24 Hours in Sedona, Arizona: One Day Itinerary
Headed to Sedona, Arizona for a single day? There are plenty of things to do, depending on your budget and activity levels. In this article, former 40 year Arizona resident Jason Wilson shares his favorite things to add to your schedule for a full day in Sedona, Arizona!
Last updated: April 11, 2024
8 min read
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Arizona has many incredible attractions, but Sedona is a special place, with few other locations like it. With its stunning views of steep canyons and gorgeously vast pine forests, Sedona is the perfect pick for your next getaway! The bustling streets of Uptown Sedona and endless outdoor activities in the surrounding areas guarantee that you’ll never get bored during your visit.
Having been to Sedona at least once a year for over 30 years myself, there are plenty of incredible tourist attractions to check out. But, what are you supposed to do if you’re in a time crunch? How can you possibly browse all of your entertainment and food options, narrow them down, and then choose what to fill your day with?
Well, I’ve put together the perfect day in Sedona, from the most incredible breakfast all the way to late-night stargazing. With this itinerary, you can experience the absolute best of Sedona’s food, nature, and shopping — all within 24 hours. Let’s jump in!
Morning
5:30 AM: Start With Sunrise at Red Rock State Park
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Spring (March to May)
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Nature Lovers, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Hikers, Photographers, Spiritual Seekers
While you may not be eager to drag yourself out of bed at such an early hour, we promise you that it’s worth it for this beautiful sunrise experience. The gorgeous sandstone canyon views of Red Rock State Park are hands down the best way to enjoy watching the sunrise in Sedona.
Fill a thermos with tea or coffee and head on over to the park to enjoy the stunning nature of Sedona.
This park is full of beautiful wildlife and well-maintained walking trails, along with friendly park rangers to assist you with anything that you might need.
It can’t be stressed enough what a must-visit location Red Rock State Park is for your Sedona trip. The view of the sun rising over the beautiful landscape is a truly unforgettable experience!
7:00 AM: Have Breakfast at a Local Café in Uptown Sedona
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Fall and Spring (September to November, March to May)
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Food Enthusiasts, Wine Lovers, Culinary Explorers, Cultural Aficionados
You’re sure to be hungry after your trip to Red Rock State Park, so this is the perfect opportunity to head on over to Uptown Sedona and grab a bite to eat at a local café. It’s a quick 10-mile drive between these places, so you’ll be there in a jiffy.
We highly recommend Sedona Wellness Cafe with its healing and relaxing atmosphere or The Vault Uptown’s stunning patio that provides breathtaking views of Sedona.
There are countless other wonderful little spots to eat in Uptown Sedona. Wherever you choose to settle down, take a moment to enjoy your delicious breakfast right in the bustling heart of Sedona.
You’ll need all the energy you can get for the rest of your action-packed trip! So, make sure to pick a breakfast that’s hearty and can sustain you throughout the rest of the day. And, once you’ve rested a bit, it’s time to get a move on — we have plenty of things left to do!
8:00 AM: Take a Morning Hike on the Devil’s Bridge Trail
Peak Season
Spring (March to May)
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Nature Lovers, Hiking Enthusiasts, Outdoor Adventurers, Photography Aficionados
After you’ve wolfed down your breakfast, it’s time to embark on a seven-mile trip to the Devil’s Bridge Trail.
Now, don’t worry — despite its slightly sinister name, Devil’s Bridge Trail is an absolutely beautiful spot just outside Sedona.
With stunning views of the city’s vast landscape, abundance of wildlife, and beautiful creeks and lakes, you’re definitely going to want to tick this experience off your Sedona bucket list.
If you want to snap some pictures of your Sedona trip, this is absolutely the right time to bring the camera out. The views from Devil’s Bridge Trail are unbelievable, so be sure to snap a picture or two!
This trail is an extremely popular hiking spot, so expect to see a lot of friendly faces and make new friends on your journey.
Devil’s Bridge Trail is a moderately challenging route, so grab a water bottle and some comfortable shoes before you head out. It might take some effort, but it’s well worth it – we promise!
