We just spent a weekend in Sedona for the first time. There were so many fun things to do during the hot Memorial Day weekend of 2018. To say we were blown away by the beauty of Sedona is an understatement. I am not a big believer in vortexes and all that, but there was something very special and spiritual about this place. It also felt so historic (like at any moment, dinosaurs would come stomping down on us).

There are endless fun things to do in Sedona. A weekend is definitely not enough time to explore them all. Generally, our daily schedule consisted of: an activity or two in the morning, heading to the pool during the heat, back out for another fun activity in the afternoon before going out to dinner, and then off to another place for sunset if time (and our energy levels) allowed it.

Here is a short to-do list for your first time visiting Sedona (all of these are a MUST!) Plus, we’ve listed a few things we would include when we go back! Also, check out our packing list of what to bring, map to show where everything is, and helpful video!

Want to know more about Arizona and weekend getaways? Read more here:

• Top 5 Easy Places to Take in the Views in Sedona
• 30+ Weekend Getaways from San Francisco
• Tips for Flying with Toddlers Under 2.5

Things to Do in Sedona – Outdoor Activities

Slide Rock

Slide Rock is so worth the effort to get to early! This place is like nowhere we’ve been before. It’s a natural pool/slide made and surrounded by red rocks. It’s a wonder of nature and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can go down the “slide,” and some people were even diving off of cliffs into the water. The slide was pretty easy and not scary at all (contrary to how it seemed at first). We even tried to get Henry (3 years old) to go with us while we held him, but he didn’t want to go. There are plenty of flat and shallow spots to hang out and play in. The water was shockingly freezing– take-your-breath-away cold in late May, but it was still refreshing. We only spent about 2 hours here in the morning because there were other places in Sedona we wanted to see on this very short trip, but you really could spend an entire day here!

When to Go

We almost made the mistake of going there in the afternoon. Luckily, I read a tip that once the parking lot gets filled, they close up for the day. So, we quickly changed our plans and decided to go there first thing in the morning. We were so glad we did! We got there at 7:45 am, and there was a line of cars waiting to pay. Despite many websites saying it’s $10 to park, (this is the price during the winter months) it was actually $30 starting from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day on the weekends and holiday Mondays ($20 during the week). They do take credit cards and prefer it for faster processing. (For up to date entrance fees and information, please refer to their website here.) We were able to park easily and pretty close, but, when we left around 10:30 am, they had already closed the parking lot! The park ranger did greet us with “Welcome to the busiest day of the year!” So, I am sure it’s not usually that extreme, but I have read that on hot summer days (even on weekdays) it gets filled up quickly.

What to Bring

Many people seemed to pack an entire day’s worth of food, shade, and water toys, and we could see why. You really could spend the whole day here having fun. We were able to grab a small spot in the shade behind a bush. However, if you plan on being here all day, it is probably best to bring your own shade like a pop-up beach tent or canopy. There were no sandy areas that I could see for a beach umbrella, so avoid those. They do have a general store with food, but it’s a little bit of a walk (maybe 5-10 minutes) from the river. It is probably easiest to bring your own food, drinks, and snacks if you can. The rocks do get slippery, so bring your water shoes! Tony wore his flip-flops and he was okay, but real water shoes will probably be more safe and comfortable. We did see people coming with strollers and wheelchairs, but you will have to carry them once you get down to the river (won’t be able to “wheel” it for a lot of spots). We wore Andrew in a baby carrier, and we were glad we did. We actually did bring a towel, but we dried off pretty quickly after getting out of the water. It’s still a good idea to bring one just in case.

Cathedral Rock

Cathedral Rock is easy to get to and is an easy hike.  We opted to go about halfway up to take in the views of the rock and the surroundings from the middle, on Templeton Trail. You could climb all the way to the top, but it is a little more difficult. Templeton Trail is flat, and you could go either way (to the right or left) of Cathedral Rock. It continues for as long as you want it to go. The trails are clearly marked, so you won’t get lost. On the way back, we took the not-so-appropriately-named “easy breezy trail”, and it was kind of a confusing trail that wasn’t well-marked. Hiking here was somewhat rocky and steep. The entire trail to the top of the Cathedral Rock Trail and back is only 1.5 miles, so you could do everything in about 60 to 90 minutes. If you take the right on Templeton Trail (while facing the Cathedral Rock), you can end up at a creek to enjoy some water time! Cathedral Rock is also a vortex sight. If you are interested in visiting vortexes while in Sedona, this is a great place to come! There four best-known vortex locations in Sedona, Arizona: Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon.

