A Weekend Guide to Sedona, Arizona

Seeking a holiday that has everything: stunning red rock views, good food, and a little bit of magic? Then, you must visit Sedona in Arizona! This desert city is famous for its huge red rocks, quiet hiking trails, and yes, many pretty energy vortexes (whatever those are, they’re fun). Whether you love outdoor ventures or just want to relax and see the pretty views, Sedona is the perfect spot for two days packed with loads of fun. You can hike, shop for crystals (yes, it’s a thing), or even grab a tasty seasoned pear margarita, or see a sunset that will just blow your mind. This city is just perfect for couples, friends, and even solo travelers looking to recharge from their busy life schedules. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your weekend: where to stay, what to eat, and all the must-see spots. Sedona is calling, and trust us, you’ll want to answer.

Sedona is a small city located in the northern part of Arizona, approximately 120 miles north of Phoenix. It was actually named after Sedona Miller Schnebly, who was the wife of the city’s first postmaster. People began to settle in the area over 13,000 years ago, and Native American tribes like the Sinagua lived here long before settlers arrived. They built beautiful homes on cliffs and farmed the land, and during the late 1800s, settlers came to the area to farm and raise cattle. Sedona became an actual town in 1902.

The red rocks around Sedona are made of sandstone and are about 250 million years old. They have iron in them, which gives them their red color. In the 1950s, many movies were filmed in Sedona because of its beautiful landscape. Today, Sedona is pretty famous for hiking, art, and tourism. Some people also visit for its “vortex” spots, which they believe have some kind of special energy, and who knows — maybe they have it!

Sedona is no doubt one of the best cities in Arizona and is packed with many good travel spots. Some of the best things to see in Sedona are mentioned below:

Cathedral Rock is a famous red rock formation in Sedona, Arizona. It is conveniently located in Coconino National Forest. The Cathedral Rock Trail spans about 1.2 miles round trip and is quite steep with some climbing too, and many people hike it every day (of course, you need good stamina). The trail takes you to an impressive saddle between the rock towers, and from there, you can actually see beautiful views of the red rocks and valley. The best time to hike here is early or near sunset. People also visit this quiet place for yoga or meditation. There are no bathrooms or water available. Parking is limited, and a Red Rock Pass or fee is required.

Devil’s Bridge is one of the largest natural sandstone arches in the Sedona region and is located in Coconino National Forest. The full hike is about 4 miles round trip, but it totally depends on where you start. You can hike or drive part of the way with a high-clearance vehicle. The trail is not flat, and it gets steeper near the arch. You can also walk across the bridge, but it has no railings, so be careful. Many people take photos on the bridge. Visiting this place early in the morning is actually the best way to avoid crowds. The arch is strong, shaped over time by wind and rain. Dogs are allowed on leash. There are no bathrooms or water at the trailhead, and you will need a Red Rock Pass or pay a parking fee.

Seven Sacred Pools is a group of small, natural pools in the red rocks of Sedona, and they are one of the best places to visit in Sedona. They are located along the Soldier Pass Trail, and the hike to the pools is approximately 0.6 miles from the trailhead. The trail is not that hard and is quite good for beginners. The pools are formed in the sandstone, and they often hold rainwater. When it rains, water flows through all seven pools, and the area features beautiful views of the red rocks and forest. Many people stop here to take pictures or rest after the hike. It is part of the Coconino National Forest, and the trail can get very busy, especially on weekends. There is no water or restrooms at the trailhead.

The Verde Valley Wine Trail features many impressive wineries and tasting rooms, and you can try red, white, and sweet wines here. Some places even offer lovely food with wine. Cottonwood, Jerome, and Sedona have the best wineries to visit. You can walk or drive to different spots, and each winery has its own unique style. Many feature outdoor seating with impressive views, too. People over 21 can taste wine, and the staff shares how wine is made. You can also buy bottles to take home.

Slide Rock State Park is conveniently located in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona. It features a natural water slide made of smooth red rock, with cold water running over it. People can slide down into the water — a fun activity on a hot day. There are also many other places to swim and wade. The park has restrooms and picnic spots. You can also hike short trails and take photos. It can get busy in summer. Wear water shoes for safety.

Bell Rock is a famous red rock formation in Sedona, and it is easy to see from the road. Many people think it is a vortex — a place with special energy. Some people feel calm or strong here. You can hike around or climb part of Bell Rock, and the trail is easy to moderate. Wear good shoes and bring water. The views are amazing, and many visitors like to take pictures or sit quietly to relax.

Apart from interesting things to do, this city is a culinary marvel as well. Some of the best places to eat in Sedona are listed below:

Elote Cafe is a popular restaurant in Sedona, Arizona, specializing in Mexican and Southwestern food. The chef here uses fresh local ingredients to craft some of the best dishes. One of the most famous dishes here is elote, roasted corn with cheese and spices. People also like lamb, enchiladas, and margaritas. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful red rock views. Elote Cafe is open for dinner and does not make reservations, so people often have to wait — but the wait is worth it.

Address: 350 Jordan Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States

Butterfly Burger is a famous burger restaurant in Sedona, started by chef Lisa Dahl. Butterfly Burger calls itself a "couture burger lounge” and is known for serving gourmet burgers made with high-quality beef. You can also get turkey, chicken, or plant-based burgers. The menu includes salads, fries, and shakes. The burgers have creative toppings and tasty sauces. The interior is modern and stylish. There is also a full bar with cocktails. Butterfly Burger is in the Collective in the Village of Oak Creek.

Address: 6657 AZ-179 Ste B1, Sedona, AZ 86351, United States

Secret Garden Cafe is a quiet restaurant in Sedona, located in Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village. The cafe features a peaceful garden patio with tables under shaded trees. The food is fresh and healthy, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can order sandwiches, salads, and hot meals. They have vegetarian and gluten-free choices, and the coffee and desserts are popular.

Address: 336 AZ-179 f101, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States

The best time to visit Sedona is in spring or fall, from March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant. Days are warm, nights are cool, and skies are usually clear. In spring, wildflowers bloom, and in fall, the leaves change color, creating a perfect backdrop for photos. These seasons are great for hiking and exploring without extreme heat.

Summers can be very hot, with temperatures over 100°F. Winters are colder, and it sometimes snows. Spring and fall are also the busiest seasons, so hotels and restaurants can be crowded. Book early and visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid the rush. Some of the top hotels to stay in Sedona are the following: