If you are looking for an easy 4-day itinerary to Sedona, including a visit to the Grand Canyon, this is the itinerary for you!
Sedona, Arizona is one of the most beautiful and uplifting places you can visit in the U.S. Not only will you be amazed at the red rock formations, but you will also get energized from the swirling energy of the vortexes in the area.
And I swear you’ll want to come back again and again.
So, let’s dive into where to stay and what to do on your 4-day itinerary for Sedona, Arizona!
A few things to note before you go to Sedona, Arizona
When should you go to Sedona?
Late Fall, Winter, and early Spring are the best times to go to Sedona. Arizona is in the desert and HOT in the summer months. Like over 90 degrees hot! But note that while winter will be the least crowded, it will be cooler with possible snow and unpredictable weather.
Parking in Sedona
Parking is very limited in Sedona and in surrounding hiking areas. Be sure to get to your destination early in the morning or later in the afternoon to try and get a parking spot. Bring a headlamp if you want to start hiking before sunrise.
Devil’s Bridge trail
Devil’s Bridge has become a very popular hike due to its Instagram worthy picture on the bridge. If you don’t want to wait in a long line, it’s best to go very early, like before sunrise, early.
What airport should you use?
The two major airports are Phoenix which is 2 hours away, and Las Vegas which is 4.5-5 hours away. Alternatively, Flagstaff has a smaller airport that is only 40 minutes away but may be more spendy or not fly from all cities in the U.S.
Getting to Sedona- Day 1
First stop: In-N-Out Burger
This itinerary will be based on flying into the Phoenix airport and renting a car to get to Sedona.
After the day of flying and getting your rental car, you’ll probably be hungry. So of course, my pick is going to be stopping at the ever delicious In-N-Out burger. (Why are these not in the Midwest yet?) A search on your phone will show the closest In-N-Out Burger, but the one we chose was 4840 N 20th St.
Happily fed on deliciousness, it’s time to start the 2-hour drive to Sedona.
And goodness, the drive is just gorgeous. You will love seeing all the cactuses on the sides of the road. And you will be amazed at the hilly grand vistas on your way as well. Arizona is just beautiful.
Places to stop on the drive to Sedona
Sunset Point
There are a couple stops that you can make before you get to Sedona:
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Sunset Point- which is an hour into the drive and a really neat rest stop with a spectacular lookout area.
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Montezuma Castle National Monument, a well-preserved set of dwellings made by Indigenous peoples from long ago.
Just be sure to note that once you get closer to Sedona, to take route 179 for the scenic way into Sedona.
First glimpse of the Red Rocks in Sedona
Hopefully you are lucky enough to get to Sedona close to the golden hour, or at least before sunset.
Because as you can imagine, seeing the red rocks all lit up from the last rays of the sun is so amazingly beautiful. I swear we didn’t stop saying “wow” the whole way to our hotel.
Where to stay on this 4-day itinerary in Sedona
Amara Resort and Spa
The Amara Resort and Spa is a beautiful resort that has a pretty outdoor space with yellow Adirondack chairs and an amazing infinity pool and spa. Additionally, the hotel also has a stellar restaurant, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen.
Lady’s tip: The only downside to the hotel is that it’s situated down a steep hill. However, you can ask the hotel staff to bring you to the street level in their golf cart if you just want to walk around town. Also note that for parking your car, you must use their valet service.
Otherwise, if you didn’t want to stay at a resort, or you need more space, there are many options via AirBnb or VRBO. And you really can’t go wrong with what you choose as this whole state is just gorgeous.
Discovering the town of Sedona – Day 2
Breakfast at Salt Rock Restuarant
Start the morning off right with a mimosa flight and delicious waffles at the SaltRock restaurant (at Amara Resort). Seriously the best way to start the day.
Shopping in Sedona
Main street is full of cute touristy shops that will help you find those perfect mementos to bring home. One thing we noticed in a lot of the shops, are all these rocks and crystals for sale. Interestingly, they say the rocks are charged with energy from the vortexes in the area.
What are vortexes you ask? They are swirling masses of energy which are thought to promote healing and make you feel energized. We do visit a vortex site on our last day, and I will go into more detail later in the post.
Lady’s tip: One thing to note when driving through town, is that there is an unusually high number of roundabouts in the area. While they can be confusing (annoying) to drive through, most people are pretty cautious when going around.
Lunch at Canyon Breeze
After you’ve had your fill of shopping, grab some lunch at Canyon Breeze. This eatery has your basic lunch food like wood fired pizzas and sandwiches. (And a much-needed coffee shop). But the best part about this eatery, is their outdoor balcony with amazing views of the red rocks.
Relaxing at the Amara Resort infinity pool
After dropping off your shopping wares, you may just want to stay and relax for a few hours at the infinity pool at the Amara Resort. There are cabanas and loungers available as a first come first serve basis that are free for the taking.
Often on vacations it’s go, go, go, so it’s nice to take some time and actually relax.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Roman Catholic chapel that was thought up by Marguerite Brunswig Staude and was completed in 1956. The Chapel is actually built right in the red rocks and has amazing views of the surrounding area.