When to Go

We got to Cathedral Rock first thing in the morning around 7:45 am and snagged the last parking spot in the main lot, which isn’t too big. We were also glad we got there that early because it was getting pretty crowded and hot by the end of our hike. So, I suggest that you come here very early in the morning. However, I know this is one of the most famous spots for sunsets. So, temperature and scenery-wise, it would be a good time to come later in the day, but keep in mind that you may have to park far away.

What to Bring

Unfortunately, it is definitely not wheelchair or stroller friendly. We brought our carrier for Andrew. I would suggest wearing hiking shoes because it is an uphill, rocky hike. However, I did it with my flip flops (but I also do most of my hikes in flip flops…) and it was fine, so you’d be fine too if you’re used to it. Bring lots of water! It gets very hot at Cathedral Rock! The entire hike isn’t too long, so no need to bring snacks with you (unless you are with kids and need to bribe them to keep moving). On the other hand, if you plan on going to the river and staying longer, it might be a good idea to bring food. There is virtually no shade on this hike, so wear your sun protection, whether it be a hat/sunglasses/sunscreen or all of the above.

You May Also Like: Love other easy hikes? Check out our lists of easy hikes in San Francisco!

Airport Mesa

At Airport Mesa, you can see Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Courthouse Butte – all without any hiking! You can just walk over from the parking lot, and all of it is right there. It’s easy and requires very little time, so it’s a must if you are in Sedona for only a bit. The views from here are just incredible. There is a trail you could loop around, which takes about 2.5 hours to complete round-trip. We just went to the view from the parking lot and it was all we needed.

When to Go

We got there right before sunset (when it actually set), and we were able to get one of the front parking spots as people were already starting to leave. It was pretty crowded for sunset, but the parking lots were big and even the overflow parking lot was not that far from the viewpoint. I heard it’s a lot less crowded for sunrises. Also, since this spot doesn’t require you to hike to take in the view, you really could come here in the middle of high heat if you aren’t planning on hiking too much.

What to Bring

• A good camera- especially if you’re going for sunset or sunrise and lighting is still low. The phone camera just got a little too grainy. 
• We saw a lot of people with picnic blankets with wine and cheese, which seemed so nice! The area where you can sit down isn’t too big, but you could get a great spot with a view if you get there early enough. If you aren’t with 2 rambunctious kids, it would be amazing to have a nice sunset/sunrise picnic there. 
• The viewing area is stroller and wheelchair-friendly.

Things to Do in Sedona – Indoor or Activities to Cool Off

These activities are best for the middle of the day when the heat may be too much to handle for outdoor activities – especially hiking.

The Red Rock Scenic Byway

Driving down the Red Rock Scenic Byway is such a nice way to beat the heat and still experience all the natural beauty of Sedona. Luckily, we got to go on this byway every time we drove into downtown Sedona from our hotel. There are some stops along the way where you can get out of the car for a quick hike or take pictures. It is just beautiful. I would love to do a photoshoot in Sedona sometime. If that is something you may be interested in, then check out my photography page, and send me a message!

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Chapel of the Holy Cross is a different type of spirituality than the vortexes, and you can take in the amazing views inside and out. This chapel is built right into the red rocks, and it’s incredible to see. You can go inside to take in the beauty and cool off at the same time. The parking is limited, but there is some street parking in the residential area down below (so, you might have to hike up a little). They do close the gates at 5 pm, so don’t count on this place for a sunset view.

Shops at Main Street Downtown

You would technically have to walk outside, but there are so many shops and art galleries that you can walk into. Therefore, it’s still a fun activity during the hot hours. We loved souvenir shopping, wine tasting, and checking out the street performers and so many statues on the side of the road. There is also a strip of uninterrupted views of the red rocks here too (not shaded). Public street and lot parking is free! (Amazing and unheard of in so many cities.)

