Best Things to Do in Sedona | 3-day Sedona Itinerary

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Hiking and dining are some of the best things to do in Sedona so let’s dive into some of my favorite hikes and snack spots for your perfect 3-day Sedona itinerary.

Pro tip: Arizona does not participate in Daylight Savings Time, so the clocks never change there.

When is the best time to visit Sedona? Spring and Fall are the best seasons to visit Sedona for ideal weather. The summer gets quite hot and the winter can be too chilly (and even snowy) to enjoy hiking. I strongly recommend traveling on Sunday, touring Monday through Wednesday, and leaving on Thursday. Sedona gets very busy on the weekends, making it extra challenging to find parking at the trailheads. If you are in Sedona over the weekend, the Sedona Shuttle is a free shuttle that runs to trailheads Thursday through Sunday, but it’s an extra step and I prefer being able to park directly at the trailhead.

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How to get to Sedona

You can either fly into Flagstaff Pullium Airport (FLG), which is the closest commercial airport located about 40 minutes from Sedona, or into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) which is about two hours from Sedona. Most major airlines fly into Phoenix and you’ll have more flight options to choose from, but it will be a longer drive to Sedona.

Where to stay in Sedona: Stay at the newly renovated Sky Rock Sedona for freshly revamped rooms with views of the iconic Sedona red rocks. It’s conveniently located on Highway 89A which is convenient to Uptown Sedona as well as many hiking trails.

Do you need a rental car in Sedona? Uber and Lyft are not readily available in Sedona, so a rental car is very necessary while staying in Sedona.

Day 1

Start your first full day off right with a sunrise hot air balloon flight with Red Rock Balloons Sedona. You’ll soar over Sedona’s stunning red rocks and when you land, you’ll celebrate with a celebratory toast and the Balloonist’s Prayer. Plan this for the first day of your trip in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. This way there’s the possibility of rescheduling for one of the following days if they have availability.

Once your feet are firmly back on the ground, head to Uptown Sedona, the walkable Main Street District. Grab lunch and spend some time wandering the shops. Stop at Sedona Crystal Vortex to have your Aura Photo taken. A special camera is used to capture the color of your spirit and you’re given a full report to help you understand the energy you’re radiating. While you’re there, grab an Aventurine crystal for luck and wealth. Finish out the day with dinner and drinks at Cowboy Club. Watch the sunset while you sip a Sedona Sunset cocktail and enjoy their appetizer sampler that includes cactus fries and rattlesnake sausage.

Day 2

Start your day early. Really early. Devil’s Bridge is a popular 4.4-mile hike and gets extremely crowded as the morning goes on, so plan to be at the Mescal trailhead by 6:30 am. (You can also start the Devil’s Bridge Hike on Dry Creek Road, but that requires a high-clearance vehicle, so Mescal is the suggested starting point if you’re driving a standard rental car.) Starting the hike early ensures you won’t have a huge line for photos once you arrive at Devil’s Bridge and watching the light rise over the red rocks in the silence of the early morning is a zen experience.

After your hike, head to Sedonuts to refuel with their delicious coffee and donuts. Once your stomach is full, your next stop is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Even if you’re not religious, the breathtaking architecture of this church, which is built into the red rocks, is a sight to see!

Have an early dinner at the Latin-inspired cuisine Mariposa. With red rock views, this fine dining restaurant requires reservations and has a dress code of at least business casual. After dinner, find a quiet spot to stare at the sky and watch the stars come out. Sedona is a dark sky community, which means they use as little lighting as possible at night so that you can clearly see the night sky, which makes for excellent star gazing!

Day 3

Fuel up with breakfast at Wildflower Bread. Their Millionaire’s bacon is a honey-coated bit of heaven and their brown sugar oatmeal pancakes are a satisfying plate of carbs that will carry you through your hike.

If you’re looking for a hike that’s on the shorter, easier side consider the Baldwin Trail Loop. Leaving from the Baldwin Trailhead, the hike is a loop that’s just shy of 2.5 miles and has a mild elevation gain of only 200 feet. The trail offers stunning views of Cathedral Rock but keep in mind that there are no facilities and minimal shade on the trail, so plan accordingly and bring water, snacks, and sunscreen. And don’t forget to pack out everything you bring with you!

Enjoy an afternoon of shopping at Tlaquepaque. Explore the many art and craft galleries and enjoy the dessert-like Butter Chai at The Chai Spot before your next adventure.

Get ready to go beep beep in the Jeep with a tour with Pink Adventure Tours. Their 2-hour Broken Arrow tour gets you off-road and takes you to Submarine Rock and Chicken Point. The drivers go above and beyond giving you entertaining and informative facts about Sedona and taking your photos in all the best spots. Book in advance because they do sell out and choose a tour late in the day (3 or 4 pm) to see the landscape in the beautiful changing light as the sun starts to set.

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