Known for its iconic red rocks, scenic hiking trails, and unique beauty, Sedona is a one-of-a-kind vacation spot in the U.S. and a can’t-miss destination during a trip to Arizona.
As an Arizona native, Sedona has always been one of my favorite places to visit from Phoenix. I’ve been to Sedona dozens of times on day trips, weekend trips, and as a road trip stop through Northern Arizona, and it’s truly such a stunningly beautiful and magical place that offers so many of my favorite things — incredible hikes, fabulous dining experiences, great wine, and scenic views. In fact, my husband and I love visiting Sedona so much that we named our first golden retriever Sedona!
If you’re thinking about visiting Sedona soon, you’re going to love all the adventures, views, and things to do in Sedona that await! To help you plan the perfect trip, I’ve rounded up a list of all my favorite things to do in Sedona — from local coffee shops and restaurants to the best hikes and outdoor adventures — to help you plan the perfect trip. Ready? Let’s go!
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Best Coffee Shops in Sedona
One of my favorite parts about traveling (or any day, really… let’s be honest) is starting the day with a cup of coffee. Although Sedona’s coffee shop scene is pretty limited, the coffee shops that are here are pretty spectacular!
These are my favorite breakfast spots and coffee shops in Sedona:
FreeForm Coffee Roasters
When it comes to high-quality coffee and delicious lattes, FreeForm Coffee Roasters is my go-to spot in Sedona. This local coffee shop roasts its own beans and crafts incredible drinks (the Salted Maple Latte is my favorite — I order an iced one of these every time I’m at this coffee shop, and I’ve even started making them at home!).
Although this cozy coffee shop has a couple of tables inside and some seating at the bar, I recommend grabbing your coffee and walking across the street to Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. It’s a quiet and beautiful spot to walk around in the mornings while sipping your drink!
Wildcraft Kitchen
If you’re looking for more than coffee and want a full breakfast, I highly recommend stopping at Wildcraft Kitchen in Sedona. This health-inspired organic cafe is (in my humble opinion) the best spot for breakfast in Sedona and serves delicious smoothies, juices, and coffee. Plus, it offers a super cute interior and a dog-friendly patio (sounds like a win-win to this dog lover!).
I’ve been to Wildcraft Kitchen several times and have loved everything I’ve ordered here — the quality, flavor, and presentation of the food is always 10/10, even if it is on the pricier side. My top breakfast recommendation would be the Clean Breakfast Plate (add sausage!) with an iced mocha. The pastries are also incredible!
Black Potion
If you’re looking for a coffee shop that gives the “true” Sedona experience, be sure to check out Black Potion — a coffee shop located inside a store that sells crystals!
Black Potion is right off the main road as you’re heading into Sedona, so it’s a great place to stop as you’re driving into town on a day trip to Sedona. I ordered the Madagascar Vanilla Latte when I was here and really liked it, but this shop had several other flavors I wanted to try, like the Maple Latte, Smoked Praline Latte, and Lavender Latte. The whole menu looked amazing!
Best Places for Lunch & Dinner in Sedona
Sedona is well-known for its high-end dining experiences and Southwestern-inspired cuisine (and drinks… prickly pear margaritas, anyone?). I’ve had some great dining experiences in Sedona, especially at some of the higher-end restaurants.
Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite places to eat in Sedona (and a couple of restaurants I have my eye on for future dining plans!).
Rene at Tlaquepaque
Rene at Tlaquepaque is (by far!) my favorite restaurant in Sedona. The beautiful location, charming ambiance, delicious food, and top-notch service are truly exceptional — a special shoutout to our waiter, Tony! I’m not exaggerating when I say my Petite Filet was one of the best steaks of my life (though it didn’t photograph well, so you’ll just have to take my word for it!).
All that to say… if you’re only spending one night in Sedona, I highly recommend making reservations at Rene at Tlaquepaque. We dined here with a small group of friends and family, and we loved our experience. However, I think it would also be great for a romantic dinner or a date night!
