First-time visitors dipping their toes into the deep offerings of Sedona quickly realize they need to stay longer. But we have to start somewhere.
Sedona’s geological wonderland attracts a global audience. Its red-rock formations are like those in the Grand Canyon, 110 miles to the north, and the unique little Arizona town attracts every type of traveler.
Hikers and bikers head to trails that wind up and through the mountains for miles. Golfers tee off on award-winning courses with breathtaking views. Shoppers head to distinctive stores in Tlaquepaque Village and Pinion Pointe. Diverse galleries and studios draw art lovers who linger over original creations. Spiritualists seeking tranquility and healing know that Sedona is a center of vortices, spiritual and geological phenomena that some feel are beneficial energy. Sedona’s many spas and resorts offer treatments for the soul and body.
1105 Airport Loop Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Element Sedona, Arizona 179, Sedona, AZ 86351, USA
Red Rock State Park, Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona, AZ, USA
Fresh & Natural Thai Kitchen, West State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Gerardo's Pizzeria, West State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ, USA
Coffee Pot Restaurant, West State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Juniper Bar & Grille at Sedona Golf Resort, Ridge Trail Drive, Sedona, AZ 86351, USA
Sedona Trolley, North State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Great Venture Tours, Arizona 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Creekside American Bistro, Arizona 179, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
The Vault Uptown, Forest Road, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Sky Ranch Lodge Resort & Botanical Gardens, Airport Road, Sedona, AZ, USA
Best Places for Breakfast in Sedona
Coffee Pot Restaurant
Coffee Pot, Home of 101 Omelettes, is a legendary family-owned eatery deeply rooted in the same location for more than 30 years. It sits below a towering rock formation that resembles a coffee pot. Locals love this place because of its homey atmosphere and lovely patio. Drop in to enjoy the homemade meals and welcoming vibe. The extensive menu includes budget-friendly dishes ranging from authentic Mexican food to Eggs Benedict. Check out the little attached shop featuring an international collection of unique items.
Juniper Bar and Grille at the Sedona Golf Resort
Breakfast at the Juniper Bar and Grill at the Sedona Golf Resort in the Village of Oak Creek is outstanding for many reasons. Wedding parties love that it overlooks the stunning golf course and has amazing views of the surrounding Red Rock mountains. Ask for a table on the patio if the weather is nice. Menu highlights include avocado toast, yogurt parfaits, design-your-own-omelets, and touch-of-spice Southwest Eggs Benedict.
Best Things To Do in the Morning in Sedona
First-timers benefit from knowledgeable, local guides. Sit back and enjoy the ride while someone else drives, points out the best sites and views, and shares tidbits of history and culture. You’ll surely see and hear things you wouldn’t have found on your own, as easily.
Sedona Trolley
The Sedona Trolley is an open-air bus that operates 2-hour tours throughout the day, giving you glimpses of Sedona’s most magical sites. Windowless sides offer unobstructed views of the dramatic panoramas perfect for snapping enviable photos. Consider combining two tours for a 4-hour circuit through the entire town.
Great Venture Tours
Great Venture Tours runs the Complete Sedona Tour, which lasts 2.5 hours and covers all the must-see sites. Their experienced and entertaining guides provide a unique blend of history, geology, folklore, and legends to enhance the experience. You’ll have plenty of photo opps for selfies and scenic views. After the tour, return to one or two sites that caught your attention and linger.
Best Places for Lunch in Sedona
Creekside American Grill
Creekside American Bistro overlooks Oak Creek with Snoopy Rock in the background. Sit on the covered deck to enjoy the view. (Servers will bring a blanket if the weather is chilly.) The indoor dining room is classy, but not formal, and the staff is skilled and friendly. Chef Mercer Mohr oversees the award-winning menu and makes seasonal changes to guarantee freshness. Popular choices include burgers, shrimp and grits with pork belly, crab cakes, and beet salad.
