Famous for its beautiful red rocks, steep canyons, and pine forests, Sedona and the surrounding Oak Creek Canyon area is an excellent spot for hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming. As an Arizona native, I can assure you that a day trip to Sedona does not disappoint!
Before diving into the best way to spend a day trip to Sedona from Phoenix, here are some commonly asked questions about visiting Sedona!
When Is The Best Time to Visit Sedona?
Typically, the best time to visit Sedona is March – June, and September – November. If you want to go hiking in Sedona, the trails can be snowy & slippery from December – February. During the summer months, July & August, the weather in Sedona can get pretty warm, unless you’re planning to spend the day at a swimming hole.
Personally, my favorite time to visit Sedona is autumn. If you travel slightly north to Oak Creek Canyon, you can see the leaves changing colors. It’s truly beautiful!
How Far Is Sedona from Phoenix, Arizona?
Sedona is a short 118-mile drive from Phoenix. It takes roughly one and a half to two hours to get there!
To make the most out of your day trip to Sedona, I recommend leaving Phoenix between 7-8 AM to arrive in Sedona by 9 AM.
Where Should I Stay in Sedona?
Even though it’s totally feasible to enjoy the best of Sedona in one day, if you’re visiting from out of town, you may want to extend your stay to experience more of the amazing wineries, shopping, and hiking in Sedona.
Here are some highly-rated places to stay in Sedona:
- Sky Ranch Lodge ($$$)
- Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock ($$$)
- Arabella Hotel Sedona ($$)
- Sedona Rouge Resort and Spa ($$)
There are also tons of great AirBnBs in Sedona, which can be great if you’re planning a family vacation in Arizona. Check out these Sedona AirBnBs with gorgeous views of the red rocks!
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12 Things to Do During Your Day Trip to Sedona
Once you arrive, here are some ideas on how to spend your day trip to Sedona, from start to finish!
Start Your Day with Coffee
1. Creekside Coffee
As I drive into Sedona, I usually stop at Creekside Coffee for a coffee and a small bite to eat. This warm and inviting coffee shop is one of the best in Sedona and offers an incredible view of the red rocks.
Update: Creekside Coffee is currently closed until further notice. If you’re still looking to get your coffee fix during your day trip to Sedona, I recommend Firecreek Coffee as an alternative for local coffee & delicious pastries when you’re driving into town!
Hike in Sedona
A day trip to Sedona is not complete without going on a hike. No matter what type of hike you are looking for, Sedona has something to offer. Here are my favorite easy, moderate, and difficult hikes in the area. You can learn about even more hikes in Sedona by reading my post about the ten best hikes in Sedona!
2. West Fork Trail
West Fork Trail is a 7.2-mile easy hike along a river surrounded by trees and beautiful scenery. During the hike, you cross the river a dozen times, so be sure to wear shoes you can get wet. The hike ends at the same spot as the river, at the bottom of a breathtaking canyon.
Parking at West Fork Trail is $11. Also, this is a great hike to bring your dog along on because there isn’t a ton of climbing! We loved taking our puppy (her name is Sedona!) on this hike.
3. Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge is an iconic Sedona hike that ends on a red rock bridge (hence the name) with a stunning view of the Sedona skyline! This 4.2-mile moderate hike is popular and heavily trafficked (for a good reason!), so prepare yourself to brave the crowds.
4. Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is a short and strenuous 1.2-mile difficult hike with an elevation gain of 744 feet. It’s a climb, but the views at the top of the peak are worth it! Expect to use your hands to climb up, and be prepared to use your hands and legs to slide down the mountain!
5. Slide Rock State Park
If you visit Sedona during the summer months and it’s too hot for a hike, take a swim at Slide Rock State Park instead. This is one of Arizona’s most popular attractions to experience during a day trip to Sedona!
Located in Oak Creek Canyon, Slide Rock is a natural water slide surrounded by a swimming area that spans half a mile. After taking a swim and trying the water slide, there is plenty of room on the shore to lay on a beach towel and enjoy the sunshine!
Depending on the year, entrance into Slide Rock State Park can cost anywhere between $10 – $30 per vehicle. Come prepared to pay with Visa or MasterCard, but if you pay with cash, you must use exact change (to avoid making the same mistake I did!).
Eat Lunch in Sedona
After your hike, it should be early afternoon—the perfect time to grab lunch!
I’ll be honest with you … Sedona is not my favorite spot when it comes to restaurants. Since Sedona is extremely touristy, most restaurants are expensive, and the more affordably priced ones aren’t always the greatest.
That being said, there are still some great spots to stop for lunch during your day trip to Sedona. Here are a few of my favorite options!
6. 89Agave Cantina
This Sonoran-style restaurant has a casual, fun vibe and is located in Uptown Sedona. If you’re looking to try some authentic Mexican food, this 89Agave Cantina great spot. In my opinion, their food is much tastier than the other Mexican food restaurants in Sedona. I usually order enchiladas!
7. Pump House Station Urban Eatery and Market
Pump House Station is a modern restaurant in Tlaquepaque Village that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The locals rated it one of the best places for lunch in Sedona in 2020, so you know it has to be good!
