Sedona, Arizona is a very popular tourist destination but it’s also a pretty popular place for locals. There are so many delicious restaurants, amazing hiking trails and a ton to do.
This post has been a labor of love and includes places I’ve found on my own, via the Internet, and via friends! Check out all of my recommendations and let me know if you’re inspired to visit!
Food & Drink
There is so much to eat and drink in Sedona, that I’ve had to create an entire post about it.
My favorite restaurant in Sedona is definitely Pisa Lisa. I have eaten alot of pizza in my day and Da Dorothy pizza from Pisa Lisa is definitely in the top 3! Da Dorothy comes with Mother sauce, provolone-mozzarella, parm-reggiano, Calabrese sausage and picante peppers that give it such a hearty kick. I ate this entire pizza and felt ridiculously full after but I wouldn’t change a thing. It was AMAZING. They also have gelato that I want to try next time! Check out The Ultimate Sedona Food and Drink Bucket List!
Hiking
There are so many good hikes in Sedona and if you happen to do a quick Google search, the most popular hike to come up will be Devil’s Bridge. Both tourists and locals love it because it’s a great workout and gives you amazing views!
Check out the Ultimate Sedona Hiking Bucket List for everything you need to know about hikes in Sedona!
Where to Stay
The Arabella Hotel in Sedona
If you’ve been to Sedona, Arizona you’ll know that the best place to stay will depend on what exactly you’re trying to do while visiting. Normally one has to choose between staying at a hotel that is near the best hikes or staying at a hotel near the restaurants and shops…but I’m here to tell you that if you want the best of both worlds, you need to check out the Arabella Hotel! The dining options at the hotel are great, it’s minutes away from restaurants and shops, and they have a private trail head to Marg’s Draw Trail. Check out my full review here.
Briar Patch Inn
Can y’all believe this beautiful creek was just a couple steps away from the cabin we stayed at in Sedona?!
I LOVED Briar Patch Inn and highly recommend them. I felt far away from civilization and totally immersed in nature….but still had access to a warm bed and a hot shower. Truly the best of both worlds. Have you stayed at a cabin? Check out my full review here.
What to See & Do
Enjoy the Views and Food at Mariposa Restaurant
Mariposa Restaurant has amazing food and the views from their parking lot are amazing!
Walk Around and Check out The Art
I love Sedona at Christmas time because they have such fun decorations!
Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
Happy almost Friday friends! If you’re looking for an activity that doesn’t involve (much) hiking, then check out Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park in Sedona, Arizona! It is a sacred site in a beautiful location, very peaceful, and you can meditate and renew your spirituality here. I personally love the sculptures in the area. Has anyone been here? Check out more photos here.
Chapel of the Holy Cross Cathedral
My friend got married at one of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever been too: Chapel of the Holy Cross Cathedral! It’s quite a walk to get up there but you get incredible views!
Shop and explore Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque is a place in Sedona modeled after the city (by the same name) in Jalisco, Mexico. Tlaquepaque in Sedona iss an outdoor market featuring art galleries, craft shops and really good restaurants. We recommend if you’re in the area and like artsy places.
Check out Tlapaque village for shoppingWalk around downtown Sedona, they have Christmas decorations around town (google maps to Outlaw Grill) and you can walk around there.
Roadtrip to Cottonwood
Did you know that Arizona wine country exists and that there are vineyards in Arizona that you can visit? Did you know that there are tastings rooms where you can try wine that is made exclusively from Arizona grown grapes? I had no idea any of this existed until Arizona Stronghold Vineyards invited me to check out their tasting room in Cottonwood, Arizona. After experiencing a wine tasting, I can wholeheartedly say that a wine tasting at Arizona Stronghold Vineyards needs to be on your bucket list.
Check out everything I learned here and let me know if you’re convinced to take a trip because I know I will definitely be back!
Roadtrip to Clarkdale for a Train Ride
If you’ve never been on a train ride before, I highly recommend Verde Canyon Railroad because the views are astounding and you are able to walk around in the fresh air with a drink in your hand. Train rides seriously provide the most epic of views and they’re made even more epic when enjoyed with the best company. Check out more photos here.
I hope you all enjoyed the list! Thank you all for reading, and stay enthusiastic!
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-Maira