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Sedona Travel Guide – Everything you need to know before visiting Sedona, AZ!

Nestled amidst the striking red rocks and Verde Valley, Sedona is the PERFECT destination for outdoor adventure, wellness, and luxury. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or a spiritual reset, Sedona has something to offer for everyone. A great destination if you are just beginning to dip your toes in the world of hiking and outdoor exploration, Sedona differs from many other outdoor hotspots in the west in the fact that it also specializes in luxury, boasting several 5-star resorts, spas, and top-notch dining experiences. This Sedona travel guide will serve as the ultimate resource for must-visit attractions, outdoor activities, and cultural gems that make Sedona a top destination for visitors in the Southwest.

Getting to Sedona

Sedona is located in the heart of Northern Arizona, just 30 miles south of Flagstaff and 120 miles north of Phoenix. Only 2 hours from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport (PHX), getting to Sedona is easy no matter where you are coming from. I recommend catching an early morning flight into PHX and grabbing a rental car. Although you can arrange transportation to Sedona from Phoenix, if you plan to do any exploring while you’re there (you should), you will need a car, as Ubers and other forms of public transportation aren’t very accessible. If flights into Phoenix aren’t great where you are coming from, you can also check out flying into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and making the 4 hour drive from Las Vegas to Sedona.

What is the weather like in Sedona?

The weather in Sedona fluctuates throughout the seasons, with summers that are HOTTT and winters that can get very cold (Sedona is no stranger to snow), so picking the right time to visit is important depending on what activities you have planned on your trip. The Summer heat and Winter chill make Spring and Fall popular seasons for visitors; however, Sedona truly is a popular tourist destination any time of year.

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) offer pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). These seasons also boast stunning wildflowers and vibrant fall foliage. Summers can be hot, reaching highs of 90°F to 100°F (32°C to 38°C), while winters are mild, averaging around 55°F (13°C).

Average Temperatures & Rainfall in Sedona by Season

Spring – Highs Mid-80s, Lows Mid-40s, Rain 2-5 days a month
Summer – Highs High-90s to 100s, Lows High 60s, Rain little to no rain in June but up to 6 days of rain in August (rainiest month of the year)
Fall – Highs in the 90s, Lows in the 60s but by the time you get to November, things have cooled off significantly with highs reaching the upper 60s and lows in the 40s, Rain 2-3 days a month
Winter – Highs in the 60s, Lows in the 30s, Rain 3 days a month

When is the best time to visit Sedona?

Madison’s Pick! Visit in the Spring between spring break and when school lets out to catch perfect weather and avoid some of the busiest tourist weeks.

Where to stay in Sedona?

Amara Resort & Spa

Madison’s Pick! Amara is the epitome of boutique luxury with insane red rock views, an infinity pool, an on-site spa and restaurant, and it’s in the perfect location to downtown Sedona. SaltRock (the restaurant on site) serves the best margaritas in town, and as a self-proclaimed margarita connoisseur, this recognition doesn’t come lightly. The picturesque yellow Adirondack chairs spread across the lawn are perfect for sipping your happy hour marg or star gazing after dinner.

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Enchantment Resort & Spa

Arguably one of the area’s most iconic resorts, Enhancement is set on 70 beautiful acres in the heart of spiritual Sedona boasting a destination spa, on-site hiking and mountain biking, and access to the nearby Seven Canyons Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course.

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L’Auberge

Steps aways from historic downtown and on the banks of Oak Creek, the 5-star L’Auberge offers unmatched luxury and service in the heart of Sedona.

Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock

The Hilton Sedona is the perfect spot if you’re looking to use points for your Sedona vacation. Whether you have Hilton points saved up or you’re looking to transfer some American Express points, the Hilton is without a doubt Sedona’s best points option. The Hilton is a XXXX minute drive from historic downtown Sedona, but is located less than a mile from one of the iconic vortex sites – Bell Rock. This is also a great resort for families with plenty of amenities, including a kid-friendly pool, spa, golf course, restaurants on site, and it’s even pet friendly!

Airbnb

If Airbnbs are more your vibe, Sedona has a host of options. Check out some of my favorites in this post! Where to Stay in Sedona, Arizona – The BEST Luxury & Budget-Friendly Airbnbs in Sedona

What to do in Sedona?

SEDONA Outdoor Adventures

Hiking

Sedona is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails of varying difficulty levels. Check out this post for a complete list of Probably Out of Office hiking recommendations! Complete Guide to the BEST Hikes in Sedona, Arizona

Mountain Biking

The rugged landscape provides exhilarating trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. Bike rentals and guided tours are available in town.

Jeep Tours

Explore Sedona’s backcountry on an exciting off-road jeep tour, allowing you to reach remote areas and witness awe-inspiring vistas.

