If you are planning on visiting Sedona, Arizona for a weekend, this guide is for you! With 2 days in Sedona, you have enough time to see the jaw-dropping sights, explore the colorful downtown, and eat at some amazing restaurants!
In this guide, I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to spend 2 days in Sedona, Arizona! So if you want a local’s guide to Sedona hikes, top restaurants, places to find the best views, and more – keep reading!
>> These landscapes are sacred and home to delicate desert life. Practicing Leave No Trace is just one way to show respect. Learn how here.
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How to spend 2 days in Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is one of my favorite places in the world! It has perfect weather almost all year round, gorgeous red rock views, lots of hiking trails, vortexes, hidden swimming holes, and a cute town to explore!
I’ve been hiking, mountain biking, and exploring Sedona for years! I live in Phoenix, which is two hours south of Sedona, so I visit as often as I can. In recent years, I’ve made dozens of trips to Sedona – day trips, 2 days, long weekends, and I even got married in Sedona! I’ve stayed in lots of different parts of town and have been to almost every grocery store and gas station.
When to visit Sedona, Arizona
I’ve visited Sedona all year around and have found that visiting in the spring or fall is the best time – it’s not too hot during the day and not too cold at night!
Sedona in the Spring: March – May
Springtime in Sedona is the busiest because the weather is absolutely amazing! The average high temperatures are in the mid-60s to low 80s (degrees Fahrenheit) and lows are chilly enough to wear a fleece!
Sedona in the Summer: June – September
Sedona in the summer can get pretty hot but not as hot as the infamous triple-digits that are normal for Phoenix and Scottsdale. If you plan on visiting in the summer, bring sun protection! Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing (like a breezy linen shirt or a sun hoodie) – the desert sun is strong and it doesn’t take long to get burned! And carry plenty of water with you, wherever you go. If you want to hang out by water, pack your swimsuit, towel, and water shoes so you can explore Oak Creek and Slide Rock State Park!
Summer is also one of the busiest times to visit Sedona so please pack extra patience when dealing with other travelers, and as always – pack out all your trash!
Sedona in the Fall: October – November
Fall in Sedona means fewer crowds and changing leaves against the red-rock backdrop. The average highs are mid-60s to low 70s and evenings are crisp. Pro tip: Just because the weather is cooler, the sun is still strong in Sedona! Don’t forget your sun protection!
Sedona in the Winter: December – February
I personally love visiting Sedona in the winter because it’s less busy and there is a low risk of snow! The average highs are in the mid-50s and 60s with lows in the 30s – perfect for cozying up next to a fireplace or in a hot tub!
More blogs to help you prepare for your weekend in Sedona:
Getting to Sedona
One of the best parts about visiting Sedona is it’s easy to get to!
If you’re coming from out of state, the best way to get to Sedona is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and drive 2 hours north to Sedona.
The drive from Phoenix to Sedona is easy and beautiful! You might hit traffic if you are driving up on a Saturday morning but if you need to stop for a bathroom or snack break, keep an eye out for Black Canyon City and stop at Rock Springs Cafe to grab a delicious freshly-made pie!
Getting around Sedona
With all of the hikes and exploring you will be doing, you will need a car to get around Sedona.
While you can stay in some walkable neighborhoods, the town of Sedona is not very walkable. While their public transportation is improving, I recommend renting a car for your weekend of adventures.
Where to stay in Sedona
Every time I’ve visited Sedona, I’ve either camped or booked an Airbnb. I love staying in Airbnbs because they’re usually more spacious, come with kitchens, and are way more affordable than hotels.
If you’re in the mood to splurge, I’ve also shared a few resort options below.
Just so you know – I’ve paid for every Sedona trip, stay, and rental out of pocket. No sponsors, no freebies. (Though I wouldn’t mind working with a Sedona rental someday… if they ever had a budget. 😅)
Here are some of my favorite Sedona Airbnbs I’ve stayed in:
- Option #1: If you’re visiting with a big group, this 3 bedroom/2 bath home sleeps 8 and is within walking distance to a trailhead, grocery store, brewery, and several restaurants! There’s a gorgeous deck and a nice backyard with a garden. Bonus points: It’s dog-friendly!
- Option #2: If you’re looking for something cozier, this 1 bedroom/1 bath studio features a clawfoot tub and is within walking distance to Talapque and several restaurants.
- Option #3: My husband and I hosted our family at this Airbnb when we got married in Sedona! There are 6 bedrooms and the entire place sleeps 16. It’s got a gorgeous living area and views for days!
