Christina's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Perfect spot to cool off on a hot day. Large grass areas and trail along Oak Creek. Walk along the creek to Buddha’s beach and spend the day playing in the water and relaxing in the shade. Fantastic views of cathedral rock too!
42 locals recommend
Crescent Moon Ranch
300 Red Rock Crossing RdPerfect spot to cool off on a hot day. Large grass areas and trail along Oak Creek. Walk along the creek to Buddha’s beach and spend the day playing in the water and relaxing in the shade. Fantastic views of cathedral rock too!
A fantastic place to cool off and enjoy the scenery. Can get crowded in summer months so go early and be prepared to wait for a parking spot. AZ state park passes work here, otherwise $20-30 per car entry fee. Bring waterproof shoes, towels, and inflatables to slide on. Pack in, pack out and be prepared to walk a little ways to the water from the parking lot. The walk is worth it though, my kids always have a blast here!
256 locals recommend
Slide Rock State Park
6871 AZ-89AA fantastic place to cool off and enjoy the scenery. Can get crowded in summer months so go early and be prepared to wait for a parking spot. AZ state park passes work here, otherwise $20-30 per car entry fee. Bring waterproof shoes, towels, and inflatables to slide on. Pack in, pack out and be prepared to walk a little ways to the water from the parking lot. The walk is worth it though, my kids always have a blast here!
Another favorite family spot, Grasshopper Point is great for relaxing and swimming. Plenty of shade, but a little rocky so bring sturdy shoes.
38 locals recommend
Grasshopper Point Swimming & Picnic Area
Arizona 89AAnother favorite family spot, Grasshopper Point is great for relaxing and swimming. Plenty of shade, but a little rocky so bring sturdy shoes.
Jerome is a quaint little town with a big view! Just a 20-30 minute drive from Sedona, this town is full of shops, restaurants, tasting rooms and ghost tours. Our favorite restaurants here are The Clinkscale and Haunted Hamburger.
Jerome
Jerome is a quaint little town with a big view! Just a 20-30 minute drive from Sedona, this town is full of shops, restaurants, tasting rooms and ghost tours. Our favorite restaurants here are The Clinkscale and Haunted Hamburger.
This is one of my favorite activities to recommend to visitors. If you have the time make a trip up to Williams AZ and take an antique train right to the rim of the Grand Canyon! The station is also off Route 66 and the downtown area is full of shops and restaurants to explore. In the winter the train is transformed into the Polar Express and takes a journey to Santa’s Village.
Grand Canyon Railroad
This is one of my favorite activities to recommend to visitors. If you have the time make a trip up to Williams AZ and take an antique train right to the rim of the Grand Canyon! The station is also off Route 66 and the downtown area is full of shops and restaurants to explore. In the winter the train is transformed into the Polar Express and takes a journey to Santa’s Village.
Another of our family’s favorite spots, this is a zoo where you can drive through the enclosures and see some amazing wildlife (including bears!).
344 locals recommend
Bearizona Wildlife Park
1500 E Rte 66Another of our family’s favorite spots, this is a zoo where you can drive through the enclosures and see some amazing wildlife (including bears!).
Fantastic family owned and operated tour company specializing in Grand Canyon tours, but can also take you on multi-day excursions to explore Northern Arizona
Grand Canyon Adventures
400 S Malpais LnFantastic family owned and operated tour company specializing in Grand Canyon tours, but can also take you on multi-day excursions to explore Northern Arizona
Food scene
One of the best restaurants in Sedona! Chef Lisa Dahl presents Latin-inspired cuisine and a fantastic view of Sedona’s famous red rocks. Make sure to plan ahead and make a reservation, they often fill up especially during peak season.
273 locals recommend
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
700 AZ-89AOne of the best restaurants in Sedona! Chef Lisa Dahl presents Latin-inspired cuisine and a fantastic view of Sedona’s famous red rocks. Make sure to plan ahead and make a reservation, they often fill up especially during peak season.
This is our family favorite! We have found the Cottonwood location has better service than the Village location and downtown Cottonwood is full of shops and other restaurants to explore. Get the brisket, you will not be disappointed!
58 locals recommend
COLT 804 Grill
804 N Main StThis is our family favorite! We have found the Cottonwood location has better service than the Village location and downtown Cottonwood is full of shops and other restaurants to explore. Get the brisket, you will not be disappointed!