Don Diego Mexican Cuisine
If you’re searching for somewhere casual (but delicious!) to eat in Uptown Sedona, grab a table at Don Diego Mexican Cuisine. In my opinion, a trip to Arizona isn’t complete without getting some Mexican food — and this family-owned spot is a great place to make it happen!
I was pleasantly surprised by Don Diego Mexican Cuisine during my last trip to Sedona. We stopped here on a whim for lunch, and the food was exceptionally good. I recommend the Birria Quesataco (one of my go-to orders at Mexican restaurants, and these didn’t disappoint!) and the Prickly Pear Margarita.
Elote Cafe
Elote Cafe is a high-end restaurant in Sedona that offers a fusion of Southern Mexican cuisine mixed with the local flavors of the American Southwest.
This popular chef-driven restaurant always books up quickly (reservations open 60 days in advance), so I’ve never been able to dine here, but it comes highly recommended and is on my list of restaurants to try in Sedona. I love that Elote Cafe serves a local, seasonal menu, and the cocktail menu (featuring mezcal and tequila) also looks fabulous!
Cucina Rustica
Cucina Rustica, situated just south of Bell Rock and approximately 15 minutes from Uptown Sedona, is a fantastic spot to savor Italian cuisine in Sedona. Since it’s a bit of a way out of town, it’s a great place to stop for dinner if you’re visiting Sedona on a day trip from Phoenix and are heading back to the Valley in the evening.
The ambiance of this restaurant was great — it was definitely an upscale spot for a nice dinner, but the decor leaned more towards the eclectic and quirky side (in the best way!). We personally loved the working fountain at the center of the restaurant. The Classic Bolognese was good, but the Classic Tiramisu for dessert was delicious (and so beautifully presented!).
The Hudson
The Hudson is another restaurant in Sedona that I have yet to dine at personally, but it has been on my list of restaurants to try in Sedona for a while. I love that the menu offers a wide range of items and flavors, from steak and seafood to sandwiches and flatbreads.
Another thing that I love about The Hudson? The views! This restaurant offers magnificent views of Sedona’s red rocks from every angle of the restaurant (and the stunning patio!), making this a great place to dine for picture-perfect views of Sedona. I’m looking forward to grabbing a table at The Hudson for lunch or dinner in Sedona during my next trip to try it out!
Sedona Beer Company
After a day of wine tasting in the Verde Valley, my husband and I were looking for a place to grab a bite to eat in Sedona that offered a dog-friendly patio for our two dogs and that wouldn’t require a long wait. We stumbled across Sedona Beer Company in Uptown Sedona, and I’m so glad we did — this local spot has quickly become one of my favorite places to eat in Sedona!
The Dad Bod Burger (yes, it’s really called that) is great, and the other burgers and sandwiches on the menu look amazing, too. The seasoned fries and sauces are the perfect pairing for the sandwiches. If you’re looking for somewhere casual to grab lunch or dinner (or a drink!), head to Sedona Beer Company. You won’t be disappointed!
Best Hikes in Sedona
Hiking is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Sedona — the iconic red rock views and stunning landscapes make Sedona one of the country’s top hiking spots!
While I have a full post dedicated to the best hikes in Sedona, below, I rounded up my absolute favorite hikes that offer the perfect blend of picturesque views and iconic landmarks that I think are can’t-miss hikes during a trip to Sedona, especially if you’re visiting for the first time!
Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge is, without a question, the most popular hike in Sedona. Chances are, you’ve seen pictures of the massive sandstone arch at the end of the hike — it’s one of the most popular places to take photos in Sedona (and for good reason… it’s an impressive arch!).
Devil’s Bridge is just over a four-mile out-and-back hike that is moderately challenging. The beginning of the trail is pretty mild, but the last mile or so to the bridge is a bit of a climb. Some people steer clear of Devil’s Bridge since it’s such a popular tourist attraction, but I personally think it’s a must-do hike for first-time visitors to Sedona. This landmark is one of a kind!