Pump House Station serves cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches, and salads on their lunch menu. They also have a dog-friendly patio, full bar, and cozy atmosphere.
8. Whole Foods
If you’re looking for a more affordable lunch option to grab on the go, Whole Foods has tons of ready-to-eat options: soups, salads, sandwiches, teriyaki bowls, sushi, and more!
The best part is that you can eat your lunch on the patio and enjoy the incredible Sedona views. A real win-win, if you ask me!
Go Shopping in Sedona
After lunch, spend the rest of your afternoon exploring the shops in Sedona. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, wandering around the shops is an experience in itself. Here are my favorite shopping areas to explore during a day trip to Sedona!
9. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
If you are looking for a shopping experience that encompasses Sedona’s taste of Native American art and culture, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is an excellent location to visit. The shops are filled with one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, and handmade clothing.
Though it is a pricey place to shop, Tlaquepaque is fashioned after a beautiful Spanish-colonial-style village, which makes it a unique spot to see. Enjoy walking down the picture-perfect cobblestone walkways and exploring the quaint plazas when you visit.
10. Uptown Sedona
Uptown Sedona offers a selection of affordable shopping options and souvenir shops. Some of my favorite shops to visit are:
- Red Rock Apothecary for handmade bath bombs and other beauty products.
- Earthbound Trading Co. for trendy clothing and jewelry, along with the new-age vibe and incredible views!
Go Wine Tasting in Sedona
Sedona is considered a part of the Verde Valley Wine Trail, which also includes the nearby cities of Cornville, Cottonwood, and Jerome (You check out my travel guides for Cottonwood and Jerome to extend your trip from Sedona, and enjoy more wine. It’s a win-win!)
Although Sedona has popular tasting rooms, like Decanter Tasting Room and Winery at 1912, if you want the real wine tasting experience, you should travel 15 miles west of Uptown Sedona to Cornville, where the spacious wineries and vineyards are!
Some of the most popular wineries in Cornville are Page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery, and Javelina Leap Vineyard, Winery & Bistro. However, my favorite is D.A. Ranch!
11. D.A. Ranch
D.A. Ranch is a boutique, family-owned estate vineyard that was opened in Cornville, Arizona, in 2002. They are only open on select days from 11 AM to 6 PM, but you have to visit if they are open during your day trip to Sedona. It’s a little slice of paradise in the Arizona desert, and it’s one of my favorite wineries I have ever visited!
D.A. Ranch is very laid-back and dog-friendly. The property is stunning, and there is tons of seating, both inside the adorable farmhouse and outside the property. We brought our golden retriever puppy, Sedona, and she loved running around and playing with the other dogs while my husband and I enjoyed a glass of wine. The staff was so friendly and helpful, too!
D.A. Ranch serves $20 wine tastings, and glasses of wine are $15 each. They were also serving glasses of homemade sangria for $15 when we were there! They don’t serve food, so plan to bring your own, but definitely don’t miss this spot on your day trip to Sedona!
End Your Day with Ice Cream
12. Black Cow Cafe
Before your day trip to Sedona is over, stop by Black Cow Cafe for homemade ice cream or a slice of pie. This cute cafe is the best spot for ice cream in Sedona, and the staff is always so friendly!
I especially enjoy the affogatos at Black Cow Cafe. If you are not familiar, an affogato is a shot of espresso over ice cream. It’s the perfect pick me up after a full day of hiking, shopping, and exploring to make it back to Phoenix in time for dinner!
More Things to Do in Sedona
If you’re staying in Sedona for longer than one day, here are some more ideas for more things you can do, from adventurous off-roading tours to sightseeing railroad adventures.
The Perfect Day Trip to Sedona
Which of these things to do during the perfect day trip to Sedona sound the most fun to you? Let me know in the comments below!
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Pin Me for Your Day Trip to Sedona!
Did you love this post about how to spend the perfect day trip to Sedona? If so, you’ll love these blog posts about Northern Arizona, too!
- 10 Best Hikes in Sedona
- Ultimate Guide to Soldier Pass Trail & Soldier Pass Cave
- 10 Best Things to Do in Prescott
- 10 Best Places to Eat in Prescott
- 20 Best Wineries on the Verde Valley Wine Trail
- 12 Best Things to Do in Jerome: America’s Largest Ghost Town
- 10+ Best Things to Do in Old Town Cottonwood
- 11 Best Day Trips from Phoenix
- Arcosanti, the City of the Future
I can’t wait to try out some of these hikes and restaurants when we come to visit Arizona!!!
I can’t wait for you to visit Arizona! I hope that you love these spots!
Sedona is one of my favorite places! I need to go to Slide Rock State Park (I definitely should’ve gone there last summer! *-*) + check out the arts + craft village next time!
I am so glad you love Sedona as much as I do, Farrah! Slide Rock is amazing! And the Arts & Crafts Village is seriously so fun to walk around.
Sedona sounds awesome! Is there anywhere to stay in Sedona? Or is it better for just a day trip?
It is! And yes, there are tons of places to stay there and plenty of things to do to fill a few days. The Hilton there is gorgeous! Since I live in Phoenix, I usually visit for just a day, though!