- Option #4: This is another great studio option for solo travelers or couples! This room was absolutely gorgeous and the bed was extremely comfortable. Located near Oak Creek Canyon, this Airbnb is in a great location!
- Option #5: If you want to be within walking distance of some of the most popular trails in Sedona (like Bell Rock), this Airbnb is for you! There’s 1 bed and a fireplace to keep you cozy.
- Option #6: If you’re looking for a cute home that’s walking distance from some of my favorite trails, check out this Plant lover 1 bedroom!
- Option #7: This dog-friendly Airbnb has amazing views, an outdoor fire pit, and is across the street from a trailhead. This is one of the nicest Airbnbs I’ve stayed at and would highly recommend for a large group that likes to cook!
Resorts and hotels in Sedona:
- Option #1: L’Auberge de Sedona is centrally located to hiking trails and within walking distance to Downtown Sedona. There is a spa, pool, hot tub, and views of the creek.
- Option #2: Amara Resort and Spa has been on my list of places to stay in Sedona since its multi-million dollar renovation project! The new concept of the resort is set to have a “tree lodge” aesthetic to reflect the area’s natural surroundings.
- Option #3: The Wilde Resort and Spa is 3.1 mi from downtown Sedona and features a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant!
- Option #4: Enchantment Resort is a 5-star resort with incredible views and exclusive access to trailheads. This resort is near one of my favorite hikes in Sedona, Fay Canyon!
Camping in Sedona:
If you’re hoping to camp near Sedona, I recommend looking into the reservable campgrounds in Oak Creek Canyon. These are managed by the Forest Service and can be booked in advance on Recreation.gov.
Some popular options include Cave Springs and Manzanita, both tucked along the creek and surrounded by red rock views and shady pine trees. These campgrounds are well-maintained with amenities like bathrooms, fire pits, and picnic tables. But they do book up fast, especially in spring and fall.
✨ Heads up: Dispersed camping is no longer allowed in many parts of Sedona due to overuse/abuse. Please camp responsibly, follow Leave No Trace, and double-check current regulations before your trip.
2-day Sedona Itinerary
There are so many things to do in Sedona but if you only have 2 days, this itinerary can help you decide how to spend your time!
With limited time in mind, I chose places that are near each other to reduce the time spent in the car.
Day 1: Sunrise hike, brunch, cave explorations + the best pizza in town
- Start the morning by hiking my favorite underrated trail in Sedona: Fay Canyon (2.6 miles, 383 ft elevation gain). The first part of the hike is an easy shady trail that winds through the cool canyon floor. If you are up for some scrambling, the official hike starts at the “end of trail” sign. Once you ascend from the canopy of trees, you are met with sweeping views of Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock! This is a great place to have a snack – I love packing a granola bar and fresh fruit.
- After your hike, head a couple of minutes up the road to grab breakfast and coffee at Coffee Pot Restaurant. This place is popular for a reason – they have everything you could want for breakfast, including 101 omelets, eggs benedict, Belgium waffles, and Huevos Rancheros!
- Hike Sugarloaf Loop (1.9 miles, 354 feet of elevation). This trail is super easy, family and dog-friendly, and offers amazing views of West Sedona! If you are looking for something more challenging, Keyhole Cave (2.2 miles, 472 feet of elevation) can be accessed from Sugarloaf Trail.
- After your afternoon hike, head to Pisa Lisa for an early dinner! I recommend arriving a little early because there is almost always an hour-long wait on the weekends. It’s worth it though – this is the best pizza in Sedona! You can eat at the bar or in the dining room and if you’re not too full after dinner, you can visit their gelato counter!
Day 2: Cathedral Rock, spanish-style shopping village, sunset views + a romantic dinner
- Start your final day in Sedona with a sunrise hike at Cathedral Rock (1.2 miles, 741 feet of elevation). This is an extremely popular trail for hiking and parking fills up fast! If you can get to the trailhead early enough, you might be lucky enough to get a spot. If you don’t want to deal with the crazy parking lot, check out the free Sedona Shuttle!
- After your hike, drive a couple of minutes to grab breakfast at The Secret Garden Cafe, located in Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. They have a gorgeous outdoor seating area and a fresh menu.
- After breakfast, take some time to explore the Spanish-inspired arts & shopping village, Tlaquepaque, to shop, relax, and enjoy the lush surroundings. This is one of my favorite spots to grab a coffee, window shop, and purchase our annual Christmas ornament!
- Watch the sunset from Airport Mesa, which offers a 360-degree view of Sedona! It costs $3 to park and there’s an easy loop hike on a vortex. This is one of the most popular places to photograph because of its elevated vantage point of the red rock landscape and central location!
