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Full guide

Sedona

Everything you need to know before you go.

N°01Overview

Sedona sits about two hours north of Phoenix in a landscape of red sandstone cliffs. The town spreads into distinct areas: Uptown Sedona, where the galleries and cafés cluster; West Sedona, a quieter spot with easy trail access; and the Oak Creek valley to the south, popular for riverside walks. The Visitor Center on Forest Road sells Red Rock Passes and has a ranger who can point you toward hikes. In February the Sedona International Film Festival draws crowds, and the Jazz Festival fills the evenings with music.

Staying in Uptown puts you within walking distance of the art shops and a few spots that serve southwestern‑style tacos and carne asada plates. From there you can drive the short stretch of Arizona State Route 89A to the red rock formations that line the road, or head north on AZ 179 through the Village of Oak Creek for a scenic loop back toward Flagstaff. The area also offers mountain biking and off‑road trails that start right from the trailheads near the Visitor Center.

N°02Things to Do

Sightseeing

  • Sedona Heritage Museum - A small museum dedicated to the history of early white settlement in Sedona. $5, 11AM-3PM
  • Red Rock State Park - 286‑acre preserve with ten well‑maintained hiking trails and a visitor center. $10, 8AM-5PM
  • Slide Rock State Park - Historic apple farm with a slippery rock slide into a creek, swimming encouraged. $20, 8AM-7PM

Cultural

  • Sedona Heritage Museum - A small museum dedicated to the history of early white settlement in Sedona. $5, 11AM-3PM
  • Red Rock State Park - 286‑acre preserve with ten well‑maintained hiking trails and a visitor center. $10, 8AM-5PM
  • Slide Rock State Park - Historic apple farm with a slippery rock slide into a creek, swimming encouraged. $20, 8AM-7PM

Outdoor Nature

  • Red Rock State Park - 286‑acre preserve with ten well‑maintained hiking trails and a visitor center. $10, 8AM-5PM
  • Slide Rock State Park - Historic apple farm with a slippery rock slide into a creek, swimming encouraged. $20, 8AM-7PM
  • Red Rock State Park - 286‑acre preserve with ten well‑maintained hiking trails and a visitor center. $10, 8AM-5PM
  • Slide Rock State Park - Historic apple farm with a slippery rock slide into a creek, swimming encouraged. $20, 8AM-7PM

Day Trips

  • Slide Rock State Park - Historic apple farm with a slippery rock slide into a creek, swimming encouraged. $20, 8AM-7PM
N°03Where to Stay

Budget (2)

  • Canyon View Studio, West Sedona. $110-$130/night. Simple studio, close to trailheads and quiet.
  • Sedona Backpackers Hostel, Uptown Sedona. $95-$115/night. Shared kitchen, easy walk to downtown shops.

Mid‑range (2)

  • Sedona.org Vacation Rentals, West Sedona. $150-$170/night. Modern furnishings, short drive to Chapel of the Holy Cross.
  • Porter Vacation Rentals, Oak Creek. $140-$160/night. Private patio, short walk to Oak Creek trail.

Luxury (2)

  • The L'Auberge de Sedona, West Sedona. $400-$470/night. Creek side rooms, spa services, upscale feel.
  • Amara Resort & Spa, Red Rock. $380-$440/night. Panoramic views, fine dining on site.

Restaurants (5)

  • The Cowboy Club, Uptown Sedona. Southwest cuisine. $20-$35 per entrée. Try the cactus fries and buffalo burger.
  • Elote Café, Uptown Sedona. Mexican. $15-$25 per entrée. Roasted corn and chicken enchiladas are standouts.
  • The Hudson, Uptown Sedona. American. $25-$40 per entrée. Brunch with red‑rock views is a solid choice.
  • Mariposa Latin Grill, Uptown Sedona. Latin. $30-$45 per entrée. Grilled octopus and ceviche are worth the price.
  • Wildflower, West Sedona. New American. $35-$55 per entrée. Seasonal menu, patio seating overlooking the hills.
  • The Secret Garden, West Sedona. Vegetarian. $12-$20 per entrée. Light salads and veggie wraps make a quick, healthy bite.
N°04Getting There

To get to Sedona you have a few clear options.

