Best Sedona Travel Tips! {8 Can't Miss Spots}

Before you head to Sedona, make sure you don’t miss the best parts! Check out these best Sedona Travel Tips!

Planning a trip to Sedona, Arizona? Check out these Best Sedona Travel Tips I’ve put together just for you… plus everything you need to know BEFORE you go!

You’ll learn where to find the Best Hidden Gems, Secluded Hikes, and Breathtaking Views!

Sunny Sedona is a quaint little community surrounded by mountains of rugged red rocks… and it’s one of my favorite spots to visit! It’s beautiful, unique, and has a Southwest charm all its own. With fun western shops in town and breathtaking hikes on the outskirts, it has something for everyone! Plus… it’s just a short 1 hour and 40 minute drive from this gorgeous red rock country down to Phoenix, so you can visit two fun locations on the same trip!

So are you ready for my top Sedona Travel Tips?? Here’s my list of the Best Things to do in Sedona, Arizona on a Budget…

Best Sedona Travel Tips

Planning Your Trip to Sedona, Arizona?

You’ll absolutely love your visit to Sedona, with the gorgeous rugged rocks and beauty unlike any other spot I’ve ever seen. To keep the trip fun and frugal, the first thing you’ll want to do is start stashing extra money away and setting it aside in your ‘Sedona Trip Fund’. Need to increase your travel fund stash? Make some extra money on the side in your free time! Check this out…

Top Survey Sites to Make Money Online

Where to Stay in Sedona Arizona:

In addition to hotels, consider AirBNB’s or VRBO.com. They have so many vacation rentals listed by owner, and are a great way to find nice lodging that is less expensive than the luxury resorts.

Shelly said: “I like to find houses or condos on VRBO.com, then contact the owner directly. I then ask if they will offer me a discount for booking with them directly, and they almost always will. They no longer have to pay the VRBO fees, and they pass those savings on to me!”

Or… if you’re in the mood to camp…

Stay the Night at Manzanita Campground in Oak Creek Canyon

In the mood to go Camping? Stay at Manzanita Campground near Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon… it’s got incredible access to the flowing creek! We loved our stay there, and spent hours just relaxing by the beautiful Oak Creek with our feet in the icy cold water. It’s so gorgeous and peaceful!

Be sure to check out these Camping Menu Tips to take your outdoor meals to a whole new level!

Camping Tips and Tricks for Beginners

What to See and Do in Sedona AZ:

Everywhere direction you look in Sedona, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views. From the colorful rocky terrain to the vivid blue skies, you’ll want your camera handy at all times!

Visit Cathedral Rock at Red Rock Crossing / Crescent Moon Ranch

Get your million dollar pictures of Cathedral Rock at Red Rock Crossing / Crescent Moon Ranch. This historic ranch is the perfect spot to spend the day! There are easy trails, access to the creek, picnic tables, and the views of Cathedral Rock are incredible! It’s so beautiful I’ve often seen couples having their wedding photos done there with the gorgeous views as the backdrop!

Picnic at Red Rock State Park

Now go enjoy a walk, then play at the Creek at Red Rock State Park. It’s such a beautiful spot to spend a day!

This is always a lovely spot for a picnic lunch! There are several picnic tables and barbecues scattered throughout, so bring everything you need to build your own sandwiches, or some burgers and hot dogs to grill up, and you’ll be in no rush to leave.

Just note: pets are not allowed at this park, so if you’re traveling with Fido, you’ll want to skip this one and move on to the next.

Stop for Sabrina’s Ice Cream on Main Street

In the heart of Uptown Sedona, you’ll find the Canyon Breeze Restaurant. Out in front is Sabrina’s Ice Cream, with over 15 yummy flavors. Grab some ice cream, then walk past the restaurant to the back deck, and enjoy your dessert with the most amazing 360 degree views of Sedona!

Hike Cathedral Rock to Escape the Crowds

Now if you’re a big hiker… you’ll definitely want to hike up the back side of Cathedral Rock. You’ll be rewarded with out-of-this world views, but warning… this hike is not for the faint of heart. It starts out easy on the sandstone, but gets really steep at the end. Whatever you do, just remember to bring your Hiking Shoes!

How to Get Free REI Gift Cards for your Hiking Gear

Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross

Make sure you visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It’s such a pretty little church nestled in the rocks, and if you hit it at the right time, you’ll even be able to pop inside!

Stretch Your Legs at Montezuma’s Castle {Indian Ruins}

Have you ever visited Indian Ruins? They’re incredible, and a must-do when visiting Sedona! My favorite is Montezuma’s Castle {just south of Sedona}. You’ll be able to walk along a short, paved, approx. 1/3 mile trail and gaze up at some of the most incredible ruins nestled in the cliff! The ancient cliff dwellings {now around 900 years old} are just stunning!

Have a Wild Ride at Slide Rock State Park {Natural Waterslides}

Are you ready for the time of your life? It’s time to get wet at Slide Rock State Park. This place is crazy…. basically it’s like natural waterslides formed in the rocks. Get ready for some thrills and lots of laughs! You may want to wear some water shoes!