- After the sun sets, grab a cozy dinner with an amazing view at Hideaway House! They have three open-air patios nestled among the trees and red rocks. You can sit at their full bar, at a table, or in one of their romantic dining rooms. There is a relaxed vibe and your hiking boots are more than okay!
Map of Sedona recommendations
Tips for Hiking in Sedona
While I will always encourage you to plan ahead for your hike, check the weather before you head out, dress appropriately, and always carry the 10 Essentials, here are some Sedona-specific hiking tips:
- A lot of the hikes will require a Red Rock Pass to park at the trailhead. You can purchase daily or weekly passes at some of the trailheads, or you can pick one up at a gas station. The daily passes are $5.
- Start early – especially if you are going to a popular trail like Cathedral Rock! Parking lots can fill up fast and depending on the time of year, it can get hot quickly. If you don’t want to deal with the parking lot, check out the free Sedona Shuttle!
- Be prepared to share the trail with other hikers and mountain bikers! Sedona is popular and everyone who respects the land deserves to see its beauty! Please be respectful of others on the trail.
- Bring lots of water and snacks, wear sturdy shoes and sunscreen, and don’t forget your camera!
Hiking Gear You Need For Sedona
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
- Sun shirt
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Merino Wool hiking socks (these are my favorite)
Places to get hiking gear in Sedona
If you need to pick up a new pair of boots or any other hiking essentials before you hit the trails, here are a few places to get hiking gear around Sedona:
- Cheers Sedona (this one is my favorite for souvenirs!)
- The Hike House
- Canyon Outfitters
If you have more time in Sedona
While a lot of fun things can happen in just 2 days in Sedona, I highly recommend staying at least 3 to give yourself more time to enjoy its beauty! If you have more time to spend in Sedona, here are my other recommendations:
Food in Sedona
- Hideaway House
- Pisa Lisa (There are two locations)
- Oak Creek Brewery & Grill
- Indian Gardens Cafe & Market
- Cafe Jose Restaurant
- Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen
- The Hudson
Activities in Sedona
- Hike one of these underrated trails
- Hike West Fork Trail (6.5 miles, 564 feet of elevation)
- Hike Yavapai Vista (0.5 miles, 82 feet of elevation) to have a picnic with an epic view
- Visit Oak Creek Canyon
- Thrift at the local Goodwills and Humane Societies! I love popping into any random thrift shop I pass to look for a souvenir!
- Explore Slide Rock State Park
- Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway, one of the most beautiful drives in the state! The 15-mile drive traverses Highway 179 South and takes you from Sedona to the quiet Village of Oak Creek.
- Visit one of Sedona’s wineries! Check out this blog for a list of the 6 best wineries in Sedona.
- If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable weekend in Sedona, you can go on a hot air balloon ride!
Follow Leave No Trace
While you are visiting Sedona, please be sure to practice the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace (LNT). These guidelines are easy-to-understand and help minimize your impact on the outdoors. Here’s a brief overview of LNT:
Plan Ahead & Prepare
Planning helps you be prepared for the conditions of your adventure and ensures the safety of yourself and others. Be sure to look at maps, check the weather and know the skills of yourself and the people in your group.
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
When you spend time outside, your main goal should be to explore with minimal impact or damage to the land, waterways, plants and animals. Staying on the trails, camping in designated or already-used areas, and traveling on surfaces that withstand the impact of your travel (rocks, sand, snow, etc.) are all ways to do this.
Dispose of Waste Properly
The litter I see on trails (crying emoji). Please be sure to dispose of your waste properly to make everyone’s experience in nature more enjoyable! And waste includes your poop. Digging a cat hole and burying your toilet paper or using a Kula Cloth is a great way to leave no trace!
Leave What You Find
As much as we love to bring home cool rocks and pick flowers, it’s important to leave nature as you found it. Stacking rocks or carving your name into a living tree causes damage and only encourages others to do the same.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
With all the wildfires our world has experienced lately, it’s extremely important to think about your campfire impact. Consider the conditions and laws before building your fire – too hot or too windy? Better to skip it than get a fine or burn down the forest.
Respect Wildlife
For everyone’s safety, it’s important to respect wildlife – after all, you are in their home! Give them their space and don’t feed them.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Everyone in nature is just trying to enjoy their visit. It’s SO important to be courteous to others because when people are out in nature, they want to listen to nature. Excessive noise, wild pets or a trashed campsite take away from the appeal of the outdoors.
Ready for 2 days in Sedona?
Pin this guide to help you plan your adventure and let me know if you have any questions in the comments!