By air

  • The small Sedona Airport (SDX, FAA: SEZ) handles only private jets. For commercial service the nearest airports are Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) about 120 mi south and Phoenix Mesa Gateway (AZA) about 130 mi south.
  • Typical round‑trip economy fares from major hubs: from New York about $350‑$500, from Chicago about $300‑$450, from Los Angeles about $250‑$400, from Dallas about $300‑$450, from Seattle about $400‑$600. Prices shift with season and how far ahead you book.

Ground transport from the airports

  • From PHX a taxi or rideshare to Sedona runs roughly $30‑$40 and takes about 2 hours depending on traffic. A shared shuttle operates a few trips each day; fare is about $30 one way and the ride lasts 1.5‑2 hours. Public bus service is limited; the local route from the airport to Sedona runs infrequently and costs about $5 each way but may require a short walk to the stop.
  • From AZA the same taxi and shuttle options apply; costs are similar.

By car

  • From Phoenix take I‑17 north to the Camp Verde area, then exit onto AZ 260 toward Cottonwood. In Cottonwood merge onto AZ 89A and head north into Sedona. This is the most direct route; distance about 120 mi, travel time roughly 2 hours.
  • An alternate southern approach uses I‑17 to AZ 179 north of Camp Verde, then through the Village of Oak Creek. AZ 179 is designated an All America Road and adds a few minutes but offers better views.
  • From Flagstaff you can stay on AZ 89A south to Sedona; the road drops into Oak Creek Canyon and climbs back up to town. The drive is about 30 mi and takes 45 minutes. You can also take I‑17 south past Sedona, then turn north on AZ 179 through Oak Creek or AZ 260 through Cottonwood.
  • Parking in downtown Sedona fills quickly during peak season; consider arriving early or using a shuttle from your hotel.

By train

  • There is no direct passenger rail to Sedona. The nearest Amtrak station is in Flagstaff; from there you would need a rental car or a local shuttle to finish the trip.

Getting around once you’re there

  • The downtown area and the West Side are the most walkable neighborhoods. Most trailheads and attractions lie outside the core, so a car or bike is usually required.
  • If you prefer not to drive, you can join a guided tour that includes transportation. Companies such as 2 Pink Jeep Tours (204 N Highway 89A, $65 per person for a basic red‑rock tour) or Sedona Trolley Tours (City Highlights Tour $10, Scenic Canyon Tour $12) will pick you up from central locations.
  • For a more tailored experience, CenterFocus Experiences offers half‑day hikes and rock‑climbing trips that start at $150 per person and include guide, gear and lunch.
  • To visit the heritage sites you will need a Red Rock Pass; passes cost about $5 and are sold at the visitor center near the trailheads. Palatki Heritage Site and Honanki Heritage Site require reservations; each site has a small entrance fee and the pass must be displayed on your vehicle.

Sample price ranges for meals and activities

  • Breakfast at a downtown café: $10‑$15.
  • Lunch at a casual Mexican spot: $12‑$18.
  • Dinner at a sit‑down restaurant in West Sedona: $25‑$40 per entrée.
  • Entry to Chapel of the Holy Cross: free, but parking may require a small fee.
  • Guided Jeep tour: $65‑$80 per person.
  • Full‑day guided hike with lunch: $150‑$200 per person.

Key tips

  • Book airport shuttle or rental car ahead of time, especially in spring and fall when traffic spikes.
  • Carry a Red Rock Pass if you plan to drive to any trailhead; the pass is required on all vehicles entering the national forest.
  • Check road conditions on AZ 89A before you set out; winter snow can close the higher passes.
  • If you are flying into PHX and want to avoid a long drive, consider a direct shuttle from the airport to Sedona; the service costs about $35 one way and takes roughly 2 hours.
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