Looking to spend three days in Sedona for a couple’s getaway? If you love nature and want to explore this beautiful part of Arizona, this three-day itinerary will show you all the best parts of this gorgeous red rock community.
While the town of Sedona is small (there are only 10,000 residents), the town attracts over 3 million visitors every year. The area is well-known for its hiking, art, and beauty. Sedona boasts more than 300 miles of hiking trails, numerous art galleries, hotels, and day spas.
Allan and I recently visited Sedona for a much-needed couples getaway. It was the perfect mixture of relaxation and rejuvenation. We hiked, sipped coffee, kayaked, explored, and ate amazing food.
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, Sedona is the perfect place to visit. If you’re looking for an adventurous getaway, Sedona is the perfect place as well. One thing Sedona doesn’t do well is nightlife. But that was fine with us since we are more into nature than city life…most of the time.
DAY 1: SEDONA GETAWAY
Eat Breakfast at Wildflower Bread Company
On your first day of your three days in Sedona, start the morning off with a quick breakfast at Wildflower Bread Company. While we didn’t find the breakfast outstanding, the views certainly are! Snag an outdoor table on the patio with unbelievable mountain views.
Hike Soldier’s Pass Loop
(Brin’s Mesa + Soldier’s Pass Trail + Cibola Pass Trail)
A short distance from Wildflower Bread Company is the Jordan Road Trailhead. While you won’t be hiking the Jordan Trail, it’s a great place to park if you want to hike Soldier’s Pass Loop Trail.
First, using your debit or credit card, purchase a $5 parking permit from the kiosk in the parking lot. Make a quick trip to the onsite vault-style restrooms (don’t forget to hold your breath). Then, hit the trail.
This 5-mile loop provides beautiful views of rock formations, and wildflowers (if you visit in spring), and stops by several well-known landmarks including Soldier Arch, Seven Sacred Pools, and the Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole.
Have Lunch at Pump House Station Urban Eatery
You’ll be famished after all that hiking, so stop by the Pump House Station Urban Eatery and enjoy lunch on their back patio that butts up to Oak Creek. Large sycamores, green grass, and colorful flowers provide a peaceful ambiance.
Explore Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Take some time after lunch to explore the nearby art galleries and shops in the stunning Tlaquepaque Village. Cobblestone paths, beautiful landscapes, and arches will welcome you to stroll along and enjoy this area!
Experience the Airport Mesa Vortex
From the village, head to Airport Mesa to experience a popular Sedona vortex: Airport Mesa. If you’re up for more hiking, walk the 3.2-mile loop. If you just need some downtime, make the short trek up the rocky knoll to take in the incredible 360-degree views of Sedona. Sit and reflect, try some yoga, or even take a nap.
Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
While three days isn’t enough time to hike every trail Sedona has to offer, there are some places you can drive to without hiking. Many places in Sedona allow for hiking or driving. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of those places. Parking is free at the chapel, but the parking lot usually closes early, around 5 p.m.
This functional work of art was completed in 1956 and is uniquely situated on the red rocks.
Relax at the Hotel
If you’re not ready for dinner, head back to the hotel and enjoy the pool or spa while everyone else is at dinner. A soak in the hot tub is a great way to unwind after all the hiking and walking.
Dine at The Hudson
The Hudson is rated as one of the best restaurants in Sedona. You can expect that they will be busy! Either make reservations online well in advance (3+ weeks) or go early and expect a wait. If you can snag an outdoor patio table, you’ll get amazing views of the towering rock formations.
After dinner, head back to your hotel and get a good night’s rest!
DAY 2: SEDONA GETAWAY
Grab Breakfast at Layla’s Bakery-Café
Swing by Layla’s Bakery-Café for breakfast. Conveniently located near the turn-off for the trailhead, you’ll find an assortment of coffees, pastries, or heartier (and healthier) options like avocado toast, sandwiches, and breakfast burritos and bowls. To speed up your experience, order online ahead of time.
Hike to Devil’s Bridge
(Mescal Trail + Devil’s Bridge)
Devil’s Bridge is one of the most photographed, and popular, locations in Sedona. However, no trip to Sedona is complete without having seen this phenomenon at least once.
