Sedona, Arizona is one of those places that just feels good for the soul (and many believe it truly is due to the vortex’s). The views are immaculate. The air feels fresh and clean. The whole atmosphere slows you down in the best way. It’s like you’re living on island time, in the middle of the desert mountain range!

If you only have two days to soak it all in, don’t worry. I’ve crafted the perfect itinerary to help you make the most of every moment. From sunrise views to local eats and iconic hikes, you’ll experience Sedona the way it’s meant to be felt.

Day One

Start with a morning hike

There is no better introduction to Sedona than a sunrise hike with a breathtaking view. The red rocks glow in a way that you can’t find anywhere else and you can take a moment to feel the peacefulness before the day picks up. You can choose something as simple as a scenic walk or go for a more adventurous climb. A few great options are the trails near Bell Rock or the route toward Cathedral Rock if you want a challenge. Whatever hike you pick, the views will absolutely deliver.

Lunch at Don Diegos

What’s better after a challenging morning hike than some good food and a refreshing beverage? We like to head straight to Don Diegos for a delicious lunch and cold margarita! It is the perfect spot to refuel with good food that tastes even better after you have earned it on the trail. The energy is relaxed, staff is attentive, and the food comes out quick which makes it ideal when you are starving from a morning outside.

Shop along the main strip

While you’re on the main strip, spend some time exploring the unique shops. While wandering, you can find everything from beautiful local art and handmade goods to crystals and boutique clothing. There’s truly no telling what unique treasures you’ll stumble upon. It’s the perfect way to just have fun and take in the energy of the town, while chatting with local makers. You might even find a piece of Sedona to take home with you! Even if you don’t buy anything, the experience itself feels like its own little adventure.

Dinner with a view

When the sun starts to go down, make your way to a spot with a mountain view. I suggest Open Range Grill & Tavern. The views from this spot are picture perfect and the deep red and orange colors on the mountains during golden hour make everything feel extra special. It is the kind of dinner that feels like part of the experience rather than just a meal. Try the cactus dip and chips, it’s delicious!

Stay nearby on the strip

For your stay, consider booking a cozy Airbnb or stay right on the main strip at one of the inns. I have stayed in rentals on and off of the strip as well as the Matterhorn Inn. If you’re looking for a balcony with a mountain view, a fire pit, pool and hot tub, then the Matterhorn Inn is the place to go! Being in the center of everything sure does makes the whole trip feel effortless. You can walk to restaurants, grab a drink, go shopping and most viewpoints without ever getting back in your car.

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Day Two

Ease into the day with another hike

If you’re up for it, wake up and go outside again because Sedona mornings are always worth it. With over 2,000 trails, you should have no problem choosing a different hike from the day before, so you can experience another part of the breathtaking landscape. Trails around the Devil’s Bridge area or the paths leading toward the red rock buttes are both incredible ways to start the day.

Visit the vortexes

After your hike, it is time to explore the famous Sedona vortexes, or choose trails that lead straight to them! Start with the Airport Mesa Vortex viewpoint. This spot gives you 360 views. You will be completely surrounded with beautiful views and uplifting energy.

You can also stop by the Bell Rock vortex. This one is a popular spot for photos, intimate weddings, meditation sessions, and everything in between, and the moment you arrive, you’ll understand why. The scenery is unreal, the energy is powerful, and the entire area feels like a natural amphitheater carved into the mountains. It’s the perfect way to round out your Sedona experience with a little adventure and a lot of magic.

Another meal with a view

Sedona has no shortage of restaurants where the views are just as memorable as the meal. From casual patios tucked into the red rocks to elevated dining rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, every spot seems to frame the landscape in its own way. It’s the kind of place where you’re just as likely to pause mid-bite and stare out at the mountains as you are to focus on the menu. Creekside and The Hudson are two great spots we’ve tried that really deliver on both sides, delicious food and those stunning Sedona views.

Visit the famous chapel

A visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross is well worth adding to your Sedona itinerary. Built right into the red rock cliffs, the chapel looks like it was carved by nature. Be prepared to wait for parking, as spots are limited and it’s a very popular destination. The good news is that it’s typically a quick in-and-out visit, so the turnover is fairly fast and you usually won’t have to wait long. As you make your way up the scenic drive to the top, the views just keep getting better. From towering red rock formations to wide open blue skies. The moment you arrive, everything kind of shifts. It’s quiet, reflective, and calming in a way that naturally slows you down and makes you take a deep breath before even stepping inside.

Inside the chapel, sunlight pours through the massive window behind the cross, creating a warm glow. Whether you’re spiritual or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, you will be moved by the space! Outside, you can walk along the overlook and soak in some breathtaking panoramic views.

Sunset at a local brewery

For your last afternoon in Sedona, relax at a local brewery like Redwall Lounge and enjoy a drink while the sun sets behind the mountains. A colorful Arizona sunset along with the glowing red rocks is the perfect easy ending to a full day. If you want something low key but still memorable, this is it.

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Popular Hike Suggestions

Here are a few great hike ideas depending on your mood

• Bell Rock pathway
• Cathedral Rock for a challenge and iconic views
• Devil’s Bridge for an unforgettable photo moment
• Birthing Cave
• Boynton Canyon Trail & Subway Cave
• Airport Mesa loop
• West Fork trail if you want something shaded and peaceful

All Trails – Your hiking savior!

Using the AllTrails app is one of the easiest ways to find the perfect hike for your adventure style. Whether you want something quick and scenic or a challenging climb with major payoff, AllTrails breaks it all down for you, length, difficulty level, elevation gain, and even recent trail conditions. You can even scroll through photos and reviews from other hikers who have done it, so you know exactly what to expect before you go. It takes all the guesswork out and helps you choose a trail that fits your time, energy, and vibe.

Once you choose your trail, you can start the route directly in the app; if you drift off the path or get turned around, AllTrails will redirect you back on track in real time, making your hike both easier and safer.

Hiking Tips

• Don’t wear your favorite white leggings – The sand is very red! You might want to save your nicest matching sets for another day
• Check the trail details on AllTrails before you go – length, difficulty, elevation, and recent reviews.
• Start early to avoid crowds and heat (especially in the Arizona desert)
• Bring more water than you think you’ll need – hydration is key, especially in the summer months!
• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good traction
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a maybe even a hat – The Arizona sun is no joke
• Download your trail map for offline use in case service drops
• Use the restroom before you start – You may want to bring some toilet paper with you, in case you have an emergency on the trail!
• Bring a small backpack with basics: snacks, water, toilet paper, and a light first-aid kit
• Respect the trail – stay on marked paths and leave no trace
• Know your limits and choose a hike that matches your time, energy, and experience