With its awe-inspiring red rock formations, hiking trails, and luxury spas, Sedona, Arizona, is the perfect place to usher in your married life. Plan your Sedona honeymoon to discover why some people describe it as the most beautiful place on earth.
Table of Contents
Is Sedona a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Sedona’s serene atmosphere and breathtaking natural beauty make it the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Sedona has the ideal balance whether you’re the pleasure-seeking or adventurous type. Here you’ll enjoy a soothing romantic backdrop of stunning red rock formations, adrenaline-packed activities, rejuvenating spa days, and more.
What Activities Can You Do on a Sedona Honeymoon?
Sedona offers a plethora of adventurous activities for all your bucket list fantasies. Here are the most popular to include in your Sedona honeymoon:
- Sightseeing. There are so many attractions to see in or near Sedona. Add the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, and the Heritage Museum to your list.
- Swimming. Red Rock or Slide Rock State Park are the two best places to swim and cool off in Sedona.
- Hiking and mountain biking. With over 200 trails, there’s an ideal hike for you and your partner.
- Romantic walks. Downtown Sedona is lined with local shops, restaurants, galleries, and cafes.
- Wine tasting tours. The wine industry is booming in Sedona. One of the most notable wineries is Page Cellars.
- Day trips. Within a few hours of Sedona, you can find Antelope Canyon, Route 66, Walnut Canyon National Monument, and the Grand Canyon.
- Spot UFOs. The special energy and vortexes in Sedona make it a unique place. Multiple companies offer star-gazing and UFO tours.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Sedona?
The best time to visit Sedona is spring (March to May) and fall (October to September). These months have cooler temperatures, perfect for most outdoor activities. Generally, Sedona is an all-year-round tourist destination. However, summers are sweltering, while winters are chilly.
Is a Honeymoon in Sedona Expensive?
A week-long honeymoon may cost $2,500-$5,000 per couple. However, this amount may be higher or lower depending on your preferred activities, type of food and accommodation, flights, and the season of your visit. Depending on where you live, a trip to Sedona could be a great option for an affordable mini-moon.
How To Plan a Budget Sedona Honeymoon
- Visit during summer (June to August) or winter (December to February). Choose between hot or cold weather, and enjoy great deals on flights, food, and accommodation. These months are the best time to avoid crowds.
- Explore free and cheap excursions such as hiking, walking, and swimming.
- Book a vacation rental instead of a hotel. Cook some homemade meals and bring home your leftovers.
- Use public transport instead of hiring a car/taxi.
5 Best Areas to Stay In Sedona
Although Sedona is a small desert town, it’s a magnet for nature lovers, romantics, and anyone who wants a good time. Here are the five best areas to stay in this gorgeous town:
Uptown Sedona
Uptown Sedona offers all the magic of a bustling city. Although there are no pumping nightclubs, you’ll enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the plentiful bars. It’s the best place for first-timers since connecting to other areas is easy. This town has the best hotels and honeymoon resorts for a luxurious experience.
Activities include:
- Hiking the Chapel Trail for a jaw-dropping view of the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
- Visiting Tlaquepaque Arts and crafts village and exploring the numerous specialty shops and galleries. You can get fabulous souvenirs such as sculptures and architectural decor pieces.
- Taking a pink jeep tour to explore the nearby natural wonders.
Oak Creek
The village of Oak Creek is located about 6 miles south of Sedona uptown. It’s most famous for the Oak Creek Canyon and is the best place for adventure. This town is your best pick if you want a more romantic and quiet getaway.
Activities include:
- Star gazing: Oak Creek is a certified international dark sky place hence best for stargazing. You can go on a night jeep tour or view from your hotel’s parlor.
- Hiking the Oak Creek trail for perfect views of Cathedral Rock.
- Go swimming at Grasshopper Point in Oak Creek Canyon.
West Sedona
West Sedona is another epic neighborhood a few miles away from the town. If uptown Sedona is too busy for your liking, west Sedona is the best alternative. Apart from the scenic hiking trails, the town has art galleries, local breweries, and shops.
Activities include:
- Hiking Sunset Park and Boynton Canyon trails.
- Shopping for fresh products from the Sedona community farmers market.
- Exploring the art galleries and admiring Native American art.
- Experiencing spiritual wellness at Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park.
- Taking a day trip to Red Rock state park and enjoying a picnic amid the red rock formations.
