medicine, to provide food that tastes great and is good for you. At our table, delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. Our expertly trained chefs craft flavor-forward dishes, handcrafted cocktails and freshly pressed refreshers so you can enjoy epic food experiences that aren’t just good for you, but good to you. Join us in Phoenix for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch.

So many great food allergy-friendly options in Arizona!

Come join our Private Facebook Group Food Allergy Travels and Life – where we answer ALL your questions!

😎 More in our Private Facebook Group here: Food Allergy Travels and Life– JOIN the conversation!

Phoenix Accommodations Recommendations with Food Allergies

Now, where to stay in Phoenix.

For those of us with food allergies, it is very helpful to have accommodations with kitchen/kitchenette.

Especially wonderful to be able to make safe breakfasts, lunches & snacks/desserts.

Here are our Top Recommendations for 2 nights in Phoenix:

1. Arizona Grand Resort – Has waterslide, lazy river, all suite resort with kitchens as well as onsite restaurants & spa
2. Downtown Phoenix Hampton Inn & Suites have mini fridge, microwave, sink for some basic in room meal prep. Near to ASU campus, many restaurants in this area are very familiar with food allergies. Included breakfast is always concerning to me with our multiple anaphylactic food allergies.
3. JW Marriott Phoenix Ridge is outstanding! With 5 pools, lazy river, waterslide, great resort amenities & all rooms come with a mini fridge. Suites have kitchenette. A well as 6 onsite restaurants, Marriott has is food allergy aware and maybe a place you are able to eat at safely. Always email in advance.

Gorgeous & super fun JW Marriott resort, Phoenix Ridge. (photo courtesy Marriott)

Yummy Arizona Food Specialties

Did you know that Arizona has many native foods, found only here?

Absolutely!

Prickly pear cactus (nopales) is only found in Arizona! Often made into local jams, syrups, margaritas & more!

Also, Sonoran style tacos are usually gluten-free corn tortillas. Always double check if fried in a shared fryer for possible cross contamination with other food allergens,

As well as native tepary beans can be found in many dishes here in Arizona.

Lastly, Mesquite wood grilled meats & fish naturally adds smoky flavor without added allergens.

Isn’t this great info?

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Next Stop: Food Allergy Arizona – Sedona

Arizona with Food Allergies, Sedona!

Take a 2-hour drive north to the Red Rocks areas & Native Americans Indian Ruins on a day tour.

Almost all tours will stop at the Montezuma Castle National Monument and Chapel of the Holy Cross.

Of course, we suggest bringing a backpack cooler with safe foods for a food allergy friendly picnic.

Always a popular option, especially with kids/teens, picnics are a blast!

If you bring a frisbee or even some cards, what a fun & relaxing (as well as inexpensive lunch!)

Of course, you’ll want to spend the warm afternoons back at your hotel, splashing poolside.

Dinner can be whatever restaurant you didn’t chose yesterday or a quick, food allergy-friendly dinner in your accommodation,

Some Food Allergy suggestions: Vacation rental Meals.

Arizona with Food Allergies – Grand Canyon

Did you know? The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and the only one located within the United States. – from Visit Arizona

Today, we’re going to drive 2-hours to Grand Canyon National Park!

Another Travel Tip: Keep your car fueled as remote areas can have fewer gas stations.

First, we’ll stop at the Visitors Center & take in the incredible scenic views at the South Rim. Always a fav, see the IMAX movie!

Is it time for a mid-day snack or lunch break?

Grab your backpack cooler & enjoy another picnic!

Of course, after fueling up, we ‘ll head out on a hike. From the easier Rim Trail to the more strenuous Bright Angel Trail, both hikes are breathtaking!

Remember, your allergy medications, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses & water.

Although having a few food allergy friendly snacks is also very helpful.

😍 We suggest:

MadeGood bars, fresh fruit/veggies, salty popcorn bags or pretzels.

After hiking the Grand Canyon, check into your accommodations, for 2 nights, and let’s have a yummy, food allergy safe dinner!

Photo of Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins – a fantastic vacation spot!