Most people park along Boynton Pass Road and walk up Dry Creek Road (an ATV/4×4 road) to the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead. Don’t be like most people. Alternatively, park at the Mescal Trailhead and take the Mescal Trail to Devil’s Bridge Trail.
The hike is just over 4 miles round trip and fairly easy…except for the last half mile to the top of Devil’s Bridge.
If you want to get your picture taken on the bridge, expect to wait 45+ minutes. When we arrived at 9 am, over 100 people were waiting for a photograph. Given the slowness of the line, I estimate that it would have been a 1 ½ hour wait. Having a photograph wasn’t that important to us, so we took a cheesy selfie and went on our merry way.
Get a Sandwich at Wildflower Bread Company
Grab a sandwich to-go from Wildflower Bread Company. Their homemade sourdough is all types of amazing. I recommend their turkey and brie on sourdough–delish! Either eat in the car on the way to your kayaking adventure or have a picnic lunch by the river when you arrive.
Kayak Down the Verde River
While it’s a bit of a drive, variety is the spice of life when you have three days in Sedona, and being on the water is always fun! Enjoy a 2-3 hour float down the Verde River, located about an hour south of Sedona. If it’s windy, you will need to do some paddling, but overall, this is a low-key adventure that is suitable for most adventurers.
Meander Through Uptown Sedona
After your trip down the river, you’ll be ready to take it easy. Walk the streets and explore the shops of Uptown Sedona. Pick out a souvenir for the kids at home, and listen to the music being played by the locals.
Eat Mexican Food for Dinner
If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican meal, head to Tortas de Fuego, one of the top-rated Mexican restaurants in Sedona. They had me at chips and salsa. If you’re looking for something more upscale, visit Javelina Cantina and enjoy some tacos and margaritas with a view.
Relax at the Hotel or Go Stargazing
After dinner, head back to the hotel to relax. Or, if you prefer, park your car under the dark night sky and do some stargazing. Favorite stargazing spots in Sedona include Airport Mesa, Two Trees, Jordan Road, and Crescent Moon.
DAY 3: SEDONA GETAWAY
Enjoy Breakfast at Red Rock Cafe or Casa Sedona
Start your last day with a leisurely breakfast. Either hit up Red Rock Cafe in Oak Creek Village or Casa Sedona Restaurant in Sedona.
Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte
Located at the southern end of Sedona and just north of Oak Creek Village, there are plenty of trails to explore around Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try climbing Bell Rock and see how high you can get!
Lunch at Momo’s Kitchen
The highest-rated eateries in Sedona is a food truck. Momo’s Kitchen is magic. I’m a huge fan of bibimbap, and Momo’s did not disappoint. The truck is located in Uptown Sedona, making it the perfect lunch stop as you head up Highway 89A for your next adventure.
Drive Scenic Highway 89A
Next, hit the road and take the scenic Highway 89A north toward Flagstaff. Go as far as you would like and enjoy the beauty of the creek as it winds through the rock-walled mountains.
Visit Red Rock State Park or Swim at Grasshopper Point
If swimming is your thing, spend the afternoon at Slide Rock State Park. Located right off Highway 89A, you’ll find natural rock slides…and a fair amount of people. Additionally, visitors also enjoy swimming at Grasshopper Point where the crowds are a little thinner.
Enjoy a Couple’s Massage at Red Rock Healing Massage
Undoubtedly, the perfect way to top off your couple’s getaway in Sedona is to get a couple’s massage! Healing arts are widely embraced in Sedona, so there are plenty of options to choose from. We chose Red Rock Healing Massage. Patricia and Leigh were top-notch! They listen to your preferences and seem to know exactly what you need. They incorporated aromatherapy into the session, which I loved. I left feeling incredibly light and relaxed.
Dinner Creekside American Bistro
Finally, finish off your last evening in Sedona with a dinner at Creekside American Bistro. Weather permitting, outdoor patio seating is always a great choice!
Start Dreaming About How You’ll Spend Your Next Three Days in Sedona
Before our visit, I had heard so much about Sedona I was a little afraid it wouldn’t live up to my expectations—but I was wrong! Spending three days in Sedona for a couple’s getaway was the best decision!
Sedona is the perfect combination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and foodies alike!
If you have any questions about planning a couple’s getaway or a family trip to Sedona, drop them in the comments below! I would love to hear from you!
