Sedona is a great place to visit in Northern Arizona, with its red rocks, hiking trails, and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, there are plenty of things to see and do in Sedona. Here is a suggested itinerary for your days in Sedona, including where to stay and what to eat.
Where to Stay in Sedona: The Best Accommodations for Your Trip
Luxurious Resorts: Pamper Yourself in the Red Rock Country
- Enjoy a stay at Enchantment Resort, Mii Amo Spa, or L’Auberge de Sedona
- Unwind with world-class spa services, fine dining, and breathtaking views
Cozy Bed and Breakfasts: Get a Taste of Sedona’s Local Charm
- Experience the warmth of local hospitality at The Inn Above Oak Creek, Adobe Grand Villas, or The Lodge at Sedona
- Indulge in homemade breakfasts and personalized attention
Rustic Cabins and Campgrounds: Escape to Nature
- Disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature at Sedona View RV Resort, Manzanita Campground, or Cave Springs Campground
- Sleep under the stars, hike nearby trails, and roast marshmallows by the fire
Convenient Hotels and Motels: Budget-Friendly Options
- Stay close to Sedona’s main attractions without breaking the bank at Sedona Real Inn and Suites, Sky Ranch Lodge, or The Andante Inn of Sedona
- Enjoy comfortable rooms, outdoor pools, and complimentary breakfasts
Unique Vacation Rentals: Live Like a Local
- Opt for a vacation rental such as a cozy cottage, a spacious condo, or a stunning villa with Red Rock views
- Get the privacy and flexibility to make yourself at home while exploring Sedona
Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Sustainable Stays in Sedona
- Choose from eco-friendly options such as Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa, Amara Resort and Spa, or A Sunset Chateau
- Minimize your carbon footprint while enjoying modern amenities and stunning surroundings.
Where to Eat in Sedona: Satisfy Your Appetite with the Best Local Cuisine
Sedona is a haven for foodies, offering a wide variety of culinary options to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for Southwestern cuisine or something more international, Sedona has got you covered. Here are some of the top restaurants to check out during your trip:
Elote Cafe
This cozy restaurant is a must-visit for those looking to indulge in some delicious Mexican food. Their signature dish, the Elote, is a crowd favorite and features roasted corn smothered in spicy aioli, queso fresco, and chile powder.
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
Offering stunning views of Sedona’s red rocks, this Latin-inspired grill is perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. Their menu features a mix of classic Latin American dishes and modern twists on old favorites.
The Hudson
This casual yet elegant restaurant is a popular spot for brunch or dinner. Their menu features a range of American classics, including burgers, salads, and seafood dishes.
Creekside American Bistro
Located in the heart of Sedona, this bistro offers a relaxed atmosphere and delicious comfort food. Their menu features classics like mac and cheese, pot roast, and chicken and waffles.
ChocolaTree Organic Oasis
For those looking for healthy, organic options, ChocolaTree is the perfect spot. Their menu features raw, vegan, and gluten-free options, as well as a variety of teas, smoothies, and juices.
In addition to these top restaurants, Sedona also has a thriving coffee culture, with a variety of cafes and coffee shops to choose from. Some of the most popular spots include Red Rock Coffeehouse, Theia’s, and Java Love.
Day 1: Exploring Sedona’s Red Rocks and Hiking Trails
Sedona is famous for its red rock formations, and there’s no better way to start your Sedona adventure than by exploring these iconic landmarks. Here’s a suggested itinerary for your first day in Sedona:
Cathedral Rock Begin
Your day with an early morning hike up to Cathedral Rock, a stunning red rock formation that offers spectacular views of Sedona. This moderate hike is about 1.5 miles round trip and takes around 2-3 hours. The trail can be steep in some sections, but the panoramic views of the surrounding red rocks make it well worth the effort.
Bell Rock After Cathedral Rock
Head over to Bell Rock, another famous red rock formation that’s perfect for hiking. The Bell Rock Trail is an easy 3.6-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the base of the rock and offers stunning views of the surrounding red rock country. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, making it a great option for hikers of all levels.
