One thing I’ll always say is that the United States has an incredibly diverse travel landscape, with so much to offer no matter what type of trip you’re looking for.
I’m on a mission to explore more cities and states across the U.S., and Arizona has been high on my travel list after seeing so many photos and videos showcasing its stunning desert scenery.
Sedona is known for its wellness-focused atmosphere, red rock landscapes, scenic hiking trails, yoga retreats, and endless opportunities to connect with nature.
My best friend and I spent a total of six days in Arizona for our first visit to the state, with most of our time based in Sedona and one day in Phoenix.
In this Sedona itinerary, I’ll recap our trip and share our day-by-day itinerary, trip costs, travel tips, and everything else you should know if you’re planning a visit to Sedona.
Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links which means that if you book one of these activities using my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting BCJ! All views are my own.
Getting to Sedona
While there is an airport in Sedona, Sedona Airport (SDX), it is only for private or charter flights, not commercial flights.
To get as close as possible to Sedona, you’ll want to fly into Phoenix (2.5 hours away), Prescott Regional Airport (2 hours away), or Flagstaff (45 minutes away), as these airports offer commercial flights depending on where you are traveling from.
We flew into the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) from Newark, New Jersey with United Airlines on a 4.5 hour flight around 6am.
The flight was comfortable, and we got to try the United Club lounge at Newark for the first time before boarding our flight and landing in Phoenix, where we started our trip.
- Cost of Flights: 31,600 miles + 11.20 USD/person
Renting A Car at the Phoenix International Airport
If you’re planning a trip to Sedona, I highly recommend renting a car and driving.
I booked a rental car through Alamo, one of the rental car companies available at the Phoenix airport.
I made the reservation about a week before our trip and chose to rent a Jeep Wrangler.
Once we landed in Phoenix and collected our bags from baggage claim, we took the Sky Train to the Rental Car Center.
You can simply follow the signs throughout the airport for the Sky Train.
Once we arrived at the Alamo counter, I provided my driver’s license, added collision insurance for the duration of the rental, and completed the payment.
I did not have car insurance due to living abroad these last few years, so the insurance was an additional $209.94 to our initial $508.45 quote + taxes. If you have your own insurance, this likely won’t be a fee you have to worry about.
After making payment, we were directed to the garage, where we were able to choose any of the available Jeep Wranglers that were parked there. Each vehicle already had the keys inside, so once we found the Jeep we liked, we loaded up our luggage and hit the road.
I have never experienced this type of rental process before, so I thought it was really cool. I loved that we were able to take our time choosing the Jeep we wanted instead of simply being assigned one.
Returning the vehicle six days later was just as easy. We drove to the return area, had the barcode on the vehicle scanned, received our final receipt, and were on our way.
Overall, I had a great first experience renting with Alamo and would definitely consider booking with them again in the future.
- Cost of Jeep Wrangler Rental for 5 Days: $786.84
Driving in Sedona
Most people in Sedona seem to get around by car, and having our own vehicle made a huge difference. It gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace and easily get around town.
Renting a car also saved us money in the long run compared to relying on Ubers and other rideshares.
It made the trip much more enjoyable because we were able to make spontaneous stops, stay flexible with our plans, and discover scenic points we would have missed otherwise.
I found driving in Sedona to be very smooth, and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t necessarily like to drive!
During our visit in early July, the roads were never crowded, including the highways.
They were well maintained, easy to navigate, and overall, driving was much a lot less intimidating than I expected.
Where I Stayed in Sedona: Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit
Sedona can get pricey very quickly, especially when it comes to accommodation, so when I found the Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit, I was grateful to not have to spend another $1000+ on our stay for this trip.
It was my first time hearing about one of these club properties, but essentially these are vacation ownership resorts that people usually have as timeshares, but also have rooms and suites available through regular bookings.
At this property, we booked a Studio 1 Queen with Sofabed.
The rooms kind of mimic apartments with building numbers and the suite number on the door.
I wasn’t expecting it to be very spacious since it was a studio, but it appeared to be a standard room with a lot of space, a kitchenette, patio, and a bathroom.
