3 Days in Sedona
The Ultimate 3 Day Sedona Itinerary
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Are you looking for the perfect 3 day Sedona itinerary that'll allow you to fully immerse yourself in a world of mystical beauty? Congrats, you've found it! Here, I've compiled the best Sedona travel guide along with a 3 day Sedona itinerary from my personal experience to share with you the amazing 3 days I spent in Sedona. If you've never been to Sedona, let me tell you, the experience of being in Sedona will be unlike any you've ever had. Want to learn more? Keep reading!
Sedona, the Red Rock Country!
My husband and I took a short but impactful trip to Sedona. We spent 3 days and 2 nights in Sedona, which was quite short, but still enough time to get the most out of what Sedona has to offer.
Sedona had been on our bucket list for a long time, and we were counting the days until we could go there. What drew us to Sedona was the abundance of natural beauty and the plethora of hikes. Yes, we're big fans of the great outdoors and hiking! Plus, I couldn't wait to try the delicious food in Sedona.
We spent 3 days in Sedona, reconnecting with ourselves out in nature while hiking and adventuring between Sedona's magical vortexes. Sedona is renowned for its otherworldly red rock formations and serves as a mecca for those who are enthusiastic about outdoor adventures, thanks to its stunning nature trails. It is also famous for having amazing arts and crafts traditions. Sedona is truly a promising destination for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers.
The raw physical beauty of the landscape will definitely re-calibrate your sense of wonder. And this is how we immediately felt the minute we arrived. The landscape is just breathtaking, and even writing about it elicits all sorts of beautiful memories.
How to get to Sedona, Arizona?
We flew from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) because it is the closest main international airport to Sedona. The flight time was about six hours, and the best way to get to Sedona from PHX is to rent a car and drive yourself. We recommend rentalcars.com to compare car companies.
What is the best time to visit Sedona?
One of the best things about Sedona is that the weather is always comfortable. The desert climate ensures that it receives more than 300 days of sunlight every year, even in the winter. Let me break it down season-wise for you.
Spring: Spring in Sedona is great for those who like warmer but not sweaty days.
Summer: Summer might be excellent for storm chasers. Expect heavy rain, lightning, and thunder that will shake your chest.
Fall: Visit in the fall if you want to see a stunning display of burned orange, crimson red, and dazzling yellow trees.
Winter: The winter season is the best time to enjoy long hikes and mountain bike rides without overheating.
Where to stay in Sedona?
The Arabella Hotel Sedona was our home away from home while we were there. Inspired by the desert's warm hues and natural beauty, it is nestled in the center of Red Rock Country, only a short walk or drive from most of the hiking trails.
How many days should you spend in Sedona?
If you wish to make the most of your visit to Sedona, plan to stay for at least three days. During that amount of time, you will be able to soak in the city's numerous stunning features and walk away feeling fulfilled. The more days you add on, the more time you have to discover Sedona's other unique adventures.
Mystical vortexes in Sedona, Arizona
People have revered and treasured this mystical place for centuries because of the energy vortexes that exist inside and around it. Sedona features a number of smaller vortexes, but Sedona itself is considered one large vortex.
These are said to be brimming with a wealth of energy, making them ideal for a variety of purposes, including healing, meditation, developing one's psychic talents, and more. The most famous vortexes in Sedona are Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon.
3 Day Sedona Itinerary
Now for the exciting part! I am going to share how we spent 3 days in Sedona to get the most out of this short break. Of course, you can't cover everything in just 3 days. But that's fine. There's no need to rush, and you still have enough time to enjoy wonderful activities and take in the natural wonder and beauty of Sedona. Are you ready to go on our wonderful journey? Buckle up!
Day 1
Arrive in Sedona
We landed at the PHX airport and picked up a rental car. Sedona is a 2-hour drive away from PHX. And, since the flight had left us hungry, we decided to grab something to eat before heading to Sedona.
