Are you only spending one day in Sedona? Arizona and neighboring states offer a LOT to see and a road trip in this area can be hard to plan with all of your options. But, if you choose to include Sedona, you’re in for a very fun, memorable, and beautiful day in red rock country.
How Do I Make the Most out of Sedona in Only 1 Day?
While I recommend staying more than one day in the town of Sedona, if that’s all you have, you can create an experience that will give you a great taste—plus, have you planning your next trip out! This day will include hiking (of course!), swimming, shopping, eating, and prickly pear margaritas.
The day may be packed full, but you want to take advantage of as many things as you can…so, allow me to be your travel guide:
One Day in Sedona: The Best Itinerary
PLAN AHEAD: Breakfast and Lunch
You want an EARLY start in Sedona. Plan ahead to have coffee and a light breakfast either in your room or while you’re driving in. Also, bring a few trail snacks in case the hunger sets in—we’ll be kicking things off with a hike.
In addition, be fully prepared with a stocked cooler. You’ll need sandwiches, a few snacks, and drinks of choice. Your post-hike cool-down requires an easy, fun, picnic meal. More below 🙂
Not only will you save time by doing these things, but a few bucks as well. And don’t worry, you’ll try plenty of Sedona food afterward!
One Day in Sedona: Morning (7 AM – 11 AM)
HIKE: Boynton Canyon Trail
ALL trips to Sedona, Arizona should include hiking whether you have one day in Sedona or five. And admiring the red rock formations is the perfect way to start the day and take in the true beauty of this place.
My recommendation? Boynton Canyon (one of the vortex sites) offers amazing canyon views as well as caves to climb and green trees for miles across the red rocks. It is gorgeous. The hike itself is moderate but starts off easy and flat to get your legs moving and body ready for the climb. And you can plan on it taking 2.5-3 hours. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water.
TIP: This is a popular hike. The best time to get here is the early morning (before 7 AM) in order to find a spot in the parking lot and deal with fewer crowds.
More Moderate Sedona Hiking Options:
- Devil’s Bridge: one of the MOST popular hikes (pictured below) where a LOT of Sedona tourists want to go. Keep in mind, you will wait anywhere from 1-3 hours for the bridge picture. I would say save this for when you have more time in the area.
- Bell Rock: This is another popular one, but a great choice for families because there is some (light) climbing involved that will keep the kids entertained. It is a short hike (just under a mile) but the climb gives it a Moderate rating.
- Bear Mountain: If you are looking for a big challenge—and incredible views, of course!
- Airport Mesa and Chapel of the Holy Cross are great hiking trails as well.
READ: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona for more ideas.
One Day in Sedona: Afternoon (11 AM – 4 PM)
Assuming you started hiking by 7 AM, your mission will be accomplished around 10 AM. And you’re likely in need of cooling down. The best place to do it is just a short (beautiful) 30-minute scenic drive to…
EXPLORE: Slide Rock State Park
I would 100% incorporate Slide Rock State Park into your one day in Sedona, Arizona! This place is a TON of fun. And the cold water feels great after a hot morning of hiking through the red rocks.
The state park is located in Oak Creek Canyon and is known for its natural water slides and great views. Park prices vary depending on the time of year, but the hot season weekends (Memorial Day-Labor Day) are $30 per vehicle (up to 4 adults.) Once you pay at the entrance and park, take a short walk into the canyon and you’ll soon find people swimming, sliding, and relaxing on the rocks.
Don’t Forget to Bring:
- Cooler: Lunch and adult beverages—just no glass.
- Swimsuit: Going down the natural slides is a MUST.
- Water Shoes: Totally optional. But it is definitely slippery out there.
- Towels: Both for drying off and sitting on.
- Change of Clothes: Make sure you have something dry to throw on.
- Your Phone: It might not work service-wise but you need photos and videos—there are some of the best views!
SHOP: Uptown Sedona
After a few hours at the park, it’s time to head into the heart of Sedona: UPTOWN. It’s only about a 15-minute drive but be forewarned that this area of town gets BUSY. You likely won’t find a parking spot on the main drag, but there are side streets and additional parking lots throughout the area.
Shopping in Uptown is a great time with a ton of places for souvenirs, art galleries, clothing, antiques, healing rocks for my spiritual seekers, home decor, and sweets. Let yourself wander and find the shops that lure you in.
Not a Shopper? Hit Cowboy Club!
If you’re like me, shopping only lasts about 30 minutes or so! Ha. If you can relate, find a spot at the bar at Cowboy Club, a Western-themed cowboy bar with delicious cocktails and fun appetizers.
Order a prickly pear margarita (one of the best things about Sedona!) as well as the appetizer sampler which means you will be trying cactus fries, rattlesnake sausage (YES!), bison brochettes, and cilantro flatbread. It’s a fun experience trying all the different foods and the place is always a hoppin’ environment.
One Day in Sedona: Night (4 PM – 8 PM or so…)
Bring the shoppers and drinkers of your group back together with a fun happy hour to get your evening started!
HAPPY HOUR: 89Agave Cantina
You’ve got to be thirsty! And 89Agave Cantina is the perfect place to quench your thirst. Find a spot on the outdoor patio and enjoy the red rock views while sippin’ DELICIOUS margaritas. (The Spicy Margarita was one of my favorites EVER.) Plus, don’t forget appetizers that include guacamole, chicken flautas, nachos, and more.
DINNER: Pisa Lisa
This might just be the best part of your day—it’s one of my favorite places! The thin, wood-fired pizzas are next-level delicious and you can choose from classic toppings to ones that are more creative. There are two Pisa Lisa locations but you are closest to the one located at 254 AZ-89A—it’s only about a 5-10 minute drive.
It’s a chill environment and a great spot with friendly staff and an incredible menu from appetizers to desserts. I recommend the meatballs for an appetizer, the Justino pizza which is topped with ricotta, provolone-mozzarella, fresh prosciutto, organic arugula, and white truffle oil (for real, get this!) Then, make sure to get your favorite gelato for dessert—they will give you samples!
PARTY: Fun Sedona Bars
Sedona, Arizona is not known for its nightlife (everyone is up early to hike and the sun plays a role as well), but if you’re up for it, you do have a couple of fun options downtown Sedona with plenty of drinks and some with live music!
READ: The Best Bars in Sedona, Arizona to see what speaks to you for the night!
Sedona for Only One Day: The Best Itinerary
That’s a wrap for the one day itinerary! Using this will make sure you hit a few of the best places in northern Arizona. Outdoor activities, shopping, cocktailing, and eating your way through one of the most beautiful places in the United States.
HAVE A GREAT EXPERIENCE AND ENJOY YOUR DAY!
What’s next? Incorporate Grand Canyon National Park and/or Antelope Canyon to make your trip even more EPIC!
