24 Hours in Sedona

Sedona had long been gracing my bucket list for years and the time to visit came on a long holiday weekend but I would only have about 24 hours. I wasn’t sure I could do it in that time frame but I am always up for a challenge and often looking for unique things to do in Sedona. Turns out 24 hours was perfect!

You can easily access Sedona from various areas in Arizona, including the Phoenix area. The drive is actually quite beautiful and just as you are arriving in Sedona, red rocks appear out of nowhere!

I would highly suggest booking any tours you want in advance since you will only be visiting for a day and checking out these best hikes in Sedona for your visit. 

Where To Stay:

I will be up front and tell you I picked my hotel based on its view. I have no shame in telling you that. I stayed at a Kimpton property called Amara, and the views are spectacular.

Amara – Sedona

This view was taken from my balcony and just felt like I was living in a real life postcard. I found the entire property visually appealing, luxurious, detail focused on the area, and the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful – sharing insider local tips.

Lobby area

The grounds

Bedroom

Hotel Grounds

Where to eat:

Because time was cut short and because I always like to try the food at the hotel I am staying at, We ended up eating some of our meals at Amara. The restaurant on property, SaltRock, is incredible. Serving up southwest style food, make sure and try the grilled corn.

I know that sounds like a dish you can get anywhere – but I promise, it is different here! I was here 6 weeks ago and I am still talking about how good it was. No two dishes are created equally and this one was exceptional.

Outdoor Dining at SaltRock

Grilled Corn

Rabbit Confit Tacos & Carnitas

Margarita at SaltRock

Buttermilk Waffle

I would note – whatever the chef puts in his whipped vanilla cream on the waffle is addicting.

Things to do in Sedona:

Booking.com

The beautiful thing about Sedona is that there is no shortage of natural beauty! If you want to hike – there are plenty of options, if you want to drive around and marvel at the beauty – it never ends how beautiful the views are.

We spent our day driving around to various spots in the city and walking around taking in all the views. One place I highly recommend is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The church is built into the rocks and its so incredible how perfect and equally stunning it is. If you have more than 24 hours, check out this weekend in Sedona.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

One of the local tips we were given was to go see the overlook up at Airport Mesa. Clouds came in right at sunset so we were not able to see that view, but we went the next morning and its just breathtaking.

Tip: A lot of people go up there and they do charge for parking – there is not really anywhere to walk to get there. Parking is $3.00.

Views from Airport Mesa

Interested in stargazing while visiting Sedona? You can join a tour to see all these epic views! The nice thing about this tour is that it only lasts about an hour so it does not take up much of your time. 

PLUS – if you are into UFO’s, your guide will show you where some strange activity has taken place AND let you wear night vision goggles. 

Bell Rock – South of Sedona

One of the most popular things to do is to take a Pink Jeep Tour! These tours constantly sell out and are the best in Sedona. It would be wise to book sooner rather than later. 

These 4×4 tours get you off the main road so you can truly see Sedona and its beauty! 

Do you love food? Sedona offers a tasty food tour! You will get to stop at four of the best restaurants and get wine and dessert! Also, your guide will talk in depth about the vortex and area. 

Additional Tips for visiting Sedona:

• Know the weather – during the summer temps are very hot and although it is dry heat, it can still take its toll
• Cooler months during the winter won’t bring such harsh temperatures
• Low season is usually during the summer months because it gets so hot – I went at the end of May and although it was sweltering hot, I had an amazing time!!
• ALWAYS have sunscreen and water on you
• Book tours in advance – I did not know I wanted to take a tour until I got there and they were sold out (poor planning on my end)
• Pay for the extra insurance on your rental car – there is loose rocks and you can encounter small falling rocks – better safe than sorry
• There are hotels for every price range and experience in the city
• Keep your cameras charged for those million dollar shots – because they are at every turn

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