Whether you’re a Phoenix local looking for a scenic weekend getaway or an out-of-state road tripper who wants to see the best of Arizona, taking a quick day trip to Sedona to experience the stunning red rocks, breathtaking views, and scenic hiking trails is always a good idea!
As a Phoenix local myself, I’ve taken dozens (and dozens…) of day trips to Sedona in my lifetime. While I definitely have my favorite “template” for spending one day in Sedona that I’ll share in this post, what I love most about Sedona is that it offers so many wonderful things to do — you could take hundreds of day trips to Sedona and have a different experience every time!
However, if you only have one day in Sedona, I’m guessing you probably want to spend your limited time checking out the most iconic spots this world-famous town has to offer… and maybe exploring some hidden gems as well. Don’t worry — my tried-and-true itinerary for one day in Sedona offers a little bit of both to guarantee a great time in Red Rock Country!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links, meaning that I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the content on my website free for you to enjoy!
How to Spend One Perfect Day in Sedona
To make the most of your day trip to Sedona, it’s crucial to get an early start.
Assuming you’ll depart from somewhere in Greater Phoenix, I recommend leaving no later than 6:00 AM to arrive in Sedona between 7:30 and 8:00 AM. If you need to arrive later in the morning, that’s okay — just know that this itinerary is built with an earlier start in mind!
Start the Morning with Coffee
First things first — coffee. Even though I’ll usually stop at one of my favorite coffee shops in Phoenix to get a coffee to enjoy on the trip up to Sedona, I usually like to get a second cup of coffee when I arrive in Sedona (because why not, right?).
My two favorite coffee shops in Sedona, which I regularly choose between during a day trip, are FreeForm Coffee Roasters and Wildcraft Kitchen.
FreeForm Coffee Roasters is my top choice when I just want a cup of coffee. Their iced lattes are incredible — the Salted Maple Latte is my go-to. Wildcraft Kitchen also has amazing coffee, but what really sets this local eatery apart is the phenomenal health-conscious breakfast menu. Their food and pastries are amazing, making this a fabulous place to stop for coffee and breakfast.
See the Red Rocks on a Scenic Hike
Now that you’re adequately caffeinated, it’s time to hit the hiking trails in Sedona!
Although there are hundreds of incredible hikes in Sedona to choose from (including some of my favorites, like West Fork Trail and Soldier Pass Trail!), the following three hikes are my top picks for a day trip to Sedona. These trails are either iconic, short, or easily accessible, making them a great choice if you have limited time (like one day!) to see the best of Sedona.
- Cathedral Rock (Difficult) — If you’re looking for a short but challenging hike, choose Cathedral Rock for your Sedona day trip. This short 1.2-mile trail might seem easy, but with its 744-foot elevation gain to reach the spectacular views at the trail’s end, you’ll need to prepare for a tough climb and a bit of a rock scramble. However, I can assure you the challenge is worth it. Cathedral Rock is my all-time favorite Sedona hike!
- Devil’s Bridge (Moderate) — Want to check one of the most photographed and iconic hikes in Sedona off your bucket list? If so, you need to hike Devil’s Bridge during your day trip to Sedona. This famous four-mile hike leads to an impressive sandstone arch that you can climb out onto to take pictures, so it’s a great choice for out-of-state visitors. However, it might feel unnecessarily “touristy” for locals (especially on weekends).
- Fay Canyon (Easy) — One of my favorite trails in Sedona, which is easier, peaceful, and quieter than other more popular trails, is Fay Canyon. This out-and-back trail is nearly three miles long, but most of the route is flat, making for an easy trek. This trail winds between red sandstone walls, offering gorgeous views of the surrounding red rocks. I personally think Fay Canyon is underrated, but that makes it a great choice for a Sedona day trip. I’ve never had trouble finding a parking spot at the trailhead!
Go Shopping in Sedona
After your hike, spend some time shopping in Sedona. My two favorite places for shopping in Sedona are Uptown Sedona and Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Each of these shopping spots has a different “vibe” — and chances are, you’ll prefer one over the other!
If you’re looking for a souvenir to bring home, I recommend checking out some of the shops in Uptown Sedona. This is where you’ll find stores that sell t-shirts, as well as local boutiques and other unique stores offering goods made in Arizona, ranging from olive oils to lotions.
If you appreciate art and architecture, you’d probably rather spend an hour or two walking around the old-world-inspired Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Although there are some specialty shops in Tlaquepaque, the emphasis is placed on the art galleries and fine-dining restaurants (including one of my favorites, Rene!). I love walking around Tlaquepaque to admire the bubbling fountains, detailed tilework, and beautiful cobblestone streets!
Grab a Casual Lunch
At this point, you’ve probably worked up an appetite… just in time for lunch! Between hiking and other outdoor adventures, I prefer to stop somewhere more casual for lunch during a day trip to Sedona. My top choices are Don Diego Mexican Cuisine and Sedona Beer Company.
Don Diego Mexican Cuisine is a great choice if you’re craving Mexican food. First off, this restaurant is conveniently right in the heart of Uptown Sedona and offers beautiful red rock views from the patio. Second, the food is amazing! I’m still dreaming about the Birria Quesatacos. And, if you want to try a Prickly Pear Margarita (an AZ staple!), this is a fabulous spot to sip on one — or even share one (the glasses are huge!).