Accommodations & Dining – Grand Canyon

1. Bright Angel Lodge & Rustic Cabins – Many options from really rustic to more deluxe!                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Onsite Dining El Tovar & Arizona Steakhouse may work for your food allergies – contact them in advance in writing & reconfirm when you arrive with manager/chef
2. El Tovar Hotel is truly historic! Opened in 1905, this in Park hotel is truly legendary.
3. Western Rim option stay at the Grand Canyon Western Ranch – Glamping tent or wooden Cabins!
4. Vacation Rentals – Sites to help:
    VRBO: Arizona & More – Wherever You Want to Go!
   Air B&B – Save up to $65 by using our link

Lastly, there is option of renting a vacation home & preparing a safe, food allergy-friendly dinner (other meals too).

As you probably know if you follow us, #4 is a favorite choice of ours! And a super helpful post for vacation rentals.

Also note:

There is no cooking in the cabins or glamping tents due to fire safety, always make reservations in advance.

Personally, I feel more comfortable with our multiple, anaphylactic food allergies to bring foods like cereal, fresh fruit, wraps, sandwiches, etc…in our camping cooler.

As many of our Facebook Group members suggest, having a camping type collapsible bowl is super helpful for preparing road trip meals/snacks.

However, you may feel the steak BBQ & onsite restaurant will work for your food allergies.

Arizona with Food Allergies – More Dining Options Grand Canyon area

Amazing to be able to choose from many delicious, allergy aware places to eat!

A few more suggestions:

Yavapai Dining Hall – Grand Canyon Restaurants

Recently (2/2025), spoke with Amber at the Lodge & Tavern & they have a peanut free fryer & able to accommodate for most food allergies. As always, double check when onsite.

Doesn’t this look delicious? Lots more allergy-friendly foods!

We have had food allergy clients dine at El Tovar, which is a little nicer restaurant.

Onsite Pizza menu: Spring Menu

Fred Harvey Tavern – see: Tavern Menu

Isn’t this photo from Arizona Tourism Board fun?

Fun Stop: Flagstaff & Route 66

Our last days of our Arizona with Food Allergies adventure is to drive about 1.5 hours to Flagstaff.

😎 Maybe that’s just us!

Flagstaff has so much to offer for all ages! Spending 2 nights here is easy.

Nearby, is the incredible Walnut Canyon Park with incredible hiking & geological formations among the Cliff Dwellings, photo below.

As well as where the planet Pluto was found at the Lowell Observatory!

Some suggestions for accommodations:

On our homestretch of our Arizona with Food Allergies trip!

About 1 hour 40 minutes’ drive from Flagstaff to the Petrified National Forest, along historic Route 66.

This Arizona section of Route 66 is among the best preserved & incredibly quirky parts of this Route! Always a favorite for all ages.

As we are entering from the Northern Entrance, fantastic to see:

Then leave via the South Entrance, driving about 1.5 hours to Gallup!

Beautiful Gallup accommodations that are helpful for those of us with food allergies.

Of course, a favorite for our travel consulting clients with food allergies, is the SpringHill Marriott Hotels.

And Marriott’s other top hotel contender Town Place Suites, has studio, 1 & 2-bedroom suites with full kitchens.

Lastly, the famous movie-studio hosting, Hotel El Rancho has suites with a kitchenette.

And an onsite restaurant that we spoke with (at press time) only used canola oil, so peanut & nut allergies they are able to accommodate.

▶️ Always double check as everyone is different, and things can change. 

Also, you could grab some fresh groceries & try your hand at Southwest #foodallergyfriendly dinner.

Of course, now is a good time to pick up some safe breakfast & plane food.

Albuquerque, NM Sunport Airport (ABQ) is the largest commercial airport in New Mexico & has LOTS of flights back home.

Also, a good alternative option to flying back home from Phoenix International Airport (PHX).

Recently as of December 2024, a new food hall opened at ABQ airport. Vegan & healthy Rush of Prana juice bar/acai bowls is now open.

Although not sure if we will be able to eat here with our multiple anaphylactic food allergies, others may be fine. Triple check!

Remember, it’s about a 2-hour drive from Gallup and we still have to drop off our rental car at Phoenix airport, which had better flights for our specific airport.

If you stopped at a market yesterday for food allergy-friendly food & put in your backpack cooler, you are good to go!

😎 It feels like we have stepped back in time, to the Old West, on this awesome Food Allergy Road trip! 

For more Arizona info, see: Arizona Tourism Board.

🥳 And to see where we are now & what my son is eating, Follow Us on our Instagram!

#aneasyjourney #foodallergytravelsandlife #foodallergytravel #roadtrip #Arizona #foodallergylife