I considered it more of a budget stay and wasn’t expecting much in general, but I was very impressed with all of the offerings and the room, considering the fact that it was so low-cost compared to other hotels in the area.
There are also amenities like laundry rooms, multiple pools throughout the property, a Jacuzzi, a fitness center, EV charging, free Wi-Fi, concierge, and more.
We did have to pay $10.00 for parking/day which is a practice I don’t agree with in general, but it is what it is.
The location of the property is great and very close to the center of Sedona and many of its top attractions like the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (10 minutes) and the Chapel of the Holy Cross (15 minutes), being so close.
- Cost of Stay: $574.06 for 5 Days, 4 Nights
Time Zone in Arizona
The time zone in Arizona is a little different from some of its neighboring states.
Before visiting, I assumed Arizona was on Pacific Time, but it’s actually in the Mountain Time Zone and does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
The one exception is the Navajo Nation, which does observe Daylight Saving Time.
This means that if you visit that area, the time may be one hour different from the rest of Arizona.
This happened to us during one of our tours and caused a bit of confusion, so I wanted to include it in this Sedona itinerary as something to be aware of.
Sedona Itinerary Packing List
There are items I recommend packing for your trip to Sedona that I found helpful on my trip:
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes – Many of Sedona’s top attractions involve hiking trails, lots of walking in general, and uneven terrain, so having comfortable and supportive shoes is important. The right footwear will make exploring much easier and help prevent discomfort or injuries during your trip.
- A combination of shorts and long pants/tops – Sedona’s temperatures can vary throughout the day, so packing both options will give you flexibility depending on the weather and activities planned.
- Sunglasses and a sun hat – If you’re visiting during the summer, you’ll definitely want sun protection while spending time outdoors.
- Sunscreen – The desert sun can be intense so sunscreen to protect your skin will help!
- Small backpack or fanny pack – Bring something lightweight that you can easily carry while exploring trails and attractions. You’ll want enough space for essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and your phone without carrying something that feels heavy or inconvenient.
- Portable fan – If you’re visiting during the warmer months, a small portable fan can be helpful, especially during hikes or while waiting at outdoor viewpoints.
- Hand sanitizer – Useful to have while traveling, especially after spending time outdoors or visiting busy attractions.
Sedona Itinerary Breakdown
In this section I will share my Sedona itinerary and everywhere we visited each day of our trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Phoenix
Arrival at Phoenix Hotel
After picking up our rental car from Alamo, we checked into the Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown Hotel.
Our stay was brief, as we were only in Phoenix for one night, but the hotel being located near the downtown center made it easy to get around the city. The property also offers a variety of amenities, like a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor heated pool, on-site dining, and a bar.
- Cost for one night: $142.47
- Parking: $45/night
Brunch at Sophia’s Brunch Counter
I found a newly opened brunch spot on Instagram before my trip that looked super cute, so I wanted to try it, and that’s how we decided to go to Sophia’s Brunch Counter while in Phoenix.
The cafe does not take reservations, so you just walk in and order at the counter.
It was a Sunday when we visited, so there was a line out the door. However, the line was fairly quick, and within an hour we had a great seat outside.
It’s a nice spot for brunch with great vibes and service, and a menu that serves a combination of breakfast and lunch items as well as several drinks.
I ordered a breakfast burrito without the beef chorizo, and that came with a side of tater tots with spicy mayo, drizzled on top.
- Cost: Breakfast Burrito $16
Day 2: Hot Air Balloon Ride & Exploration Day in Phoenix
Hot Air Balloon Ride with Rainbow Ryders
One of the reasons we started our trip in Phoenix was to do a hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders, one of the most popular companies in the city for this experience.
We chose the sunrise hot air balloon ride, which meant waking up around 2:00 AM so we could arrive at the facility for the 4:15 AM check-in time.
Thankfully, our group was small, with just six people total, as many guests had canceled that morning.
Once everyone was ready, we loaded into a van and were driven to the launch site.
The team first confirmed that weather and wind conditions were safe before giving us instructions on how to get into the basket, what to expect during landing, and safety procedures. We also had plenty of opportunities to take photos with the balloon while it was being inflated and prepared for takeoff.
I know some people are nervous about heights or being up in the air, but I honestly didn’t feel nervous beforehand. The ride was incredibly peaceful, relaxing, and I felt very safe the entire time.
My only minor disappointment was that, while waiting for everyone to arrive, we ended up missing most of the sunrise.
It was a little unfortunate, but it wasn’t something I was overly focused on in the moment because the experience itself was still beautiful. I just could’ve stayed in bed a little longer if that was going to be the case!
The flight went by surprisingly fast, lasting about 45 minutes in the air.
After landing, we had the chance to take cool photos with the balloon flame and were offered celebratory drinks, including orange juice, mimosas, champagne, and other options. The company also had snacks at the office once we returned.
Overall, this was a great experience that I definitely recommend if you’re visiting Arizona and have never done a hot air balloon ride before.
It was my first time, and it’s absolutely something I’d love to do again in another city.
- Cost: $205/person
Other Hot Air Balloon Ride Options in Phoenix:
- Hot Air Balloon Flight with Champagne
- Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Sonoran Desert
- Hot Air Balloon Ride on the Largest Balloon in the USA
Breakfast at Fair Trade Cafe
After working up an appetite from our hot air balloon ride, we headed to Fair Trade Cafe for breakfast.
The cafe has a beautiful interior with plenty of seating. It’s definitely somewhere I would come back to with my laptop to get some work done, as it was very quiet and not too crowded when we visited on a Monday morning.
The food was fresh and made to order, and I really enjoyed my meal. I ordered the avocado toast with an egg, along with a matcha flight that included three different flavors.
I’m not actually a huge matcha fan, but I enjoy trying different takes on the drink and seeing how cafes incorporate unique flavors. I ended up enjoying all three varieties and thought it was a fun way to experience something a little different.
Cost:
- Avocado Toast: $7
- Egg Add-on: $1
- Matcha Flight: $18
- Oat Milk: $1
Oak Street Alley Murals
While driving through downtown Phoenix, I noticed there were so many beautiful murals, so I decided to look up a few more and ended up visiting the Oak Street Alley Murals.
You can park and explore the murals on foot to get a closer look, but we chose to stay in the car and do a slow drive-by since the street is a bit narrow. Even so, we were still able to get a great view of all the artwork.
Many of the murals were created by local artists and celebrate the city’s culture, history, and community.
If you have some extra time while exploring Phoenix, I definitely think it’s worth making a stop to check them out.
- Cost: FREE
Drive to Sedona
After checking out of our hotel, we began our 2 hour drive to Sedona around 12pm.
Driving to Sedona from Phoenix
Now, as part of this Sedona itinerary, I definitely want to talk about the drive from Phoenix to Sedona, as it did get unexpectedly scary.
Prior to this trip, I saw videos of people saying the drive was scary but did not see what they were exactly talking about, as no one explained it in great detail; however, we got to live it so here I am to share 🙂.
We took State Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon. There is a part on this route where there are sharp curves, steep areas, you are very high up and can feel all of this, and no guardrails while on a two-way road.
Some people seem to find this to be thrilling, and dont think it’s scary, but many obviously were terrified, and it definitely left us a bit shaken, if I’m being honest.
So if you know you are someone who may find this intimidating, I recommend you avoid this route and take another one that avoids SR-89A.
Tlquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
Our first stop in Sedona was Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, one of the city’s most popular attractions.
The village is filled with unique shops and a few restaurants, making it a fun place to walk around and explore. It truly feels like you’ve stepped into an entirely different town.
Designed to reflect a traditional Mexican village, it is a beautiful destination filled with creativity, art, charming courtyards, local shops, and more.
This was actually one of my favorite places in Sedona, and somewhere I couldn’t wait to include in this itinerary because I think it perfectly captures the city’s beauty and charm.
If you’re lucky, be sure to stop and enjoy one of the live performances that occasionally take place throughout the village.
Planning Tip: The hours may be listed online as closing around 5:00 or 6:00 p.m., but we found that many of the shop owners kept their stores open a bit later. If you’re running behind in the evening, it may still be worth stopping by.
