So, you’ve only got one day in Sedona? I found myself in the same position at the beginning of January. Maybe Sedona is just a stop on a big Arizona road trip? Or a stop on your way to the Grand Canyon, like me! Although the town of Sedona is charmingly small there are so many things to see and do. Sedona Arizona is famous for its red rocks, beautiful canyons, magical vortexes, and pine forests. You’re probably asking yourself, where should I go? What should I see? Well, this list is perfect for you! Find out what to do with one day in Sedona…
Best Time To Visit Sedona?
I visited Sedona the first week of January and it was fantastic compared to the snowy East Coast. Daytime temps were in the high 50s, low 60s. The consensus is that the best time to visit is November – April or early May and late October.
That is, unless you really enjoy scorching dry temperatures, in that case, you’ll want to visit Sedona Arizona during the summer when daytime temps reach 98+ degrees fahrenheit.
For full disclosure I actually stayed in Flagstaff because this was a very last minute trip and Sedona was pretty much booked solid.
One Day In Sedona Arizona
Grab Coffee
If you are coming from Flagstaff
Dutch Bros Coffee
301 Regent St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Yes, Dutch Bros is a chain, but for those of us who live on the East Coasts it’s amazingly smooth and ridiculously good coffee. I stopped at Dutch Bros every single morning that it was an option and my favorites were the Kicker and Carmelizer.
In Sedona –
Oak Creek Espresso
6500 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86351
This spacious and warmly inviting coffee shop offers small-batch beans that are roasted on-site, plus sinfully delicious baked goods. Try the proper cappuccino or the homemade chai latte. They’ve got gluten-free options and the muffins are delicious.
Sit Down For Breakfast
If you are also coming in from Flagstaff I highly recommend…
The Toasted Owl
12 S Mikes Pike St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
This place has very cool hippy vibes and delicious food. The service was friendly and very quick and there were so many cute owls to look at while you wait. Try the breakfast tacos with chorizo and jalapeno bacon.
In Sedona Arizona –
Coffee Pot Restaurant
2050 W State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
The Coffee Pot is incredibly popular, so prepare to wait in line, but it’s worth the wait! They offer standard breakfast fare with a mom-and-pop feel. The selection of omelets here is insane and the friendly service will have you wanting to grab breakfast here multiple times during your visit.
Visit Coconino National Forest & Sliding Rock State Park
Coconino National Forest
If you are driving in from Flagstaff choose route 89a, where you will drive through the insanely gorgeous Coconino National Forest and Sliding Rock State Park. Take your time on the drive and marvel at all those beautiful red rock formations.
The Coconino National Forest is one of the most diverse National Forests in the entire country with landscapes ranging from the famous red rocks of Sedona to Ponderosa pine forests. It’s stunningly beautiful as you drive through Oak Creek Canyon. There are plenty of overlooks, picnic areas, swimming holes, and hiking trails all along the drive. Make sure to stop at Midgley Bridge where this vista point has an especially unforgettable backdrop and views. Grasshopper Point was one of my favorites.
Sliding Rock State Park
$20 per vehicle entrance fee
Slide Rock State Park, originally the Pendley Homestead, is a 43-acre historic apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon. Today historic cabins are available for viewing, and the creek offers the park’s namesake slide for adventure seekers and those looking for a place to cool off. There are a few trails in the park that are great for stretching your legs. You can also do some wildlife watching here, keep an eye out for black bear, coues deer, and javelinas.
Drive Red Rocks Scenic Byway
The 7.5 mile Red Rock Scenic Byway starts as you take exit 298 off Interstate 17, and has plenty to see and do. In fact, it’s often referred to as a “museum without walls” and you’ll quickly understand why. Some of the top highlights include sightseeing, hiking, biking and golfing. There are also two vortexes to check out, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock in the Village of Oak Creek.
Side note On The Vortexes Of Sedona Arizona:
I’m doing an entire post on these magical places, but until then let’s look into what the vortexes in Sedona are all about. Beneath the endless beauty of Sedona beats a healing heart. It’s long been regarded as a place of sacred power and powerful healing energy. Are you visiting in search of the vortexes?
What is a vortex? Sedona vortexes are believed to be swirling centers of energy that are beneficial for healing, meditation and self-exploration. These are places where the earth seems especially alive with energy. Many people feel inspired, recharged or uplifted after visiting a vortex. And I’ve gotta tell you, I could feel the energy and I honestly just felt so much lighter while hiking the Bell Rock Vortex.
Hike Bell Rock Vortex
- Distance: .8 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 203 ft
- Requires a Red Rocks Parking Pass – $5 for a day
If you’ve only got time to hike one vortex on your one day in Sedona, I highly recommend the Bell Rock Vortex. This vortex is known as an Upflow area that is best for serenity and solving problems from a higher perspective. For decades seekers from around the world have used Bell Rock for contemplative reflection and inspiration. The hike is a bit of a scramble and essentially straight up to the vortex itself. But you can honestly feel a crazy amount of energy as soon as you arrive, it’s pretty wild. It’s a beautiful hike and one that you should absolutely take.
