How to Spend 36 Hours in Sedona, AZ

36 Hours in Sedona, Arizona

Red Rock Wonders and First Impressions

Rising from Northern Arizona’s desert like a surrealist sculpture garden, Sedona’s iconic red rocks provide the backdrop for a community of about 10,000 residents — and roughly three million annual visitors. People come for world-class hiking and biking, wellness retreats, art galleries, boutique shopping, and, for the spiritually inclined, the legendary vortexes believed to radiate earth energy.

Traffic can be heavy, but a recently expanded, mostly free shuttle system helps ease congestion. Luxury travel is also on the rise: the L’Auberge de Sedona resort just completed a $30 million renovation, while the sleek Ambiente resort has redefined desert opulence. Autumn is particularly inviting, with mild days for outdoor adventures, vibrant arts festivals, and crisp nights perfect for stargazing.

Trails for Every Traveler

Sedona’s sandstone, shale, limestone, and basalt formations tell a story millions of years in the making. For a challenging climb, take the one-mile Cathedral Rock trail, where steep scrambles reward hikers with panoramic views — and perhaps spiritual energy if you’re carrying a crystal.

For something easier but equally scenic, the Teacup Trail offers a 2.6-mile loop, though many turn back after a mile near Coffeepot Rock, a landmark shaped like a coffee percolator. Conveniently, shuttles serve both trailheads, especially useful since Cathedral Rock’s parking lot closes on weekends.

Wellness and Relaxation

Wellness seekers will find no shortage of options, from chakra balancing to aura readings. At the glass-walled Ambiente Resort, treatments at the Velvet Spa come with champagne and sweeping desert views. A Swedish–deep tissue massage by Oscar Lembo ($210/hour) is a standout, and the sauna overlooking a tranquil pond is included with treatments.

For a more budget-friendly experience, Down Dog Sedona hosts yoga and sound bath sessions ($40), where resonant crystal bowls guide participants into deep relaxation.

Evening Culture and Dining

Nightlife is limited in Sedona, but Vino di Sedona offers live music most evenings, often around the fire pit. Pair it with a local wine, such as Merkin Vineyards’ Chupacabra red blend ($14), or try Arizona mead. For food, favorites include truffle-mushroom bruschetta ($16) and porter-beer brisket sliders ($11).

Another must-stop is Indian Gardens, a historic general store turned café. Enjoy huevos rancheros ($16) or morning buns ($6) in a lush garden setting, followed by a browse through locally made products like Wandering the West Apothecary Balm ($13).

Art, Shopping, and Southwest Culture

Sedona is rich in art and crafts, with Gallery Row along State Route 179 as its creative hub. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, designed after a Mexican town, features 14 galleries, jewelry shops, and crystal boutiques. The massive Exposures International Gallery displays large-scale works, while the Garland Building offers Navajo rugs and Hopi jewelry — plus some of the best coffee in town at FreeForm Coffee Roasters.

Creekside Dining and Fine Cuisine

For an unforgettable meal, Cress on Oak Creek at L’Auberge de Sedona offers riverside tables and exquisite dishes, from a seared mortadella sandwich ($27) to a vegan muffaletta ($26), always with perfectly crisp fries.

Meanwhile, Mariposa, known for Latin-inspired cuisine, pairs wood-fired meats (from $48) with floor-to-ceiling views of Sedona’s rock formations. Empanadas and chimichurri (from $18) reflect the chef’s South American travels. Reservations are essential, and attire leans more formal.

History and Stargazing

A short drive brings visitors to the Honanki Heritage Site, where the Hopi’s ancestors lived in cliff dwellings from the 12th to 14th centuries. Petroglyphs and pictographs line the walls, accessible by self-tour ($5 Red Rock Pass) or guided jeep trips like Pink Adventure Tours ($115 per adult).

Sedona’s designation as an International Dark Sky Community makes it ideal for astronomy. Spots like Aerie Trailhead and Fay Canyon offer secluded stargazing, or join Sedona Stargazing tours ($117) for telescope views of the Milky Way and constellations.

Local Icons and Hidden Gems

Breakfast at Coffee Pot Restaurant is a Sedona tradition, with 101 omelets (from $12.95) and endless coffee refills ($3.75). The diner’s wall of fame adds a nostalgic touch.

Architecture fans won’t want to miss the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a modernist church built into the red rocks in 1956. Entry is free, though donations are encouraged.

For wine lovers, Alcantara Vineyards in the Verde Valley (35 minutes south) offers tastings ($20 for four samples) and private tours with winemaker Ron Brumley ($250 for up to four people), often with the bonus of bald eagle sightings.