The Perfect 3-Day Weekend in Sedona: Canyon Rides, Hidden Vineyards, and Red Rock Bliss

No other place captures the iconic American Southwest quite like Phoenix's idyllic high desert neighbor of Sedona. From breathtaking red rock hiking and mountain biking trails that glow in the Arizona sun to world-class wineries and spas where you can let the day's worries float away, Sedona dazzles and calms in a geological wonderland that surpasses the imagination. In a mere 72 hours, this place can truly transform you.

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Just 30 miles south of Flagstaff (along a gorgeous drive), Sedona's quaint shops, New Age vibes, and nationally-renowned resorts and restaurants are encircled by layers of towering red rock cliffs and buttes that date back millions of years. No more than 10,000 full-time residents call this unique desert oasis home. Far greater numbers of visitors flock to the region for its stunning setting and calming (some say magical) vibes, and yet the place—also rather magically—never feels overrun.

The mix of high desert adventure, arts, culture, fine dining, and wonderful breweries and wineries offers plenty to fill three days in style. Over 400 miles of spectacular red rock trails, scenic fishing in Oak Creek Canyon, 4-wheeling through the area’s myriad geological oddities, and more make the area a must for outdoors lovers.

After a full day of hiking, biking, or casual exploring, Sedona’s lineup of creature comforts, top spas, and wellness retreats are as legendary as the area's remarkable surroundings. Whether you’re planning a couple’s retreat or a quick escape among friends, Sedona and its wild landscapes offer a truly unforgettable Southwestern getaway. Here’s how to get the most out of your next—or first—Sedona sojourn in three perfect days.

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How to Get to and Around Sedona

Sedona is 40 minutes from Flagstaff Pullium Airport, serviced by United and American Airlines connections through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and a swift, two-hour drive from Phoenix along I-17. Visitors can use Sedona’s bus service to whisk around town, but this compact desert city is also very walkable and fun to explore on a bicycle.

When to Visit Sedona

Sedona has a dry desert climate that can get hot during the summer months. The most temperate time to visit is during the fall and spring when visitors can comfortably explore the town’s famous outdoor areas. From March to May and during November, temperatures range from the 60s to high 80s. During the winter months, cooler temps generally hang in the 50s and low 60s during the day, and can plummet to near-freezing at night.

Where to Stay in Sedona

The Wilde Resort and Spa is a luxury option offering every creature comfort alongside front-row views of Sedona's surrounding red rock landscape. On-site amenities include a bar-furnished pool area, a full-service spa, and fine dining at Rascal run by award-winning chef Mercer Mohr.

One of the city's most unique luxury accommodations is the Sedona Domes. The five-star Airbnb landmark is exquisitely furnished with sunken sofas, spiral stairs leading to a loft, a fireplace, and a grand piano. Safe to say, there’s no other place in the Southwest quite like this distinctive lodging smack in the middle of red rock country.

Sedona Restaurants: Best Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Fuel up at the Coffee Pot Restaurant, a Sedona breakfast staple for over 30 years, serving omelets and other morning comfort food in a casual setting. For lunch or dinner, the town’s finest Mexican cuisine and best chipotle pork ribs are happening at Elote Cafe. For atmospheric alfresco dining, head to Cress on Oak Creek, featuring idyllic creekside tables matched with French-influenced Arizona cuisine.

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Best Sedona Bar

Sedona’s Mooney’s Irish Pub & Burger Bar has been voted the town’s best bar for too many years to count. You’ll find over 300 beers here, as well as a fine selection of whiskey, tequila, wine, and craft cocktails. On any given night, the place draws a friendly crowd of locals and visitors happily mixing it up.

Don't-Miss: Top Attraction in Sedona

Sedona’s Cathedral Rock is one of the most photographed natural sandstone buttes in the country, if not the world. Catch the best closeup of the famed landmark jutting against a stark blue desert sky along the easily walked Cathedral Rock Trail.

Savvy Tip for Visitors to Sedona

Sedona is home to some great OHV trails that provide spectacular views of the area’s surrounding desert terrain in hidden areas that hikers might miss. Outfitters like Sedona Offroad Adventures can provide private 4x4 tours of the region. For local info check out the Visit Sedona tourist office, or Visit Arizona for recommendations on the surrounding region.

