How To Spend 3 Days in Sedona: Your Essential Sedona Itinerary Guide (And PDF)
After visiting Sedona numerous times, we’ve curated our ideal Sedona itinerary for first-time visitors. Sedona is divided into four sections: The Village of Oak Creek, West Sedona, Uptown Sedona, and Oak Creek Canyon. Each day on the itinerary is arranged to spend time in one central area. Based on where you stay, you can mix up the order to your convenience.
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When is the best time to go to Sedona?
Every season is the best time of year to visit Sedona, in our opinion. There are pros and cons to each season, so let’s break it down:
Sedona in the Spring: Glorious weather for any activity, but the busiest season. Peak season also means rates are higher, which doesn’t fit into budget-friendly travel.
Sedona in the Summer: Summer in Sedons is HOT, but not infamously hot like Phoenix. Most hikes have no shade to escape the summer sun, but there are fun places to swim in natural creeks and pools.
Sedona in the Fall: You can’t beat the scenery this time of year. The color of leaves against the red backdrop creates a photo opportunity around every corner. Cooler temperatures make for a perfect midday hike, but this can also be a busy season.
Sedona in the Winter: The ideal season for a crisp morning hike and an evening spent warming up by the fire or unwinding in a jacuzzi. And if you get lucky, you’ll experience “Snow-Dona,” the anticipated phenomenon of the white snow coating the red sandstone.
Keep the season in mind when packing for Sedona and planning your adventures. We have two different seasons under our belt (and the other two are on our bucket list for good reasons!) We’ll lead the way with this 3 Day Sedona itinerary.
Your flight and accommodations in Sedona are booked, your bags are packed, and you’re ready for your first Sedona experience! Let’s go!
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👉🏻Consider a day-tour to explore off the beaten path
3-Day Sedona Itinerary
Day 1: Morning hike, fresh pastries, secret caves, & the best pizza in town
- Bell Rock
- Firecreek Coffee
- Raven’s Caves
- Pisa Lisa
Spend today in Southern Sedona in and around the Village of Oak Creek. If you’re staying at our favorite rental property, this day requires very little driving, and some places are even within walking distance. Begin your day with your first vortex experience at Bell Rock. Pack a light breakfast and make Bell Rock your playground for the morning. Walk the loop or scale the butte for red rock views in every direction. With no defined trail going up the face of the butte, there are plenty of places along the way to sit and welcome the energy of this vortex. Next, refuel with a fresh pastry and warm beverage at Firecreek Coffee. Sit outside on the patio and enjoy this quiet side of town with a Golden Ratio or a S’mores Latte paired with a homemade Coffee Cake Muffin or Cranberry Orange Muffin. (Gluten-free options available!)
After your caffeine and sugar fix, head up to Raven’s Caves. This quick and easy trail is your gateway to a series of caves to play in while everyone else is at Keyhole Cave and Birthing Cave. Walk down the steep path to enjoy the soothing sounds of Oak Creek and dip your feet. The culinary scene in this city won’t disappoint any foodies, but no Sedona itinerary would be complete without dining at one of Chef Lisa Dahl’s four restaurants. Tonight’s dinner at Pisa Lisa welcomes you with a laid-back atmosphere, serving up wood-fired, thin-crust pizza, tapas, salads, and sandwiches. Get a taste of Arizona’s local, organic products with vegan and gluten-free options as well. When two New Yorkers recommend any pizza out of state, you know it’s good.
Day 2: Vortexes, shopping village, Sunset views
- Cathedral Rock
- Tlaquepaque Village
- Oak Creek Brewery
- Airport Loop
- Mesa Grill
For day two of your Sedona itinerary, grab a quick breakfast, load up on snacks, and begin your day by hiking Cathedral Rock. The parking lot fills up quickly, so you’ll want to get there bright and early. You also have the option to take the free Sedona Shuttle. This strenuous hike has a big payoff at the end, with expansive views, vistas lining the horizon, and another vortex experience! After this hike, you’ve earned a hearty lunch, some beers, & shopping in Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. On the ground level, Secret Garden Café has a quaint ambiance, craft cocktails, rotating craft beers, a full coffee bar, and serves exceptional menu items for lunch and dinner. Upstairs, check out Oak Creek Brewery for a locally brewed craft beer.
Normally, we wake up for sunrise, but after today’s cocktail-induced nap, wake up for sunset at the Airport Mesa. This is a well-known place for the best sunset in Sedona, with 360° views. If you can’t get a parking spot (there are only about 10 spots), continue driving up the road and pay $3 for parking in a massive lot. Adjacent to the parking lot is Mesa Grill, where we recommend having dinner. Watch planes take off into the sunset, go outside and take photographs with fewer crowds, and have a delicious southwestern meal waiting for you at your table. Make sure you wash down your meal with their refreshing Hibiscus Iced Tea!
Day 3: Caves, canyons, acai bowls, main street & a fancy dinner
- Boynton Canyon & Subway Cave
- Local Juicery
- Main Street
- 89Agave
- SaltRock
If you haven’t guessed by now, you should wake up early to beat the crowds and grab an on-the-go breakfast. Complete your Sedona itinerary by hiking to a vortex, a cave, and a canyon all in one hike! Hike Boynton Canyon and detour to Subway Cave for an extra adventure. I know the cave is exciting, but we recommend that you continue to hike to the canyon and stop at the vortex on your way out. I cannot enforce Leave No Trace Principles enough here! PLEASE refrain from making any signs to the cave, and if you see anyone disturbing the natural land, just put it back where it belongs. Boost your immunity with a raw cold-pressed juice, acai bowl, smoothie, or breakfast bowl at Local Juicery. Health and wellness are ingrained in every organic dish they serve at this plant-inspired café.
After your hike and healthy food fix, refresh and unwind at your hotel or campsite and spend the rest of the day and evening in Uptown Sedona. Main Street is the more touristy side of Sedona, but it is worth a visit for sure! Walking up and down Main Street offers views of red rocks in every direction. Check out some shops and take a break at 89Agave for a prickly-pear margarita. (We might have become regulars here on our first visit…) Close out your vacation in Sedona with an upscale dinner at SaltRock. Located inside Amara Resort and Spa, this was one of the best meals we’ve had while traveling. Serving craft cocktails and Southwestern fare, we tantalized our taste buds with their Spiced Pumpkin Soup, Pork Belly Tostadas, Jackfruit Carnitas tacos, and La Verdad Mezcal cocktail with charred pineapple and Aperol. I just caught myself salivating while writing this.
Don’t forget these essentials for your Sedona Packing list:
- Hiking boots
- Water shoes (for summer)
- Layers
- SPF shirt
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Day pack
- Wool socks
- Sunglasses
- Wide brim hat
- Dinner outfit
👉🏻 Shop our Rock Porch lockers for our favorite hiking gear & apparel!
Pair your Sedona itinerary with my post on hiking essentials to pack for your next trip!
As promised, here is a printable PDF for your 3-Day Sedona Itinerary. Download it and print it for your trip!
For more options, we have more than enough things to do in Sedona in our Complete Travel Guide To Sedona blog post. Pin this guide for future planning, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments! Make sure to let us know what your favorite experience is!
Save this Sedona itinerary on Pinterest to use as your Guide!
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