By Shannon Gomes
Sedona, Arizona is an enchanting, must-visit U.S. town. Just a 2-hour drive north of Phoenix, once you arrive in this charming town surrounded by its iconic red rock formations, you will immediately slip into a serene and peaceful place. Perfect for couples getaways, a trip with dear friends or even a solo trip, Sedona offers activities for outdoor enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, art lovers, and those who simply want to relax and enjoy the stunning landscape. 💫
🍂 Best time of year to visit?
Best months to visit are either in the Spring or the Fall. Summer can get quite hot (90-100 degrees Fahrenheit!) so unless you love the heat (and crowds!), Spring or Fall is best however Sedona can be quite peaceful and charming in the Winter too .
🗓️ How long should you stay?
At minimum, you should stay in Sedona for 3 nights but ideally 5 nights to truly experience the town and all of the outdoor adventures.
✈️ How to get there?
If you are flying in from another state, it is best to fly in/out of Phoenix International Airport. From there, rent a car and drive 2-hours north to Sedona. The drive offers scenic views, especially as you get closer to Sedona, showcasing the transition from the desert landscape to the iconic red rock formations that Sedona is famous for.
🏨 Where to stay?
Sedona offers a wide range of places to stay, from luxury resorts to B&Bs to hotels with fantastic views. You can also look into renting a home via Airbnb. I really enjoyed staying at Sky Rock Sedona as it was close to everything and offers incredible views of the red rock mountains from the terrace with firepits.
For luxury stay experiences, consider Enchantment Resort and L’Auberge de Sedona.
For a cozy, intimate atmosphere, consider staying at Sedona Views Bed & Breakfast or A Sunset Chateau B&B.
🥾 Best hiking spots?
Sedona is an outdoor enthusiasts wonderland as there are so many great places to explore and hike. Make sure you wear good hiking shoes & bring water and snacks before you hit the trails (note: most trails are intermediate level!).
My favorite hikes included Bell Rock (suitable for all hiking skills levels and offers great photo opportunities!) and Cathedral Rock (famous for its steep ascents and incredible vistas).
Other popular hikes include: Devil’s Bridge Trail, Soldier’s Pass Trail, Boynton Canyon Trail & West Fork Trail.
👀 Must visit spots & tours?
Sedona is known for its energy vortexes. People often seek these sites for meditation, reflection, and spiritual experiences. Cathedral Rock and Airport Mesa are two popular vortex sites to visit.
Chapel of the Holy Cross is a striking architectural landmark to built into the red rocks, offering a serene and contemplative space for all that visit.
Go on a Pink Jeep Tours– this tour is a must-do! Go on one of their 2-3 hour off-road adventures through the red rock mountains and don’t forget your camera! Yes, the ride will be very bumpy but it is a unique experience that you will never forget!
Chill for a day in Oak Creek Canyon, a scenic river gorge right outside of town known for its beauty, hiking trails, and picnic spots.
🛍️ Best shopping?
Be sure not to miss Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village showcasing a variety of art galleries, shops and restaurants. Also, plan to visit Sedona Arts Center, a hub for local artists and art enthusiasts with galleries and workshops.
🍽️ Where to eat?
Sedona offers a wide range of dining options, ranging from Southwestern and Mexican cuisine to fabulous upscale dining. Here are my favorite places:
Mariposa – this restaurant is crown jewel of my talented chef friend, Lisa Dahl, who owns several restaurants in Sedona. Offering stunning panoramic views of the red rocks, Mariposa serves Latin-inspired cuisine with a focus on flavors from South America. You won’t want to miss eating here, so be sure to make a reservation in advance!
Elote Cafe – a very popular spot for creative Mexican cuisine. Don’t miss their award-winning Margaritas & flavorful dishes and prepare to wait in line for a table.
Pisa Lisa – craving pizza? Chef Lisa Dahl’s spot for wood-fires pizzas is not to be missed!
SaltRock Southwest Kitchen – located at Amara Resort, this restaurant serves Southwestern-inspired dishes and has an awesome outdoor patio.
Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante Italiano – yet another delicious restaurant from Chef Lisa Dahl, this spot offers upscale Italian cuisine with a cozy ambiance.
Indian Gardens Cafe & Market – this is favorite spot for breakfast! Just outside of town, this charming cafe is known for its casual and welcoming atmosphere offering breakfast and lunch. Be sure to sit in the patio area, if the weather is nice!
ChocolaTree – if you want to experience the true vibe of Sedona, go to this delicious cafe offering homemade organic, vegetarian cuisine as well as incredible artisan chocolates. Sit outside in the back patio and enjoy the experience!
🍷 Wine Tasting in Sedona
Did you know the Verde Valley surrounding Sedona is home to several vineyards & wineries, offering wine tours? Learn more and plan your day by visiting Verde Valley Wine Trail.
🧖🏽♀️ Best spas in Sedona?
Sedona is known for its luxurious spas that offer a range of services set against the backdrop of the stunning red rock landscapes. Here are some of the best spas:
Best Day Trip from Sedona? 🚘
If you are up for driving or sitting in a van for 4 hours/each way (I know, a long time but I think totally worth it!), I highly recommend booking a day trip with Pink Jeep Tours to visit Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend. Be sure to check out my post with all of the details and breathtaking photos here.
As you can see, Sedona offers something for everyone. It’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy good food, and reconnect with nature, loved ones and yourself. Start planning your Spring or Fall trip to Sedona…I promise you will love it! ✨
