We're headed down to Arizona for a wedding, and have about half a day to see the sights in Sedona. We haven't been there before, and we're looking for some suggestions on what to see. We're open to any suggestions.

The town is now very touristy but if you get the chance do the keep tour and enjoy the scenery. You will remember that a lot longer than shopping for over-priced stuff.

If you play golf you can’t go wrong with a round at Oak Creek.

Love the Sedona area. If you are into silver and turquoise jewelery hit the roadside area on 89a coming in to town,awesome prices as you are buying from the artists.in town hit Sedona memories sandwich shop.one block off the main drag.

I recommend the Red Jeep Tour up Schnebley Hill Road. Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157622669929138/. Don't drive it yourself in a standard automobile.

flashguy

Another vote for the Jeep tour. You really see a lot and can relax and see the scenery.

If you like water sports, 'slide rock' can be fun. It is also the 2nd coldest I have ever been in my life and it was September! Water flows down the sandstone and there are a lot of channels and chutes you can ride down. Like a big slip and slide.

quote:

Originally posted by 4x5:
We're headed down to Arizona for a wedding, and have about half a day to see the sights in Sedona. We haven't been there before, and we're looking for some suggestions on what to see. We're open to any suggestions.

We did the Pink Jeep Tour about 6 or 7 years ago and had an absolutely great time. Fun way to spend half a day. Is Elote still there? By far my favorite restaurant in the area. Been there 3 or 4 times.

Not sure if half a day will be enough force jeep tour. If not take a drive up 89A to Flagstaff, or drive up Mingus Mountain to Jerome. It''s an old copper mine boom town that went bust and turned into a weird little artist colony. There's history up there and some incredible views.

Drive the canyon road. Even better if you have a convertible with good handling. First time I did it was at night when I was low on gas and coming into town from the Grand Canyon. I advise doing it during daylight.

I'd advise trying to arrange a bit more time there. Stuff with a definitely different than standard touristy flavor accumulates with even 24 hours.

I think you’ll find you regret it if you spend only half a day. My wife and I spent a couple of days there and it was great.

Take the short drive to Jerome.

Flagstaff is just up the road but from what I've heard is overly gentrified these days.

Go to Jerome. You won't be sorry.

If you have half an hour, drive up Schenbly Hill Road east side of the canyon for the view to look down on Sedona and out over the vistas. You can see Jerome in the distance. We used to camp on that hill. Far as I know it's developed now. Hopefully not.

If you like hiking, there are over 200 hiking paths in the Sedona area. Stop at the ranger station coming into Sedona from I17, or the Visitor’s center in town and get a map or better yet, a guidebook and pick one the matches your level of fitness & time.

Or just arrange for a Pink Jeep tour beforehand if you really only have half a day.

Sedona is easily the most beautiful place in Arizona.

There is hiking, shopping, restaurants (I highly recommend Mariposa’s, if you can get a reservation - the food, service and views are wonderful), golf, tennis, crystals & vortexes (if you are into that type of thing). There’s even the Chapel of the Holy Cross, in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright.

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Originally posted by Nev:
Take the short drive to Jerome.

Flagstaff is just up the road but from what I've heard is overly gentrified these days.

Go to Jerome. You won't be sorry.

If you have half an hour, drive up Schenbly Hill Road east side of the canyon for the view to look down on Sedona and out over the vistas. You can see Jerome in the distance. We used to camp on that hill. Far as I know it's developed now. Hopefully not.

Unless they have greatly improved Schnebley Hill Road since 2009, I would not advise driving a normal passenger car on it. Not a suitable drive.

flashguy

Drive Mingus Mountain Scenic Byway out of Jerome towards Prescott, AZ. Lots of things to do in Sedona but you can't see much in half a day so if possible make a weekend out of it. Stay off I-17 and stay on 89A or you'll cheat yourself out of some great scenery and roads.

Starting now, Sedona gets toasty during the day.

The best 1/2 day would be a Jeep tour. If you feel adventurous, you could also rent a Jeep.

If you want to hike, a great, easy, shaded hike is the West Fork Trail that is just north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon.

Otherwise, just go shopping/people watching along the main strip or at Tlaquepaque, then drive up to the Sedona Airport. It's on top of a mesa in the middle of town, and will give you panoramic views all around. You can have lunch up there, too.

Don't forget to bring your crystals to get them recharged...

Todd

My favorite activity in Sedona is morning touch & go's at that cool airport there.

As others have said you'll want more than half the day, but I can understand how that may not be possible.

The jeep tour is one option but it will eat up a ton of time. I'd recommend a drive up 89A to just past the Midgely Bridge to take in the North Side views. Then go back down through uptown and go down 179 into the village of Oak Creek. This will allow you to see most of the scenic views that Sedona has to offer.

For lunch or dinner. Head to Tlaquepaque on 179 near the junction of 89A. If you like beer and/or pub food go to Oak Creek Brewery & Grill. Have the pretzels, you won't regret it. If you prefer Mexican. El Rincon is on the other side of Tlaquepaque. After you can browse the shops in there or go up the street and poke around uptown. If you do that I recommend trying the prickly pear ice cream at Black Cow Cafe in uptown.

If you do decide on the Pink Jeep Tour (don't do the others) do the scenic rim tour. It is the one that goes up Schnebley Hill Rd and you get a ton of info on the town, and all of the plants and animals. As mentioned before, DO NOT take your own car up Schnebley. You won't make it.

Any questions let me know. I go to Sedona almost yearly and will be back there this June.

Jeep tour in half a day is hard pressed for time.

Jerome is pretty cool and worth seeing. Not sure if the mining museum in Clarkdale is open again, but if it is, it’s definitely worth seeing.

Uptown Sedona is a tourist trap and sucks for the most part. Mostly overpriced crap.

Catching lunch in Old Town Cottonwood, three places I’ll recommend, Colt BBQ, The Belfry, and Merkin Osteria. Cant go wrong with any of those three.

The sinkhole off of Soldier Pass road is cool to see, but parking can be a nightmare.

Clarkdale Kayak adventures have a pretty cook kayak ride from right by Tapco back to the Tuzigoot Bridge. They drop you off, kayak with you, and pick you up. It’s a lot of fun, but also a lot to squeeze in half a day.

I live in Cottonwood and I am off work all week. (We started vacationing and wife felt ill, so we came home.) Feel free to email me.