Family owned, local Mexican food. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner. Another one of our family favorites!
74 locals recommend
Tortas De Fuego
1630 AZ-89AFamily owned, local Mexican food. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner. Another one of our family favorites!
Another one of Lisa Dahl’s restaurants, a favorite of my husband and I. Reservations highly recommended.
101 locals recommend
Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante
2321 AZ-89AAnother one of Lisa Dahl’s restaurants, a favorite of my husband and I. Reservations highly recommended.
Locally owned and operated. Go early and snag a “Vortex”, you will not be disappointed!
17 locals recommend
Sedonuts
2370 AZ-89ALocally owned and operated. Go early and snag a “Vortex”, you will not be disappointed!
Watch airplanes come in and out of Sedona while enjoying excellent food and cocktails. We recommend the spinach and pork belly salad. Time your dinner with sunset for an exceptional experience.
78 locals recommend
Mesa Grill Sedona
1185 Airport RdWatch airplanes come in and out of Sedona while enjoying excellent food and cocktails. We recommend the spinach and pork belly salad. Time your dinner with sunset for an exceptional experience.
Super cute restaurant that sits right above Oak Creek. Closed Monday and Tuesday and reservation only.
67 locals recommend
Up the Creek Bistro Wine Bar
1975 N Page Springs RdSuper cute restaurant that sits right above Oak Creek. Closed Monday and Tuesday and reservation only.
Super close to our West Sedona home, this local owned Italian eatery features Neapolitan style pizza, salads and pasta. They’re open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday, eat in or take out.
49 locals recommend
Gerardo's Italian Kitchen
2675 W State Rte 89ASuper close to our West Sedona home, this local owned Italian eatery features Neapolitan style pizza, salads and pasta. They’re open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday, eat in or take out.
Close to our Stargazer Cottage & Bungalow this is a revitalized local hang out with great food, cocktails, and amazing atmosphere. Try the Birria Tacos.. so good!
Brewha - Social Eatery & Market
Close to our Stargazer Cottage & Bungalow this is a revitalized local hang out with great food, cocktails, and amazing atmosphere. Try the Birria Tacos.. so good!
Cafe Jose Restaurant
2370 AZ-89ALocal hangout, quick service, and breakfast served all day!
Also a family favorite, reservations recommended. Try the grilled and chilled shrimp or the grilled cheese and poblano tomato soup 😋
The Clinkscale
Also a family favorite, reservations recommended. Try the grilled and chilled shrimp or the grilled cheese and poblano tomato soup 😋
Excellent burgers and full bar! This local hangout is near our Stargazer homes in Cornville.
35 locals recommend
G's Burgers
1220 S Eastern DrExcellent burgers and full bar! This local hangout is near our Stargazer homes in Cornville.
Amazing spot for before or after dinner drinks! Beautiful views and friendly service, plus they distill their own spirits.
Redwall Lounge
Amazing spot for before or after dinner drinks! Beautiful views and friendly service, plus they distill their own spirits.
Hiking
Sedona is said to be the “Day Hiking Capital of the World” with many excellent and well maintained trails. I recommend downloading the AllTrails app for suggestions and navigation.
Beautiful hike and wonderful view. Climb into the cave and look out to see it frame Sedona.
Birthing Cave
Beautiful hike and wonderful view. Climb into the cave and look out to see it frame Sedona.
Moderate trail about 3 miles around the airport mesa with fantastic views. Local secret: park at Sunset park and take sunset trail that connects to airport loop. Much easier to find parking there versus the airport mesa parking lot that fills quickly.
Airport Loop Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Moderate trail about 3 miles around the airport mesa with fantastic views. Local secret: park at Sunset park and take sunset trail that connects to airport loop. Much easier to find parking there versus the airport mesa parking lot that fills quickly.
1.7 mile out and back trail North of the 89A that offers a stunning view of Sedona. Moderate climb with a plateau at the top. A little bit of scrambling is involved, but worth the view!
Doe Mountain, Arizona 86336, USA
1.7 mile out and back trail North of the 89A that offers a stunning view of Sedona. Moderate climb with a plateau at the top. A little bit of scrambling is involved, but worth the view!
