Discover the Magic of Sedona, Arizona in Just 3 Days

Sedona, Arizona is a magical place to visit. The nature is breathtaking and being there lets you relax and rejuvenate from the moment you step foot in this enchanting town.

Since the 1950s, Sedona has been developing as a tourist destination. The mild winters and dry climate, beautiful sandstone formations, and numerous hiking trails bring many people to the area. But Sedona still has a small town feel and is a place where you can be in touch with nature and easily relax from your day-to-day life.

Sedona is a two-hour drive from Phoenix, Arizona or a fifty-minute drive from Flagstaff, Arizona.

Where to stay in Sedona, Arizona

Sedona offers both hotels and airbnbs; where you stay depends on your preference and budget. Here are our favorites:

Enchantment Resort – the location of this resort is absolutely stunning! You see the red rocks all around you and are surrounded by pristine wilderness while having top notch accommodations. You can choose between casitas or one- and two-bedroom apartments. The onsite restaurant Che Ah Chi (meaning red rocks) offers great seasonally inspired options and spectacular views. Choose the Tii Gavo restaurant for a romantic dinner around the fireplace or the new Hummingbird at Mii amo for more seasonally inspired options. Reservations are recommended for all three restaurants. Additionally, the resort has a pool, which we found really busy at all times and didn’t use, and an award-winning spa – Mii amo, which we highly recommend.
Amara Resort and Spa – a little bit more ‘in town’, the Amara resort is another great option with stunning red rock views. Recently renovated, this hotel offers rooms and suites, an onsite pool and spa. Reserve your spot at the onsite SaltRock restaurant and try locally inspired food and hand-crafted cocktails.
Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Piñon Pointe – located in town, the Hyatt Residence Club Sedona offers comfortable accommodations, a pool, fitness center and beautiful views of the red rocks. If you are a Hyatt member, this is a great option as you may be able to use points for your nightly stay.

Day 1 in Sedona, Arizona

Hike Boynton Canyon

If you are staying at the Enchantment Resort, this is an especially convenient hike and a way to acclimate to the canyon conditions. If you are not, the short drive and the multiple hike options are very much worth taking. First, go on the somewhat moderate Boynton Pass Vortex hike. It is short and steep at times, but it is well worth the beautiful views from just about any point. Following this hike, take the longer (6.1 miles) Boynton Canyon Trail. It is also considered a moderate hike and on average will take you about two and a half hours to complete.

Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross

If you are a fan of architecture, a visit to the small Chapel of the Holy Cross is a must while in Sedona. Built in 1956, this church rises from the red rocks. The design of the building is so unique, and the views of the surrounding area are just breathtaking.

Enjoy some pool or spa time

Take some time at the end of the day to just relax and enjoy time by the pool or at the spa, or simply slow down and admire the unique nature around you.

Day 2 in Sedona, Arizona

Hike the Mesa trail

Start your day by taking another hike. There are many to choose from, but we recommend the Airport Mesa trail around Table Top Mountain. It is another moderate hike which loops 3.3 miles around the Sedona airport. You are very likely to encounter locals and tourists on this trail, as it is one of the more popular hikes. Once at the top you will have 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and rock formations. Additionally, you will see small planes land and take off in close proximity, which makes this trail super unique. Be sure to remember where you parked, as this is often an easy point of confusion for tourists.

Visit the Tlaquepaque village

Tlaquepaque village has been a part of the Sedona map since the 1970’s. Situated next to the beautiful Oak Creek, the buildings appear tucked away beneath giant sycamore trees. Today the village is a place where you can see many artists at work, browse art galleries, shop for gifts, and enjoy locally inspired food and drinks. Just take some time to wander around, stop for chai or coffee at our favorite – The Chai Spot, admire the many fountains and beautiful flowers, visit the galleries, and sample food and desserts.

Go on an Arizona wine tour

Surprisingly, and just a very short drive from Sedona, the surrounding area is peppered with small wineries. The drive is easy, and the wineries spread around the Oak Creek. You can drive around and sample the different wineries and their production or go and spend time at the winery we really liked – Page Springs Cellars. They have a dining room, or you can pick a wine and items from their store and head outside for an impromptu picnic by the creek. Check their website if you would like to take a winery tour and be sure to make a reservation.

If you like to drink wine, this will be your chance to enjoy wines that express the character of the high dessert.

Day 3 in Sedona, Arizona

Spend the day at the Grand Canyon

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a two-hour drive from Sedona and if you have never seen the Grand Canyon, it is so worth to drive and spend the day visiting this world wonder. You can start early in the morning, get to the Grand Canyon by 10 am, spend the day there, and return to Sedona for dinner. It makes for a bit of a long day, but you will not regret it.

There is a lot to do at the Grand Canyon, so your schedule will depend on your interests and the amount you want to do. You can enjoy a leisurely walk at the top of the canyon and simply admire the majestic views. You can also hop on the Grand Canyon Railway for a train ride along the South Rim.

Our recommendation is for you to hike down the canyon to Ooh Aah Point. It is a 1.8-mile hike generally considered to be moderately intense. If you are at average fitness you can complete it in about one and a half hours. It is about an 800 ft drop; however, you will be at about 7,000 feet so it might feel a bit tougher. The views at every stop are simply breathtaking and oh, so worth it. Be sure to bring plenty of water and apply a lot of sunscreen.

Where to eat in Sedona, Arizona

Che Ah Chi Restaurant — *Che Ah Chi* Restaurant

There are plenty of good food options in Sedona, Arizona. Here are our favorites:

Pisa Lisa – a casual pizza place by chef Lisa Dahl with a nice outdoor area. Very unpretentious and super tasty. Grab a table (first come first serve) or order takeout online and enjoy the pizza back at your hotel, airbnb, or at a picnic location.
Torta de Fuego – super casual place for Mexican food. Enjoy excellent tacos, tostadas and more.
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill – come for the food and the views! This is another restaurant by chef Lisa Dahl. It is a bit more of an upscale venue serving Latin American inspired food. Grab a table on the patio and enjoy the breathtaking red rocks as a backdrop. While you can have lunch at Mariposa’s, we recommend booking a table for dinner and admiring the spectacular sunset.
Saltrock Kitchen at the Amara Resort and Spa – a restaurant by chef David Duncan showcasing the best of southwestern cuisine. Fresh local ingredients form the inspiration and foundation of all menu items and their hand-crafted cocktails are a must-try. Be sure to grab a reservation online.
Che Ah Chi at the Enchantment Resort – you must stay at the Enchantment Resort to try this restaurant, but if you do you will not be disappointed. The menu is a creative take on American fair using fresh local ingredients. To complement, the restaurant has an award-winning wine list. And not be forgotten are the overwhelming views; you can spend hours watching the sunset over Boynton Canyon.

If you have more time in Sedona, Arizona

If you have more time, consider adding some of the following activities to your list:

Hot Air Balloon Rides – rise over the red rocks for some spectacular views.
Pink Jeep Tours – take a backcountry tour with some of the area’s most knowledgeable and experienced local guides.
Take a scenic drive to Oak Creek Canyon, considered one of the most scenic drives in the US.
Explore some of the many Northern Arizona parks – Slide Rock State Park, Montezuma Castle, Red Rock State Park, Historic Town of Jerome and more.

What we loved about Sedona, Arizona

The nature is the star in Sedona – red rocks, birds, cacti, blue skies – so much to explore.
Excellent hiking at all different levels
Proximity to the Grand Canyon – a must see natural wonder, if only for a day
A super relaxed vibe, truly a place to relax and rejuvenate
Touristy but not too touristy
Excellent food options using seasonal local ingredients
Uniquely artistic place

What to bring

Sedona is a very casual and relaxed destination and you do not need fancy clothes and high heels. An exception of course is if you are celebrating a special occasion. However, do bring:

Layers of clothing as the weather changes a bit in the canyons
Comfortable shoes as you will do a lot of walking
Hiking boots if you plan to do some hiking
A hat of your choice
Sunscreen always and, if you are visiting in the summer, be sure to bring bug spray
Sunglasses. Right now, we love this and this pair.

Check out our list of travel essentials on what to take and how to maximize your packing.

In closing, we loved Sedona and plan to return again as we truly enjoyed the nature, pace of life, food, artistic vibe and many different activities one can choose from for an unforgettable vacation.

[All pictures taken by the Styled Traveler]