- Cost: FREE to Enter
Dinner at Secret Garden Cafe
For dinner, we chose the Secret Garden Cafe within the village.
Quaint and charming, the cafe has a cozy atmosphere that makes it a great spot to unwind after spending time exploring Tlaquepaque.
There is also a beautiful outdoor patio that is perfect for dining when the weather is nice.
I enjoyed the food that I had here, but I would also recommend trying the Mexican restaurant within the village as well.
I really liked its layout and atmosphere, but there was an event taking place during our visit, and we were looking for a quieter dinner experience.
- Cost: Hummus Pizza: $19
Day 3: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
Antelope Canyon Tour with Ken’s Tours
Antelope Canyon is a gorgeous canyon that has been created over thousands of years thanks to nature and the combination of water and wind that has sculpted the sandstone into various forms and shapes that are available to see on a guided tour as you walk through the different layers.
The canyon is located on land managed by the Navajo Nation, and all visits must be made with an authorized tour guide so you can’t just go alone.
I booked this Lower Antelope Canyon Entry and Navajo Guided Tour for $93. We drove 3 hours from Sedona.
While I enjoyed getting to see the actual canyon, I really did not like the group tour experience in general.
The canyon gets crowded very quickly and with about 12 people in our group, in addition to several other groups either before or after ours, it didn’t feel like there was enough time to really soak in the views of the canyon or take pictures as I initially thought, as was communicated by the guide at the beginning of the tour.
I think the tour I booked was fine, all things considered, but this just seems to be an issue with the group tours in general.
If possible, I would recommend booking a private tour as that may make a difference, but it will likely cost you a lot more money.
I was trying to figure out if visiting the Upper Canyon would be a better experience vs the Lower Canyon, but ultimately decided to visit the Lower Canyon due to the time that we were visiting, which was around 9 AM, and the sunlight at that time.
Either way, I think the experience is gorgeous from what I’ve gathered from those that have visited both and this is definitely a place. You should add to your Sedona itinerary.
Other Anteleope Canyon Tour Options:
Lunch at Odyssey Fixx Cafe
This was a bit of a long day for us, so we were trying to find something to eat quickly before heading to our next outdoor stop, which led us to the Odyssey Fixx Cafe about 10 minutes away from the canyon.
This cafe is nothing fancy. It’s actually located inside of a gym and seems to be one of those cafes where people grab a smoothie or bite to eat before or after their workout.
I had a delicious chicken wrap here with chips and was able to get hydrated a bit before the next stop so it did what I needed to do.
- Chipotle Chicken Wrap: $14
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is not too far from Antelope Canyon so while we were already in the area, we decided to add it on to our Sedona itinerary.
The natural landmark gets its name because of its horseshoe shape in the Colorado River.
This was actually a fairly quick and easy stop. Once you arrive and have paid for parking, the overlook area is only about a 15 minute walk from the parking lot.
There are several viewpoints where you can stop and enjoy the scenery, and many of them don’t have guardrails. Because of that, you’ll want to be careful, especially if you’re visiting with kids.
That said, I felt it was safe throughout our visit, and it was a great place to stop and take in the views.
Planning Tip: If you’re visiting during the summer, I highly recommend bringing an umbrella for the walk to and from the parking lot. The sun can be quite intense, and having the extra shade will make the walk much more comfortable.
Also, do not book a tour for this activity as it is not necessary at all if you have your own vehicle while in Sedona! You will likely spend 20-25 minutes here max.
Zen Foot Spa
Once we returned to Sedona, I was feeling drained from the busy morning outdoors and all the driving, so I decided to treat myself to a foot massage at Zen Foot Spa.
Sedona is well known for its wellness scene, with numerous spas located throughout the city. It’s easy to find one and book an appointment on a whim, making it the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.
Day 4: Half-Day at Grand Canyon & Dinner
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park is only about two hours from Sedona and is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, so I knew I wanted to make time to visit while I was in the area.
We left for the canyon around 5 AM and arrived at 7 AM, giving us about an hour before the Visitor Center opened at 8 AM.
