Ashlyn HayesSedona, Arizona is at the top of many families’ bucket lists, and it certainly deserves to be there! When you finally get your chance to visit Sedona, you want to make sure you are making the most of your precious vacation.
There are so many incredible things to do in Sedona that you could easily spend a full week here. However, if your family only has 3 days, that’s okay! 3 days in Sedona is absolutely enough time to see the best of what Sedona has to offer.
I have visited Sedona twice with my husband and two young children. Both trips were short trips. The first trip was 3 days long, the second trip was 2 days long. I was worried that we wouldn’t be able to do everything that there is to do in Sedona and that we would leave with regrets. However, following this exact itinerary for the first trip left us feeling fulfilled and we had the most incredible vacation!
It can be overwhelming sifting through all of the information about activities, sights, and hikes in Sedona, especially when you’re traveling with young kids. I’m going to make sure you see the highlights, get out on the best kid-friendly hikes like the Birthing Cave hike, and eat at the best family restaurants like Pisa Lisa.
Let’s get into it so you feel confident about your trip to Sedona knowing you’re going to see all of the best things in Sedona in 3 days!
Table of Contents
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Day 1: Exploring Sedona’s Natural Beauty
Morning: Arrival and Check-in
Welcome to Sedona! Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Sedona offers a range of lodging options from luxurious resorts to cozy bed-and-breakfasts. Prices can vary, but there are options for every budget. More on accommodations later.
Scenic Drive through Red Rock Scenic Byway
Start your adventure with a scenic drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179 south of Sedona). This stretch of road is packed with stunning views. This is a great way to get a feel for the area and take in some beautiful Sedona sights without hiking.
Key viewpoints to stop at include Bell Rock Vista and Cathedral Rock, both offering excellent photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs and soak in the beauty. You finally made it to Sedona!
Afternoon: Cathedral Rock Hike
Hiking is often one of the biggest draws to Sedona. It can be intimidating seeing a bucket list place like Sedona all over social media with its beautiful hikes and not knowing if any of the hikes are kid friendly.
Fortunately, many of the most beautiful hikes in Sedona are safe for kids. Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s most famous hikes and I designate it as “kid-friendly,” with an asterisk.
According to AllTrails, this hike is 1.2 miles out-and-back with 741 feet of elevation gain. While the mileage is relatively short, keep in mind just how much elevation gain that is. Most of that is done via rock scrambling, which is a type of hiking that involves using your hands to help you climb up steep, rocky terrain.
We did this hike with our 4-year old and our 1-year old. The 1-year old was in our favorite hiking backpack, but it still increased the difficulty for my husband. Our 4-year old was able to do this hike by himself, but only because he has a lot of confidence and experience with hiking. I do not recommend this hike with young children if you do not hike regularly, or your child does not have confidence on the trail.
All that said, this is my favorite hike in Sedona. The trail is moderately challenging but rewarding, with panoramic views at the top (Peep the photo above, this is from the top of Cathedral Rock).
Cathedral Rock is the sight of one of Sedona’s vortexes. A Sedona vortex is believed to be a swirling center of energy emanating from the earth. People visit these spots for meditation and self-exploration, hoping to feel inspired or recharged by this energy. Whether the energy is real or imagined, the vortex sites are known for their stunning natural beauty, and you can certainly feel the peacefulness at the top of Cathedral Rock overlooking the expanse of Sedona.
This hike is on exposed rock with limited shade, so you’ll want to do it early in the morning or late in the evening if you’re going during the warmer months. Please make sure to bring plenty of water.
This is also an incredibly popular trail and the parking lot fills up, so if you go during peak season consider taking the free shuttle from town. The Sedona Shuttle runs year-round from Thursday to Sunday, 7:30am-5pm. It has different operating hours during spring break and holidays, you can check the schedule here. The trailhead shuttle is free and does not require reservations.