Tip by Brit: The parking lot at the Devil’s Bridge trailhead has limited spots, so you have to arrive early to snag one. If you can, try to hike on weekdays, because weekends can get pretty insane. If you arrive at the trailhead and can’t find a spot, head to Mescal Trailhead and park on the road. While it will add a short distance to your hike, this trail connects to Devil’s Bridge and is a great way to avoid the crowds at the main trailhead!
Soldier Pass Trail
Soldier Pass Trail is one of the most unique hikes in Sedona, offering numerous one-of-a-kind landmarks and “photoworthy” stops along the way. This out-and-back trail is four-and-a-half miles round-trip and considered a moderately challenging climb with an elevation gain of just under 850 feet.
Two of the iconic landmarks on this trail are the Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools — seven shallow pools that have been naturally carved out of sandstone and fill with water when it rains. And, a quick note… if you’re planning to hike Soldier Pass Trail on Thursday through Sunday, you’ll need to take the Sedona Shuttle to the trailhead.
Tip by Brit: Want to venture off the trail to explore Soldier Pass Cave? The spur trail, located about a mile and a half into the trail after passing the Seven Sacred Pools, can be found after taking a right (going left will allow you to continue on the main trail). After a bit of a rock scramble, you should reach the cave. If you’re hiking in the mid-morning or afternoon, you’ll likely be joined by several other hikers who can help you find the trail.
Cathedral Rock
If I had to pick one favorite hike in Sedona (which, believe me, is a tough choice!), I think I would have to choose Cathedral Rock. I’ve done this hike several times, and it never gets old!
This 1.2-mile out-and-back trail might seem like a short and sweet hike, but the climb is challenging, with a total elevation gain of nearly 750 feet in a short span of time. The panoramic views of the red rocks from the top, however, are spectacular — especially at sunset!
Tip by Brit: There are parts of this hike that are definitely a rock scramble where you’ll need to use your hands and feet, so I recommend wearing long pants (or leggings) to avoid scratching your legs, and bring a backpack so you can keep your hands free if needed. You’ll also need to use the Sedona Shuttle to get to and from the trailhead from Thursday to Sunday.
West Fork Trail
Sedona’s red rocks are breathtaking, but if you drive a bit further north to Oak Creek Canyon, you’ll be greeted by a different sort of beautiful landscape — lush trees, steep canyon walls, and bubbling creeks that provide a picture-perfect backdrop for West Fork Trail, one of my favorite hikes in Sedona!
West Fork Trail is a longer hike than the others on this list, but this seven-mile out-and-back trail is an easy climb. One of the favorite parts of this trail is that you’ll cross Oak Creek several times (so be sure to wear shoes that you can get wet!). I have fond memories of carrying Sedona (our dog) over the creek when she was a puppy because she was too nervous to cross on her own!
Tip by Brit: West Fork Trail is my top pick for fall hiking in Sedona, as the changing leaves on this trail are truly beautiful. Note that parking at the trailhead is $11. There are quite a few spots available, but the lot fills up quickly, so try to arrive as early as possible to snag one.
Best Wine Tasting in Sedona
Sedona is a popular destination for wine tasting, but contrary to popular belief, there aren’t actually many places to go wine tasting in Sedona (aside from a couple of tasting rooms). There are, however, dozens of wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms just outside Sedona on the Verde Valley Wine Trail!
I have an entire blog post dedicated to the Verde Valley Wine Trail, but below, I’ve included my three favorite wineries in Camp Verde, Cornville, and Cottonwood, which are about 20–30 minutes from Sedona. I’ve visited these wineries multiple times and would recommend visiting one (or more!) during a trip to Sedona.
DA Ranch
DA Ranch is my favorite winery in Arizona, and, arguably, my favorite winery I’ve ever been to. I’ve been here at least half a dozen times (probably more at this point, honestly!), and I always walk away feeling so satisfied with the experience. If you visit one winery in Sedona, this is the one to visit (trust me!).
This beautiful winery, situated in a chic, rustic barn in Cornville, is an oasis in the desert, surrounded by mature trees, a stunning lake, and bubbling streams. The property is gorgeous and has a chill, laid-back vibe (though it’s started to get much busier as more and more people find out about DA Ranch, which used to feel much more like a “hidden gem.” It’s a great find!).