Or Instead Hike Cathedral Rocks
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Rating: Difficult
- Elevation Gain: 741 ft
If you’re up for a challenge, hike the Cathedral Rock Trail, this 1.2 mile trail generally takes people an hour to complete. To reach the top you will have to scramble up a variety of rocks, so make sure that you wear sturdy hiking boots for this one. The views from the top are breathtaking, particularly around sunset.
After Your Hike Grab Lunch In Town
89Agave Cantina
254 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
If you’re looking to try some authentic Mexican, stop at the casual and fun, 89 Agave Cantina for lunch. Do yourself a favor and order the fresh guac and try a prickly pear margarita!
The Vault Uptown
361 Forest Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
For amazing views while eating you’ve gotta check out The Vault. Great drinks, delicious food and friendly service will make you feel right at home. Try the trash can nachos and a cocktail!
After Lunch Stroll The Shops
Your day in Sedona Arizona wouldn’t be complete without a bit of shopping. It’s got to include spending time at internationally renowned Tlaquepaque, Sedona Arizona’s Arts & Crafts Village. Nestled beneath the shade of the sycamores on the banks of beautiful Oak Creek in Sedona, strolling Tlaquepaque is great for both window shopping and finding unique Sedona gems.
In Uptown one of my favorite shops in all of Sedona was the Bearcloud Gallery that features incredible surreal, fantasy landscape paintings.
Visit Chapel Of The Holy Cross
780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
As soon as you see the Chapel Of The Holy Cross appear on the side of a mountain you will be shocked by the stunningly beautiful structure. There is ample parking, so make sure to drive to the top to make sure that the closer parking spaces aren’t taken. This Roman Catholic chapel has an interesting history, it was commissioned by local rancher and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude. In 1932 she was inspired to build such a church and initially attempted to do this in Budapest, Hungary. However, their attempt of building was thwarted by the outbreak of World War II. With this unfortunate turn of events, Staude decided to build the church in her native homeland, Arizona. The chapel was completed by 1956. Even if you aren’t incredibly religious, the Chapel Of The Holy Cross is something to see.
Watch The Sunset At Airport Mesa Vortex
538 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
Full post on my directionally challenged adventure trying to find the famous Airport Vortex Summit to come. If you ask anyone in Sedona Arizona, you will get a definitive answer that Airport Mesa Overlook is THE best place to take in the sunset in Sedona. And they aren’t wrong, the views are insanely beautiful, but the lookout is also very crowded. There are other options that include a bit of hiking and I recommend these. More to come…
Other Great Options For Sunset In Sedona Arizona:
- Bell Rock
- Cathedral Rock
- Devils Bridge
- Red Rocks Crossing
Settle In For Dinner After A Great Day
Elote Cafe
350 Jordan Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
Reservations are the only way to get into this popular Sedona eatery, but it’s worth the struggle to get a reservation. Try the fire-roasted corn with spicy mayo, lime, cotija cheese, but honestly all of the food here is amazing whether you choose the classic carne asada or green corn tamale you won’t be disappointed. Margaritas here are also on point.
Casa Sedona Restaurant
55 Hozoni Dr, Sedona, AZ 86336
If you aren’t staying at the Casa Sedona Inn, reservations are required for Casa Sedona Restaurant. Sit in the outside garden when the weather is favorable and enjoy the delicious eats at this cute restaurant. They serve a mean eggs benedict for breakfast, and have unique and interesting flavor combinations for all meals of the day.
Where To Stay
Southwest Inn Sedona
3250 W, AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
$
For a great location check out the Southwest Inn Sedona, just 7 miles from Cathedral Rock and 17 miles from the Montezuma Castle National Monument. They have an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi available. And each room is decorated in a southwest theme and features a gas fireplace and a flat-screen cable TV with HBO.
Arabella Hotel
725 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86336
$
What a beautiful backdrop? In Red Rock Country, next to Hillside Shops & Galleries, the Arabella Hotel Sedona sits with a gorgeous backdrop. The hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool and a year-around hot tub. Rooms feature free Wi-Fi and cable TV. The Arabella serves a free breakfast daily and is less than a mile from the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, Sedona Red Rock Jeep Tours and several galleries.
Sunset Chateau
665 South Sunset Dr, Sedona, AZ 86336
$$
If you’re looking for a little romance and luxury then Sunset Chateau is the place for you! This beautiful and comfortably decorated bed and breakfast features an outdoor pool, hot tub, and on-site tennis court. A full breakfast and free WiFi access are available as well. The location is great because Red Rock Crossing is only 5.5 miles away. You’ll be a 7 minute drive from the historic city of Tlaquepaque and only a 15 minute drive from the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
How To Get To Sedona
Flying
The closest airport to Sedona Arizona is the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. You’ll need a rental car because the drive from the airport is roughly 120 miles, and 2 hours. The drive is beautiful and you’ll get to see a ton of amazing landscape.
Driving
Arizona is a very drivable state. I landed in Phoenix, drove to Flagstaff, down to Sedona and then 2.5 hours to the Grand Canyon all in 4 days. It was easily done and I didn’t feel like I spent the entire trip in the car!
Spending a day in Sedona will only leave you wanting more, and I recommend allotting at least 2 days if you have it. BUT if you’ve only got one day in Sedona this is a great way to see how much this amazing town has to offer.
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