Sedona, Arizona, is scenic as heck. For many, it’s also a place with spiritual power that will leave you feeling something unexpected.
We’ve been twice now and it’s become my favorite place in Arizona.
While I can’t say I’ve had a spiritual or healing experience courtesy of one of those Sedona vortexes, I can say that this is a place that pulls you in. That’s true even if you only have one day in Sedona.
Whether you’re seeking a hiking adventure, taking a road trip to check out red rock country, or just need some rest and relaxation, it’s all here in Sedona.
Quick Tips for Your Sedona Visit
Your Flight: Most travelers fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for Sedona. Use Skyscanner to watch flights. Love deals? Subscribe to Going.
Your Accommodations: Browse Booking.com or Hotels.com for your options in Sedona. Vrbo is my Airbnb alternative.
Your Ride: You’ll need a car to get from the airport to Sedona. It’s about a two-hour drive. Book a rental car ahead of time.
Top Spots: Ride the Red Rock Scenic Byway, visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and choose from one of Sedona’s best hikes.
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Is one day enough for Sedona?
One day is enough in Sedona if you have the full day. You’ll just need to start your day early, especially if you want to tick off one of Sedona’s best hikes.

How to Spend One Day in Sedona
You can spend one day in Sedona like this:
- Grab a quick breakfast at the Coffee Pot Restaurant.
- Hike a Sedona trail like Cathedral Rock or Soldier Pass.
- Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
- Have lunch at Famous Pizza & Beer.
- Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
- Head to Uptown Sedona for art and shopping.
- Enjoy a Sedona sunset.
- Eat dinner at a Sedona restaurant.
- Stay up for the Sedona night sky.
One Day in Sedona
Kicking things off with one of Sedona’s quintessential hikes is a great way to get up close and personal with the town’s incredible scenery.
Stop 1: Breakfast
If you only have one full day and want to hit one of the best Sedona hikes, you won’t want to spend time noshing on pancakes. That said, everyone’s not here to hit it that hard. For a true Sedona classic, start at the Coffee Pot Restaurant.
Their claim to fame is the 101 omelette options on the menu, but expect the usual diner fare. The free parking available is a nice touch.
The Creekside American Bistro is a fancier option if you’d like to linger. Go for the local flavors with chilaquiles or huevos rancheros. This one has a lot of accolades to its name, so reservations are a good idea.
Stop 2: Sedona Hike

I have a detailed guide to the best Sedona hikes we checked out on our visit, but if you’re already overwhelmed by the options, here are a few highlights:
- Airport Loop Trail: The 3.2-mile trail is the best way to see the Airport Mesa, as it runs along the edge. On top of meeting up with one of Sedona’s vortexes, you’ll see panoramic views of the Oak Creek Valley from above.
- Cathedral Rock Trail: This 1.2-mile trek is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona. Start at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site at what’s known as Red Rock Crossing, a powerful vortex spot.
- Soldier Pass Trail: In less than five miles, see the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, the Seven Sacred Pools, and the secret cave. The cave does require some upper body strength and mental fortitude to access. I didn’t go in, but Brian did.
- West Fork Trail: Traverse 13 stream crossings across nearly seven miles through scenic Oak Creek Canyon. This hike gets icy in the winter months, so pack shoes with some traction and those trekking poles if you have them.
Note: To get to the West Fork Trail, you’ll pass Slide Rock State Park, a worthwhile stop with more time for its fishing opportunities and the historic Pendley Homestead. Get an insight into the homesteader life while you’re here to take in some of the history of Sedona.
Stop 3: The Red Rock Scenic Byway

The Red Rock Scenic Byway is one of the best things to see in Sedona by car and is perfect for those short on time in this magical place.
Drive along Highway 179 and pass numerous pullouts and trail markers to explore Sedona on your feet. If you don’t have time for many leg-stretchers, the views from your car of those rock formations will be worth the trip alone.
You’ll be able to spot Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock from here.
Fun fact: Behind Bell Rock, you’ll also be treated to a view of Courthouse Butte, another impressive Arizona sight you should put on your Sedona to-do list. The Courthouse Butte Loop Trail offers a closer look.
With more time, Oak Creek Canyon is also accessible with its own scenic drive along Highway 89A.
Optional Stop 4: Bonus Sedona Hike