We love bringing our whole family to DA Ranch — dogs and all — and sitting on the lawn. My go-to wine here is the Red Barn Red (it’s one of my favorite wines ever, we’ve bought a bottle to bring home a couple of times!), but sipping on sangria in the summer on the weekends when it is available never disappoints either!
Alcantara Vineyard & Winery
Alcantara Vineyard & Winery is another stunning winery in Clarkdale, located about 30 minutes from Sedona, offering breathtaking views and a laid-back atmosphere.
One of my favorite aspects of Alcantara Vinyard & Winery is the stunning view of the mountains from the vineyards and the shaded outdoor lawn. From my experience, Alcantara feels less busy than most wineries in Cornville, which is a welcome change in pace. The sangria here is exceptional. I’m a fan of the red sangria, but my husband says the white sangria is amazing too!
Page Springs Cellars
Page Springs Cellars is located in Cornville, just down the road from DA Ranch. This winery offers a bit of a more “formal” experience than the other wineries, with seated tastings, tours, and a bistro that offers a delicious lunch and dinner menu (I’ve eaten here — the food is good!).
Page Springs Cellars, like the other wineries, is a beautiful spot for wine tasting. The building itself is a cute, trendy, modern whitewashed barn. However, the showstopper is the property’s location along the Verde River. You can sit on a small terrace overlooking the bubbling river while sipping on your glass of wine. It’s such a relaxing spot for wine tasting in Sedona!
Sedona Wine Tours
Want to check out some of the best wineries in and around Sedona (including the ones listed above!) without worrying about transportation? Check out these wine tours that depart from Sedona for hassle-free coordination and transportation:
- Verde Valley Vineyards Wine Tasting Tour — Visit four popular wineries and vineyards in the Verde Valley, including DA Ranch and Alcantara Vineyards, on this top-rated tour with round-trip transportation from Sedona. This 5.5-hour tour also includes a picnic lunch!
- Sedona’s Most Luxurious Wine Tour — Ride in style to four of the best wineries in the Verde Valley (including some of my favorites!) during this luxurious wine tour in Sedona. This tour includes lunch and pickup and drop-off from most locations in Sedona.
- Arizona Winery All-Inclusive Tour w/ Lunch & Tastings — This highly-rated wine tour departs from Sedona and includes a picnic lunch, souvenir glasses, and 5–6 tastings at three vineyards, including some of my favorites, like Page Springs Cellars!
Best Things to Do in Sedona
Aside from wine tasting and hiking (which I felt deserved their own categories), there are several other fantastic things to do in Sedona during a trip to Red Rock Country.
Below I’ve listed some of my favorite things to do in Sedona, from outdoor adventures and shopping to iconic landmarks and ice cream shops!
Jeep Tour
After visiting Sedona at least a dozen times (if not more!), I finally went on an off-roading Jeep tour during my last trip to Sedona. And let me tell you — it did not disappoint! Our entire group continually talked about how amazing this experience was during our weekend in Sedona!
We had a phenomenal experience on our off-roading tour with Red Rock Western Jeep Tours. Our guide, Frey, was so much fun and had a wealth of information to share about Sedona and its history, plants, wildlife, and landscapes. This tour was definitely thrilling (not for the faint of heart!), but if you’re looking for a unique way to see Sedona while getting your adrenaline pumping, I recommend booking one of the following tours from Red Rock Western Jeep Tours:
- Red Rock West Private Jeep Tour — During this Jeep tour, spend two hours off-roading to Dry Creek Basin and learn about the history of early homesteaders in Sedona with an exclusive stop at a historic cabin (this is the tour we did, and it was awesome! 10/10 recommend).
- Private Soldier Pass Jeep Tour — Admire the iconic landmarks along the Soldier Pass Trail, like Devil’s Kitchen and the Seven Sacred Pool, from a different point of view! This thrilling off-roading tour lasts two hours and offers stunning views of the red rocks.
Slide Rock State Park
If you’re visiting Sedona during the warmer weather, in late spring or summer, I couldn’t recommend making a trip to Slide Rock State Park enough!