Mid-Morning
10:30 AM: Explore the Chapel of the Holy Cross
Peak Season
Fall and Spring (September to November, March to May)
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Spiritual Seekers, Religious Pilgrims, Architecture Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers
Once you’ve had your fill of taking pictures, hiking, and socializing with fellow hikers, it’s time to head south to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It’s another 10-mile trip that takes you through Uptown Sedona and down to the Chapel area.
After the gorgeous sights at the Devil’s Bridge Trail, you might think you’ve seen it all. If you’re looking for somewhere else that’ll provide some absolutely stunning views of Sedona, then the Chapel of the Holy Cross has you covered.
This 1950s chapel is built directly into the red rock buttes of Sedona and provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. The church itself is absolutely beautiful and is a fascinating building to explore during your Sedona trip.
The chapel is free to tour and is definitely worth paying a visit to if you’re interested in religion, history, architecture, or just want to check out some more gorgeous views of Sedona!
Depending on where you park, there may be a slight trek from your parking spot to the chapel. Keep your eye out for the friendly staff members who will be patrolling the area in golf carts, ready to give you a ride to the top!
Afternoon
12:00 PM: Visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
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Fall and Spring (September to November, March to May)
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Art Enthusiasts, Shoppers Seeking Unique Crafts, Cultural Explorers
With the sun now high up in the sky, it’s time to seek shelter from the heat. And what’s a better way to do this than by visiting Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village – an attraction just three miles from the Chapel of the Holy Cross?
Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village is another must-visit location in Sedona. This lively outdoor market hosts incredible art galleries and unique shops that dot the village’s adorable cobblestone paths.
The village is authentically modeled after the appearance of a traditional Mexican community, and the energy of this stunning area creates a once-in-a-lifetime shopping experience.
The atmosphere and architecture of Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village are just as much of an attraction as the shopping experience itself.
Are we surprised that this place is one of the most beloved parts of Sedona? The name “Tlaquepaque” literally translates to “best of everything”!
That’s certainly what this arts and shopping village provides, and it’s another absolutely beautiful location to check out during your Sedona trip.
1:00 PM: Lunch at Elote Café
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Fall (September to November)
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Food Lovers, Culinary Enthusiasts, Lovers of Southwestern Cuisine
By this point in the day, we’re pretty sure you already want to enjoy a cold drink and a hearty lunch to keep your energy levels up.
After an hour roaming the art village, it’s time to head on over to Elote Café for the best lunch that money can buy.
This is an absolutely phenomenal restaurant located inside a gorgeous hotel in Uptown Sedona, just a short, one-mile drive from Tlaquepaque.
The Mexican cuisine on offer is to die for, with the enchiladas being the crowd favorite. Not only is the food a winner, but the atmosphere is just as incredible with beautiful surroundings and outstanding service from the friendly staff.
As you may expect, this is an extremely popular spot, so be sure to book in advance!
You certainly wouldn’t want to miss out on your chance to enjoy the delectable food at the wonderful Elote Café.
2:30 PM: Take a Pink Jeep Tour
Peak Season
Fall to Spring (October to April)
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Adventure Seekers, Nature Lovers, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Photography Aficionados
Of course, you can’t surround yourself with Sedona’s beautiful and famous red-rock landscape without taking the opportunity to get out there among it all.
Don’t worry because Pink Jeep Tours has you covered! These tours are an extremely popular tourist attraction in Sedona that offer a backcountry tour from the most experienced and knowledgeable guides in the area.
In fact, these guides are what really make the Pink Jeep Tours so special.
These skilled drivers are praised by previous tour guests for providing insider information, recommendations for the best spots for photos, and even some humorous anecdotes during the slower parts of the trip.
Not only is this tour another great spot for some photo opportunities, but it’s also the perfect way to see the best of Sedona and gain some knowledge of the area and its history.
Make sure to book a tour in advance! These famous trips sell out easily, and it’d be a shame if you’d miss out on any one of them.
Mid-Afternoon
4:30 PM: Visit the Sedona Heritage Museum
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Spring and Fall Months
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History Buffs, Cultural Explorers, Museum Enthusiasts, Art Lovers, Nature Admirers
Follow up the fascinating Pink Jeep Tour with some further education on Sedona’s history by paying the Sedona Heritage Museum a visit.