Hang Out at the Hotel Pool

You are on vacation after all. This is what we loved about Sedona. We could have the best of both traveling worlds – adventure and relaxation. We saw one thing in the morning, lounged by the pool and relaxed (as much as you can with 2 kids), and went out again. So, pick a great hotel with a nice pool for your weekend in Sedona!

Places to Eat in Sedona

We only had 2 nights in Sedona, so we could only choose 2 restaurants to go to – and we think we chose well! The rest of the meals were at the hotel or simple grab-and-go type of meals.

Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits

We got to try cactus fries, snake fritters, and green chili mac and cheese. The outdoor seating of this restaurant came with an amazing view of the red rocks! We had planned on going to another viewpoint for the sunset, but we quickly realized we could see the sunset from our table and were able to relax. We had a longer, less rushed meal by staying.

Oaxaca Restaurant

The patio seat comes with an amazing view! We were too impatient to wait for a patio table though. We sat inside on a window seat and still had a pretty good view. Amazing margaritas. Maybe we tried the wrong food (we got a quesadilla as recommended by the hostess and a chile relleno), or maybe we are just spoiled when it comes to Mexican food living in San Francisco, but we didn’t think the food was all that great. However, this place is a must for the margaritas and the view!

 

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Places to Stay in Sedona – Hotels For Families

Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock

As a family of four, our criteria for places to stay are (1) separate bedrooms (like having a suite), (2) a pool, (3) close to main attractions.  We asked other families who’ve traveled to Sedona, and this was the hotel that was recommended multiple times. Although it was about a 15-minute drive to downtown Sedona and many attractions, we were very happy with this place. (As I mentioned above, part of the drive was the scenic byway, so we didn’t mind the drive at all!) The rooms were spacious with a kitchen area, dining table, living room area, patio, and a bedroom. Exactly what we needed! The pool had a fun kids area too. I would definitely highly recommend this hotel if you are going as a family.

Places to Stay in Sedona – Hotels For Everyone Else

Kimpton Amara Resort and Spa

We saw this hotel online, and almost booked it, but they didn’t have suites that we could all stay in (for a reasonable cost). However, if Tony and I came to Sedona alone, we would totally stay here! It was right smack in the middle of downtown with gorgeous views of the red rocks. We also just love Kimpton Hotels. They have a hosted happy hour, and they have the friendliest staff in every location we’ve stayed. If you don’t have the necessity for larger than normal hotel rooms, then we highly recommend staying here!

If We Had More Time Than a Weekend in Sedona, We Would Have Loved These Things To Do…

The Pink Jeep Tour

We didn’t get to go on the Pink Jeep Tour because Andrew was younger than 18 months, but it looked like so much fun! You can spot these Pink Jeeps all over town, and it comes highly recommended. We can’t wait to try it next time we go!

Bell Rock

Bell Rock Crossing is one of the easier hikes in Sedona with a great view of the Cathedral Rock (from afar), and it has a little swimming area. This is another place that gets limited in parking as the day goes by, so arrive early!

Oak Creek Canyon

When I found out about Oak Creek Canyon – I was like, “Wait, I could’ve done this on our drive from Sedona to Bearizona!?” Don’t miss it. You can drive it yourself, go on a tour, or go hiking. Looks absolutely stunning. It’s also kid-friendly. According to another mama that grew up in Sedona, you should hike West Fork Trail and stop at Indian Gardens for food!

Teacup Trail at Buena Vista Drive

This is another easy stroll where you can reach a summit. The trail is a little under 2-miles and you can see views all around you! There is a 0.3-mile hike up the summit.

Grasshopper Swimming Area

Grasshopper Swimming and Picnic area is another spot where you can swim among the red rocks. This could be a great alternative if you missed out on the Slide Rock parking situation and want a place to cool off!

Devil’s Bridge

From my research, Devil’s Bridge is probably one of the most famous places to take in the views of Sedona, and it is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. We heard it gets really crowded. Since we only had 2 mornings in Sedona, we had to make our choices on where to go early in the morning. I also read that the hike can be a bit challenging to get to the actual bridge, so we thought it would be better when the kids are older or when we know they can hike a little bit better.