Depending on the hike you chose to kick off your Sedona itinerary, you may have another one in you. Choose an easier trail like Fay Canyon or Oak Creek to get you through to lunch when you give those feet a rest.
Note: The Fay Canyon Trail can quickly become a more moderate hike if you decide to take a spur trail to an arch cave. We did it and recommend it, but it depends on your stamina for the day.
Stop 5: Lunch

Our pick for lunch was Famous Pizza & Beer. It’s no nonsense, but who has time for nonsense when you want to house some pizza?
Order by the slice or whole pizza and watch those slices disappear at this place through no fault of the vortexes. It’s a bit thicker than the East Coast style it purports to be, but I can’t pretend like it didn’t hit the spot.
If you don’t feel like pizza, that’s a shame. The good news is, Sedona has loads of options for no matter what you’re craving. The Hudson is a popular lunch option for something that’s not quite as casual.
Reservations are a good idea if you want a taste of their famous corn chowder.
Stop 6: The Chapel of the Holy Cross

This Roman Catholic chapel is an iconic site in Sedona. Your religious affiliation doesn’t matter here, either. It’s the architectural intrigue that makes this spot special, as the chapel is essentially carved into the red cliffs.
Fun fact: The chapel was designed by the sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright.
If you’re able to make the climb, the view from the chapel is fantastic, giving you a panorama of the red rock formations that surround it. Check out the chapel from below, too, so that you can marvel at the stained glass windows.
READ MORE: I’m not religious, but I love an atmospheric church. Learn about the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá.
Stop 7: Uptown Sedona
Sedona is well-known for its art scene, the majority of which can be accessed on a walking tour of your own making through uptown Sedona.
Browse the offerings from local artists inspired by the scenery here, and pick up a piece or two to commemorate your trip. Start at the Sedona Arts Center, a shop and gallery showcasing the best of Sedona’s local artists.
Additional popular stops include Honshin Fine Art, two separate galleries that focus on the meditative offerings of Sedona, and the James Ratliff Gallery, a fine art gallery.
Those seeking wildlife prints won’t want to miss the Rowe Fine Art Gallery.
If you’re into seeing more of the local wares, check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, just south of uptown Sedona.
More art galleries, craft shops, and vibrant architecture await you there in the pop-up village modeled after a traditional Mexican village.
Just across the street, the Center for the New Age encapsulates all that gives Sedona that special quirk. Pick up some energized crystals for the drive home and any gear you’ll need for UFO spotting later that night. I’m not judging.
At the Hillside Sedona Shopping Center, browse three floors of galleries, shops, and jewelry boutiques inspired by Sedona’s surroundings. While it’s not my thing, I know that many come to Sedona for a taste of that good life, and shopping is a big part of that.
Stop 8: Sedona Sunset
The best time to visit a Sedona vortex has to be at sunset. Heck, Sedona sunsets could make me a believer of anything.
There are quite a few hikes that offer beautiful sunsets in Sedona with some work attached, but you don’t need to do all of that if you don’t want to.
The best sunset in Sedona without hiking is the Red Rock Crossing. There’s a picnic area there for you to relax at as you wait for the green flash that never seems to come.
If you don’t want to get back in the car and have committed to Sedona’s Main Street for the evening, you’ll see the skies change color from there, too. Just find a block where you can look at it through the downtown Sedona buildings and enjoy the show.
Stop 9: Dinner

Sedona isn’t just pretty to look at. It’s delicious to eat your way through, too. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Sedona to satiate your hunger after a long day:
- Dahl & Di Luca: This is an Italian restaurant with some of the friendliest service we’d seen while in Sedona. Our server deboned my fish, for Pete’s sake, and it was as intimate as it sounds.
- Tamaliza: This is a casual family-owned spot serving up the expected but delicious tamales. You can eat your tamales there or take your grub to-go. Either way, they’re a great option for something more budget-friendly.
- Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill: This one topped our list of places to try, but reservations were booked well ahead of our stay. Don’t make the same mistake we did!
Stop 10: Sedona Stargazing
Pull out those night vision goggles for some of the best stargazing in the country.
You can choose to explore Sedona’s nighttime show on your own or on a guided tour. As long as you’re away from the downtown city lights, you should be able to find your own private wonderland of dancing stars against a dark sky.
If you’re looking for some help and more information on what you’re seeing, stargazing in Sedona is basically a sport.
There are a number of tours available for you to go on a guided night adventure into the night sky, including options that may result in some UFO action.
Check out a few highly-rated options below:
Things to Do in Sedona With More Time