Slide Rock State Park is best known for its natural waterslide. The slide is created by an 80-foot stretch of Oak Creek that runs through a narrow red-rock flume and remains slick and slippery due to the algae buildup on the sandstone. It sounds kind of gross, but it’s really not and is a lot of fun — I promise! Just remember to wear water shoes with good traction to prevent falls.
In addition to the waterslide, Slide Rock State Park also offers plenty of swimming holes, hiking trails, and occasional seasonal activities, such as apple picking in the fall. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle from May to September and $20 per vehicle from October to April.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is a stunning arts, culture, and shopping destination in Sedona that, in my opinion, is a can’t-miss destination during a trip to Sedona.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is said to embody the sights and sounds of Old Mexico, which I personally think is spot on. The architecture actually reminds me a lot of San Antonio, with a slightly more upscale vibe. Tlaquepaque is home to 45 specialty shops, nearly 20 art galleries, and several excellent restaurants (including one of my favorites, Rene at Tlaquepaque!).
I am not a big art or shopping person, but I still love walking around Tlaquepaque to admire the bubbling fountains, detailed tilework, and beautiful cobblestone streets that make this one-of-a-kind shopping village so special. Pro tip… if you want to enjoy Tlaquepaque without the crowds, stop by in the morning before the shops and restaurants open to walk around!
Verde Canyon Railroad
Okay, so I haven’t been on the Verde Canyon Railroad yet, but this is something that is definitely on my bucket list during a trip to Sedona. My mom has done this train ride and said it was an incredible experience, so I’m taking her word for it until I get the chance to check it out myself!
The Verde Canyon Railroad takes guests through the scenic red rocks in Sedona and along the Verde River. You can ride inside a vintage train car or in an open-air viewing car to soak up the scenery. This tour includes lunch at the train depot, a champagne toast, and appetizers, with alcohol available for purchase on board. You’ll meet at the Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale, which is about a 30-minute drive from Sedona.
Tip by Brit: Even though the Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure that departs in the afternoon is the most popular, with 4.8/5 stars and more than 2,500 reviews, the Verde Canyon Railroad also offers a Starlight Train Ride that departs at sunset (it looks so dreamy!) and a Wine Tasting Railroad Adventure, so if either of those sounds interesting, be sure to check them out!
Uptown Sedona
If you want to shop for souvenirs, I definitely recommend spending some time browsing all the shops in Uptown Sedona. This is the main “tourist” hub of Sedona and is filled with shops, boutiques, and restaurants. While I wouldn’t recommend spending a ton of time here (it’s usually quite busy and crowded), it is a great spot to pick up some goodies and souvenirs to bring home!
Some of my favorite places to shop in Uptown Sedona are Earthbound Trading Co. (if you’re into the boho-chic look), Sedona Divine Olive Oils (the coconut balsamic is amazing), The Spice & Tea Exchange of Sedona, and Red Rock Apothecary (the bath bombs are great!).
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Chapel of the Holy Cross is definitely one of the best things to do in Sedona, especially for first-time visitors. This beautiful church, constructed in 1956, is built into the red rocks of Sedona and offers a beautiful vantage point of the town’s picturesque scenery.
I’ve visited the Chapel of the Holy Cross a couple of times, but all of them were before my travel blogging days, so I don’t have any photos to share. However, I can confirm that this church is stunning, and it’s absolutely worth visiting during a trip to Sedona. I love visiting beautiful churches when I travel, and this one definitely deserves a spot toward the top of the list.
Fun Fact: The rancher and sculptor who inspired the building of the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Marguerite Brunswig Staude, attempted to build her church in Hungary. However, after the outbreak of World War II, she decided to build the church in Sedona instead. I’m glad she did, so it’s easier for us to enjoy!
Black Cow Cafe
Every time I go to Sedona (well, okay, almost every time), I have to stop at Black Cow Cafe to either get a scoop of homemade ice cream on a waffle cone or an affogato with locally roasted coffee (if you don’t know what that is, it’s a shot of espresso over a scoop of ice cream… so like a rootbeer float with coffee. It’s basically the best thing ever!).
