Springtime in Sedona brings bright sunshine, mild temperatures and miles of stunning landscape to explore, making this Arizona city a fantastic place to vacation for spring break.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, proud foodie or a parent planning a quick getaway, here are a few ways that you can spend a perfect spring day in Sedona.
For the Outdoor Adventurer
Kick-start your day bright and early with a sunrise breakfast at Coffee Pot Restaurant. Order up an omelet, breakfast burrito or Buenos ranchers, and don’t forget the freshly ground coffee. You’ll need your energy for a high-octane ATV ride. The trails off of Forest Road 525 are manageable for beginners, while more experienced riders can get their thrills on the Outlaw Trail.
Hours exploring Sedona’s outback will work up an appetite, so stop off at Torts de Fuego for some of the best Mexican food in the city. With a belly full of shrimp tacos and fajita quesadillas, you’ll be ready for your next adventure. Rent a kayak and take a guided tour down the Verde River. Paddling past the ancient Sinatra Culture ruins and through the biodiversity of the region’s green spaces will give you a different view of the desert’s wonders.
Take a moment to dry off, but don’t slip your hiking boots off just yet. Refill your water bottle and head up the steep Cathedral Rock Trail No. 170. The good news is that it’s a round-trip hike of 1.5 miles; it’s also a steep climb that’s unshaded and challenging in some spots. Watching the sunset over the mountains is well worth the effort. A juicy Bison Burger and micro beers at The Grille at Shadow Rock will send you to an early – and well-deserved – bedtime.
For the Whole Family
Double-check your alarms and pack your day bags the night before; you’ll need to be up before the sun to treat the family to one of the coolest sights in Sedona. Hop in the basket of a hot-air balloon and watch the sun’s morning rays awaken the Cocooning National Forest. Rumbling tummies are no match for the buttermilk pancakes and scrambled eggs at the family-friendly Café Jose.
Let the little ones nap on a quick drive to Flagstaff, where you’ll find Arizona’s only adventure and zip line course. Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course has ropes courses for kids as young as seven and zip line runs for ages 12 and up. Younger tots in tow? The Out of Africa Wildlife Park in nearby Camp Verde is just as exciting.
Keep the rest of your evening open for a trip to The Blazin’ M Ranch, a western-themed frontier town where the kids can try mechanical bull riding, dress up for old time photos and sit in jail like an old west outlaw. A western-style meal and stage show will fill you with laughs and end the day.
For the Foodie
Taste the springtime bounty of Sedona’s family-run farms. Looking for a quick breakfast? Se donuts & Coffee has a handcrafted Vortex roll and Red Rock Roast coffee ready to go. If a sit-down breakfast or brunch is more your style, Pump House Station is your place. A Pump House Benedict with country ham, poached eggs and house Hollandaise will spike your appetite.
You won’t have trouble sniffing out a delicious lunch in Sedona;Hideaway House serves up Italian favorites with red rock views, while Sound Bites Grill is always rocking chili nachos with a side of live music. Or, shake up your itinerary and take a cooking class instead.
For dinner, Creekside American Bistro is a casual spot. It overlooks Oak Creek and offers red rock views while you dine on lamb chop lollipops, beef bone broth and Sedona green chili soup. Leave room for dessert at Rocky Rd Ice Cream Co. Their namesake scoop is decadent, though the prickly pear lime sorbet offers a unique taste of Arizona’s sweet fruit. If you fancy a nightcap, the bourbon pecan and cherries jubilee ice creams are gently infused with a touch of alcohol.
For the Wellness Warrior
As the Arizona sun streams through your window, you may wonder what to do in Sedona on such a beautiful spring day. Consider making The Secret Garden Cafe your first stop. Inhale a breath of fresh air on their patio as you scoop mouthfuls of the Garden’s World-Famous Deep-Dish Quiche.
Fill the rest of your morning with mindfulness on a yoga hiking session. Beginners and more experienced yogis will love striking a pose among the dramatic landscapes. Local Juicer is your next stop to give your body the same nourishment that morning yoga offered your mind and soul. A Humble Warrior smoothie with Kyoto-style cold brew and CBD oil will refuel and relax your muscles.
Why not indulge in a little pampering before dinner?before™ Spa has 25,000 square feet dedicated to wellness. Schedule a calming massage, customized facial and signature Sedona energy session to discover if the region’s cosmic forces will bring balance to your essence. Dinner at the organic oasis that is Chocolate Tree will deliver a taste of the freshest local in-season ingredients. Take it easy for the rest of the night, with a drive up to Airport Mesa. It’s accessible by car, a quiet place for meditation and is considered a vortex location where locals say you can tap into the energy of the earth.
For the Ultimate Spring Breaker
Get the party started at whatever time you please. Nick’s West Side serves breakfast all day so waffles, morning quesadillas and breakfast tacos are always available. Be sure to slip your swimsuit on beneath your clothes; your next stop will be Slide Rock State Park. A section of Oak Creek is a perfect swimming hole with red rocks creating a ready-made waterslide.
Searching for a place to beat the heat without missing out on the views? Play a few hands of cards at Cliff Castle Casino, perched in full view of the stark desert landscape. Keep an eye on your watch so you won’t chance missing a tee time at one of Sedona’s gorgeous golf courses. Choose either of the four courses, and you’ll be treated to red rock views so amazing you won’t mind coming in over par.
All-you-can-consume views are on the menu at Open Range Grill & Tavern. Large picture windows, a 12 oz rib eye steak, and a Moonshine Mule create an unforgettable dinner. Before you turn in for the night, head out for a cocktail. Sedona isn’t famous for its nightlife, but bars like Mooney’s Irish Pub will keep your evening lively. Live music, karaoke and darts, along with an extensive bar selection, are more than enough to give you fond memories of spring break in Sedona.
Where to stay: Sedona Summit, a Hilton Vacation Club Strikes the ideal balance of rustic elegance and puts you in the heart of Arizona’s Red Rock Country.
Read“The Mo St Scenic Spots to Capture on Instagram During Your Sedona Vacation” for more Sedona vacation must-do’s.