Sedona will definitely leave you wanting more. Here are a few more ideas for next time or alternatives to what I’ve already shared with you on this Sedona itinerary:
- Go mountain biking. Thunder Mountain Bikes is a popular option for rentals. The shop is staffed by folks with lots of expertise in the area, too.
- Visit Red Rock State Park. This one is often confused for a Sedona national park. One of the most popular sites is the House of Apache Fire, an abandoned home.
- See the Palatki and Honanki heritage sites. The two are the largest cliff dwellings in these parts, occupied between 3,000 to 5,000 years ago by the Sinagua people.
- Go wine tasting on the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Yes, Arizona has vineyards, but it’s not France. It’s Arizona. You should check out some Verde Valley vineyards anyway.
- Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad. This scenic train ride starts in Clarkdale, an old mining town, taking you through 20 miles of some of Sedona’s best scenery.
- Take a hot air balloon ride. Red Rock Balloon Adventures is a popular option. They fly at sunrise, but it will be worth it when you’re floating above red rock canyons.
- Walk on the wild side at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park. This is a popular one for travelers looking for things to do with kids in Sedona.
- Check out the local museums. The Sedona Heritage Museum, which operates out of an old homestead, is an excellent primer to learn about the history of Sedona.
Sedona Tours
Booking a Sedona tour is a popular option if you’re here for something truly adrenaline-pumping. The Pink Jeep Tours, which you may have also seen on a trip to Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon, are a popular option.
Here are a few more jeep tours if you’d like to compare:
If you’re touring Sedona on our own or looking for a classic Sedona sightseeing tour, check out these options:
How to Get to Sedona
You have a few airports to choose from when visiting Sedona, but most travelers choose Phoenix. With more time, attractions between Phoenix and Sedona include Montezuma Castle National Monument and lovely Lake Pleasant.
Here’s a rundown of your options:
- Flagstaff (45 minutes): Flagstaff has a regional airport that you can try if you’re looking to be more efficient. It’s only a 45-minute drive to Sedona from Flagstaff.
- Phoenix (2 hours): You’re more likely to find the best deals from Phoenix, so this would be my recommendation for your trip to Sedona.
- Scottsdale (2 hours): Expect similar drive times from Scottsdale to Sedona as yo would from Phoenix. The two are neighbors, although Scottsdale is way cuter.
A car will take you where you need to go from the airport and will allow you to tackle your one-day trip to Sedona most efficiently. It’ll also give you easy access to adventures outside of Sedona. You’ll be within two hours of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
READ MORE: Starting in Phoenix? Use our guide to help you plan your time there, too.
When to Visit Sedona
Good times to visit Sedona are shoulder months like April and May in the spring or September and October in the fall. Temperatures will be milder, and you’ll compete with fewer tourists for the main highlights.
That said, we visited in February, at the tailend of winter. While we had to navigate some snow at higher elevation hikes, most of our visit wasn’t affected by any weather issues.
Where to Stay Sedona

We liked the Oak Creek Terrace Resort on a trip to Sedona. While calling this one a resort might be a stretch, I’d still recommend it as an affordable stay in a pricey city.
The outdoor spaces were great, including the creek area with its cozy hammocks. There are cabins available if you don’t have your dog with you. Otherwise, you’ll be limited to their motel-style rooms, which are still fine for one night in Sedona.
Need to comparison-shop? Use the map below:
Sedona is a great day trip.
Sedona boasts a diverse range of offerings no matter your travel style. If you love to hike, Sedona, surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, has it covered. If you’re here for shopping and dining, Uptown Sedona can get very fancy.
If you’re able, try to plan at least a full day in Sedona over day trips. That might mean an overnight in town the night before to get up and go the following morning. You’ll thank yourself when you’re out there taking in those red rock vistas.
Planning a road trip out this way? Check out these guides:
- Plan the Best Trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Planning a New Mexico Trip? Here’s a Guide!
- Fun Date Ideas for Couples in Houston, Texas
- Eat at the Best BBQ Spots in Lockhart, Texas
- Is White Sands Worth Visiting? A Complete Guide
More destinations known for their hiking:
- Hiking in a Waterfall at Infamous Sky Pond
- A Hiking Guide to the Colorado Garden of the Gods
- See the Best of Bogotá From Monserrate
- A Guide to the Best Hikes at Glacier National Park
- A Guide to Machu Picchu’s Shortcut Trail

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