Bell Rock
Bell Rock is the best place to explore Sedona’s natural beauty. As the name suggests, this area surrounds a unique bell rock which consists of a red rock butte. It has numerous picturesque hiking trails, making it the perfect getaway in nature.
Activities include:
- Rock climbing at Bell Rock for panoramic vistas.
- Walking, bike riding, or horseback riding the Red Rock trail for excellent views of the Bell Rock and courthouse butte.
- Exploring the indigenous southwest communities and learning about their culture.
Cottonwood
Cottonwood is the best place to explore the Arizona desert. It’s an excellent place for a laid-back getaway since it’s small and quiet. The town has numerous hiking trails, including the unique Verde Valley wine-tasting trail.
Activities include:
- Wine tasting in numerous Verde Valley wineries.
- Walking the Jail Trail from the old Cottonwood jail and dipping in the river.
- Visiting the Tuzigoot National Monument, Clemenceau Heritage Museum, and Jerome State Historic Park.
How Long Should You Stay in Sedona on Your Honeymoon?
Five days is an ideal time to spend in Sedona. Although the town is relatively small, it has much to do and see. You’ll have enough time to hike the scenic trails, explore the local bars and restaurants, and visit galleries. Plan a relaxing day at the spa after a visit to the magical vortex sites for healing and wellness. A day trip to the Grand Canyon will also fit perfectly in your five-day Sedona visit.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Sedona?
The best way to travel to Sedona is by flight. The most convenient route is to fly to Sedona Airport, within city limits. You can also fly into Phoenix International Airport (two hours drive to the town) and connect using the shuttle bus. Other closeby airports include Flagstaff and Prescott.
Traveling Within Sedona
Traveling within Sedona is easy, and you have several options depending on your budget and preferences.
- Car: Renting a car is the best way to explore this wonderful town. It makes it easier to visit different neighborhoods at your pace and make stopovers to shop and savor the local delicacies. You can also opt to rent off-road cars to access backcountry trails.
- Bus: If you’re on a tight budget, you can still connect major neighborhoods such as Oak Creek, Flagstaff, Cottonwood, and Sedona Town using the Verde shuttle.
- Bicycle: Renting a bike is the best option for cycling enthusiasts to explore backcountry trails. You can use the bus to connect from one neighborhood to another to save time.
- Walking: Walking is also a popular way to move around Sedona. However, it’s only suitable if you’re visiting a single neighborhood.
What Types of Accommodations Are Available in Sedona?
Sedona has a variety of luxury and budget-friendly types of accommodation. The most popular types include grand villas, boutique hotels (such as Creekside), mid-range hotels, and vacation rentals (such as Airbnb).
Most of the architecture in Sedona is “Pueblo Revival.” The color palette is neutral, and many homes and hotels have an adobe-style and wooden beamed roof.
3 Local Foods to Try In Sedona, Arizona
Sedona offers a mixture of cuisines, including Italian, western and Mexican tastes. Don’t leave without trying the following:
- Rattlesnake sausage: This delicacy is made with rattlesnake meat, usually served with vegetables.
- Smoked brisket enchiladas: Beef or chicken enchiladas made with smoked meat rolled in tortillas and usually served with chilled guacamole.
- Woodfired pizza: As the name suggests, this is pizza cooked in a brick oven. The cooking time is shorter, and the vegetables retain their nutritious value for healthier and more delicious pizza.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Sedona
Sedona is a casual place, and what you pack depends on the weather. Generally, this town has warm weather, except in the winter. That said, here’s what you should include:
- Light clothes for warm months and heavy wear for winter
- Hiking gear (boots, comfortable shoes, water bottles, etc.)
- Backpack
- Personal items (prescriptions, credit/debit cards, driving license, etc.)
- High-quality camera
- Power bank
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- First aid kit
Is Sedona Safe to Visit?
Sedona is a safe place to visit due to the low crime rate attributed to its small size and low population. In addition, there’s a low risk of mugging and pickpockets. Here are safety tips when visiting the area:
- Practice general precautions
- Mind your luggage.
- Don’t carry too much cash.
- Always use recognized guides.
- Avoid deserted areas and unmarked trails.
- Be careful when hiking steep areas.
- Always bring a first aid kit when hiking.
- Bring lots of water when hiking/walking.