Long Weekend in Sedona Arizona: Complete Travel Guide
This guide to a long weekend in Sedona will explain what to do, where to stay, what to pack, and other tips for planning a great visit.
When I moved to Gilbert Arizona in 2022, I made it my mission to explore as much of the state as possible. One of my favorite destinations that I have discovered in Sedona.
Sedona is a small, very popular town two hours north of Phoenix. It’s known for amazing hiking, beautiful scenery, and is a popular weekend trip from Phoenix.
Even though Sedona is only a couple hours from Phoenix, it feels like a completely different world. The geography shifts from flat, dry desert, to tall red rock formations and forests.
Most of the activities in Sedona are focused on the red rock scenery, from the hikes to adventure tours, to spas or restaurants with views.
Keep reading this long weekend in Sedona travel guide for everything you need to know about this beautiful destination.
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What to Do in Sedona
Jeep Tour
If you are visiting Sedona for the first time, the top activity you must do is a jeep tour. Open-air jeep tours are one of the most popular things to do in the area for good reason.
There are tours to popular sights such as vortexes, the red rocks, and wineries. I took a jeep tour on my most recent visit to Sedona and it was such a highlight of the trip.
The driver talked non-stop, sharing interesting and informative facts about the history and geography of Sedona. It’s also super fun to off-road in the rugged vehicles to beautiful viewpoints and photo opportunities.
Exploring Downtown
When you are in Sedona, be sure to spend some time exploring downtown. There is a huge art scene in Sedona, with galleries for painters, sculptures, and other artists.
You can visit the local Tlaquepaque art village to see and purchase local goods.
In addition to having a large art community, there is a large spiritual community in Sedona. What started as people visiting to experience the vortexes turned into a larger wellness practice in the area.
You can visit shops to learn about or purchase crystals and stone which are believed to have healing properties.
If these things don’t appeal to you, there are also fun shops, bars and restaurants, that are worth exploring in Sedona.
Self-Guided Driving Tour
The roads around Sedona are part of an official Scenic Byway. In Sedona, I constantly find myself in awe of the amazing views all around.
This app-guided driving tour will direct you to the top spots near the town such as the Chapel of the Holy Cross, vortexes, viewpoints, and historical sites.
The audio guide will teach you all about the history of the area and the best part is you can go at your own pace and tailor the tour to your own interests.
Wine Tasting
Many people don’t know that there is a small wine region in Arizona. There are some tasting rooms in downtown Sedona such as Winery 1912 and Vino Di Sedona.
These are a great option if you want to stay local to Sedona and sample wine from the area.
For the best wine tasting near Sedona, head 30 minutes away to the town of Cornville. There, you will find more traditional wineries with vineyards, large tasting rooms, and winery grounds.
Some of my favorite wineries near Sedona are DA Ranch, Page Springs Cellars, and Oak Creek Vineyards.
Hiking
One of the most popular things to do in Sedona is hike. There are easy beginner hikes that are great for families and there are long, challenging hikes for experienced hikers.
There are hikes to viewpoints, lakes, a chapel, and a natural local phenomenon known as a vortex.
In the next section of this travel guide, I break down the top hikes in the area. During your weekend trip, I highly recommend taking at least 2-3 hikes to experience the true beauty of the area.
Sedona’s Top Hikes
Devil’s Bridge (3.9 miles, 521 feet) – The Devil’s Bridge is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, due to its unique formation and amazing views. The hike ends on a narrow rock “bridge” so avoid this one if you are afraid of heights.
Cathedral Rock (1.2 miles, 741 feet) – This is another one of the most popular hikes in Sedona. It is short, steep, and has amazing views at the end.
Little Horse (4.3 miles, 564 feet) – The little horse trail is one of my favorite hikes in Sedona. The parking lot is small, so plan to arrive very early to snag a spot.
The trail is mostly flat and winds through the Sedona desert, with surrounding red rock views. There is also an optional detour to view a scenic chapel on the mountain.
Sedona Airport Loop (3.2, 416 feet) – I love a loop trail to be able to experience unique views for the entire hike, this one is a great length for you to complete on route to the Grand Canyon.
Seven Sacred Pools (1.1 miles, 108 feet) – A quick and easy hike that can easily be combined with another hike in the same day. This hike has great views of the rock formations, and has water views at the end, living up to its name.
Oak Creek Trail (1.3 miles, 45 feet) – This hike is great if you are short on time, you will quickly be rewarded with creek and mountain views from this short hike.
Where to Stay in Sedona
There are many great resorts and vacation rentals in the Sedona area. Since it is a popular destination, expect high prices during peak season.
Below are my three favorite luxury resorts in Sedona that have convenient locations, high-end design, great service, and amenities such as pools and spas.
Amara Resort and Spa – The biggest advantage to this hotel is its convenient location in downtown Sedona. There is also free parking, a large pool with complimentary cabanas, and a gym. The rooms are modernly updated with large private patios overlooking the red rocks.
Enchantment Resort – The Enchantment Resort is designed to the local style, showcasing southwest and native American design. The resort is outside of town, but easily accessible to hikes and a short drive to town. Stay here for a tranquil spa environment and laid-back atmosphere.
Hilton Sedona Resort – This resort is a bit further outside of Sedona proper, but still nearby. The benefit to staying outside of town is the larger resort property with an 18-hole golf course, two pools, and a large spa.
