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Sedona Travel Guide

Best neighborhoods, things to do, and when to visit

Sedona, AZ

Sandstone buttes glow rust-red above Sedona, where trails like Cathedral Rock and Devil's Bridge begin minutes from town. Art galleries, Oak Creek swimming holes, and dark skies over Verde Valley fill the hours between hikes.

Red rocks · Hiking · Stargazing

  • Airport

    Sedona Airport in town; Flagstaff Pulliam and Phoenix Sky Harbor farther out

  • Language

    English, with Spanish widely spoken

  • Currency

    US dollar (USD, $); cards accepted, small cash useful

  • Ideal trip length

    Three to four days

Best time to visit Sedona

September – November

Average temperature

29-86°F (-2-30°C), Sunny days, cool nights, and light rain that tapers off after September.

Crowd Level

Moderate to high

Reason To Visit

Autumn brings mild afternoons near 74°F (23°C), clear light on the sandstone, and cottonwoods turning gold along Oak Creek. Trails feel comfortable from morning until sunset.

Fall event

Sedona Arts Festival

Sedona Red Rock High School

Things to do

Hike the Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock trails in the cool morning hours, follow Oak Creek for fall color, then browse galleries in Tlaquepaque before an early sunset viewpoint.

Popular events

Spring

Sedona Yoga Festival, Verde Valley Fair, Full Moon Sound Journey

Summer

Heritage Festival of Arts and Culture, Sedona Hummingbird Festival, Sound Bath in Sedona

Fall

Sedona Arts Festival, Sedona Plein Air Festival, Yavapai County Fair

Winter

13th Annual Sedona Lunar New Year Festival, Fiddler on the Rock - One Man Symphony, Evening Sound Bath - CREEKSIDE

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Where to stay in Sedona

Red rock lanes, quiet residential pockets and pine country all within reach of Sedona.

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West Sedona

Convenient, Everyday

Sedona's main residential stretch, with grocery stops, trailheads and shops along Highway 89A.

Known for

Trail access and day-to-day errands

Things to do nearby

Airport Mesa, Thunder Mountain Trailhead

Nearby neighborhoods

Chapel

Chapel

Quiet, Scenic

Residential lanes sit below tall red formations, a short drive from Uptown and the Village.

Known for

Close-up formation views on quiet streets

Things to do nearby

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Nearby neighborhoods

West Sedona

Village of Oak Creek (Big Park)

Laid-back, Golf

A separate community south of town, spread along the highway near well-known rock formations.

Known for

Bell Rock trailheads and golf courses

Nearby neighborhoods

Chapel, West Sedona

Cornville

Rural, Wine country

Farm roads and small vineyards along Oak Creek, about a half hour southwest of Sedona.

Known for

Verde Valley wineries and creekside acreage

Things to do nearby

Oak Creek Marketplace

Munds Park

Pine forest, Cool air

A pine-shaded pocket off Interstate 17, sitting well above the red rocks in elevation.

Known for

Cabins and cooler summer temperatures

Must see places in Sedona

Red sandstone spires, canyon creeks, and a chapel built into the rock define Sedona's landmarks.

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Cathedral Rock

Viewpoint$

A short, steep scramble up slickrock leads to a saddle between red sandstone spires.

Things to do nearby

Red Rock Crossing Vortex, Crescent Moon Picnic Site

Time needed

1–2 hours

Chapel of the Holy Cross

LandmarkFree

A modernist chapel set into the rock, with quiet interiors and long views south.

Neighborhood

Chapel

Time needed

30–45 minutes

Slide Rock State Park

Park$$

Oak Creek slides over smooth sandstone chutes; arrive early, since parking fills fast.

Neighborhood

Oak Creek Canyon

Time needed

2–3 hours

Bell Rock Trailhead

Viewpoint$

A domed butte with a level loop path and optional climbing on the lower ledges.

Things to do nearby

Bell Rock Pathway

Time needed

1–2 hours

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Iconic StreetFree

Shaded courtyards, sycamores, and galleries in a village built along Oak Creek.

Things to do nearby

Sedona Heritage Museum, Oak Creek Marketplace

Time needed

1–2 hours

Airport Mesa

Viewpoint$

A mesa-top overlook with wide sunset views; the small lot turns over slowly.

Neighborhood

West Sedona

Things to do nearby

Table Top Mountain, Sedona Airport

Time needed

45 minutes

Sedona Heritage Museum

Museum$

An orchard homestead telling the story of Sedona's farming and film-set years.

Neighborhood

Uptown Sedona

Things to do nearby

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Time needed

1 hour

Devil's Bridge Trail

Landmark$

The area's largest natural sandstone arch, reached by a 4-mile round-trip walk.

