How to Have the Best Day in Sedona, Arizona
If you are going to Sedona, Arizona for a short trip, look no further. We have mapped out the perfect day for you including what to do and see in Sedona, AZ.
Ahh, Sedona. What a place! We only had 24 hours in Sedona, but this one day was honestly one of the best days of my life. Below is what to do in Sedona in 24 hours.
1. Go on a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
I would recommend the Red Rock Balloon Adventure company for your hot air balloon experience because my GOODNESS, it was unforgettable. Part of what made this experience so incredible was the fact that we were up in the air as the sun was rising and the rocks were beautifully illuminated in the morning light. In order to be up in the air by sunrise you must be at the meeting location very early. Check specific times for your trip, as sunrise time changes. Once at the meeting location we were picked-up by the company van and driven to the balloon launch site.
At the site the staff members prepared the balloon for launch. This process is very interesting to watch. Once everything is set up, you are loaded into the basket for takeoff. There were multiple different groups and we each had our own section of the basket. It’s a nice balance of having your own space and getting to go up with others for a community feel.
Before I knew it, we were high in the sky and the sun started to rise. This balloon served as a quick way to see some of Sedona’s famous rock formations. We had a great view of Cathedral Rock, shown at the beginning of this post. We also really liked our guide. Once we were cruising at an appropriate altitude, he shared a bunch of information and history about the area.
But wait, there’s more…
After the float we landed and the company van met us. Hot air balloon landings are interesting. They, quite literally, just go with the flow. It was fun to see where we ended up and equally entertaining to watch the company van scramble around on the ground trying to meet us at our spontaneous landing spot.
I was still glowing from what I had just seen on that incredible float, ready to get back in the van and drive to the car with my amazing memories, but, little did I know there was more to the adventure. In the middle of this Sedona desert landscape the staff pulled a table out of the van, threw on a tablecloth, and started filling up champagne glasses with mimosas. I was blown away by how this day just kept getting better. I will note: *This was a surprise from my boyfriend, hence why I was so shocked at each aspect of the excursion.* Also, you get to keep the champagne glasses, a nice bonus.
Once everyone had a mimosa, the staff explained that a proper balloon landing is followed by the tradition of sharing champagne and reciting the “Balloonist Prayer” which is similar to a toast. We had multiple mimosas and shared some laughs with our guide and the other members of our tour. Sufficiently tipsy, we then jumped back in the van and were driven back to the meeting location. At the time of writing this article this package is around $350/person, but check the website for an exact amount. Although this seems steep, it was unforgettable and should be added to your list for what to do in Sedona.
2. Eat at the Coffee Pot Restaurant
Once back at the meeting location we hopped out, and the van drove off into the dusty Sedona horizon, gone like a figment of my imagination. Feeling like we had just gotten back from Narnia, and still very much feeling our mimosas we knew we couldn’t drive, so we looked around and spotted a breakfast place right across the street. Although I thought the day couldn’t get any better, it indeed did.
We had a classic diner breakfast and coffee at the Coffee Pot Restaurant. Sadly I don’t have any pictures of this adorable little spot, but it was a cozy diner with a classic menu. It was nothing fancy, but the food and service were great. This spot was perfect because it was walking distance from our meeting location for the balloon tour, so that we could sufficiently sober up to drive later in the day. This is definitely something to keep in mind if you plan to drink at the excursion.
3. Sedona Hikes – Brins Mesa Trail
This 4.5 mile out-and-back trail was a perfect thing to do in Sedona on foot. We would have loved to do more hiking, but were very pleased with the views we saw here. Next time I go back I would love to hike around Cathedral Rock. We saw some people on there as we floated by in the balloon and it looked beautiful!
Sedona is one of our favorite places. Comment below if you have any other ideas for what to do on a short trip to Sedona! For more National Park travel ideas visit my National Park Destinations page.