Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Sedona?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Sedona?
Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 5 days in Sedona during their visit. The scenic town offers amazing highlights such as the gorgeous scenery, the many shops, the hiking, and the small town charm.
Sedona is a resort town in Arizona that is surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes. The red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for hiking, photography, and meditative retreats. In town there is a thriving local art community with many art galleries and artisan shops.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Sedona? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Sedona?
Sedona, a small town brimming with sights and attractions, holds immense popularity among tourists. Given only three days, you will likely find yourself hurrying to experience the mountain town vibe and surrounding mountains here. You won't want to miss the chance to take in the beautiful scenery, go shopping, get out into nature, and soak up the small town charm. To truly savor all that the town boasts, a longer amount of time is recommended. Many vacationers opt for at least 3 or as many as 5 days to thoroughly enjoy the mountain vibe of the town. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations for making the most of your visit.
How to spend 3 days in Sedona
Shopping in Sedona is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. 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.
Sedona is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The surrounded countryside is filled with dramatic desert landscapes and striking red cliffs.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Sunset in the Grand Canyon from Sedona ($241)
- Grand Canyon Sunset Tour from Sedona ($241)
- Jerome Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game ($25)
Don't miss Red Rock Crossing Park during your trip to Sedona, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- All inclusive Sedona Join in Wine Tour 200+ 5 star reviews! ($179)
- Bliss Sedona’s Most Luxurious Wine Tour with Lunch Included ($115)
- Pedal and Paddle Wine Tour in Arizona ($235)
Known for it's hiking, Sedona sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Zip Line Tour at Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Sedona,Camp Verde ($120)
- Vortex to Vineyards by ABC wildlife host Rachel Reenstra ($222)
- Out of Africa Wildlife Park Admission Ticket ($43)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.
Is 4 days enough time in Sedona?
Many visitors spend four days in Sedona to take in the town and the mountain scenery, too. This is a good amount of time to see the scenic town's major attractions such as the gorgeous scenery, the many shops, and the hiking. If you have four days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do below.
Sedona, Arizona
How to spend 4 days in Sedona
Having 4 days in Sedona will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.
The small-town atmosphere of Sedona is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. It's a charming small town that's filled with traditional beauty and breathtaking landscapes.
A few tour suggestions include:
- The Best Private Vortex and City Tour of Sedona ($50)
- Historic Tour of Jerome ($90)
- Jerome Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game ($25)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Sedona.
Is 5 days enough time in Sedona?
Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Sedona, including the town and mountains. You'll be able to move at your own pace, relax at your hotel or nearby restaurants and parks. You could also use Sedona as a base for exploring the surrounding mountain areas. Take the extra time to take in the beautiful scenery, go shopping, get out into nature, and soak up the small town charm over multiple days. Also, explore some of the smaller nearby mountain towns on day trips.
How to spend 5 days in Sedona
With 5 days in Sedona, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Sedona.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Sedona, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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