More Budget Sedona Travel Tips…

Are you ready for even more Sedona Travel Tips to visit Sedona on a Budget? Check out these tips share by your Frugal Friends…

Patricia said: “I stay with family instead of hotel or motels”

Teresa said: “The more meals you can “fix” vs eating out the more you save. A family of 4 breakfast could easily be $50, instead grab a box of cereal, disposable bowls, spoons and a quart of milk for a $10 breakfast. Have a cooler and pack it full of lunch options on ice… we stop at rest stops or parks and make our own lunch. Then we normally splurge on dinner.”

Cindy said: “Get the hotel’s free continental breakfast. Carry cases of water in the car trunk. Pack lunches and snacks. Only eat out once per day….and when the kids were little we looked for places kids ate free.”

Lori said: “We bring snacks and beverages and some meals with us, and have simple breakfasts: cereal, oatmeal, muffins, fruit, etc. Have Crock pot soups and sandwiches for lunches.”

Danielle said: “We stay at hotels that provide breakfast. We take fruit, bread and sandwich fixings, and snacks for daily outings. Then have dinner at places that have 2 for $25 meals.”

Laura said: “Bring lots of food, get a hotel with a mini fridge and microwave, pick a hotel that has breakfast included, and choose free parking hotels.”

Cindy said: “We shop for snacks, beverages and sandwich items before we leave town. We stay in hotels that serve a free continental breakfast so we only eat out once a day.”

Letha said: “Stay where breakfast is included, have a light lunch and modest dinner… carry an ice chest for drinks and snacks.”

Kim said: “If staying at a hotel with free breakfast, I also grab extra fruit and bread. Most have small peanut butter {and jelly} packages for lunch. Also bottled water from the buffet.”

Elecia said: “We take our own drinks, snacks and lunches. Stay in hotels that offer breakfast. Find fun free things to do near the hotel. Use Groupon to find discounts to attractions and shows. And always enjoy the hiking trails, parks, and gardens!!!”

Crystal said: “Use rollaway cots in hotels. Pay a small fee to bring your dog so you don’t have to pay a dog sitter!”

Angela said: “Send for travel guides from the state or area you are visiting. Most times there are coupons or special deals included. If you’re staying at a hotel and going to a local attraction, ask if the hotel has a special deal for both. We always take breakfast and snacks with us and ask for a fridge in the room.”

Krista said: “We take our camper on some vacations and make fun and different foods. Or if we are in a hotel, we get one that comes with breakfast and we also get food to have a picnic with. We also buy some food to keep at the hotel for snacks. If there is no fridge, we always bring our cooler and use their ice. We also look for coupons at their grocery store and around town for any food places or nearby activities. We ask which paper of the week has coupons and buy it.”

Are you driving to Sedona, Arizona? Start your trip off with Free Gas Gift Cards for your road trip!

How to Earn Free Gas Gift Cards

Need a deal on Hotels or Airfare? Check this out…

How to Get Free Travel Gift Cards

Frugal Sedona Travel Tips: Don’t forget to cash in your Swagbucks for Free Gas Gift Cards, Free Hotels, and Free Airfare!

What To Pack for Sedona Arizona:

Best Baby Travel Gear

Traveling with Baby? Don’t leave home without these Baby Travel Gear Essentials! These must-have items will make traveling with Baby so much easier!

Suitcases

Are you ready to get packing for Sedona? Make sure you’ve got some good sturdy luggage with wheels to take along! Fun and unique prints on luggage are always great, because it always seems like every suitcase at the airport or hotel is black, right? Someone will be a lot less likely to walk off with your luggage when it’s got a unique color or print!

Large Travel Purse

Every great trip starts with a large purse, right? I have one large purse I save just for trips, and it’s perfect for storing my Kindle, Maps, Snacks, and even my Camera! I never leave on a trip without it, and am always grateful for that extra space!

Travel Pillow

Make sleeping on those long flights a whole lot easier when you pack a comfy travel pillow!

–> Trekking Poles for your Sedona hikes. These walking sticks are going to come in handy, helping you keep your balance on the rocks!

Trekking Poles for Hiking

–> Take a Hiking Backpack for food, snacks, and extra layers. If you’re out and about in Sedona, I recommend you take a backpack for the day loaded with snacks or lunch and plenty of drinks. You’ll be able to stay out longer if you’re well fed and hydrated, and enjoy those beautiful views!

–> Bug Repellent to keep all those bugs away. Be extra frugal when you try one of these 17 DIY Bug Repellent Tricks. Keep repellent handy when you stop to have a snack on the trail, or are chilling in the trees down by the creek.

–> Don’t board your plane without these 11 Carry On Must Haves! They’re a lifesaver on long flights!

Isn’t Sedona beautiful? I know you’ll love your trip! Now that you’ve loaded up on Sedona Travel Tips, are you ready to explore more fun Southwest destinations?? Check these out…