Neighborhood

West Sedona

Things to do nearby

Red Rocks/Sycamore Canyon Loop Scenic Drive

Time needed

2–3 hours

Local recommendations by Airbnb hosts in Sedona

The spots Sedona hosts send guests to - and the tips they pass along

Red Rock State Park

  • Explore easy trails through red rock hills, green meadows, and along Oak Creek in this 286-acre nature preserve.
  • Visit the Miller Visitor Center for exhibits, a park store, and continuously playing films about Sedona’s nature and history.
  • Bring children for easy walks, educational exhibits, wildlife viewing, and a Junior Ranger program for ages 4–12.
  • Plan to pay the park entry fee, enjoy ranger programs, and use shaded creek areas only for viewing, not water play.
  • Walk easy trails to see the abandoned hilltop House of Apache Fire and views toward the Seven Warriors formation.
Mentioned by 224 local hosts
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Bearizona Wildlife Park

  • Drive your own vehicle through three miles of forest to see bears, wolves, bison, and other North American wildlife up close.
  • After the drive-through, explore Fort Bearizona’s 20-acre walk-through zoo area with smaller animals along winding paths.
  • Watch the Raptor Free Flight show, where birds of prey may fly untethered right over your head—keep your head down.
  • Grab a quick snack at Bearizona Grill or sit down at Canyonlands restaurant overlooking the jaguar enclosure.
Mentioned by 619 local hosts
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Rainbow Lake

  • Enjoy fishing on Rainbow Lake, where trout fishing is popular and the lake is especially lovely for anglers.
  • Head out on the water with boating and kayaking, using the multiple rental options available at Rainbow Lake.
  • Plan trout fishing in spring or early summer, which are noted as the main trout stocking periods.
  • Use public access points off Highway 260 via Rainbow Lake Road or Lakeview, as most shoreline is privately owned.
Mentioned by 70 local hosts
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Fossil Creek

  • Hike into Fossil Creek’s canyon for unmatched views, turquoise water, waterfalls, and natural swimming holes.
  • Plan a full-day, warm-weather trip; trails are long and steep, with multiple recreation sites to explore.
  • Permits are required April–October, and parking is limited, so plan ahead and secure reservations early.
  • Prepare for a rugged outing: long, hot hikes, steep climbs, rough dirt roads, and bring plenty of water.
Mentioned by 60 local hosts
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Watson Lake

  • Explore Watson Lake’s unique granite dells and dramatic rocky landscape, contrasting orange boulders with deep blue water.
  • Enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, rock climbing, disc golf, camping, and day picnicking.
  • Bring sunscreen and walk lakeside trails like the Peabody Trail or the leisurely path along the east shore.
  • Watch for bald eagles, hawks, and falcons while birding around Watson Woods Riparian area and the lake’s shores.
Mentioned by 104 local hosts
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Sedona Golf Resort

  • Play the 18-hole, par-71 championship course surrounded by Sedona’s red rock formations and panoramic views.
  • Experience the famous par-3, 210-yard 10th hole, often described as the Southwest’s most photographed par-3.
  • Book a round for challenging but memorable golf on well-maintained fairways and greens with stunning scenery.
Mentioned by 50 local hosts
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Places to eat and drink in Sedona

Red rock views, house-brewed beer, and patio tables shape the way Sedona eats.

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Elote Cafe

Mexican$$$

Regional Mexican cooking built on the namesake fire-roasted corn dish with lime and cotija.

Highlights

Elote appetizer

Why do locals love it

The corn dish arrives smoky and warm, served with house-made tortilla chips.

Cress on Oak Creek

Fine Dining$$$$

Tasting menus served beside Oak Creek at the base of the red rock walls in Boynton Canyon.

Highlights

Creekside terrace seating

Why do locals love it

Dinner runs long as the canyon walls shift color above the water.

Indian Gardens Cafe & Market

Cafe$$

Orchard-side deli and market on Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, known for breakfast burritos.

Highlights

Shaded garden patio

Why do locals love it

A coffee stop on the way up the canyon, with cottonwoods over the tables.

Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill

Latin American$$$

Wood-fired Argentine grill plates and empanadas facing an open view of the red rocks.

Highlights

red rock views

Why do locals love it

Grilled meats come off the open parrilla while the sun drops behind the buttes.

Coffee Pot Restaurant

Breakfast$

Longtime diner named for Coffee Pot Rock, listing 101 omelette variations on the menu.

Highlights

101 omelettes

Why do locals love it

A morning institution since 1955, with the rock formation visible outside.

The Hudson

American$$

Comfort plates and house pies on a patio looking toward Snoopy Rock and Camel Head.

Highlights

Craft cocktails

Why do locals love it

Meatloaf and a slice of pie, with Snoopy Rock framed straight ahead.

