Sedona is a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Sedona is filled with majestic red rock landscapes, outdoor adventures, amazing hikes, but it is also a place of zen and relaxation. It is the perfect destination for couples getaway, a girls trip or a family vacation.
In this Sedona travel guide you will learn where to stay in Sedona, all of the best activities for adventurers and relaxers alike, and when to visit this magical destination.
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Where is Sedona & How to Get There
Sedona is located in northern Arizona between Phoenix & Flagstaff. The closest airports would be Phoenix Sky Harbor or Flagstaff Pulliam. Phoenix Sky Harbor will likely have the most direct flight options from many U.S. destinations.
I do recommend renting a car when visiting Sedona. It is a beautiful drive from either airport with many scenic stops along the way. Plus you may want to take a day trip to the Grand Canyon and it’s nice to have a car to do that if you want.
Best Time to Visit Sedona
Spring: (March-May)
- ideal temps
- wildflowers
- best hiking season
Summer: (June-August)
- hot mid day
- great for early morning hikes
Fall: (September-November)
- perfect weather
- fewer crowds
Winter (December-February)
- quiet
- off-season
- possible snow
Top Things to Do in Sedona
Hike the Famous Red Rock Trails
There are so many amazing hikes in Sedona, a true hiking lover’s paradise. Sedona’s hiking trails have a great variety too from easy and family friendly to more difficult and challenging.
Take a Scenic Drive
Red Rock Scenic Byway: One of the most beautiful drives in the U.S.
Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
Built into the side of the red rocks, this chapel is a must see when visiting Sedona. There is a short easy trail here as well if you are interested. The pictures are stunning.
Take a Ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad
4 hour round trip excursion through Verde Canyon. Beautiful passenger cars with panoramic views of the red rock landscapes.
Head to Slide Rock State Park
If you are visiting Sedona in the summer, Slide Rock State Park is fun for the entire family and a great way to cool off in that Sedona desert heat. It is a natural water slide formed right in the red rocks. It is such a fun and unique experience.
Explore Uptown & Arts Districts
Sedona is filled with so many unique shops that really highlight the culture. Many local artisans, jewelry makers and handmade souvenirs are readily available in Sedona. The Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is not to be missed. It is a Spanish-style village with galleries, boutiques and restaurants.
Do a Stargazing Tour
Sedona is an official International Dark Sky Community, which means the skies here are incredible. Book a guided stargazing tour. This will give you access to high powered telescopes, constellation education and stories about the desert sky. This is fun for the entire family. My kids loved it.
Visit a Sedona Vortex Site
Sedona is famous for its vortex sites which are places believed to hold concentrated energy. Whether you believe in the spiritual aspect or simply want stunning views, these locations are worth visiting.
- Airport Mesa
- Bell Rock
- Cathedral Rock
Take a Jeep Tour
One of the most iconic and popular way to experience Sedona is a guided off road jeep tour. These tours will take you deep into the red rock backcountry. There are many excellent vendors that offer a variety of tours.
Take a Day Trip to the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon makes an unforgettable day trip from Sedona. The drive to the South Rim entrance takes about 2 hours, making it an easy and scenic addition to your trip. Having a rental car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. You can follow the rim viewpoints, stop whenever you like, and even use a self-guided audio tour for context along the way.
If you’d rather skip the drive, there are several guided day tours that depart directly from Sedona and handle all the logistics for you. Even one that you can take a train.
If you prefer to drive but would still like a guided tour, there are plenty of options for that as well. You’ll also find ranger-led programs, shuttle routes between overlooks, and additional guided experiences and tours.
Whether you prefer the freedom of a self-guided adventure or the ease of an organized tour, there are plenty of ways to experience the Grand Canyon from Sedona.
Best Hikes in Sedona
Easy: Perfect for families, beginners or a chill day
- Bell Rock: Multiple trail options, wide paths, great for kids
- West Fork Trail: Shady canyon hike with creek crossings
Moderate: a little more of a challenge, good for families with older children
- Soldier Pass Trail: Includes Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole & Seven Sacred Pools
- Doe Mountain Trail: Short climb to a flat mesa top with panoramic views
- Fay Canyon Trail: roughly 2.5 miles with the final approach to the arch being steep
Hard: Challenging, but iconic hikes
- Cathedral Rock: Steep rock scramble with one of the most famous views in Sedona
- Devil’s Bridge Trail: Leads to the largest natural sandstone arch in the area
Hiking Tips
- Start early: Beat the heat and parking lots fill up quickly.
- Bring plenty of water: You are in the desert so be sure to hydrate.
- Wear hiking shoes: There are several places along the trails that have slippery rocks.
- Get a Red Rock Pass: This is required for many of the hikes.
- Download offline maps: No cell service on many of the trails.
Best Viewpoints in Sedona
Airport Mesa has one of the best sunset views
Scenic overlooks along Hwy 179
Where to Stay in Sedona
Luxury
- Enchantment Resort: desert luxury surrounded by red rocks
- L’Auberge Sedona: ultimate luxury, great for a romantic getaway
Mid-Range
- Mountain Modern Resort Sedona: stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Sedona
- Arabella Hotel Sedona: Just off Hwy 179, comfortable rooms and scenic red rock views
Family Friendly
- Hilton Vacation Club Los Abrigados Resort & Spa: spacious rooms, outdoor pools and activities
- Sky Ranch Lodge: great location with heated outdoor pool
- Casa Bonita Sedona: incredible vacation home rental that will sleep multiple families with a heated outdoor pool with views of Bell Rock.
Best Restaurants in Sedona
For Dinner and View
Brunch and Casual Spots
Sedona Classics
*Reservations are highly recommended for popular dining spots like Mariposa and Elote Cafe
Sedona Travel Tips
- 1. Start early (especially when hiking)
- 2. Expect limited cell service
- 3. Purchase a red rock pass
- 4. Make dining reservations in advance
What to Pack for Sedona
Comfortable hiking shoes
Refillable Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
Sun Protection: wide brim hat, sunglasses, and SPF
Lightweight Layers
Small Backpack for hiking and exploring
You can also shop all of my Amazon hiking finds HERE
Elevated Dinner Outfits: Sedona has a surprisingly polished dinner scene. Bring one or two slightly dressier options for sunset dinners with a view.
My Must Have Travel Essentials
These are my go travel essentials that come with me on ninety percent of my travels. Everything from luggage to tote bags to travel essentials that may travel days easier and less stressful.
Final Thoughts for my Sedona Travel Guide
Sedona is a one of kind place that hold memories for a lifetime. The red rocks at sunset, the quiet desert mornings, and thrilling hikes.
Whether you are climbing up Cathedral Rock, exploring the vortex at Airport Mesa, riding the backcountry on a jeep tour, or simply soaking in the scenery from a patio with a view, Sedona offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
It is a destination that works well for a couples getaway, a girls trip or an outdoorsy family vacation. Once you see the red rocks in person, you’ll understand why so many people keep returning year after year.
If you are planning a trip to Sedona, save this guide, share it with your travel buddy and start mapping out your Sedona vacation.
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