Lunch at Indian Gardens Café & Market
After your morning hike, refuel with a delicious lunch at Indian Gardens Café & Market. This charming café is located in Oak Creek Canyon and offers a variety of healthy and locally sourced menu items, including sandwiches, salads, and soups.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
After lunch, take a short drive to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a Roman Catholic chapel built into the red rock cliffs. This architectural wonder is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the surrounding red rocks. There’s a small parking lot at the base of the chapel, and admission is free.
Pink Jeep Tour
In the afternoon, hop on a Pink Jeep Tour to explore Sedona’s red rocks and rugged terrain. Pink Jeep Tours offers a variety of tours, including the Broken Arrow Tour, which takes you on a thrilling off-road adventure through Sedona’s red rocks. This tour is perfect for adventure seekers and offers some of the best views of Sedona’s red rocks.
Dinner at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
End your day with dinner at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, a popular restaurant that offers stunning views of Sedona’s red rocks. This upscale restaurant serves a variety of Latin-inspired dishes, including ceviche, empanadas, grilled meats, and seafood.
By the end of day one, you’ll have explored some of Sedona’s most iconic landmarks and enjoyed some of the best food and views that the city has to offer.
Day 2: Discovering Sedona’s Spiritual Side with Vortex Tours and Chapel of the Holy Cross
Sedona is known for its spiritual energy and vortex sites, which are believed to be powerful centers of energy that can facilitate healing, meditation, and spiritual growth. On Day 2 of your Sedona itinerary, you can explore this side of the city by taking a vortex tour and visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Taking a Vortex Tour
Vortex tours are a popular way to explore Sedona’s spiritual energy. These tours take you to some of the city’s most powerful vortex sites, where you can meditate, connect with nature, and experience the energy of the earth. Many tour companies offer vortex tours, and you can choose from a variety of options depending on your interests and preferences.
One popular vortex site is Cathedral Rock, which is known for its stunning views and powerful energy. You can hike up to the rock and meditate on its summit, or simply take in the views and feel the energy of the site. Another popular vortex site is Bell Rock, which is believed to be a masculine energy center that can help with focus, productivity, and creativity.
Visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a stunning Roman Catholic chapel that is built into the red rocks of Sedona. It was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, and it is considered one of the most impressive works of architecture in Sedona. The chapel has a serene and peaceful atmosphere, and it is a great place to connect with your spirituality and enjoy the beauty of Sedona.
In addition to the chapel itself, there are also beautiful gardens and meditation areas that are open to visitors. You can spend some time exploring the gardens and taking in the views of the red rocks, or simply sit and meditate in one of the peaceful areas.
Day 3: Wine Tasting and Stargazing in Sedona
Sedona is not only known for its stunning red rock formations and spiritual energy but also for its vineyards and wineries. On day 3 of your Sedona itinerary, indulge in some of the region’s finest wines and end your day with a mesmerizing stargazing experience.
Wine Tasting in Verde Valley
Begin your day with a scenic drive to the Verde Valley, located just a short distance from Sedona. This area is home to some of Arizona’s best wineries and vineyards, where you can savor award-winning wines while enjoying the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the top wineries in the area is Page Springs Cellars, a family-owned winery that offers tastings of their premium wines, as well as tours of their vineyards and winemaking facilities. The winery is situated along Oak Creek, providing a serene backdrop for your tasting experience.
Another great winery to visit is the Alcantara Vineyards and Winery, which boasts of producing unique blends of wines from their estate-grown grapes. The winery offers a wide selection of wines to taste, along with guided tours of their vineyards and winemaking process.
Stargazing Tour
As night falls, head back to Sedona for an unforgettable stargazing tour. Sedona is a prime location for stargazing due to its dark skies and low light pollution. One of the best ways to experience this natural wonder is through a guided stargazing tour.
One of the top tour companies in Sedona is Sedona Star Gazing, which offers an immersive stargazing experience led by knowledgeable astronomers. The tour provides high-quality telescopes and binoculars for an up-close look at celestial objects like planets, galaxies, and nebulas.
Another great option is the Red Rock Astronomy tour, which offers a unique stargazing experience from the comfort of a cozy van. The tour takes you to secluded locations away from the city lights, allowing for a clear and stunning view of the night sky.
Day 4: A Day Trip to Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world, and it’s only a two-hour drive from Sedona. Here’s what you can expect on your day trip:
Driving to the Grand Canyon
Start your day early and drive to the Grand Canyon National Park. Along the way, you’ll see some beautiful Arizona scenery, including desert landscapes, canyons, and forests.
