With milder temperatures than the rest of Arizona, Sedona is the perfect honeymoon spot for outdoor enthusiasts who would rather spend their time exploring than in an air conditioned suite. Romantic and picturesque, Sedona is also a great location for a North American “destination wedding”.
Honeymooners and wedding guests alike can experience hiking, golfing, wineries, spas and sightseeing all within the area. Even the Grand Canyon is a perfectly doable day trip.
Here are some of our best tips to experience the legendary Red Rock Country.
View from the back patio of Cozy Cactus Bed & Breakfast
Where to Stay:Regardless of your budget, there are great accommodations in and around Sedona. Some of the best value for your money can be found at the intimate bed and breakfasts that provide prime locations and views, gourmet breakfasts, help to book your activities and plan your stay, and a more relaxed and private atmosphere.
The Cozy Cactus is a five-room B&B run by two of the most gracious hosts you’ll meet in Sedona. Two of their one-bedroom suites ($200/night) capitalize on red rock views behind the property. Their backyard literally borders the national park which is just a few minutes walk away from breathtaking hiking. The breakfast (included) is not to be missed and depending on the season can be taken on the back patio while you soak up the incredible views.
Sunset Villa Room at Adobe Village Graham Inn
Another rustic yet luxurious option is the Adobe Village Graham Inn. Featuring a private patio, kitchenette, fireplace, 2-person tub, and waterfall shower, the Sunset Villa room ($459/night) even has a breadmaker and includes a gourmet breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres.
After a hard day of playing in the sun, you’ll surely be hungry. Sedona has many restaurants and cafes. Make sure to ask for reservations, or have your hosts or concierge recommend the best time to go to avoid long wait times. We were pleasantly surprised to be served popcorn and drinks in the lobby of Elote while waiting for a table. Chef Jeff Smedstad puts a new spin on traditional Mexican cuisine. We started with fresh guacamole, the special blood orange margarita and salivated as we waited for the main course. My husband devoured his Puerco en Cascabel (slow roasted pork) and even sampled my pan roasted pacific snapper. We didn’t really have room for dessert, but who could pass up a pumpkin flan?
Another especially romantic option is Cucina Rustica. You may also enjoy the incredible views, seafood and delicious steaks from the Shugrue’s Hillside Grill back patio.
You will never run out of things to do and see in Sedona, but here are just a few honeymoon highlights.
Little Horse Trail, Sedona Arizona
We only had time for one short hike on our visit, but we couldn’t have been more pleased with Little Horse Trail. It’s a relatively easy hike about 2 hours in length (depending on how many times your husband stops to take pictures). At the highest point (Chicken Point), you reach an amazing view point that several Jeep tours also hit. Most of the jeep passengers are dumbfounded that hikers just appeared alongside them practically out of the canyon. For more information on the various hikes, visit greatsedonahikes.com where you can search hikes by difficulty and duration. Not all hikes will require serious hiking footwear, but good quantities of water, snacks and sun protection are highly recommended.
If you like a little vino with your adventure, this tour is for you. After an hour float trip down the Verde River (generally gentle with a few exciting bits to compliment the views), you’ll arrive at the winery. Alcantara Winery and Vineyard features a Tuscan style farmhouse where you’ll enjoy tasting their award winning wines under the guidance of knowledgeable sommeliers. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours departing from the boathouse in Sedona at 1pm daily. $129/person including tasting. www.sedonaadventuretours.com/sedona-wine-tours
Perhaps you prefer to experience Sedona from the sky. For hot air balloon rides, try Red Rock Balloons or Northern Light Balloons. These two companies are authorized to fly over the red rocks while others are not. For a faster pace, try a Bi-place or helicopter tour with Sedona Air Tours.
For a group outing, Pink Jeep Tours offers the Broken Arrow Tour which leads you on and over the red rocks surrounded by magnificent canyon walls. The drivers are experienced and tend to get you places where you might not otherwise venture yourself. Option two is to rent your own 4×4 Jeep Rubicon for the day (Try Barlow Jeep Rentals). Have your hosts help you plan a route and don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch, blanket, and vino for a romantic honeymoon stop along the way.
Special thanks to Carrie at the Cozy Cactus for her expert advice on honeymoons in Sedona.