This family-owned cafe has been serving homemade ice cream and other treats, like homemade pies and pastries, to Sedona since 1998. This is, by far, my top recommendation for places to stop for a sweet treat or dessert in Sedona.
Where to Stay in Sedona
Sedona is renowned for its luxury resorts and high-end boutique hotels, with a strong emphasis on wellness, spa treatments, and breathtaking views of the red rocks.
If I were to choose somewhere to stay in Sedona as an out-of-town guest, I would pick from one of the following properties:
Arabella Hotel Sedona
Arabella Hotel Sedona is a charming boutique property in Sedona that offers a blend of stylish rooms and suites, complimentary amenities such as fire pits and cruiser bikes, and great value — the price is reasonable when compared to other centrally located hotels and resorts in Sedona.
Arabella Hotel Sedona is about a 10-minute walk from Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and is in a great location for travelers who want to see and do it all — the best restaurants, hiking trails, and things to do in Sedona are only a short distance away!
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
The Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock is a great option for families traveling to Sedona who prefer a quieter location. Located near Bell Rock, this resort is a little bit further from all the action in Uptown Sedona, but offers beautiful red rock views from its off-the-beaten-path location.
This four-star hotel offers a “traditional” resort experience, with an 18-hole golf course, a swimming pool, several restaurants and bars, and a spa. Many of the rooms and suites feature private patios and balconies, along with cozy gas fireplaces.
L’Auberge de Sedona
If you want to splurge on a five-star stay during your trip to Sedona, I recommend booking a room at L’Auberge de Sedona, a Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
This stunning hotel offers the best of both worlds — it’s within walking distance of the shopping, dining, and attractions in Uptown Sedona, but it’s tucked away against the tranquil banks of Oak Creek for a peaceful and romantic stay in Sedona. This hotel also offers an outdoor pool and spa, an on-site restaurant, and spacious rooms and suites that are beautifully decorated!
FAQs – Best Things to Do in Sedona
Do you need a car in Sedona?
You technically don’t need a car in Sedona if you stay in Uptown Sedona, utilize the public transportation options to get to and from the hiking trails, like the Sedona Shuttle, and book wine-tasting and off-roading tours with round-trip transportation from a central meeting point in Sedona.
However, I still recommend renting a car in Sedona, as I believe it provides the most freedom and flexibility to explore as many of the best things to do in Sedona as possible. It’s also most likely that you’ll fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and drive to Sedona from Scottsdale or Phoenix, so in that case, you’ll need to rent a vehicle anyway.
When is the best time to visit Sedona?
The best time to visit Sedona is during the peak seasons, in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Temperatures are mild during these months, and you can see blooming flowers or changing leaves on the trails. Spring is my personal favorite time to visit Sedona. A vacation in April or May is perfect!
Winter is also a decent time to visit Sedona, although mornings can be chilly and snow may be present on the hiking trails (so bundle up!). I don’t recommend visiting Sedona during the summer (especially in July and August), as the temperatures are too hot for hiking. However, you’ll be able to snag better deals on hotels during this time of year.
How many days should you spend in Sedona?
It’s possible to see and do all the best things to do in Sedona in 2–3 days. A long weekend in Sedona will give you the chance to embark on a few hiking trails and outdoor adventures, do some shopping, and grab a couple of dinner reservations at the top restaurants in Sedona.
If you’re staying at a luxury resort in Sedona and want to fully enjoy the amenities, such as the pool and spa, I recommend adding at least one extra day to your Sedona itinerary to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Sedona at a slower, more relaxed pace.
Plan the Ultimate Getaway to Sedona for Red Rock Views and Endless Adventures
Sedona is a destination that keeps drawing me back — I just can’t seem to get enough of the gorgeous views (and it doesn’t hurt that it’s only an hour and a half away from Phoenix!).
If you’re planning a trip to Sedona soon, I hope this list of the best restaurants, wineries, hikes, and things to do in Sedona helps you to plan a spectacular trip. Have fun!
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