This museum is located in a preserved family farmstead just under a mile from Pink Jeep Tours.
Here, you can expect to see a vast collection of artifacts from the Jordan family on display who were the original owners of this historic museum.
There are also several exhibits showcasing the lives of the Schneblys, the founders of Sedona.
Aside from these exhibits, there are many other sections of the museum showcasing the city’s history that are well worth checking out.
You can purchase an audio guide for a self-guided tour or simply wander around this beautiful, historic farmstead and bask in the city’s rich past.
Evening
6:00 PM: Explore Uptown Sedona for Shopping and Souvenirs
Peak Season
Spring and Fall Months
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Shopaholics, Art Enthusiasts, Souvenir Collectors, Foodies, Outdoor Lovers
One of the advantages of capping off your afternoon at the Sedona Heritage Museum is that you’re so close to the electric environment of Uptown Sedona.
After an hour and a half of learning more about the city, take some time to explore the gorgeous Uptown Sedona area that’s just under a mile south of the museum.
And while you’re at it, why not indulge in a little bit of shopping (or a lot — we won’t judge!)?
You can return to Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village or check out the stunning Sedona Original Uptown Mall Plaza.
Wander through the streets of the area and take in the gorgeous architecture and refreshing atmosphere.
You’re going to want to remember this Sedona trip for years to come, so don’t forget to pick up a souvenir or two! This way, you’ll always remember Sedona’s beautiful landscapes and friendly locals.
7:00 PM: Grab an Early Dinner at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
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Spring and Fall Months
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Food Enthusiasts, Lovers of Latin Cuisine, Cultural Explorers, Outdoor Enthusiasts
After such a long day, you’re going to want a dinner that’s going to be both delicious and satisfying.
For this one, we recommend that you head on over to Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill to enjoy some incredible food and an amazing atmosphere.
The restaurant is just a few minutes west of Uptown Sedona, giving you a bit of a break from all the hustle and bustle.
This is another spot where you’re going to want to grab your camera, because not only is the food here phenomenal, but the presentation is also out of this world!
Creative and plated to perfection, Mariposa is the best little dinner spot for your trip.
With wonderful staff, comfortable dining rooms, and a beautiful and unique restaurant design, this is truly the best pick to end your Sedona dining experience. Again, this is a popular spot, so don’t forget to make a booking beforehand!
Night
8:30 PM: Catch the Sunset at Airport Mesa
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March Through May in the Spring, and September Through November in the Fall
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Scenic View Seekers, Nature Lovers, Photography Enthusiasts
Now that you’re full and satisfied, make the one-mile trip south to Airport Mesa to slowly wind down your day.
Airport Mesa is a popular hiking loop around Table Top Mountain that’s known for providing absolutely stunning sunset views.
Go ahead and either hike or drive up to the lookout and experience the view of the breathtaking sunset over Sedona’s incredible landscape.
This is a very moderate hike, so don’t worry about having to expend too much energy to enjoy these views.
The view of the sun painting the sky red and orange is the perfect way to finish up your action-packed day in Sedona, and Airport Mesa is guaranteed to provide you with unforgettable sights of the surrounding area!
Don’t forget to bring your camera: These are some views that you’re going to want to post on social media or put together in a scrapbook!
9:30 PM: End the Day with Stargazing — Sedona Is a Dark Sky Community
Peak Season
Spring and Fall Months
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Hiking Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers, Outdoor Adventurers, Photography Aficionados
End your night in Sedona by taking in the beautiful views of the night sky.
Sedona is a Dark Sky Community, which means that when you kick back and stargaze at the end of the day, the stars will shine brightly against the darkened backdrop of the city.
The highlight of Sedona is the breathtaking nature and landscape that surrounds it, so it only makes sense that you finish off your trip by taking in the view of the stars above you.
Enjoy the view of the night sky from your hotel room with a glass of wine and some soft music playing in the background.
Or, if you still have some energy, drive out to an outlook such as Jordan Road Trailhead to get the best views!