Slide Rock State Park
If you still have energy after climbing Cathedral Rock (we know the kids will still have the energy), you should head to Slide Rock State Park next. This is about 10 miles up the road from the Cathedral Rock parking lot, and about a 15 to 25 minute drive depending on traffic.
Famous for its natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek, this park provides a fun and refreshing way to cool off during the hot Arizona summers. There is a natural waterfall in the rock that makes for an incredibly fun afternoon, and a great way to beat the heat.
In my opinion, this stop is only worth it in the warm summer months, so check the weather. If you aren’t interested in swimming you can skip this stop.
Evening: Dinner at a Local Restaurant
As the sun sets, head back into town for dinner. There are a variety of family-friendly restaurants in Sedona that offer delicious local cuisine and culture. As a vegetarian, I was thrilled by the variety of options available that cater to various diets. Sedona is certainly an inclusive town.
Our first night we ate at Pisa Lisa in West Sedona and had the most incredible artisan-style pizza. The decor inside was vibrant, fun, and eccentric. It was a great first dinner to settle into the area after a long day. I highly recommend!
Day 2: Adventure and Spirituality
Morning: Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop Trail
You’re going to kick off your second day with a morning hike. But first, coffee.
On your way to the trailhead, stop and get coffee at Black Potion Coffee & Crystals. I mean, where else besides Sedona can you get a cup of coffee and get a psychic reading at the same time? This shop is so unique and the vibe is excellent. It’s a great way to start your day.
Now for the hike, I recommend one of 2 options. If you enjoyed the rock scrambling and elevated views of Cathedral Rock, today you will do Bell Rock.
From our experience Bell Rock starts as a hiking trail at the trailhead, but then becomes more of a “free scramble” as you work your way up the formation. We had a lot of fun paving our own path and taking our time on this one.
We were told that this was a great spot for sunset, so we did this one in the evening. This is not true. The sun sets on the opposite side of the rock. While I’m glad we did it in the evening to take advantage of the cooler temperatures, we certainly could have found a more dramatic sunset elsewhere.
If you want to skip the scrambling and do a flatter, easy hike, do the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail instead. According to AllTrails this is a 3.6 mile loop with only 341 feet of elevation gain, and it brings you around the beautiful red rock formations instead of on top of them. Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock share the same trailhead.
Similar to the Cathedral Rock parking lot, the Bell Rock parking lot is small and fills up quickly. The Sedona Shuttle also runs to the Bell Rock trailhead.
Lunch in Uptown Sedona
For lunch, explore Uptown Sedona, the heart of the town’s shopping and dining scene. There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants to choose from, offering everything from casual fare to more upscale dining.
With kids I recommend eating at Wildflower in Uptown Sedona. This restaurant is cafeteria style, meaning no sitting still and waiting for a server. There’s ample outdoor seating with gorgeous views of the red rocks. They also have plentiful vegetarian options (so it was a major win in my book).
Afterward, take a stroll through Uptown. Uptown Sedona offers a diverse shopping experience with a mix of Native American jewelry and crafts, local art galleries showcasing Southwestern styles, and souvenir shops.
You will also find spiritual and metaphysical items like crystals and incense, alongside trendy boutiques and outdoor gear stores. Not to mention lots of treats. This area is a shopping lover’s playground. It’s so much fun!
Afternoon: Spiritual Discovery
I talked about Sedona’s vortexes earlier in the article, and while the vortexes offer a unique way to connect with Sedona’s spiritual energy, they aren’t the only places where visitors can find a sense of peace and contemplation.
Architectural marvels like the Chapel of the Holy Cross and the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park provide stunning settings for reflection and prayer, each offering a different perspective on the area’s sacred landscape.
Regardless of your religious or spiritual beliefs, I encourage you to spend time this afternoon at one of these famous Sedona spiritual sites. It is an important piece of getting the full Sedona experience.
Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, located at the base of Thunder Mountain, offers a tranquil setting with stunning red rock views. Kids can explore the grounds and discover prayer wheels and statues, while families enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and connect with nature.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is built into the red rocks and offers stunning views. The short walk to the chapel is scenic, and the site itself is a unique architectural experience. Paved paths around the chapel provide access to different viewpoints and photo opportunities, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the surrounding red rock formations.
Evening: Sunset at Airport Mesa or a Scenic Drive
For your second evening in Sedona, head to Airport Mesa to watch the sunset. This scenic overlook offers some of the best views in town, and the sunset here is truly spectacular. It is also the site of another Sedona vortex.
It’s the perfect way to spend an evening, especially if you bring some ice cream from Rocky RD Ice Cream Co. with you. They make their ice cream homemade and also have multiple vegan options. We ate there twice on our trip! It’s that good!
Alternatively, a drive up Oak Creek Canyon Drive (Highway 89A) north of Sedona towards Flagstaff also offers incredible sunset views. We were lucky enough to witness a rainbow along with the sunset while driving this byway and it was one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen!
This was my favorite place to catch sunset in Sedona. You only need to drive this road a few miles to get all of the spectacular views.
Note that there are limitations for vehicle size on this highway (maximum length 50’) due to the hairpin turns.
Day 3: Birthing Cave and Shopping
Morning: Hike to Birthing Cave
Start your final day with a hike to the Birthing Cave. This lesser-known trail is a hidden gem that offers a unique and rewarding experience. This is a short hike and is manageable for families, and the cave itself is a fascinating destination with a lot of cultural significance.
According to AllTrails this hike is 1.9 miles and 232 feet of elevation gain. Be aware that scrambling up into the cave is rather steep. Our 4 year old wasn’t able to do this, it is too dangerous for young kids. Someone will need to stay with the kids at the base of the cave while the other adult scrambles up into the cave. The views and photos are worth it!
Afternoon: Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village
In the afternoon, visit Tlaquepaque (pronounced tuh-lah-keh-pah-keh) Arts and Crafts Village. This charming village is filled with art galleries, shops, and restaurants. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant arts scene. There are often live music and events that the whole family can enjoy.
There are a variety of restaurants at Tlaquepaque to grab lunch at, but I recommend the Secret Garden Cafe. They use all locally sourced and healthy foods, and they have a separate children’s menu.
If you prefer to shop local, there is a wonderful place called Son Silver West just down the road. You can’t miss it, they have a large display of their items outside. They are family owned and operated, and they specialize in Southwestern traditional crafts and art pieces. We bought the most beautiful lamp when we were shopping there and it is one of our favorite pieces in our home.
Evening: Relax and Recover
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I’m guilty of overplanning our trips and by the time we get home I need a vacation after our vacation.
Let’s not make that happen after your incredible trip to Sedona. Take this evening to relax. Maybe you’re staying at a fabulous resort that offers spa services and your partner will watch the kids for an hour? Maybe there’s a fudge store you passed by 10 different times and you finally decide to stop at it.
We spent our final evening taking turns in the massage chair at our hotel (on our first trip we stayed at Aiden by Best Western Sedona, on the second trip we camped with the kids). Yes, even budget hotels like Best Westerns can have massage chairs in Sedona.
Afterward, I took our 4-year-old to see a movie at the movie theater and then got Rocky RD Ice Cream while my husband and the baby had an early bedtime. Sometimes you need that on vacation, and that’s okay!
Practical Information and Tips
Best Time to Visit Sedona
Sedona is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November).
During these months, the weather is pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, there will be more crowds. Keep in mind that Sedona is also a very popular Spring Break destination.
We visited in January both times we went to Sedona, and while the snow dusting was beautiful and lesser crowds were nice, we had to be careful on the hiking trails due to icy spots.
