3 Day Trip to Sedona
Sedona and the Verde Valley are so full of great things to do that it can be overwhelming to plan a trip here for just a few days. After all, if you’re not able to come back again for a while it could mean missing out on some amazing food, a great place to stay, or interesting activities. We want to you to have the best experience in Sedona you can so we’ve made up a list of recommended places to stay, places to eat, and things to do if you only had 3 days.
For the most part, the days are interchangeable, but depending on which days you’re out here, make sure you check the details for each to make sure they fit in to your schedule.
Where to Stay in Sedona
Depending on your price range and preferred scene there are plenty of options in Sedona for lodging. We looked at value, uniqueness, and overall quality when deciding which hotels to feature.
Best Western Arroyo Roble Hotel
If you're looking for incredible views of red rocks, this beautiful hotel is surrounded by them! They have a ton of amenities available including complimentary breakfast, hot tub, and pool. Plus this is one of the nicest hotels in the area to allow dogs and it's just 30 minutes from our train depot in Clarkdale.
Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa
Booking itself as modern luxury in the heart of Sedona, the Sedona Rouge doesn't disappoint. Recently expanded to include more rooms, an attached spa and tons of amenities, the Sedona Rouge is the perfect hotel for a relaxing weekend trip. Plus, it's just 27 minutes from the train.
El Portal
Somewhere in between a B&B and a luxury hotel lies the El Portal. It's a sought after accommodation for those in the know and is both pet friendly and conveniently located near uptown Sedona. Located about 34 minutes from the train.
Junipine Resort
A modern resort with a rustic charm set creek-side in a forest about 8 miles North of Sedona. Unique in that you can rent your own private "creekhouse" that accommodates up to 6 guests and offers private amenities like hot tubs and unique views. Located 49 minutes from the train.
L'Auberge de Sedona
Offering your choice of one of 62 luxury cottages or 21 lodge style guest rooms. This is one of Sedona's most luxurious vacation getaways. Located along beautiful Oak Creek, their list of luxury amenities is extensive. It's also just 37 minutes North of Verde Canyon Railroad.
More Sedona Travel Tips:
- - More things to do in Sedona, Arizona
- - Summer Trip to Sedona's Verde Canyon RR
- - Things to do in Sedona - For Couples
- - Things to do in Sedona - Outdoors
- - Things to do in Sedona - When it Rains
- - Things to do in Sedona - In the Winter
- - Things to do in Sedona - For Families
- - Things to do in Sedona with Kids
- - Father's Day in Sedona - Make it Memorable
- - 3 Day Trip to Sedona
- - Weekend Trip to Sedona
Places to Eat in Sedona
For a town of just over 10,000 people, it really is incredible the variety and quality of food that you’ll find in and around Sedona. You’ll find interesting dishes that rival most anything in Arizona and possibly even the Southwest. Below are a few quality restaurants that you’ll want to consider during your 3 day trip to Sedona.
Javalina Cantina
The place to go in Sedona if you're looking for a friendly Mexican restaurant to accommodate your whole family or group. They also have some Southwestern type fare on their menu just in case and a full bar serving excellent margaritas.
Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante
Thoughtfully conceived and wonderfully prepared Italian cuisine served in a luxuriously festive atmosphere. Whether you want a great dining experience or you're just trying to make good first impression, Dahl & Diluca won't disappoint.
Hideaway House
Deliciously prepared Italian food and incredible views served up daily by the friendly staff of the Sedona Hideaway House. A great value, local restaurant that the whole family will love.
Oak Creek Brewery & Grille
An award winning local brewery and restaurant that's a must for any beer lover and serves up delicious grill style food including excellent wood fired pizza. Like a lot of restaurants in Sedona, the views are also incredible.
Heartline Cafe
Farm to table style gastro-café serving delicious food that includes an eclectic selection of organic and gluten free options. The menu's influence is all over the map from Asia to Europe with Mediterranean touches.
Let Your Escape Begin
Things to do in Sedona
If you’re looking for other great excursions and tours in and around Sedona during your trip aside from the Verde Canyon Railroad, we’ve created this list of locations that should be on your list. Again, 3 days aren’t enough to see everything, but depending on your interest in nature, cowboy culture, or history you’ll find plenty to do.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
This ancient cliff dwelling dates back to 1150 A.D.. The Castle stands in a cliff recess one hundred feet above the valley. Montezuma Well, also part of the monument, is a natural limestone sinkhole and was an important source of water for the Sinagua Indians. The Castle stands as one of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings in North America.
Blazin' M Ranch
The always fun and famous "Chuckwagon and Western Stage Show. The activities and displays at Blazin' M Ranch will strive to keep you outside but the saloon will call you to sit a spell with your favorite libation. The aroma of dinner will soon turn your attention to the rustic splendor of the dining barn. Gates open at 5 p.m. for shopping, shooting, roping and tractor rides. Dinner bell rings at 6:30 p.m. followed by a Blazin' M Cowboy stage show at 7:30 p.m.
Fort Verde State Park
General Crook’s U.S. Army scouts and soldiers were primarily based at this fort. They were charged with squelching Apache and Yavapai Indian uprisings in the late 1800s. Some of the original buildings still remain. Its officers’ quarters are open to visitors and a museum is located in the old headquarters building.
Out of Africa
Out of Africa Wildlife Park strives to educate and entertain; to provide an exciting and engaging opportunity to love and respect creation and Creator. It is a place where family and friends gather to experience oneness with animals and each other during safaris, tours, walks, observations and shows of wild-by-nature animals in their own natural splendor.
Arizona Copper Art Museum
The Arizona-Copper Art Museum is Arizona's newest art museum which is in perfect unity with the former company-town of Clarkdale. Clarkdale was built by Senator W. A. Clark “America’s Copper King” for the mass-production of industrial copper from 1915 to 1953, which was exported throughout the world. The museum’s collection is the “largest return of copper,” “back” to both Clarkdale and the “Copper State” and showcases what man created with the red-metal while it was away.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Eight hundred years ago, this Sinagua pueblo was home to the Indian population which once inhabited this area. The site is comprised of 42 acres, including hiking trails (one wheelchair accessible). Visitors are escorted through the various rooms of the pueblo to view this ancient civilization. Images, etched in stone, help tell the tale of their daily life.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Over 100 species of birds have been identified in the immediate confines of the Park. It also has excellent camping and RV facilities, as well as a lagoon which is stocked with rainbow trout from November through March.