Anybody can come here and visit the grounds and go in the chapel itself. But there are services that take place here and you may either join or wait if you just want pictures of the inside. It’s also only open certain hours so be sure to check their website before you go.
Lady’s tip: People were parking on the street leading up to the parking lot but be sure to drive into the parking lot to see if there are spots open. Also note, that there is a little bit of an uphill walk from the parking lot to the chapel.
Another neat option you can do is to take a trolley in Sedona that offers tours to the chapel.
Cliff Castle Casino
One thing about Sedona, is the town pretty much closes down at 9:30. So, a fun thing to do is go to Cliff Castle casino as it’s open late and makes for a fun night out. It’s about a 40-minute drive away from Sedona and has casino games, bowling, and a Johnny Rockets diner inside.
Road trip to the Grand Canyon- Day 3
Breakfast at Wildflower Bread Company
Before you leave for your road trip, be sure to stop at Wildflower Bread Company (on Main Steet) for breakfast. Not only is this eatery amazing, but this whole area is designed in such a spectacular way with shops and art galleries all situated with views facing the red rocks. Just incredible.
Another breakfast place we had on our list was Indian Gardens Café and Market. This place has lots of great reviews and we would’ve stopped here but they were closed as they are only open certain days of the week.
First stop on the drive to the Grand Canyon
Slide Rock State Park
About 10 miles north of Sedona you will come to Slide Rock State Park. This is one of my favorite stops as it’s so beautiful and it has a mini waterfall! Named Slide Rock for the slippery creek waterway that is a natural water slide and used to water the apple farm on site. Definitely a fun area to explore.
Lady’s tip: It does cost money per vehicle, see prices here. Due to being a popular swimming hole in the summer months, be sure to get here early to beat the crowds.
Continuing on the Scenic Drive 89A
The scenic portion of the drive lasts for about 30-45 minutes into the 2 hour and 10-minute drive to the Grand Canyon. This drive is unbelievably beautiful with lots of switchbacks, cliff sides, evergreen trees and elevation changes. Be sure to stop at one of the pull off sites to take pictures! Although, I have to say, I thought the drive was even better on the way back with the views of the red rocks.
Lady’s tip: This scenic drive is a bit nerve-wracking if you are not used to driving in mountain like terrain. You can opt to take the longer route on Hwy 17 for an easier driving experience.
Goldies Route 66 Diner in Williams
If you love anything Route 66, you must stop here. This cute little Route 66 diner is only an hour away from the Grand Canyon and a perfect stop for lunch. As you would expect, the diner is so cute and has all the nostalgic feels. Slurp on a couple of malts at the counter and I swear you will be in perfect bliss.
And even if you didn’t want to go in the diner, there are plenty of neat Route 66 signs throughout the town. Totally worth a stop!
Grand Canyon National Park
Driving to the Grand Canyon is definitely worth doing as a day trip from Sedona. Clocking in at a little under 5 hours total (driving there and back) is relatively easy.
You will have more than enough time to see the popular Mather Point lookout and visit the gift shop. However, you really should leave early in the morning, so you are not driving in the dark on your way back.
For more information on fees, shuttles, and general information, click here.
Related post: How to get to the Grand Canyon
Where to eat Dinner in Sedona
Unfortunately, sometimes the best plans just don’t work out, and that’s ok. We had dinner reservations at Elote Cafe after visiting the Grand Canyon, but we didn’t make it back in time.
So, we did my next favorite thing and ordered room service from our hotel at SaltRock Restaurant. But seriously, I highly recommend trying Elote Cafe as the reviews are amazing.
Here are a couple of other highly recommended dinner places:
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The Hudson, for its sophisticated, American comfort food and amazing Red Rock views.
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Mariposa Latin inspired grill for an upscale, fine dining, South American cuisine with another amazing view.
Last day of this Sedona itinerary- Day 4
Breakfast at The Secret Garden Cafe
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Tlaquepaque, meaning “the best of everything” is a neat shopping area with some amazing restaurants. Additionally, the area is really neat as it’s designed to look and feel like a Mexican village.
One of the restaurants in this area is the perfect place to have breakfast, The Secret Garden Cafe. Start with breakfast and then check out the shopping village.
Sedona Airport Loop Trail
Vortex site!
Airport Loop Trail or Airport Mesa Trail is a 3.5-mile trail with amazing views and is a Vortex site!
Now, if you are wondering if you can tell that there is more energy here versus anywhere else in Sedona… Well, the answer is that it doesn’t matter where you are, just being in Sedona will make you feel lighter, more energized and recharged. The red rocks just do something to ya!
Here are all the other Vortex sites in Sedona: Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon. Be sure to check at least one of these Vortex sites out!
Lady’s tip: At the trailhead for Airport loop, there are like 9 spots to park. If these are full, continue on the road and park in the airport parking lot.
Last thoughts on this 4-day itinerary in Sedona
Sedona really has something for everybody. Whether you want a relaxing trip, or an adventurous trip, you will leave here feeling energized and recharged. I hope you get to see this beautiful place!
Here are a couple more places we had on our list that we want to do on our next visit:
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Driving to the (possibly haunted) town of Jerome and trying a burger at Haunted Hamburger.
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Visiting the wineries in the area.
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Doing more hikes like Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge and more.
Have fun making those memories!
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