For more ideas of things to do in Sedona we highly recommend Just Go Travel Studio’s detailed blog Just Go to Sedona- What to see and do, which includes good hiking trails and tips for your trip!

Other Things to Do Near Sedona

Phoenix

Travel Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

When in Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Gardens is a must! We got there early (they open early – at 7 am!) and walked around before the sun started to beat down on us. It was a cool place with 5 trails that showcase all the different types of desert plants and flowers. We saw lizards and birds there too! We also loved downtown Old Town Scottsdale. There are cute shops and restaurants, and a beautiful park you can walk around.

Grand Canyon

Travel Time: 2 hours

We opted not to go on this trip because we had so much to see in Sedona. Also, the Grand Canyon doesn’t have a fence. This worried us with 2 little kids without enough understanding of depth perception and the sense of “If I don’t pay attention, I could fall and hurt myself really badly.” But besides that, it’s an easy day trip from Sedona.

Jerome

Travel Time: 45 minutes

Jerome is a historic copper mining town where you can go see historic sites like Sliding Jail, Gold King Mine Museum, and Ghost Town. Maybe a perfect Halloween getaway? There are also vampire and ghost tours you can take.

Prescott

Travel Time: 1 hour and a half

There is more amazing nature to be explored here, such as the Prescott National Forest, or… hang out and listen to live music at Whiskey Row! Maybe when Tony and I take our next vacation to Sedona and stay at the Amara Kimpton, we will have a nice day trip here!

Flagstaff

Travel Time: 45 minutes

We drove through Flagstaff on the way to and from Bearizona. I wish we knew all the fun things you could do here so we would’ve stopped! You can hop on the Grand Canyon Railway, visit the Wupatki National Monument, or the Lava River Cave, a cave made out of flowed, cooled, and solidified lava. How amazing is that!?

Bearizona

Travel Time: 1 hour

We went to Bearizona because the drive time was perfect to let the kids nap. It’s also a great place to come to beat the heat because you can spend at least a portion of the time in the car to look at the animals. (Currently, it is open daily from 8 am – 6 pm. The hours do vary throughout the year. Check their website for up-to-date times.)

As mentioned above, try to go to Oak Creek Canyon on the way!

Clarkdale

Travel Time: 30 minutes

A short drive away from Sedona, you can check out the Verde Canyon Railroad where you can ride old-fashioned trains through canyons and decrepit mining towns! After a fun train ride, go have dinner and watch a western cowboy show at Blazin’ M Ranch. If the show didn’t start so late (for being with kids), this excursion would have been on the top of our list!

Packing List: What to Bring for a Summer Weekend in Sedona

Overall, it will be hot in Sedona, and you will go to a lot of places without shade. I really wished that I brought my reusable water bottle because you have to drink so much water there. I felt wasteful buying and drinking so many bottled waters. Besides that, here is our recommended packing list for when you plan on going to Sedona in the summer:

• Sunscreen
• Hat (with lots of coverage)
• Backpack (for hiking goods)
• Really good camera
• Breathable, light hiking shoes
• Flip flops
• Water shoes
• Carrier (if you are going with a baby)
• Diaper rash cream (even without a baby – this is a savior if you chafe!)
• Swimsuit
• Sunglasses (it is really bright there!)
• Download the Sedona Hiking App, which has over 106 trails to search from

Map of Weekend Highlights in Sedona and Beyond

All of these suggested places of things to do are on this map. Save this map for a quick reference when you are in Sedona!

Video of Weekend in Sedona – Things to do and see

There you have it!

We had so much fun during just one weekend in Sedona! As you can see, there are so many things to do there, and a weekend is definitely not enough. We can’t wait to go back and venture out to nearby towns, do more hiking, and even go to the Grand Canyon for the day!

Want to know more about Arizona and weekend getaways? Read more here:

• Top 5 Easy Places to Take in the Views in Sedona
• 30+ Weekend Getaways from San Francisco
• Tips for Flying with Toddlers Under 2.5

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Have you gone to Sedona on a summer weekend? Share your favorite activities and any thoughts you have in the comments or contact us!

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