One of the goals I had with starting this blog was to document ways to enjoy more time outside and explore cities within the United States. This very first post provides a glimpse into a few days in Sedona. My sister and I were there last week and enjoyed our first time there. We were very lucky as the weather was beautiful in March. At this time of year, Sedona is approaching it's busy season. We were able to enjoy the trails without too many people or traffic. Here is your 3-day guide on what to see, do and eat in Sedona.

Sedona is known for it's "red rocks." The red is actually rust that settled over time. The land over Sedona was once an ocean. Sedona is also named after the town's first postmaster...all this time I thought it was named after a Native American.

Here's a recap of our itinerary. It was a leisurely few days and Sedona is totally worth checking it over a long weekend.

Day 1

We arrived in Phoenix at 12pm local time from New Jersey
We started the drive from Phoenix to Sedona (estimated at 2 hours)
We had lunch at this cute place Naked BBQ which I totally recommend for some good for you BBQ. The guys there were pretty nice too.
We stopped for around 30 minutes at Lake Pleasant. It was quiet as it was too early in the season.
We stopped at the Sunset Point lookout off of the highway
We atyempted to go to Montezuma's Well, but arrived 8 minutes after close which was at 5pm. Bummer!
We arrived at Oak Creek and Sedona at around 6pm
We stayed at the Sedona Summit Resort. Nice grounds, but the rooms could have used an update. Good location though.

Day 2

Had acai berry bowls at Berry Divine for breakfast
Got on our 9am scheduled Pink Jeep Tour to the Diamond Gulch (a little pricey, but we lucked out because we had the car all to ourselves and our driver was terrific)
Started our hike towards Devil's Bridge at 12pm
Took lots of pictures during the hike
Drove to Airport Road Vortex location and couldn't find parking
Parked at the Upper Parking Vista location
Hiked the Sedona View Trail which provides a gorgeous view overlooking Sedona
Hiked towards the Summit Trail and enjoyed more time at the top of the red rocks
Watched the sunset over Sedona back at Upper Parking Vista
Had dinner at Picazzo's, a gluten-free, vegan Italian restaurant

Day 3

Started the drive from Sedona to Phoenix
Had breakfast at Java Love Cafe
Stopped at the Tlaquepaque arts and crafts village which was very cute and quaint
Stopped at the Chapel of the Holy Cross
Continued on our way to Phoenix
Stopped at Montezuma's Well (finally!)
Stopped at Montezuma's Castle (though not sure if it's worth visiting if you are short on time and admission is also $10 a person)
Tried to get into the Desert Botanical Garden but a special event limited admissions
Climbed the rocks at Papago Park and watched the planes land and the sun set over Phoenix
Had dinner at Zu Izakaya
Back at airport to head home