Page Springs Cellars

Winery$$

A family-owned winery pouring Rhone-style bottles with vineyard tours on offer.

Highlights

Rhone-style wines, patio overlooking Oak Creek

Why do locals love it

The patio looks down toward Oak Creek.

Mesa Grill Sedona

Southwestern$$

A Southwest-style grill with a wide-ranging menu and a patio that welcomes dogs.

Highlights

Panoramic views, pet-friendly patio

Why do locals love it

Dogs are welcome on the patio, and the views stretch wide.

Explore Sedona: The best travel itineraries

Two ways to shape a Sedona trip, from a single red rock day to a longer loop through canyons, galleries, and vineyards.

  • Experienced Airbnb hosts in Sedona

    1,120+

  • Places to stay in Sedona

    2,750+

  • Things to do in Sedona

    70+

  • Verified guest reviews in Sedona

    253,180+

1 Day trip

One day built around red rock views, a hillside chapel, and a courtyard dinner in central Sedona.

Morning

Chapel in the red rocks

Arrive early; the small parking lot fills quickly on clear mornings.

Afternoon

Courtyards and galleries

Shade in the cobbled courtyards makes this an easy midday stop.

Evening

Dinner along Oak Creek

Ask for terrace seating when you book for creekside air.

3 Day trip

Three days built around canyon views, a cliff-set chapel, and long dinners with red rock in the windows.

Morning

Courtyards and canvases

Arrive early for quiet cobbled walkways before the shops fill.

Afternoon

Chapel in the rocks

Parking is limited, so plan a short walk up from the lower lot.

Evening

Last light from the mesa

Get there about 45 minutes before sunset for a spot at the rail.

Morning

Sandstone chutes on Oak Creek

Water shoes help on the slick rock; the lot fills by mid-morning.

Afternoon

Looking down the canyon

A quick roadside stop on Highway 89A with wide canyon views.

Evening

Elote and a patio table

Reservations go fast, so book well ahead of your trip.

Morning

Trail to Chicken Point

Carry more water than feels necessary; shade is scarce.

Afternoon

Cathedral Rock reflection

There is a day-use fee at the entrance station.

Evening

Latin grill with rock views

Ask for outdoor seating when the evening is mild.

5-7 Day trip

A five-day loop through Sedona's canyons, chapels, and galleries, ending most evenings with red rock light and a long dinner.

Morning

Chapel among the rocks

Parking is small, so arrive early in the day.

Afternoon

Hike to Chicken Point

Carry more water than you think you need.

Evening

Cathedral Rock at dusk

Bring a blanket for the meadow after sunset.

Morning

Omelettes before the drive

The menu lists 101 omelette varieties, so scan it slowly.

Afternoon

Sandstone chutes on Oak Creek

Water shoes help on the slick rock.

Evening

Look down the canyon

Pull off at the rim overlook on Highway 89A.

Morning

Pioneer stories

Allow an hour for the orchard buildings.

Afternoon

Courtyards and galleries

Wander the shaded passageways between shops.

Evening

Elote to start

Seating fills quickly, so plan for an early table.

Morning

Cliff dwelling

Shade is limited along the paved loop.

Afternoon

Rhone-style pours

The patio looks out over Oak Creek.

Evening

Mansion above the mines

Check closing hours before the drive up.

Morning

Creek crossings and maples

Expect wet feet at the stream crossings.

Afternoon

Stupa and red rock

Follow the short meditation paths around the grounds.

Evening

Terrace by the water

Ask for a table on the creekside terrace.

  • Family travel

    Picnic under the sycamores at Crescent Moon Ranch, with Cathedral Rock views, then ride the Broken Arrow jeep route.

  • Couple travel

    Time the Cathedral Rock trail for late afternoon light, then share a quiet dinner overlooking Oak Creek in the Village of Oak Creek.

  • Solo travel

    Walk the Airport Mesa Loop at sunrise, then browse galleries in Tlaquepaque and Uptown Sedona at your own pace.

How to get around Sedona

  • Metro and train

    Sedona has no passenger rail. Trains serve Flagstaff, about an hour north, so plan a shuttle or drive for the last leg.

  • Bus

    Local shuttles link town stops with popular trailheads, easing parking stress. Check the regional transit operator for current routes.

  • Rental car

    A car suits red rock touring, though lots fill early. Some forest roads need high clearance, and summer afternoons reach 95°F (35°C).

  • Walking

    Uptown and the Village are walkable, with shaded paths along Oak Creek. Cyclists find singletrack close to town, so carry ample water.

Generated with AI and may contain mistakes. Sources include third-party travel data and Airbnb data from listings, hosts, and host guidebooks. Updated September 2026.

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