The Best Restaurants in Sedona
Creekside Bistro – This restaurant is perfect after a hike. The outdoor patio overlooks a flowing creek and has amazing views. There is no dress code, so it is ok to show up in your hiking gear. The menu consists of great lunch items such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Hideaway House – Hideaway house is another great, casual option for lunch in Sedona. They have a broad menu that will appeal to many tastes, including pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and more.
Mariposa – Mariposa is one of the best restaurants in Sedona, serving upscale Latin-inspired food. However, it is high end and will require you to freshen up after your hike. It is also very popular and requires reservations months in advance.
Saltrock Southwest Kitchen – Delicious modern-southwest cuisine with unbeatable patio views of the red rocks. I recommend this restaurant for lunch so you can take advantage of the outdoor seating and views in the daylight. Be sure to order the pork belly tostadas.
Black Cow Café – Homemade ice cream and baked goods
What to Wear in Sedona in Every Season
Above are outfit ideas for Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter respectively. I break down what to wear for activities such as hiking, sightseeing, exploring town, and dinner for both warm and cold weather.
Hiking – Hikes in Sedona range from beginner to advanced. Regardless of the difficulty, it is important to dress appropriately.
In either season, be sure to have a good pair of hiking boots to protect your feet and ankles. In the winter, I recommend long pants and layers on top that can be added/removed to adjust your temperature.
In the summer, it can get very hot. I love a cute matching set that is moisture-wicking and breathable.
Tours – I consider tours activities such as a jeep tour or sightseeing around the area. Comfort is key, so I recommend shoes that you can wear in dirt and clothes that allow you to move.
In the summer, this athletic dress is my go-to that is cute and functional with built in shorts. These faux leather leggings are a winter staple of mine that are stretchy but fashionable.
Town – Around town, the vibe is pretty casual. Any simple outfit such as jeans and a blouse, sundress, or romper are appropriate. In the winter, I recommend layering with a coat that can be easily removed as you go into stores.
Dinner – Again, Sedona is a casual town. For a nice dinner, you cannot go wrong with a simple dress and bootie or sandal.
When to Visit Sedona
Sedona experiences a wide range of temperatures. As a general rule of thumb, it is typically 10-20 degrees colder than Phoenix.
That means temperatures from 90-100 in the summer and 30-50 in the winter. It can even snow in the winter which surprises many people.
The most popular time to visit is in the spring. Between spring break and the moderate temperatures, this is an ideal time to visit.
However, there will be huge crowds. For equally moderate temperatures and smaller crowds, I recommend visiting Sedona in the fall between September and November.
That said, there isn’t a bad time to visit Sedona if you prepare and pack accordingly. Below, I share what to pack for every season.
How Long to Spend in Sedona
Something great about Sedona is that you can easily visit for one day or a full week.
The first time I visited was on a road trip to the Grand Canyon. We visited for one day, which was enough time to do a hike or activity, grab a meal, and explore the downtown.
For a more immersive experience, it’s possible to spend up to a full week in Sedona. With that much time, you could do many hikes, a few adventure activities, spend a day at the spa, and take day trips to nearby areas.
If I had to choose, I’d say the best amount of time to spend in Sedona is a long weekend. This is a manageable amount of time to get away from work or school and provides enough time to see the highlights.
A packed weekend itinerary will include 2-3 hikes, 2-3 activities, and time to check out the top restaurants.
Getting to Sedona Arizona
Flying – There is a local airport in Sedona (FLG), but there aren’t many daily flights. Check out if there are direct flights from your home airport for the easiest access.
If there aren’t good flights into FLG, the closest major airport to Sedona is Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX).
Driving – The drive from Phoenix to Sedona is easy and scenic. It will take around two hours, depending on traffic. The drive is mostly on one highway and easily navigable with GPS.
If you are visiting in the spring, be prepared for traffic as you enter the town since there is only one major road that feeds the area.
Transportation around Sedona
A car is a must when visiting Sedona. If you aren’t driving, I highly recommend renting a car. Although the town is walkable, you will require a car to get to popular hikes and to the hotels.
In town, there are some free parking lots and paid parking along the street. The parking is clearly marked with signs and arrows, so it is easy to find.
However, a parking spot can be hard to come by so be patient and hold onto your spot once you find it.
Trip Extensions from Sedona
A long weekend in Sedona can easily be added onto a longer Southwest US vacation. Below are some nearby places that are a great way to extend your trip.
Grand Canyon – The Grand Canyon is only a two-hour drive from Sedona. While you are in the area, I highly recommend checking out this national park if you have time.
Scottsdale – If you are starting or ending your trip in Phoenix, you should carve out a day or two to explore Scottsdale. This city has great golfing, restaurants, and nightlife.
Page – Drive three hours from Sedona to Page, where you can see beautiful sights such as Lake Powell or Antelope Canyon.
Southern Utah – Turn a weekend in Sedona into a full-fledged southwest road trip by visiting the national parks in Southern Utah such as Zion and Bryce Canyon.
Summary of a Long Weekend in Sedona
No matter what you decide to do, a weekend in Sedona is guaranteed to be fun. For the best experience, balance your time between hiking, eating, relaxing at the spa, and exploring the local culture. In a city known for adventure, art, and tranquility, there is something for everyone.
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