Sedona Arizona Travel Guide
Recently, I took an epic road trip to Sedona, Arizona – this was technically my 2nd time visiting but this time for a longer period.
Sedona, Arizona is one of those destinations I knew I had to visit again. After getting my first glimpse of Sedona during a previous trip to Scottsdale, I immediately fell in love with the incredible red rock landscapes and unique energy of the area. I knew I wanted to come back and spend more time exploring, so that’s exactly what I did!
On my second trip to Sedona, I spent four days experiencing everything from scenic hikes and electric bike rides to vortex tours, spiritual experiences, local restaurants, and some of the area’s most beautiful sights.
If you’re planning your first visit, this Sedona, Arizona travel guide covers some of my favorite things to do in Sedona, where to stay, places to eat, and unique experiences to add to your itinerary. I found that 3–4 days was a great amount of time to experience a variety of what Sedona has to offer while still leaving plenty to come back for.
Where to Stay in Sedona
We booked a 3-night stay at Arroyo Pinion Hotel located centrally in Red Rock Country. Check out my review if you haven’t already. Book your stay here!
Best Tours & Experiences in Sedona
BIKE TOUR
Explore the beauty of Sedona with a fun bike tour via Sedona Tours & Rentals. This family-owned business offers customers environmentally friendly.
We kicked off our trip with an exhilarating electric bike tour around Sedona and it was simply fun! Not only were the views stunning, but the owner, Scott, was very knowledgeable and friendly!
Book here.
VORTEX TOUR
If you didn’t know by now, Sedona is known for its vortex energy! Sedona Vortexes are thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration. We didn’t know much about the vortexes, so it was a must to book a tour for it. We booked via Sedona Mystical Tours, and our tour guide, Kim, was very knowledgeable, calm, kind, and trustworthy!
Kim led us through an easy hike to a few of the best known Sedona vortexes – Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse. During our tour, Kim also led a spiritual meditation and ended it with a mini healing sound bath.
Overall, it was a very magical and insightful experience. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who really wants to not only learn more about the vortexes but also to connect with their inner spiritual energy.
The Sedona Mystical Tours offers not only these tours, but so much more. Check out their website here.
Where to Eat in Sedona
CASA SEDONA INN – 55 Hozoni Drive
This is a very charming hotel! Their restaurant was highly recommended, so no doubt, we had to visit! We had breakfast here and everything was delightful! Great pricing, too.
If you are about warm and cozy vibes, I highly recommend stopping by if you don’t plan on staying here. Also, don’t forget to order their Lemon Ricotta Pancakes!
View the menu here and book a reservation here.
THE GOLDEN GOOSE AMERICAN GRILL – 2545 W. State Rte. 89A
This cozy cafe is located close by to the Arroyo Pinion Hotel. They serve a variety of traditional American cuisine — super affordable and big portion-sized!
Book your reservation here.
FRESH & NATURAL THAI KITCHEN – 1439 W. State Rte. 89A
If you are craving some Asian food, I recommend eating here! This place is super affordable and offers a wide variety of Thai food. Everything was delicious and also came in BIG portions!
Check out their menu here.
BELLA VITA RISTORANTE – 6701 AZ-89A
Romantic atmosphere, attentive staff, and amazing food! Highly recommended!
Book your reservation here.
PUMP HOUSE STATION – 313 AZ-179 d10
We came here on our last day for brunch and I really loved the vibes and the food was also phenomenal! It definitely one of my favorite meals I had in Sedona! Plus, it’s located in a cute area to walk around!
Check out the restaurant here.
Best Things to Do in Sedona
HIKING IN SEDONA
You can’t visit Sedona without experiencing at least one of its incredible hiking trails! With red rock formations in nearly every direction, hiking was easily one of my favorite ways to experience the scenery up close.
During my trip, I explored both Soldier Pass Trail and Boynton Canyon Trail, and each offered a different way to experience Sedona’s beautiful landscapes.
Soldier Pass Trail
Soldier Pass was one of the hikes I explored during my time in Sedona. The trail takes you through the area’s iconic red rock scenery and is a great option if you want to get outside and experience more of Sedona beyond its main viewpoints.
One of the highlights of the area is the unique rock formations and desert landscape surrounding the trail, making it well worth adding to your Sedona itinerary if you enjoy hiking and being outdoors.
Boynton Canyon Trail
I also explored Boynton Canyon, another beautiful hiking area surrounded by Sedona’s famous red rocks. Boynton Canyon is especially interesting because the area is also known as one of Sedona’s vortex locations, tying into the spiritual side of Sedona that I experienced throughout my trip.
Even if you’re not visiting for the vortex energy, the scenery alone makes this area worth exploring. Between the canyon views, towering red rocks, and peaceful surroundings, it’s another great place to experience Sedona’s natural beauty.
Tip: Sedona has hiking trails for a variety of experience levels, so you don’t necessarily have to be an avid hiker to enjoy the landscapes. Be sure to bring plenty of water, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and check current trail and weather conditions before heading out.
VISIT THE AMITABHA STUPA AND PEACE PARK – 2650 Pueblo Drive
Amitabha Stupa is a sacred must-visit landmark in Sedona.
The stupa is one of the oldest forms of sacred architecture on the planet. You don’t need to be a Buddhist to visit the Amitabha Stupa. People from every tradition are welcome to meditate and pray for themselves, their loved ones, and for the end of suffering in the world.
The Stupa is beautiful, spiritual, and worth visiting on your Sedona trip!
SHOP AT CRYSTAL STORES
If you’re in Sedona, you MUST check out the crystal stores. I really liked Mystical Bazaar, which was located right across the street from our hotel, Arroyo Pinion. They had a great sale going on too. I ended up buying a few crystals, candles, and a deck of tarot cards, which I am pleased with!
GET A READING OR SPIRITUAL HEALING
During my trip, I thought it would be the perfect spot to get my annual reading. There are many spiritual readers offered in Sedona, I went with Suzanne via Sedona Mystical Tours, and she was great!
Learn more about the readings and book here.
Sedona is one of those destinations that truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for the incredible red rock landscapes, hiking trails, outdoor adventures, spiritual experiences, or simply a relaxing escape, there are so many different ways to experience this beautiful part of Arizona.
After getting just a small taste of Sedona during my first visit, I’m so glad I came back and spent four days exploring more of the area. From hiking through the red rocks and experiencing a vortex tour to biking around Sedona, trying local restaurants, and browsing the crystal shops, this trip gave me a completely different appreciation for the destination.
If you’re visiting Sedona for the first time, I’d recommend spending at least a few days here so you don’t have to rush through everything. There is plenty to see and do, but part of the experience is simply slowing down and enjoying the scenery around you.
I hope this Sedona travel guide helps you plan your own trip and gives you a few ideas for what to add to your itinerary!
Until next adventure!!