Before arriving, I’ll admit that I found the logistics of planning our half-day visit to the Grand Canyon a bit overwhelming. I wasn’t sure how to navigate the shuttle system, viewpoints, and timing, but once we arrived, everything was much simpler and easier to understand than I had expected.
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Getting Around the Grand Canyon
There are a few different ways to access the park, with the South Rim and North Rim being the two most common. We chose the South Rim because it’s the most popular and offers many of the park’s most iconic viewpoints.
Once you have parked, you are really going to depend on the free shuttle buses that will take you around the park along different routes to access various viewpoints and stops.
At the stops, you will get to see the canyon from different points, use the restroom if there’s one available, make a purchase at a store, get some food, etc.
While you’re riding the shuttle buses, the drivers provide narration about each stop, including the attractions, trails, and amenities available. Be sure to pay attention so you know which stops best match what you’re looking to see and do.
The canyon is absolutely stunning to see in person.
Our Route at the Grand Canyon
Mather Point – 10 minute walk from the Visitor Center
We started our time at the Grand Canyon at Mather Point, which is a quick 7-10 minute walk from the Visitor Center and is a popular viewpoint.
Starting here was a great decision as it was easy to get to and the views were stunning.
Get on the Orange Shuttle to Yaki Point
From the Visitor Center, we got on the Orange Shuttle and got off at Yaki Point. This was another great stop and we spent a lot of time here as I found it relaxing to just sit and admire the canyon.
It’s the only scenic viewpoint on Desert View Drive and is known for being a bit quieter than some of the other stops.
Blue Shuttle to Grand Canyon Village then Transfer to Hopi Point
From Yaki Point, we took the Orange Shuttle back to the Visitor Center and switched to the Blue Shuttle and rode to the Grand Canyon Village for the Red Shuttle transfer to Hopi Point.
Hopi Point has panoramic views of the canyon along Hermit Road. The shuttle driver mentioned this and it’s why we stopped.
Continue on Red Shuttle for Hermits Rest
We made a stop at Hermits Rest because we thought we’d be able to grab lunch, but it turned out to be more of a quick stop for cold drinks, ice cream, and light snacks. It’s mainly a gift shop with a small selection of grab-and-go food options.
If you’re looking for a memorable souvenir from your trip to the Grand Canyon, I definitely recommend stopping here. The gift shop has a great selection of items.
Transfer to the Blue Shuttle to go to Maswik Lodge for Food
To get back to Maswik Lodge from Hermits Rest, we got on the Red Route shuttle and rode it back toward the Village Route Transfer. From there, we transferred to the Blue Route (Village Route) shuttle, which took us to the Maswik Lodge stop where we had lunch.
There is a pizzeria and a food court style layout here so I ordered a flatbread from one of the American counters.
Return Back to the Visitor Center
Since the Visitor Center wasn’t open when we first arrived, I stopped by just to see what it was like and it’s basically an overview of the Park with displays, information boards, etc.
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Navigating the Grand Canyon does take a lot of energy so I would just say to be mentally prepared for navigating, transferring between shuttles, walking the trails, etc., as it does take a lot of energy and be sure to stay hydrated.
Cost: $35/vehicle for U.S. residents
Planning Tip: Spending a half day at the Grand Canyon was great for me and my trip but if you know that you will want to stay there a bit longer, there is so much to cover and see! I saw the canyon from a few different angles and it was great for me, but there are also activities you can do like bike riding.
Grand Canyon Tour Options:
- From Phoenix: Grand Canyon with Sedona & Oak Creek Day Tour
- The Grand Canyon Classic Tour From Sedona, AZ
- Sedona/Flagstaff: Grand Canyon Day Trip and Sunset
Broome & Orchid
We made it back to Sedona just in time for dinner and decided to eat at Broome & Orchid.
We were looking for a restaurant with a beautiful view of Sedona’s red rocks, and this spot definitely delivered with its outdoor patio seating and scenic surroundings.
The menu offers a variety of options, including seafood, sushi, burgers, and classic sides.
I ordered the Chilean Seabass, which was served in a Spanish fennel broth with focaccia and a side of shoestring fries.
While I loved the atmosphere and the service was great, I have to say the meal itself was a bit underwhelming.
I enjoyed the experience and the views, but I’m not sure I would choose to dine here again unless I was stopping by for a quick drink or a casual bite while taking in the scenery.
- Chilean Seabass: $50
- Fries: $9
Visit the Only Blue Mcdonalds in the World
The only blue McDonald’s in the world is located in Sedona!
The reason it’s blue is because of the city’s design guidelines, which encourage buildings to blend in with Sedona’s iconic red rock landscape rather than stand out. It wasn’t too far from our hotel, so we stopped by after dinner to see it for ourselves.
I think it’s a great initiative that shows even large corporations can adapt their branding to respect the character and natural beauty of a place.
It was something I appreciated throughout Sedona in general as many of the stores and buildings are designed with earthy colors and architecture that preserve Sedona’s charm.
Day 5: Sedona Exploration Day
Start the day with memorable Jeep pictures
We started day five by taking some photos with our Jeep, making sure to capture the gorgeous red rock backdrop one last time before we had to leave.
When I travel solo, I usually make it a point to plan a solo photo shoot, depending on the destination and whether I’m able to get the shots I want with just my tripod.
It might just be the travel blogger and content creator in me, but I truly think it’s worth taking an hour to capture beautiful photos of yourself in the places you visit. They become memories you can look back on for years to come.
We found a quiet, empty road near our accommodation and got to work capturing some final Sedona moments.
- Cost: FREE
Grab a cup of chai from The Chai Spot
Within Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, you’ll find The Chai Spot, a beautiful establishment that serves chai with a purpose.
From the moment I walked into the Sedona location, I fell in love with the decor and the thoughtful touches of Pakistani culture throughout the space, from the textiles and garments to the books and other details that bring the atmosphere to life.
What makes this spot even more special is that 50% of the profits from sales go toward initiatives supporting women and children in Pakistan, including opening schools, providing grants to women, and offering scholarships to children.
My friend and I ordered a traditional cardamom chai and with a seasonal Honey & Oat Iced Chai that wasn’t listed on the menu.
The Honey & Oat Iced Chai was absolutely delicious, and I would honestly return just for that drink alone.
The Sedona location also has a beautiful outdoor space that’s perfect for relaxing, reading, or enjoying your chai while taking in the peaceful surroundings.
- Cost: Traditional Cardamom Chai: $8
Explore shops at Uptown Sedona’s Sinagua Plaza
Uptown Sedona is the city’s main tourist and shopping area, filled with a variety of shops, restaurants, art galleries, tour offerings, and more.
There are several shopping plazas throughout the area, but we happened to come across Sinagua Plaza and enjoyed spending some time walking around and exploring.
It was fun wandering in and out of the different shops, especially because Sedona has so many charming little stores in Uptown and throughout the city.
However, many of the shops are concentrated in Uptown so it’s easier to look around and find different gems to bring home.
Buy tea from the Spice & Tea Exchange
Within the Sinagua Plaza is The Spice & Tea Exchange of Sedona, which was actually the reason I came to the Uptown Sedona area in the first place.
As someone who loves tea, drinks several cups a day, and has enjoyed tea experiences around the world, one of my favorite souvenirs to bring home from my travels is tea from the places I visit. I love that it’s something meaningful, practical, and something I can continue enjoying long after the trip is over.
The Spice & Tea Exchange is a specialty shop offering a variety of spices, salts, teas, tea accessories, and more. They also have a tea bar where you can choose a tea from their selection wall and have it prepared fresh on the spot, along with matcha options.
I ended up taking home two of their teas, which I’ve already started enjoying, and I absolutely loved stopping by this shop. It was the perfect place to pick up a unique and memorable souvenir from Sedona.
- Cost: Each tea was about $16/each = $32 total
Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Roman Catholic chapel built directly into Sedona’s stunning red rock landscape.
It’s known for its unique architecture and the incredible views of the surrounding red rocks that you can take in once you make your way to the top.
Visitors are welcome to sit inside the chapel, and many people spend time there saying prayers or enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
This ended up being one of my favorite stops on my Sedona itinerary, and it was a place I honestly wasn’t expecting to love as much as I did.