What a cute place! I love the stores. I haven’t heard much about Sedona except for the hiking, but I’d love to come visit!
It really is, Sarah! If you come to visit, let me know what you think!
Wow this looks like a great place to visit. I especially love all of the nature spots you’ve pointed out!
It’s absolutely stunning! There is really no place like it!
I loved my trip to Sedona! I visited last February, so it wasn’t safe to hike all the way up / across Devil’s Bridge. But I got pretty dang close — that view!! One of my favorite hikes I’ve ever done.
-Claire
tallgirlbigworld.com
Hey, Claire! We probably weren’t there too far from each other! I was at Devil’s Bridge last year at the beginning of March. It’s an incredible view, right? And such a fun hike. Thank you for stopping by and reading this post!
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What a cool city! Especially with all the outdoor things to do. My kind of place. 🙂
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So beautiful! I went a long time ago and would like to go back. Actually, we went during late fall. I would like to visit when the weather is a bit warmer.
It’s beautiful in the spring and summer! I hope you have the chance to visit soon!
I’ve save this on pinterest so I can come back to these suggestions when I visit Sedona. Great list, especially that it includes hikes and places to eat. Two things I love to do!
Yay, I’m so glad you enjoyed this post! Hiking and eating are two of my favorite things to do on vacation, too. Thank you for reading, Jenny!
What an awesome post! I can’t wait to go back to Sedona with even more of your recommendations 😉
Thanks, Lauren! I’m so glad you enjoyed 89 Agave when you went this past week! I’ll have to add churros to my list after I try them! 😉
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As an Arizona local, I think this is a great list! The one thing I would add is that Sedona is an overtourism hotspot, so being kind, polite and patient is extra important here.
Thank you! Yes, I totally agree. It’s definitely a busy place! I always forget when I visit that almost everyone, except me, is a tourist. Thanks for sharing that!
I cannot wait to visit Sedona! Thanks for pulling together not only hikes but coffee stops, restaurants (all about the Mexican) and shopping spots. The pink jeep tour also sounds like SO much fun!
You’ll love it, Laura! It’s such a fun spot 🙂
I would love to explore this area so much. It looks like the perfect place for hiking. I hope I can visit in the near future 🙂
I hope you can too, Kitti!
Sedona seems like a great place for day trips! I have been to Flagstaff while exploring the Grand Canyon but not to Sedona. The Slide Rock looks like an interesting place being a natural water slide.Cathedral rock looks like a challenging hike but worth the views at the end. Thanks for the tips. 🙂
It’s a great spot! I love Flagstaff, too, but Sedona is definitely a different type of atmosphere. I hope you get the chance to visit one day, Jan! Thanks for reading 🙂
I’ve only known Sedona for its hiking – never knew about the other pretty places as well! Definitely looks like something that would be on my list if I ever find myself in Arizona!
It’s definitely a beautiful spot! Thanks for reading, Shafinah!
Sedona looks like such an incredible place! I’d love to go hiking in the area and admire the views! Speaking of views, coffee and the view from Creekside Coffee is the dream! Thanks for the great guide!
The views at that coffee shop are literally incredible! I love sitting there to work while admiring the scenery. Thanks for reading, Hannah 🙂
Wow, so many amazing things to do in Sedona! Your puppy is absolutely adorable and I love the fact it’s even named Sedona 😀 Great post!
Thank you! We love our pup 🙂
All of your photos are gorgeous but I CANNOT GET OVER THAT PUP!! She is adorable. I’ve been dying to visit Sedona. Would love to make a road trip out west.
Thank you, Anna! I’m sure you’d love Sedona, and there are plenty of great spots out here in Arizona, too! And haha, we love her so much. She’s pretty dang cute! 🙂
We almost passed on Sedona and were so glad we did not. The scenery was so great to hike almost everywhere we found. But we did miss Devil’s Bridge. We were surprised when we too found such great wine tasting spots.
It’s truly an incredible place – there is nowhere else like it! The wine tasting is top-notch too. Thanks for reading, Linda! 🙂
Sedona is high on my bucket list. As a hiker, I am looking forward to trying some of the bikes you recommended!
You’ll love it, Michelle! It truly is a hiker’s dream… so many challenging trails and plenty of scenic views! 🙂
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this is so amazing and beautiful site of Sedona. i just love this article and tips you delivered travelers. thanks for sharing such an amazing article about day to trip Sedona.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
I definitely would want to do some hiking if ever in Sedona, immediately followed by one eating at one of those restaurants, and can’t forget the ice cream. Great round up of things to do.
Yes, hiking is like the #1 thing to do, but eating is probably #2! Haha. Thanks for reading, Renee!
We visited Sedona in March quite a few years ago, and it was beautiful. We rented a jeep and went off roading to some of the trails and had the time of our life. Would love to visit again. Your post gave me such good ideas of other places to visit.
It’s a gorgeous place to visit! I’ve never done a Jeep tour, but that sounds like so much fun.
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Yay, I’m so happy to hear that! Enjoy your trip to Sedona 🙂