A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sedona vs. Avon for Couples, Food, Resorts, and Hiking

Should you visit Sedona or Avon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Sedona or Avon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Sedona

Sedona is a desert, dramatic, and scenic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Avon

Avon is a scenic, active, and outdoorsy town. Visitors also love the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Sedona and Avon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Sedona or Avon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sedona. Although Sedona and Avon are popular destinations, Sedona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sedona is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Avon attracts visitors for its skiing. Sedona is famous for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats. It is also well known for Red Rock Crossing Park. Avon is famous for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort.

How is Sedona different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Avon and Sedona. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Sedona or Avon Better for Skiing?

Sedona
Avon

Avon is great for skiing. However, Sedona is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Avon. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Sedona is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sedona or Avon?

Sedona
Avon

Sedona is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Sedona is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

Is the Food Better in Sedona or Avon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sedona
Avon

Sedona is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sedona makes for a great culinary experience. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Sedona or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Sedona
Avon

The vibe at night is nice in both Sedona and Avon.

If you're looking for night time activities Sedona has a few options to choose from. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.


Is Sedona or Avon Better for Resorts?

Sedona
Avon

Sedona is notable for its resorts. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Sedona to choose from. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

With a selection of resorts, Avon makes a nice vacation spot. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Is Sedona or Avon Better for its Old Town?

Sedona
Avon

Sedona is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Avon does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Sedona to see the historical old town. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Avon does not have a historic old town.

Is Sedona or Avon Better for Hiking?

Sedona
Avon

Sedona is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Sedona is a popular spot for hiking. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.


Is the Shopping Better in Sedona or Avon?

Sedona
Avon

Sedona is a must-visit destination for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

Sedona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Is Sedona or Avon Better for Families?

Sedona
Avon

Sedona is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Sedona is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

Avon is a family-friendly town. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Sedona or Avon Better for Couples?

Sedona
Avon

Sedona is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Sedona is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.


Is Sedona or Avon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sedona
Avon

Sedona is a good destination for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Sedona. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

Avon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers prefer to stay closer to the ski facilities.

Is Sedona or Avon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sedona
Avon

Avon is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Sedona is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Avon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

Public transit is generally limited in Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

Is Sedona or Avon a more walkable city?

Sedona
Avon

Sedona and Avon are nice when it comes to walkability.

Sedona is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.

Avon is a somewhat walkable town. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.


For even more information, also check out Is Sedona Worth Visiting? and Is Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Sedona?

How long in Sedona or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Sedona or Avon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sedona due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Sedona, and 2-4 days is enough time in Avon.

Families should spend more time in Sedona than Avon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sedona, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Sedona than Avon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sedona that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sedona than Avon if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Sedona.


  • How many days in Sedona or Avon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sedona 3-5 
    Avon 2-4

One day in Sedona or Avon?

Sedona is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Avon. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sedona or Avon?

Sedona is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Avon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sedona or Avon?

Sedona might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avon. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Sedona or Avon?

Because Sedona is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Avon. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Avon or Sedona?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sedona is $165, while the average daily cost in Avon is $277. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sedona and Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sedona $93
    Avon $177
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sedona $186
    Avon $354
Compare Hotels in Sedona and Avon

Looking for a hotel in Sedona or Avon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Sedona


Hotels in Avon


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sedona Hotel Prices and Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sedona $40
    Avon $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Sedona or Avon?

Prices for flights to both Avon and Sedona change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sedona $48
    Avon $67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sedona

For Sedona, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The VIP Experience, Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show Tickets: $119
  • Sedona/Flagstaff: Grand Canyon Day Trip with Dinner & Sunset: $241

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sedona $19
    Avon $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sedona

For Sedona, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Red Rock Fantasy Light Show (for 2)
    $10

Tours and Activities in Sedona

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sedona.

  • Self-Guided Driving Tour with GPS Audio Guide App: $8.99
  • Sedona & Red Rock State Park: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Grand Canyon & Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle: $25
  • From Boynton Canyon Trolley Tour: $25
  • Jerome Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Main Street Ghost Adventure: Walking Tour in Jerome with Ghost Hunting Equipment: $45
  • Feel the Sedona Vortex Mindfulness Game and Adventure: $45
  • Sedona Hi-Points Luxury Van Tour: $46
  • The Best Private Vortex and City Tour of Sedona: $50
  • Hi-Points Tour in Luxury Van: $50
  • The Magic of Sedona Highlights Tour: $63
  • Sightseeing Highlights Tour of Sedona: $63

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sedona $13
    Avon $38

Sample the Local Flavors in Sedona

Also in Sedona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bliss Sedona’s Most Luxurious Wine Tour with Lunch Included: $115
  • All inclusive Sedona Join in Wine Tour 200+ 5 star reviews!: $179
  • Pedal and Paddle Wine Tour in Arizona: $235
  • Private Sedona Local and Wine Tour: $244
  • Private Wine Tour in Sedona, Arizona: $295


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sedona and Avon, we can see that Avon is more expensive. And not only is Sedona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sedona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sedona and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avon than you might in Sedona.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sedona Expensive? and Is Avon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sedona or Avon?

Sedona has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Sedona and Avon, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.