With the current ever changing travel climate, more and more travelers are seeking options that are closer to home. I am here to tell you that adventure can be found exploring right here within the United States. Recently, my family and I explored Sedona, Arizona and we found it to be a great destination for our active family.
When planning a trip to a new destination, you quickly realize that you are not going to see and experience everything. This is no different with Sedona. Identifying your trip priorities is a great place to start in the planning process. This will ensure all of your must-have experiences are included in your itinerary.
For families visiting Sedona, adventure activities and sharing new experiences together are usually at the top of the list. I learned so much about the destination and wanted to share my top considerations when prioritizing an adventure list for Sedona. Here are some tips for family adventures in Sedona.
Hiking
The red rocks of Sedona are a true marvel to see, and hiking them takes the experience to the next level.
Sedona offers hiking for all skill levels. That’s right, from flat paved options all the way to intense rock climbing. Prior to your trip, I recommend finding local hiking trails. This will allow you to assess not only your children’s abilities but also your own to determine the level of trails to tackle.
Get to the trail heads early. Parking is extremely limited, and most of the streets around the trails do not offer on street parking. Also, you should download a trails APP. This can help with trailhead location, length of the trail and skill rating. If you are feeling extra adventurous, go beyond the trail heads for stellar views!
Tours
Sedona offers many family friendly tours that range from sightseeing to extreme adventure. We chose one of the extreme tours that had us riding in an open air Jeep up and down steep grades of red rocks.
Choose a tour that fits your family’s makeup, interests and abilities. We shared our Pink Jeep Tour with a woman that recently had broken her ankle, and she had to stay in the Jeep and did not get the full benefit of the tour.
Ask questions! Our tour guide was amazing and was a wealth of information about the area. She gave us recommendations on trails and her favorite dining options. Don’t forget to let your guide take pictures. It is so nice to have a non selfie family photo of our vacation that we can look back on. They have so much practice with this that she captured some amazing images!
Day Trips
Sedona is surrounded by numerous day trip destinations. With day trip options to take in the views of the Grand Canyon, explore a historic ghost town, experience the wonder of prehistoric cliff dwellings or have some relaxation time with an award winning spa treatment the possibilities are endless.
Consideration for a day trip should be given if you have 4 plus days in Sedona… Anything less than that, I would recommend enjoying all Sedona has to offer.
Dining
To feel fully immersed in Sedona, it is important to consider what dining experiences your family is after. Sedona is full of locally owned restaurants that offer a variety of cuisine – be sure to try the prickly pear beverage of choice!
Depending on the time of year, reservations are encouraged 30 days in advance at popular restaurants. Always opt for outdoor seating, the views will not disappoint! You can even dine and enjoy watching planes take off and land. Adventure can be found everywhere in Sedona, even while enjoying brunch!
Accommodations
It is always important to consider your family preference when it comes to accommodations. Here are some considerations to think through to help narrow down where to call home:
In Sedona a big consideration is location; do you want to be closer to town or closer to trail heads?
What amenities are must haves? Activities for the kids, full service spa, restaurant on site?
What room type works best? Standard hotel room, suite, condo or private residence?
Adventure is around every corner in Sedona! The abundance of options makes prioritizing that must-experience list a crucial aspect of a successful trip. Once you have that list, it is easier to focus on planning each aspect of the trip.
The good news is that you do not have to go about this alone! At Travel Ease, we are here to help you plan your Sedona experience not only from an accommodation standpoint but also customizing your itinerary. We provide recommendations by getting to know your family’s needs and matching those with our first hand experience in the destination. This allows you to focus on the adventure with your family!
My name is Stacie Whalen and I live in Florence, KY. As a Travel Advisor with Travel Ease I specialize in family travel to destinations around the globe. To get started planning your next getaway simply email me, Stacie Whalen, at stacie@teplanners.com.