If this is your first visit to Sedona, a Pink Jeep Tour is a MUST! Don’t confuse Pink Jeep Tours for a tacky tourist trap, these excursions are a blast and a great way to cover more ground on your visit to Sedona. We love it so much, we’ve been back twice. This is a super fun activity to do no matter who you’re traveling with (I’ve been with family and little ones and also 1:1 with my husband). Pink Jeep Tours are also popular among the many bachelorette groups visiting Scottsdale or Sedona.

Madison’s Pick! – My favorite excursion is the Broken Arrow trail. On this 2 hour trip, you’ll make two different stops to get out and take pictures. Be sure to end your tour with a cold beer and cactus fries over at the Cowboy Club across the street from the Pink Jeep pickup point.

Hot Air Ballooning

Soar above the red rocks at sunrise or sunset and marvel at the panoramic views of Sedona’s stunning landscapes.

SEDONA Spiritual & Wellness Experiences

Vortex Sites

Sedona is renowned for its powerful energy vortexes, and there are plenty of guided tours or ways to explore these sacred sites independently for a unique spiritual experience. The seven main vortex sites across Sedona are Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Schnebly Hill Road, and Courthouse Butte.

Yoga and Meditation

Join a yoga or meditation class amidst the peaceful surroundings of Sedona, or opt for a wellness retreat to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul.

Healing Arts

Experience alternative healing therapies such as Reiki, crystal healing, or sound therapy, which are offered by numerous practitioners throughout Sedona.

SEDONA Arts & Culture

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Stroll through this charming Spanish-style village, home to art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants.

Sedona Arts Center

Discover a vibrant arts scene, attend workshops, and view exhibits showcasing the talents of local artists.

Sedona International Film Festival

If your visit coincides with February, don’t miss this renowned festival featuring the BEST independent films from around the world.

Day Trips FROM SEDONA

Sedona is conveniently located in driving distance to many iconic Southwest destinations. If you have extra time to kill, consider adding a day trip to one of the spots below!

Grand Canyon National Park

Distance: 113 miles
Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Tips: A visit to GCNP is one of my favorite day trips from Sedona! Head out first thing in the morning to make the 2 hour drive up to the Park’s South Rim. If you don’t have an American the Beautiful Pass (Annual National Park Pass), you’ll need to pay the $35 park entrance fee. If you’re only in the park for one day, I recommend checking out the visitor’s center and hiking Bright Angel Trail (hike out and back to the first outhouse for a 3 mile round-trip hike).

Page, AZ

Distance: 162 miles
Time: 3 hrs
Tips: Check out sunrise or sunset at Horseshoe Bend and go for a hike in Antelope Canyon. If you’re lucky enough to get a permit for The Wave, head 45 miles west of Page to hike this photographer’s dream location in the slopes of the Coyote Buttes.

Flagstaff, AZ

Distance: 33 miles
Time: 1 hr
Tips: Flagstaff is home to many national monuments, such as Walnut Canyon National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. If you happen to be visiting in the Winter, you can also hit the slopes for skiing, snowboarding and tubing.

Scottsdale, AZ

Distance: 126 miles
Time: 2 hrs
Tips: If you’re flying in and out of Phoenix, add a few days in Scottsdale on to your trip. Explore all of the amazing restaurants and shops in Old Town, hit one of the many luxury resorts for a spa day and a round of golf, or if you didn’t get your hiking fix in Sedona, hike the iconic Camelback Mountain.

Where to eat in Sedona?

Elote Cafe

Madison’s Pick! – Featuring an award winning selection of Mexican and Southwestern cuisines, Elote is our favorite restaurant in Sedona! They are a reservation only spot, so once you book your trip, be sure to snag a reservation (they accept reservations 60-days in advance). If you aren’t able to get a reservation, they do take to-go orders for pickup after 5:00 PM.

Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill

The views and vibes at Mariposa are unrivaled! Be sure to arrive early to take pictures as the sun is setting on the front lawn. When we were here, we even saw a proposal! Transparently, we didn’t have the best service on our visit, but the food was delicious and I’d be willing to give them another chance on the service front.

Cowboy Club

Decked out with cowboy gear, this Sedona institution offers classic Southwestern fare. Madison’s Pick! Head here after your Pink Jeep tour for a beer and cactus fries!

SaltRock Southwest Kitchen

Located at Amara Resort, SaltRock overlooks the beautiful Sedona Red Rocks and serves epic tacos and margaritas.

Madison’s Pick! – Be sure to try the Sun Devil Margarita.

The Vault

Insane Red Rock views and a must for Happy Hour! Try to get a spot out on the patio!

Creekside

Offering a mix of traditional American cuisine and Southwestern favorites, Creekside is open all day, but we like to come here for breakfast after an early morning hike.

Coffee Pot Restaurant

A breakfast favorite among locals and tourists, Coffee Pot is a 5 minute drive from downtown Sedona. Arrive early and be prepared for a 30-45 minute wait during the busy season!

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