Check out the city of Scottsdale and dine at Mission
We decided to check out the city of Scottsdale and eat there. Scottsdale is a year-round luxury destination, and after a quick Google search, we found a restaurant called Mission. The restaurant was contemporary and sophisticated, and the quality of the food was beyond words. Not to mention, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that it offered Creekstone meat, which was another plus! And if you're searching for a restaurant in Old Town that combines enticing elegance with drool-worthy cuisine, you should absolutely try out Mission Old Town.
Check into the Arabella resort
After a hearty meal, we reached Sedona in the evening and checked into the Arabella Hotel Sedona. The hotel was located on a breathtaking stretch of land with a backdrop of red rocks that stretched out in every direction. The hotel's rooms were sleek and well-appointed. The hotel was ideal for relaxing, taking in the scenery, and watching breathtaking sunsets over the red rocks in the distance. There were also plenty of hiking trails just off the property.
Day 2
Morning hike to Airport Mesa
The sunrise over Sedona's stunning red rocks may be seen from the vantage point of Airport Mesa. The amazing view and convenient location of Airport Mesa are simply unbeatable. Airport
Mesa is perched on a hill overlooking the valley below and its spectacular red rock setting. And as the first rays of dawn light begin to dance, this stunning red rock landscape bursts with color as the new day starts. Airport Mesa is also one of the best-known vortex sites in Sedona. It's said to have a strong masculine energy that relieves tension and promotes sentiments of joy, reflection, and happiness. We really enjoyed the hike and watching the sunrise, which made us feel rejuvenated.
Grab lunch at Mesa Grill Sedona
Mesa Grill Sedona is perched on top of Airport Mesa, and it is a great place to grab a leisurely bite after hiking Airport Mesa. You can witness the airplanes land and take off from a table by the expansive windows that overlook Sedona Airport or choose to sit on the patio for the same experience. I must add, the food was out of this world. We were able to refuel our bodies with a scrumptious meal that not only tasted good but also gave us the strength to continue our hike.
Sunrise hike to Cathedral Rock
We ended the day with a trip to Cathedral Rock to watch the sunsrise. The hike was very rewarding and easy. Although it's not a very lengthy hike, it's quite a steep one. Our second morning in Sedona couldn't have been better spent here, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and tucked-away treasures. Once you've hiked to the top of Cathedral Rock, you'll find a plethora of sights to see! It really was never ending beauty, and one of the most rewarding hikes I have done. A more detailed post coming soon with trail and hike information!
Day 3
Visit the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
On our last day in the magical city of Sedona, we decided to pick up a souvenir to commemorate our journey to the red rocks. As a result, we visited the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, a fantastic outdoor market near Sedona that has a remarkable assortment of art galleries, boutique stores, restaurants, and more. It was surely a distinctive shopping experience. And while we were there, we went to the Chai Spot to reminisce about our wonderful time together while sipping on a delightful Pakistani chai.
Hike to the Devil's Bridge
The Devil's Bridge Trail is a more beginner-friendly option that offers magnificent vistas. This is a well-known trail in Sedona because of the famous photo op at Devil's Bridge overlooking the red rocks. On the Devil's Bridge, we made sure to snap a few pictures of ourselves as well. If you are planning a vacation to Sedona, definitely add a stop at Devil's Bridge.
Last meal at Mariposa-Latin Inspired Grill
It was finally time for us to depart from the enchanted city of Sedona. We had the best hikes there, and there was no dull moment at all. With the thought of returning back soon, we grabbed our dinner at Mariposa Restaurant. The Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill in Sedona is the greatest spot to dine in Sedona if panoramic views and an exquisite atmosphere with Latin-inspired food is your thing. Lastly, we got to our hotel, freshened up, and got ready to depart.
What to pack for your Sedona vacation?
Here is a brief list of what to pack for your Sedona vacation.
Breathable, lightweight clothing
Hiking boots
Comfy walking shoes
Socks
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Reusable water bottles
Camera
Headlamp
Swimwear
Toiletries
Backpack
A first aid kit
Wrap it up!
If you only get to visit one spot in Arizona, it has to be Sedona. There is always more to discover at this location, no matter how many times you go there. I had such a magical experience in Sedona, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. You can bet I'll be back to Sedona again and again!