Day 1: Take a Red Rocks Hike and Visit a Brewery

Sedona’s canyon hikes, desert buttes, and cliff trails are legendary. Kicking off your first morning with a hike to Cathedral Rock will immediately dazzle. The rock’s namesake out-and-back trail is just over a mile long and can draw a decent audience on any given late morning or afternoon, so starting out early will likely offer more solitude at this popular spot. Another hiking option is the Bell Rock Loop Trail, a two-mile loop hike offering great views of 5,000-foot Bell Rock.

Hikers looking for a longer tromp can head to Devil’s Bridge Trail, a four-miler that rewards visitors with views of the area’s largest natural sandstone arch. Another local secret to consider is the Soldier Pass Trail, which leads into the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area and well away from the hiking hordes.

After a spectacular day on the trails, treat yourself to one of several refreshing brewery options in town—including The Beer Shop Co., Sedona Beer Co., and Oak Creek Brewing Co. Then head to Elote Cafe for inspired haute-Mexican cuisine that merits a reservation. The secret is out about this delicious place.

Day 2: Drive the Amazing Route 89A and Check Out Jerome, AZ

Hit the road for an unforgettable drive down US Route 89A. Dubbed “America’s Most Scenic Road Trip,” the complete US Route 89 stretches from Mexico to Canada. Your 90-mile sampler of it between Prescott and Flagstaff (with Sedona plunked right in the middle) is one of its most gorgeous legs.

Heading north along US 89A toward Flagstaff takes you through Oak Creek Canyon and Arizona’s first official scenic route. A mere 24 miles in this winding, geological playground of red rocks and monoliths can (and should) turn a short drive into a couple of hours of exploration. Slow down and soak in the spectacular scenery.

Heading in the other direction from Sedona along 89A leads to Jerome, AZ, one of the most historic towns in these parts. A former mining hub, Jerome was once dubbed “The Wickedest Town in the West” in honor of its notorious miners, merchants, and madams who presided over its copper mining boom era. Today, the 500 folks inhabiting this charming hillside enclave tend to be a lot more hospitable. Visitors are welcome to browse Jerome’s main street full of fun shops, restaurants, drinking holes, as well as the town’s informative Mine Museum. Swing by Jerome’s Scenic Overlook to get a great panoramic view of the whole region. For a quality bite to eat, grab a table at Asylum Restaurant in the historic Jerome Grand Hotel.

Day 3: Hop on a Mountain Bike, Go Wine Tasting, and Check Out Sedona's Art Scene

Central Arizona’s red rock region may not strike you as wine country, until you head out along Sedona’s Verde Valley Wine Trail. It's dedicated to showcasing the region’s surprisingly abundant (and verdant) vineyards, including Four Eight Wineworks, Caduceus Cellars, The Original Jerome Winery, Cabal Cellars, Passion Cellars, and Coronado Vineyards. The valley is conducive to growing grapes, producing an array of tasty local vino for visitors to sample. Several companies provide tours of the wineries as well if you’d rather leave your car in town and let someone else do the designated driving. Bliss Wine Tours has a specific Sedona Winery Tour available that includes wineries, guided tours, and even a gourmet lunch.

Not an oenophile? If wine hopping isn't your thing, dive back into Sedona's spectacular trail system—but this time on wheels. The area's mind-blowing labyrinth of singletrack and slickrock is a mountain biking mecca for cyclists of all levels. Think Moab, but central Arizona.

Newbies, families, and easy riders can check out the Bell Rock Trail, with its easy flats, mild climbs, and dramatic Bell Rock backdrop following you the whole way. Intermediates can up it a notch on the Mescal Trail, a semi-challenging two-miler offering scenic views of Mescal Mountain and Courthouse Butte. Experts can hit Hiline or Hangover, a pair of steeper, wilder draws with more exposure and calf-burning climbs to spectacular plateau panos from the top. Several reputable outfitters in town, including Thunder Mountain Bikes, can hook you up with a rental bike and solid tour guides.

Back in Sedona, don’t miss the town’s vibrant art scene and numerous fine galleries. Make sure to check out the Sedona Artist Market where local artists showcase their works. The 8,000-square-foot gallery has a variety of works and styles on display. Another landmark art stop here is the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village—aka “The Art & Soul of Sedona”—a renowned Mexican-village-styled collective of galleries and shops nestled on the banks of Oak Creek. If you’re looking for something a little different, head to The Melting Point where you can peruse glass art and even take a beginner’s class in glass blowing

Enjoy dinner at the Creekside American Bistro, specializing in comfort food with sweet red rock views. Cap it off at Mooney’s Irish Pub for a pint, some vibrant nightlife, and plans to extend your Sedona experience with a soon-to-follow sequel.