The views from the top are breathtaking, and it’s definitely one of the best spots to capture beautiful photos.
Cost: FREE
Planning Tip: Free golf cart rides are available to take visitors to and from the entrance of the chapel. Be sure to wait a few minutes and look for the golf cart before walking up, especially during warmer months, as the uphill walk can be hot.
Have lunch at 89Agave Cantina
For lunch, we stopped at 89Agave Cantina, a casual Mexican restaurant in Sedona.
This spot seems to be one of the more popular Mexican restaurants in the area, but we actually came across it while browsing the nearby shops and decided to stop in for a quick bite.
The atmosphere is essentially a sports bar, with plenty of high-top seating, a full bar, and television screens playing the latest games. We happened to catch one of the World Cup matches while we were there, which made for a fun and entertaining dining experience.
The restaurant also offers outdoor seating, which is a great option when the weather is nice and allows you to enjoy the energy of the surrounding plaza while you eat.
- Cost: Tacos and Chicken Wings ½ Bill: $30
Outbound Sedona Mural
While driving around Sedona, I spotted this colorful mural at Outbound Sedona, a boutique hotel and stopped to take a picture:
Cost: FREE
Spend the evening at the hotel’s pool
After a long day of exploring, we decided to finally check out one of the pools at our accommodation. The pool had beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, a stunning red rock backdrop, and a relaxing hot tub area.
Sedona has many different hotels and resorts that offer incredible amenities, so if you’re not staying at one of them, another option is to purchase a day pass at one of them.
This allows you to enjoy a poolside experience, order food and drinks, and relax while taking in the beautiful scenery without booking an overnight stay.
Day 6: Morning State Park & Winery Day
Start the morning walking trails at the Red Rock State Park
Only 10 minutes away from our accommodation, we spent our last morning in Sedona at Red Rock State Park.
The park is relatively small, covering about 5 miles of trails, which made it an easy and enjoyable way to get outside, go for a walk, and get some exercise before leaving.
There are several different walking trails available, and the routes are clearly mapped out throughout the park.
During our visit, we were told that coyotes and rattlesnakes can occasionally be spotted in the park.
Coyotes typically come out early in the morning or later at night, and we were told that rattlesnakes generally aren’t a concern as long as you stay on the designated paths. We did happen to hear a rattlesnake during our visit, which made us decide not to continue down one of the trails I originally wanted to explore, but overall, it was still a beautiful and worthwhile stop to end our Sedona trip.
Planning Tip: I highly recommend stopping by the Visitor Center when you arrive so you can pick up a color-coded trail map, as it makes navigating the different routes much easier.
Cost: $10/person
Have breakfast at the Wildflower Cafe
Wildflower is a fast-casual bakery cafe in Sedona that serves breakfast and lunch with menu items like sandwiches, salads, homemade soups, baked goods, and coffee drinks.
The atmosphere and ordering style actually reminded me a lot of Panera Bread, with a casual setup.
We stopped here for a simple breakfast before heading out to enjoy some wine at a nearby winery to make sure we had food in our stomachs before drinking, and it did what it needed to do.
I ordered an egg and cheese bagel.
Cost: Egg and Cheese Bagel Sandwich: $10.99
Try different wine flights at Page Spring Cellars
Finally, our last stop on this Sedona itinerary was a visit to Page Springs Cellars.
I knew I wanted to visit a winery in Sedona or somewhere nearby during this trip, and we originally planned to go to Alcantara Vineyards.
However, because of the route we wanted to take and wanting to avoid driving on State Route 89A, we decided to switch plans and visit Page Springs Cellars instead.
To be completely honest, this winery didn’t wow me as much as some other wineries I’ve visited.
That being said, they did have a great selection of wines, and I enjoyed the wine tasting flight I ordered along with the charcuterie board and pizza we ordered.
The overall atmosphere felt more casual than what I was hoping for from this particular experience, so I would recommend looking into some of the other wineries in the area if you’re looking for a more elevated or scenic wine experience.
Planning Tip: If you’re taking an Uber to the wineries, I highly recommend scheduling your ride in advance through the app. It can take a while for drivers to reach this area, so planning ahead can help you avoid a long wait after your visit.