Exploring the Grand Canyon
Once you arrive at the park, take in the stunning views of the Grand Canyon. You can hike along the South Rim, take a scenic drive, or join a guided tour.
Hiking at the Grand Canyon
If you’re up for a hike, there are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy to strenuous. The Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular and offers amazing views of the canyon.
Lunch at the Grand Canyon
After a morning of exploring, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many picnic areas in the park. You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the park’s restaurants or cafes.
Stargazing at Sedona
On your way back to Sedona, stop at one of the many stargazing locations in the area. Sedona is known for its dark skies, and you’ll be able to see stars, constellations, and maybe even a shooting star or two.
After a long day of exploring, return to your hotel in Sedona and rest up for your final day in this beautiful city.
Other Outdoor Activities to Try in Sedona
Mountain Biking in Sedona’s Red Rocks
Sedona offers a variety of mountain biking trails for all skill levels. Some popular trails include the Bell Rock Pathway, the Highline Trail, and the Hangover Trail. Make sure to check trail conditions and plan accordingly.
Jeep Tours
Experience Sedona’s rugged terrain and stunning views on a guided Jeep tour. There are many tour companies to choose from, and some popular tours include the Broken Arrow Tour, the Diamondback Gulch Tour, and the Ancient Ruin Tour.
Rock Climbing
Sedona’s sandstone cliffs offer a unique and challenging rock climbing experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, there are routes for all skill levels. Some popular climbing areas include Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, and the Mace.
Horseback Riding
Take in the beauty of Sedona’s red rocks on horseback. Many companies offer guided horseback tours, including the M Diamond Ranch, the Sedona Horseback Rides, and the Horsin’ Around Adventures.
Hot Air Ballooning
Get a bird’s-eye view of Sedona’s stunning landscape on a hot air balloon ride. The views are especially breathtaking during sunrise and sunset. Some popular hot air balloon companies in Sedona include Northern Light Balloon Expeditions and Red Rock Balloon Adventures.
No matter what outdoor activity you choose, be sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing and gear. And always follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve Sedona’s natural beauty.
The Best Time to Visit Sedona: Weather and Crowds
Weather in Sedona
Sedona has a semi-arid climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Sedona is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons when the temperatures are comfortable, and the crowds are relatively smaller.
Crowds in Sedona
Sedona can get crowded during the summer months (June to August) and the winter holiday season (December to January) when visitors come to enjoy the great outdoors and the holiday festivities. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the off-season (February, April to May, and September to November), when the weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are smaller.
Festivals and Events
Sedona hosts several festivals and events throughout the year that may impact the crowds and availability of accommodations. Some of the popular events include the Sedona International Film Festival in February, the Sedona Yoga Festival in March, and the Sedona Arts Festival in October.
Outdoor Activities by Season
The best time to participate in outdoor activities in Sedona varies by season. The spring and fall seasons are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The summer months are perfect for swimming in Oak Creek and taking a hot air balloon ride. The winter season is the best time to go skiing and snowshoeing in the nearby Flagstaff area.
Final Thoughts: Planning Your Perfect Sedona Itinerary
Now that you have an idea of what to do in Sedona, it’s time to start planning your itinerary. Here are some final thoughts to help you plan your perfect Sedona trip:
- Prioritize your activities: With so much to see and do, it’s important to prioritize your activities. Determine what activities are most important to you and plan your itinerary accordingly.
- Consider the season: As mentioned earlier, the best time to visit Sedona depends on the season. Make sure to check the weather and plan accordingly.
- Book accommodations in advance: Sedona is a popular destination, so make sure to book your accommodations in advance to ensure availability and get the best prices.
- Be prepared for outdoor activities: Many of the activities in Sedona involve hiking, exploring, and spending time outdoors. Make sure to bring appropriate clothing and gear, such as hiking boots, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Allow for some relaxation time: While it’s tempting to pack your itinerary full of activities, make sure to allow for some relaxation time. Sedona is a beautiful place to simply sit and enjoy the scenery.
By following these tips and using the itinerary suggestions above, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to Sedona. Happy travels!