One of the most iconic rock formations in Sedona. Crowded, moderate trail. Try to go off season or mid-week, otherwise the wait to take a picture on the bridge can be up to an hour or two. If you have an atv or 4 wheel drive you can park right at the entrance to the devils bridge trailhead and from that point it is a little over a mile hike.
90 locals recommend
Devil's Bridge Trailhead
Devil's Bridge TrailOne of the most iconic rock formations in Sedona. Crowded, moderate trail. Try to go off season or mid-week, otherwise the wait to take a picture on the bridge can be up to an hour or two. If you have an atv or 4 wheel drive you can park right at the entrance to the devils bridge trailhead and from that point it is a little over a mile hike.
Another iconic Sedona trail. Easily accessible by atv or 4 wheel drive or park at the trailhead. There are a lot of jeep tours that go through here which makes the trail easier to navigate by following their tracks. If you chose to hike there is a parallel trail for pedestrians to keep you away from the vehicles.
Broken Arrow Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Another iconic Sedona trail. Easily accessible by atv or 4 wheel drive or park at the trailhead. There are a lot of jeep tours that go through here which makes the trail easier to navigate by following their tracks. If you chose to hike there is a parallel trail for pedestrians to keep you away from the vehicles.
Challenging 1.2 mile trail that ascends almost 1000 feet to amazing views and breathtaking scenery. Take the shuttle to the trailhead, parking is quite difficult. My older kids and I took this trail on for the first time last year and it’s now one of our favorites.
159 locals recommend
Cathedral Rock Trailhead
500 Back O Beyond RdChallenging 1.2 mile trail that ascends almost 1000 feet to amazing views and breathtaking scenery. Take the shuttle to the trailhead, parking is quite difficult. My older kids and I took this trail on for the first time last year and it’s now one of our favorites.
Local favorite, easy 0.7 mile out and back trail that offers insta-worthy views of Cathedral Rock. Beautiful spot for photo shoots especially at sunset.
Secret Slickrock Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Local favorite, easy 0.7 mile out and back trail that offers insta-worthy views of Cathedral Rock. Beautiful spot for photo shoots especially at sunset.
Easy trail with an optional side track to climb to sugarloaf summit (follow the signs). Beautiful view of West Sedona!
Sugar Loaf Loop, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Easy trail with an optional side track to climb to sugarloaf summit (follow the signs). Beautiful view of West Sedona!
This trail is accessible from our West Sedona property. Walk down to the end of el Camino real and go through the pedestrian gate at the stables, follow the paved road down to access a large network of trails.
Old Post Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
This trail is accessible from our West Sedona property. Walk down to the end of el Camino real and go through the pedestrian gate at the stables, follow the paved road down to access a large network of trails.
3 mile out and back trail that begins with a steep climb to a beautiful view of Sedona and then through a meadow with breathtaking views of the Verde Valley and Mingus mountain (toward Cottonwood)
6 locals recommend
Schuerman Mountain Trailhead
3 mile out and back trail that begins with a steep climb to a beautiful view of Sedona and then through a meadow with breathtaking views of the Verde Valley and Mingus mountain (toward Cottonwood)
Easily accessible from our Sedona home, easy trail with not a lot of traffic. If leaving from our Sedona home take el camino real to the forest service gate. Take old post trail to the right and then follow the signs for Skywalker. Amazing views!!!
Skywalker Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Easily accessible from our Sedona home, easy trail with not a lot of traffic. If leaving from our Sedona home take el camino real to the forest service gate. Take old post trail to the right and then follow the signs for Skywalker. Amazing views!!!
If you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle and a sense of adventure this is a great place to explore. Trailhead is off forest road 525C. On some maps listed as hideout cave.
Robbers Roost Trail, Arizona 86336, USA
If you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle and a sense of adventure this is a great place to explore. Trailhead is off forest road 525C. On some maps listed as hideout cave.
Great trail to get fantastic views and see soldier pass cave, devils kitchen and the 7 sacred pools. Parking lot is small, either park at posse grounds park and walk to the trailhead (1 mile) or take the Sedona shuttle (it will drop you off right at the trailhead).
Soldier Pass Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Great trail to get fantastic views and see soldier pass cave, devils kitchen and the 7 sacred pools. Parking lot is small, either park at posse grounds park and walk to the trailhead (1 mile) or take the Sedona shuttle (it will drop you off right at the trailhead).