How to Get to Sedona
Phoenix to Sedona
Planning your trip from Phoenix to Sedona? Sedona doesn’t have a major airport, so flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is your closest option. From there, it’s a scenic 2-hour drive through the stunning Arizona landscape. Renting a car at PHX is highly recommended to allow your family to see everything on this itinerary.
Las Vegas to Sedona
If you prefer to fly Las Vegas, you can still easily reach Sedona, the drive is just longer. Fly into Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) and take a 4.5-hour road trip through diverse desert scenery. While the drive from Las Vegas to Sedona is longer, it offers a chance to experience more of the Southwest.
Transportation in Sedona
As mentioned above, you need to have a car in Sedona to fully experience the area. However, within the town, there are relatively walkable parts, especially in areas like Uptown Sedona. There are also guided tours available if you prefer not to drive.
The Pink Jeep Tours are incredibly popular, although they were out of our price range so we opted not to do one of these tours. There are other off-roading adventure tours available as well if that is something you are interested in.
As mentioned previously, the Sedona Shuttle is a convenient and efficient way to get around the city, too.
How Expensive is Sedona?
Sedona can be pricey, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Accommodations range from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts. Dining can also be affordable if you choose casual eateries. Planning and booking in advance can help you save money. As I mentioned before, we camped the second time we visited, and this was a great way to save money.
Day Trip to Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is about a 2-hour drive from Sedona, making it a feasible day trip if time allows. If you only have 3 days in Sedona, time does not allow.
Recommended Hotels
As a travel advisor with extensive knowledge about Sedona, I can help you find the perfect place to stay. I’m a preferred partner with several top hotels in the area, which means I can offer my clients exclusive perks and benefits. Booking with me is free!
Luxury Choice: Amara Resort & Spa
Located along the banks of Oak Creek, Amara Resort & Spa offers a luxurious retreat with stunning red rock views. This boutique resort features a beautiful infinity pool, a full-service spa, and a top-notch restaurant. Families will appreciate the spacious rooms and the resort’s proximity to Uptown Sedona’s shops and restaurants.
Mid Range: Courtyard Sedona
The Courtyard Sedona is a fantastic option for families looking for comfort and convenience. The hotel offers ample amenities, including an outdoor pool, fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. It’s situated near some of Sedona’s best hiking trails, making it an excellent base for your adventures.
Budget: Aiden by Best Western
This is where we stayed on our first visit to Sedona. We had a lovely stay here. It has a convenient location on the main road in West Sedona, a nice seasonal outdoor pool, complimentary massage chairs, and a wonderful free breakfast. We didn’t plan on spending much time at the hotel so this was a fine option for us.
Additional Hikes:
This was the perfect 3 day itinerary for us with young kids, and I know you will love it too. However, some people come to Sedona with two things on the mind and these two things only: the Subway Cave hike and the Devil’s Bridge hike.
These Instagram-famous hikes are on many people’s bucket lists, and that’s great! For us parents who travel with young kids, we know that sometimes we have to sacrifice some of these things that social media makes us feel like we’re missing out on.
For reference, according to AllTrails the Subway Cave hike (Boynton Canyon Trail) is 6.5 miles out-and-back with 918 feet of elevation gain, and the Devil’s Bridge hike is is 3.9 miles and 521 feet of elevation gain.
With older kids one of these may be doable, but with little kids it just isn’t realistic.
It would take most of your day to do the Subway Cave hike just to get that iconic photo at the end.
I promise you, there are so many places in Sedona that are more beautiful than that, and it just isn’t worth wasting your precious time when you only have 3 days. I’ve hiked that far with little kids. Nobody is happy when you’re done.
You will still get really cool cave photos in Birthing Cave, and incredible overlook photos at the summit of Cathedral Rock that look just as impressive (if not even better!).
Planning a Family Trip to Sedona?
Sedona is truly magical and tops many people’s bucket list for good reason. If you follow this 3 day Sedona itinerary I guarantee you will have a great first visit and a fantastic family vacation!