The Vault
The Vault Uptown is a great lunch spot with amazing food, views, and service. My favorite meals are the Creamy Tuscan Pasta and the Trash Can Nachos. My skinny friend always orders the Beet and Arugula Salad. My fun friend goes for the Wagyu Burger because “you can’t get good Japanese beef just anywhere.” Grab a table inside to watch the chefs working in the open kitchen, or on the patio to enjoy red rock views.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Sedona
Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park is a nature preserve and environmental center located in a breathtaking red sandstone canyon with a lush riparian habitat along Oak Creek. The park features an extensive network of trails that twist through stunning stands of trees, vibrant green meadows, and red cliffs.
The visitor center offers interesting exhibits, a video hosted by a park ranger, and a small shop. Visitors should inquire about guided nature walks, bird walks, and moonlight hikes. The grounds also feature the historic ranch house that dates back to 1941 and was once owned by the president of TWA. As a bonus, the park has two vortices — sites where the earth’s energy is said to be strong and healing. These can be found near the House of Apache Fire trailhead and the Eagle’s Nest trailhead.
Snapping photos seems almost as important as hiking — you’ll get great views of Red Rock mountains, including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte. The best opportunities for photos are at sunrise and sunset.
Best Places for Dinner in Sedona
Fresh and Natural Thai Kitchen
Fresh & Natural Thai Kitchen has a variety of healthy dishes to enjoy on the patio or indoors (with a modern, open floor plan). I stop in once a week to build my own bowl of noodles or rice with veggies on top and not-too-hot Kang Kari sauce on the side. Thai Tacos and Salmon Delicacy are also popular. If you’ve been out all day, order dinner online to enjoy dinner at your hotel, perhaps poolside with a favorite beverage.
Girardo's Pizzeria
Gerardo’s Pizzeria is a local favorite known for more than pizza — although its wood-burning oven turns out more than a dozen types of pizza. The real standout is the Trifecta — a delightful wood-fired pizza and calzone combo with house-made dough stuffed with meat, shrimp, or mushroom. For dessert, indulge in Mamma Pearl’s Sicilian Cannoli, made with homemade cream and chocolate and pistachio-dipped shells. Don’t worry about the calories — it’s worth it!
Best Places to Stay in Sedona
Element Sedona
The Element Sedona, part of the Marriott Bonvoy group, is one of Sedona’s newest hotels. Spacious suites are well-equipped with kingsize beds and a kitchenette. Families and friends traveling together can ask to connect rooms to create a massive space with plenty of beds for everyone — and up to four bathrooms and a full kitchen. The hotel has a top-notch fitness center and a sleek dining area that serves complimentary breakfasts. A large outdoor space features a fire pit, a swimming pool, grills, and a hot tub. Pets are welcome.
Sky Ranch Lodge
Guests call this resort an oasis in the Sky. It sits on Tabletop Mesa and offers endless views of lush gardens, a charming swimming pool, and koi ponds. Room decor is southwestern style; suites and cottages feature kitchenettes, whirlpool tubs, gas fireplaces, living areas, and balconies. The scenic overlook patio is the perfect spot for sunrise and a morning coffee or sunset and a glass of wine. Even though you’ll feel miles away in your private retreat, you’re actually in the heart of Sedona. At night, gaze up at the stars and the twinkling lights of Sedona.
After Dark in Sedona
Decanter
Decanter is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring Sedona. The owner, Ken Ewing, is a wine enthusiast who has put together an impressive collection of wines from all corners of the globe, including Europe, Australia, South Africa and Uruguay. The atmosphere at Decanter is cozy and inviting, with comfy couches and chairs to sink into while sipping on your favorite wine.
In addition to their impressive wine selection, Decanter also offers a variety of food options ranging from charcuterie to panini sandwiches and desserts. They even have live music several nights a week to keep things interesting. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a warm night, be sure to check out their patio for some stargazing.
Bonus Pro Tips
Don’t miss Sedona’s annual Arts Festival in October showcasing more than 100 juried artists from across the country.
Hikers should visit the Red Rock Ranger Station for detailed trail maps and to purchase Red Rock Passes and Federal Recreational Lands Passes (America the Beautiful). You must display one of these passes on your vehicle’s dashboard at the 18 trailhead parking sites. You may also purchase a pass at each trailhead.
Sedona, Arizona: One Awesome Day Of Wellness