Shopping
Arts and Crafts Village in the heart of Sedona. You’ll find everything from high end fine art pieces to 30 foot tall wind sculptures. Tasting rooms, restaurants and cafes can also be found throughout the center. Go during the Holiday Season for an extra special experience.
Tlaquepaque
Arts and Crafts Village in the heart of Sedona. You’ll find everything from high end fine art pieces to 30 foot tall wind sculptures. Tasting rooms, restaurants and cafes can also be found throughout the center. Go during the Holiday Season for an extra special experience.
Great spot to pick up outdoor gear if you forgot to pack something.
6 locals recommend
Canyon Outfitters
2701 AZ-89AGreat spot to pick up outdoor gear if you forgot to pack something.
Great place to pick up any clothing or accessories you forgot to pack!
6 locals recommend
Bealls Outlet
180 Coffee Pot DrGreat place to pick up any clothing or accessories you forgot to pack!
Wineries
One of my favorite wineries, beautiful atmosphere and lovely wine. They often have live music on the weekends too.
41 locals recommend
Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery
1555 N Page Springs RdOne of my favorite wineries, beautiful atmosphere and lovely wine. They often have live music on the weekends too.
Another great winery along Page Springs road, they consistently offer award winning wines.
59 locals recommend
Javelina Leap Vineyard, Winery & Bistro
1565 N Page Springs RdAnother great winery along Page Springs road, they consistently offer award winning wines.
Beautiful space offering tastings, light bites, picnic packs and even massages. One of the more popular wineries so can get crowded.
198 locals recommend
Page Springs Cellars
1500 N Page Springs RdBeautiful space offering tastings, light bites, picnic packs and even massages. One of the more popular wineries so can get crowded.
Lovely place to check out some great wines and have some awesome food.
DA Vines Vineyard Wines & Bistro
Lovely place to check out some great wines and have some awesome food.
Beautiful vineyard with cute tasting room, knowledgeable staff, plenty of outdoor seating and live music. They also do kayak and paddleboard tours since they are right on Oak Creek.
47 locals recommend
Alcantara Vineyards and Winery
3445 S Grapevine WayBeautiful vineyard with cute tasting room, knowledgeable staff, plenty of outdoor seating and live music. They also do kayak and paddleboard tours since they are right on Oak Creek.
Beautiful property and excellent wine. Take a leisurely stroll around their creek and pond or take a seat and enjoy their wine.
34 locals recommend
DA Ranch
1901 Dancing Apache RdBeautiful property and excellent wine. Take a leisurely stroll around their creek and pond or take a seat and enjoy their wine.
Great little boutique winery right at the end of Page Springs Road. Fantastic service, great wine, and excellent small bites.
Cove Mesa Vineyard Winery Tasting Room
Great little boutique winery right at the end of Page Springs Road. Fantastic service, great wine, and excellent small bites.
Parks
Playground, skate park, mountain bike course, and sports fields.
19 locals recommend
Posse Ground Park
525 Posse Ground RdPlayground, skate park, mountain bike course, and sports fields.
One of my kids favorites, splash pad, grass area and play structure. Also features tennis and basketball courts. You can park here for access to airport loop trail too.
Sunset Park
One of my kids favorites, splash pad, grass area and play structure. Also features tennis and basketball courts. You can park here for access to airport loop trail too.
Great to cool off in the summer, they’re open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check website for open swim times. Pool is heated and they even have a water slide!
Sedona Community Pool
570 Posse Ground RdGreat to cool off in the summer, they’re open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check website for open swim times. Pool is heated and they even have a water slide!
Grocery stores
Located in West Sedona, this is our family favorite to stock up on supplies. Friendly staff and lots of selection.
Located in West Sedona, this is our family favorite for stocking up on supplies. Friendly staff and good selection.
Bashas'
Located in West Sedona, this is our family favorite for stocking up on supplies. Friendly staff and good selection.
Located in Cottonwood, this is a great spot to stop on the way into town (and they often have the cheapest gas!)
24 locals recommend
Fry's Food And Drug
1100 Highway 89-260Located in Cottonwood, this is a great spot to stop on the way into town (and they often have the cheapest gas!)
Whole Foods Market
1420 W State Rte 89ALove their desserts!