I really wish we were better about making the time to do family trips on our own, with no reason to do so except out of pure leisure and relaxation. In true Butler fashion, we had a reason for this trip. Elizabeth Garcia, a new photographer out of Miami, was visiting Arizona and she reached out to me on IG (this is why I love social media) to see if we would be willing to be subjects for her in Sedona. Cannon was over six months old and I really wanted family photos done when he was at this age, so it seemed like a no-brainer to me. I talked to Thor and he was completely on board, which surprised me because typically, men don’t like to do anything for a photoshoot haha. But we decided we would make a mini family getaway of it.
We were only there for 24 hours, but had such an enjoyable time escaping to cooler weather and being outside with Cannon (he thrives when he’s outdoors), all while exploring some of Sedona’s most popular attractions.
I had been to Sedona several times as a kid and did the Pink Jeep thing often, but never really got to appreciate more of what Sedona has to offer. Between this trip, a day trip earlier this year and recommendations from friends and the Instagram community, I came up with a short and sweet and definitely NOT overwhelming Sedona guide.
Best part, you could spend as little $400 for gas from Phoenix, a one-night stay and all meals for two people. Obviously, continue to add to that as you shop, put booze on the tabs and go to certain attractions.
STAY
3-Star
The Courtyard by Marriott hotels always seem to be a safe bet when you’re really not looking to spend a lot of time, or money, at the hotel. It’s got the basics, which is all you need when you’ll be spending the majority of your time outside the hotel (and likely traveling without babies or kiddos).
4-Star
We stayed here and absolutely loved it. You could tell it had been renovated recently, so the rooms were clean, smelled new (I get extremely grossed out at hotels that smell old) and sooo roomy. We had Cannon’s Pack ’N Play that fit perfectly in the room with space to spare, so we didn’t feel cramped at all. There also was a nice little patio outside our room, which was amazing to have with Winnie. This hotel, like most in Sedona, is dog friendly with a small fee (I think about $50, non-refundable).
I haven’t stayed here yet, but when I asked around about affordable but nice hotels to stay at, this one came up several times.
5-Star
A lot of couples get married here because it has a stunning ceremony space with incredible views of the red rocks. It’s definitely the most popular 5-star hotel in Sedona complete with all the top notch, meant-for-relaxation amenities.
Still 5-star, but not nearly as pricey as L’Auberge and the talk is that they have a fab brunch.
EAT
Breakfast / Brunch / Lunch
Secret Garden Cafe at Tlaquepaque
We had breakfast here and it was pretty good! We sat outside and enjoyed their cute patio with a ton of foliage.
Brunch at Mii amo at Enchantment Resort
Haven’t been but a heard of ton of recs on this! Views, mimosas and eggs benedict. What more could you want?
Indian Gardens Café and Market
My friend Malori (check her floral business out here) HIGHLY recommended this spot! Like, she was adamant to check this place out. So you should do it! I’m definitely going next time we’re in Sedona.
Happy Hour / Dinner
Lots of recs for this place too! Casual but still upscale and a great place to unwind for happy hour after a day of hiking!
Take Out
Because Cannon’s bed time is so early (7:30) it’s hard to really go out for dinner, so we called the front desk of our hotel and she highly recommended this place for take out. And omg was she on point. Thor picked it up, describing it as a hole in the wall but shoulder-to-shoulder packed. I got a chicken buritto Christmas style (red and green sauce) and Thor got enchiladas. I am definitely a self-proclaimed burrito connoisseur and I can easily say that this burrito is a tie for first place with the Arizona Burrito from Barrio Queen. DROOLING. Thor always orders enchiladas at every Mexican restaurant and he said his were incredible (his words, not mine). I’d say we know our Mexican food pretty well being two Arizona natives who also frequent Mexico.
Sweets
This retro, Josie and the Pussycats-themed ice cream shop is owned by an adorable, tall and tan French man and his wife. They opened their first shop in BIsbee, Arizona, and they also have a shop in Old Town Scottsdale (off 5th Avenue), which is where we first tasted this incredible gelato and met the owner. They also have a shop in Sedona, in the heart of all the shopping. When you need a break for a sweet treat, this is your stop. Their gelato is so delicious and creamy. An Arizona staple—the prickly pear flavor. Give it a try!
Located in a grocery store strip mall, Sedonuts is just a typical donut shop displaying the classic bear claw as well as the trendy toppings like Fruity Pebbles and Oreos… but this NAME. I don’t know why but I was dying when I saw it. Genius. It’s right by the hotel we stayed and when I was walking Winnie I ran into it. Give it a quick stop on your way back down to the city and try the Glazed Red Rock.
DO
The well-known arts and crafts village is super enjoyable to walk through with numerous IG moments to capture. It almost feels like you’re walking through a Disneyland attraction. If you’re super into arts and crafts, you will love this spot.
I feel like you just have to do this if you haven’t yet. It’s a Sedona staple and it’s super fun. You’re in the rocks so you can’t get a better view. Just get ready for bumpy ride.
Kids love this spot. Parents love to post up on a flat rock under a tree and enjoy a Whiteclaw. If you aren’t familiar with Slide Rock, it’s basically a nature-made water slide through the smooth red rocks. The water has a current so it takes you from top to bottom. And while the rocks are smooth, it’s still very uncomfortable to “slide” down this thing. If you choose to partake, you’ll definitely walk away with some bruises and scratches. Like I said, it’s great for kids 🙂
Hike Devil’s Bridge
If you know anyone who’s been to Sedona, you’ve probably seen them post a photo on Devil’s Bridge. It’s an easy hike and definitely a must-do if you’re an actual tourist from out-of-state.
Hike Bell Rock Pathway
This is a great hike to do if you have a baby strapped to your body. Easier than Devil’s Bridge and still has all the views. It’s beautiful!
A chapel built IN the rocks?? It’s even more stunning than you could imagine. The acoustics in this place are insane too. I know this because when I was in high school, my choir (I was a huge choir nerd) went to Flagstaff for a competition and we stopped in Sedona on the way back home. With classical, old world, latin-lyriced music being our genre, we had to go in there and sing. And we did. And holy sh&%. It was a moment I’ll never forget! We had quite an audience build up too. It was awesome.
This spa has RAVE reviews across Yelp, Facebook, TripAdvisor, Google, you name it. In their 35 treatments you can choose from, they use products handcrafted in Sedona using desert native herbs. Sounds authentic and legit to me!
VINEYARDS IN ARIZONA!? Yes. Just 15 miles from Sedona (about a 22 minute drive), you can taste the grapes of Arizona. I am all for a good wine tasting, and while Arizona vineyards don’t hold a candle to California, who fucking cares?? It’s WINE. And it’s still such a fun experience.
SHOP
This baby store is so on trend with the popular toy brands. I was very impressed. At my last PR job, 90% of our clients were toy brands so I am very familiar with the up and coming brands after attending multiple trade shows, and this store knows what’s up. Find brands like Melissa & Doug, Plus-Plus, Learning Resources, LEGO, HABA and then of course all my favorite Arizona-themed children’s books that I loved as a kid.
The Sedona Christmas store that sells Christmas items year-round! Who doesn’t love a year-round Christmas store?
For all you pet lovers, don’t forget to stop here to get your pet a sweet treat to enjoy!
I hope this guide helps you plan your next getaway to the red rocks! As always, feel free to send me an email or DM on Instagram if you have questions.
xx Nikki