Sedona Beer Company is a great place to stop for really good sandwiches, burgers, and fries in Sedona (and, of course, local beer!). This local brewery has two locations, although the location in Uptown Sedona will probably be most convenient for your day trip to Sedona. The burgers here are really good, and I love all the choices for dipping sauces for the fries!
Afternoon Option #1: Jeep Tour
Although you won’t have time for all the best things to do in Sedona during your day trip (unless you decide to stay for longer, which I recommend!), you can pick at least one iconic Sedona activity to enjoy in the afternoon after lunch.
The first option? A Jeep tour! A couple of friends and I went on an off-roading Jeep tour with Red Rock Western Jeep Tours during our last trip to Sedona and loved the experience. This tour had just the right amount of thrill and adventure, and in addition to seeing the stunning red rocks from a new point of view, we also learned a ton about the region’s history, geology, and landscapes from our knowledgeable tour guide (shoutout to Frey!)
We personally booked the Red Rock West Private Jeep Tour — this two-hour tour features 100+ five-star reviews and an overall rating of 4.8 stars! For a day trip to Sedona, I recommend choosing the tour that departs at 1 PM.
Afternoon Option #2: Wine Tasting
If you’re looking to spend your afternoon in Sedona doing something a little more laid-back than an off-roading adventure, I recommend checking out some of the best wineries in Sedona.
Did you know that while Sedona is considered to be a top destination for wine tasting, most of the wineries in the region aren’t actually in Sedona? To get to the best wineries on the Verde Valley Wine Trail, you’ll need to drive about 20–30 minutes out of Sedona to Cornville, where the most scenic and picturesque vineyards are located.
My favorite winery in the Verde Valley (and my top pick during a day trip to Sedona!) is DA Ranch. If you follow me on Instagram or have read any of my other posts about Sedona or Cottonwood, you already know how much I love DA Ranch. The property is stunning, the wines are fabulous (the Red Barn Red is my favorite!), and the atmosphere is so welcoming.
If you have more time and want to check out another winery, my other favorite for a day trip to Sedona is Alcantara Vineyards — the sangria here is my favorite, especially on warm days!
Afternoon Option #3: Slide Rock State Park
Finally, the last option I would suggest for spending the afternoon in Sedona on a day trip is visiting Slide Rock State Park. I would especially suggest this option in the late spring or summer, when the temperatures in Sedona heat up!
Slide Rock State Park is best known for its natural waterslide created by an 80-foot stretch of Oak Creek that runs through a narrow flume. The flume remains slippery from the algae buildup on the sandstone, creating a waterslide in the middle of the creek. Fun, right? However, in addition to the waterslide (which is a great way to stay cool in Sedona!), this state park is also home to other activities, such as swimming holes and hiking trails.
During the spring, summer, and fall, the park closes at 6 PM, and in the winter, the park closes at 5 PM, so you’ll have plenty of time to spend at Slide Rock State Park before heading home. The entry fee is $20–30 per vehicle, depending on the season.
Grab Dinner Before Heading Home
Whew — it’s been a busy day exploring the best of Sedona! However, before heading back to Phoenix, I highly recommend changing into a nice outfit and sitting down for dinner at one of the top-rated fine dining restaurants in Sedona.
Sedona is known for its spectacular high-end restaurants (many with red rock views!) that would be a bummer to miss out on during a trip to Sedona. My personal favorite restaurant in Sedona that I would recommend if you only have one night is Rene at Tlaquepaque (get the steak — it’s one of the best I’ve had in my life!). However, some other highly rated options include Elote Cafe, The Hudson, and Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill.
Tip by Brit: Most Sedona restaurants book out weeks (or months!) in advance, especially on the weekends, so be sure to snag reservations if you have a restaurant in mind for your day trip to Sedona.
FAQs – How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Sedona
How far is Sedona from Phoenix?
Sedona is 117 miles from Phoenix, and in favorable traffic conditions, the drive takes about two hours.
As a local who has made this drive dozens of times, I recommend allowing yourself anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours to drive to Sedona from Phoenix, depending on the traffic conditions and the part of Phoenix from which you’ll be departing. Keep in mind, there will almost always be traffic on the highway if you’re driving north on a weekend, especially as you get close to Sedona.
When is the best time to visit Sedona?
The best time to take a day trip to Sedona is during the peak seasons, spring and fall (March, April, and May or September, October, and November). During these months, temperatures are mild and not too hot, and landscapes are vibrant with blooming flowers or fall foliage. My favorite months to take a day trip to Sedona are April, May, or October.
What is the best way to get to Sedona from Phoenix?
The drive from Phoenix to Sedona is super direct. You can either take the I-17 North to AZ-179, which will take you directly into Uptown Sedona, or turn off the I-17 onto AZ-260 for a scenic drive to Sedona through the Verde Valley.
See the Best of Sedona in One Day With This Ultimate Day Trip Guide to Sedona
If you plan to spend one day in Sedona during a trip to Phoenix or Scottsdale, or perhaps on a road trip through Northern Arizona, I hope this itinerary helps you plan a spectacular day in Sedona. And, if you decide to stay in town longer than a day, check out my Arizona Local’s Guide to Sedona to get more ideas about things to do in Sedona!
Save This Itinerary for One Day in Sedona for Your Upcoming Sedona Day Trip
Read More
Did you find this list of the best things to do in Sedona helpful? Check out my other blog posts about Sedona to plan a perfect vacation to Red Rock Country: