Sedona truly has to be one of the most mesmerizing places on this planet. Sedona is one of the few cities in the United States where they are known from their vortexes. A vortex is thought to be an area filled with energy, a place that is conducive for healing and meditation, and a place for self-meditation. I will say, though I don’t really fall into the spiritual category purse, Sedona has a hold on me. I have now been to Sedona many times so it’s hard to give a specific Sedona itinerary, but I will do my best!

Before starting with the Sedona itinerary, I will talk about top places to eat and sleep, and things to know.

Things to know for your Sedona itinerary:
-Undeniably, you will need to rent a car as Sedona has no local airport. You will need to either fly in to Flagstaff, which is about 40 minutes away, or Phoenix, which is 2-3 hours away. Phoenix will likely be cheaper, but of course longer. A rental car will then come in handy as there are many places within Sedona that are not walking distance.
-It is usually sunny in Arizona so bring sunscreen!
-Important to realize, if you are going with a group of people (6+) you will need to reserve most restaurants ahead of time
-Sedona is not exactly a “party town” with clubs, but they do have a few pubs
-You can definitely make a long weekend out of Sedona, however I do think 5 days is more doable.

Where to stay:
If you have the money and are looking for an out of world experience: Enchantment Resort. If you choose the Enchantment Resort you will not regret it. There is a mountain biking rental on property as well as several hikes around the property. This resort also undeniably has the best food.
Sky Rock
Sky Ranch Lodge

Where to eat:
Mariposa (fancy Latin place with a great view and atmosphere)
Enchantment Resort (check to see if they are allowing out of hotel visitors)
Elote Cafe
The Vault (must get the nachos!)
Sound Bites Grill for appetizers or drinks and a view
Dahl & DiLuca (fine dining small Italian restaurant)

Where to “party:”
Mooney’s Irish Pub

Best hikes:
Cathedral Rock
Devil’s Bridge via Chuck Wagon
Doe Mountain
Bell Rock
Deadmans Pass
Sedona Airport Loop Trail

Best group events or activities:
Mountain biking. You can rent your bike here
Jeep Tour

Nearby wineries:
Paige Springs Cellars
Javelina Leap Vineyard
DA Ranch Winery

Nearby cities to check out:
Cottonwood
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Flagstaff (things to check out may be: hiking Locket Meadow, Meteor Crater, Arizona Snow Bowl)
Jerome Ghost Town

Things to check out in Sedona:
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Red Rock State Park

Sedona Itinerary below:

Day 1:
-First, you will fly into your airport, rent your car, and drive towards Sedona
-Book a 2 hour Jeep Tour with A Day In the West. This will need to be booked ahead of time and can accommodate larger groups. I personally prefer this jeep group as opposed to the “iconic” Pink Jeep Tours.
-Try to catch a sunset at Airport Sedona Overlook
-Dinner at Mariposa

Day 2:
-Start your morning with a hike at Devil’s Bridge via Chuck Wagon
-After that, drive towards Cottonwood. Once in Cottonwood you can check out Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room! Next up, drive a little further West to check out the ghost town of Jerome.
-When you’re back, head to The Vault for a late lunch/early dinner. Hint: you must get the nachos!
-Afterwards, grab drinks at Sound Bites Grill

Day 3:
-Start your morning with a hike up Cathedral Rock. You will want to plan this early in the day or later in the as the prime 9 AM hiking time ends up being crazy for the parking lot.
-Nearby Cathedral Rock is the amazing Chapel of the Holy Cross. This is a definite must! Plan for 30 minutes to take the most amazing pictures of your life.
-After the Chapel, drive your car out to Red Rock State Park
-Finish your night off with a fantastic meal at Enchantment Resort

Day 4:
-If you want to check out the nearby wineries than today is your day. I will say that the wineries are not “worldly,” but if you have an extra half day to spare, it’s not a bad place to check out.
-Thereafter, you can drive a little further and check out Montezuma Castle National Monument.
-If you choose to skip this day, then read ahead to day 5

Day 5:
-Start your morning with an easy hike around Deadmans Pass. You will be on the go today so plan accordingly. Eat a good breakfast and obviously, bring snacks and stay hydrated.
-After that, grab a rental mountain bike for a few hours! There are a plethora of trail you can choose from.
-Although you may feel tired, it will be nice to shake off those fatigued muscles with an easy walk around Bell Rock area. Leading up to Bell Rock it is flat and heavy duty stroller friendly!
-Next, grab a light meal at Elote Cafe

Without a doubt, Sedona has been one of my favorite cities in the United States. All in all, I hope you enjoy this Sedona itinerary.

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