Your Guide to a Weekend in Sedona
Sedona is one of Arizona’s premier tourism, recreation, resort and art centers. Its location at the mouth of scenic Oak Creek Canyon and at the center of the state’s famous Red Rock Country affords breathtaking panoramas, a mild climate and plenty of sunshine. The area is the second most visited site in Arizona after the Grand Canyon. Established in 1902, the community was named for Sedona Schnebly, an early settler. Spreading across the central Arizona counties of Coconino and Yavapai, Sedona sits at an elevation of 4,500 feet (about 3,200 feet higher than Phoenix). Via Interstate 17, the town is 120 miles north of Phoenix and 30 miles south of Flagstaff.
Have you ever seen photos of beautiful red rock mountains that look larger than life? If so, they are most likely in beautiful Sedona, Arizona. Those magical mountains can never be captured to their full potential. You have to be standing amidst them to feel the magic creep up over your shoulders.
Getting There: About two hours from Phoenix, take I-17 north to Arizona 179 (Exit 298) and continue 15 miles to Sedona. The Grand Canyon is about a 2.5-hour drive north of Sedona.
Let’s start with the top things to do in Sedona, the top places to eat, and the most romantic places in town. Then we share our recommend itinerary for a guaranteed romantic weekend.
Sedona has something for everyone – world-class resorts, small family-run motels, bed & breakfasts, fine restaurants, diverse shops and art galleries. The beauty of the area makes sightseeing and hiking popular; golf and tennis are almost year-round activities. Visitors can take a jeep tour into the backcountry or view the red rock monoliths from horseback or hot air balloon.
Other attractions include Bell Rock, Slide Rock and Red Rock State Parks, Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Sedona Arts Center and Tlaquepaque, a Mexican-style arts and crafts village. Highway 89A through Oak Creek has been named by Rand-McNally and others as one of the most beautiful drives in America. Visitor sites that are just a day trip away include the Grand Canyon, Jerome, Meteor Crater and Sunset Crater.
Cathedral Rock
Back O’Beyond Road, Coconino National Forest, Sedona, AZ 86336
Start the morning off with a super early hike to Cathedral Rock and afterwards you’ll be ready to jump into the freezing water at Slide Rock Park. The most popular hike in Sedona that is short (1.5mi total up/down) but steep.
- Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
- Website
Wear sunscreen, bring water, start early to find parking, and take lots of pictures!
Chapel of the Holy Cross
780 Chapel Road, Sedona, AZ 86336
A small but beautiful chapel built in the rocks with beautiful views of Sedona.
- Hours: Everyday from 10am-5pm
- Website
Parking is limited so be patient, but it’s worth a quick visit.
Slide Rock State Park
6871 N Highway 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
A beautiful 43 acre park to explore, hike, hop in the freezing cold water, and slip down the rock slides!
- Hours: See the website as hours change each season
- Website
You must arrive early before parking gets full and they turn people away. It’s best to the go in the summertime when the water isn’t as cold. Take as little cars as possible because the park fee is per car.
Jeep Tour
Most jeep tours depart from downtown Sedona
Hop on a jeep that will take you on an adventurous and exhilarating ride through the canyons! The most popular company is “Pink Jeep Tours” but we loved “A Day in the West“. See if you can find a deal on Groupon.
- Hours: Tours run all day but spaces fill up so book ahead of time
- Website
Go early before it gets too hot outside. Don’t forget your big girl/boy panties…prepare to scream on this crazy adventure!
Downtown Sedona
Main Street, Sedona, AZ 86336
Then clean up, check out, and head to Downtown- Main Street for a well-deserved lunch and some shopping. There are lots of lunch options along Main Street. Shop til you drop! Stroll around Main Street and you’ll see lots of fun shops selling beef jerky, crystals, chocolate, artwork, and much more!
- Hours: All store hours vary.
- Website
Check the website’s Calendar of Events because there are frequent festivals and events throughout the year!
Restaurants in Sedona NM
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
700 W Highway 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
Clean up and head to dinner at Mariposa for some Latin food and more beautiful views. A newer fine dining restaurant with beyond beautiful views of the red rocks.
- Hours: Daily | Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm and Dinner 5pm
- Website
You’ll have to make a reservation on OpenTable.
Elote Cafe
771 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86336
Later, if you’re in the mood for Mexican food, get to Elote Cafe by 5pm to grab a Margarita while you wait for a table. And maybe a few more during and after dinner too! A Mexican restaurant within a hotel that doesn’t appear to be much from the outside, but it’s a battle to get a table here because the food is out of this world.
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 5pm-9pm
- Website
Reservations are not accepted and you will not get a table if you show up after 6pm. Get there before 5pm, seriously. While you wait, enjoy some popcorn and drinks from their wait bar!
The Hudson
671 State Route 179, Suite D, Sedona, AZ 86336
A good American food spot because of its back patio with red rock views.
- Hours: Open 11:30am-9pm daily
- Website
Request a table outside on the patio for lunch if the weather is nice.
L’Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek
301 L’Auberge Lane, Sedona, AZ 86336
Heaven on Earth. This is “our spot” where we go every October and celebrate our love. Today is a day full of romantic adventures. Start it off right with a heavenly and breathtaking experience as you eat breakfast along the creek at L’Auberge’s restaurant. Save a little piece of bread to throw to the ducks!
- Hours: Monday-Saturday from 7am-10pm | Sunday from 9am-10pm
- Website
Make a reservation for breakfast or lunch at Etch Kitchen & Bar (because dinner is pricier) and request a table by the creek. They usually feed the ducks around 9am so the earlier the better to see more ducks on the creek. After eating, you can roam around the property, relax in the chairs along the creek, and watch the ducks more. Don’t forget to enjoy a mimosa! PS- it’s within L’Auberge hotel which is an expensive but wonderful hotel if you want to splurge.
Page Springs Cellars
Then drive out to Page Springs Cellars Winery for some tasting and snacking! Once you’ve got a little buzz going on, you’re ready for the adventurous (and kinda scary) part of the day- a Jeep Tour! Be ready for a little craziness! A nearby winery to sit back, relax, and sip on some vino. What a rough life.
- Address: 1500 North Page Springs Road, Cornville, AZ 86325
- Hours: Sunday-Wednesday from 11am-7pm | Thursday-Saturday from 11am-9pm
- Website
Only 20min from Sedona, stop by for a tasting and snacks at the bar during the day so you can take in the views! They have live music Tue-Wed from 3-6pm too.