Cost:
- Chilled Flight: 5 wines for $16
- Charcuterie Board: $39
- Fig & Prosciutto Pizza: $24
The Drive Back to Phoenix
Later that evening, we packed our bags, checked out of the hotel, and made the two-hour drive back to Phoenix. From there, we returned our rental car and boarded our flight back home to the East Coast.
We made sure to take a different route than the one we used on the way in, which made for a smooth and easy drive, just the way we like it.
When is the best time to visit Sedona?
The best time to visit Sedona is said to be during the Spring (March – May) or Fall (September – November), when the weather is cooler and ideal for hikes and being outdoors in general. It also makes for a greater scenery as the colors of the fall leaves come alive.
However, these months are considered high season which means you can expect larger crowds and higher rates.
Visiting Sedona in July
I visited Sedona in early July, when the heat can be intense and daytime temperatures often reach the upper 90s or even over 100°F.
I was admittedly a bit nervous about the heat since I had a lot of outdoor activities planned during my trip, but it ended up being fine overall. That said, I am originally from Florida and have a fairly high heat tolerance, so your experience may be different.
I dont feel like the heat negatively impacted my experience in Sedona, however, my advice would be to get to outdoor attractions as early as possible.
That way you have time to explore before the sun and heat reach their peak, usually around 10:00 a.m. and continuing through the afternoon. The earlier you start, the more comfortable your experience will likely be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedona
How many days do I need in Sedona?
I spent five days in Sedona and left wishing I had another two or three days to explore even more of the area.
Having that extra time would have allowed me to add a few more nature walks, hiking trails, and parks to my Sedona itinerary.
There is so much to do in Sedona, and while I took several 2–3 hour day trips during my visit, there’s also plenty to experience without ever leaving the city.
In my opinion, a full week or even 10 days is the sweet spot if you want to enjoy a good mix of Sedona’s hiking, scenic viewpoints, attractions, and nearby destinations without feeling rushed.
Is parking difficult in Phoenix or Sedona?
Parking in Phoenix was definitely more challenging than what I experienced in Sedona.
Even during our short time in Phoenix, we found that parking was fairly limited in many areas, and paying for parking was the norm at a lot of attractions, restaurants, and businesses, especially downtown.
Because of this, I would almost hesitate to recommend renting a car if you plan on staying exclusively in Phoenix, as you may end up paying for parking more often than you’d expect depending on where you choose to go.
Dealing with parking in Sedona was much easier. Free parking was widely available, and we never had trouble finding a spot, even at popular attractions or when using street parking.
Having convenient, free parking made getting around by car much more enjoyable and stress-free throughout our trip.
Is there Uber or Lyft in Sedona?
Both Uber and Lyft are available in Sedona. However, because it is a smaller destination, getting a ride can take some time, like up to 15–20 minutes.
I would be prepared for longer wait times, fewer available drivers, and higher prices compared to larger cities.
We used Uber to get to the winery we visited and waited about 12 minutes for our ride to arrive, but getting a ride back to our accommodation took almost 25 minutes.
Because of this, I would not recommend relying solely on Uber or Lyft during your trip. If possible, I would recommend driving so you have more flexibility over your schedule while in Sedona.
Final Thoughts on Sedona
I thought Sedona would be a great trip, but I did not expect to love it as much as I did. To say it pleasantly surprised me would be an understatement.
Sedona has all the perfect makings for a stunning wellness getaway: breathtaking nature, walking trails, spas, meditation sessions, peaceful surroundings, and so much more.
It’s a destination I can truly see myself returning to over and over again whenever I need a break, a reset, or simply time to reconnect with myself without leaving the States. I can also completely understand why so many wellness retreats are hosted here.
As a Black traveler, I also appreciated how welcoming the people in Sedona were. I felt comfortable exploring the area and traveling around without experiencing any incidents or issues.
My days in Sedona flew by, and I left wishing I had more time to experience everything this beautiful destination has to offer.
Sedona, thank you for such a beautiful trip. I’ll be seeing you again. ♥
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