While the on-campus life is exciting, there is truly nothing quite like being able to escape on a day or weekend trip with your friends in college. Some of the best memories are made through trips planned at 3 a.m the night before. Being less than 2 hours away, Sedona is the perfect place to escape into nature. It is often hard to know what to do in a short trip to a town you have not been to before, so here are five of my favorite things to do in Sedona.
1. Enjoy the Nature
The scenery in Sedona is absolutely breathtaking. There is nothing quite like the red mountains in this town. Wherever you end up in your day trip to Sedona, enjoy where you are at. A beautiful way to do this is through a hike. Slide rock is the most common hiking attraction but there are so many great ones to do! Be sure to stop in the tourism information center in downtown Sedona. The volunteers are very helpful in finding a hike that best fits your needs. Don’t forget to pack water and snacks for your hike!
https://www.vogue.com/article/sedona-arizona-mystical-magic-healing-travel-guide-sakara-life
2. Hit up Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque is an Arts and Shopping village in the heart of Sedona. This shopping village is authentically fashioned after a traditional Mexican Village. Whether you are looking for jewelry or ice cream, the village has something for everyone! Even if you are not planning on purchasing anything it is fun to walk around and experience Tlaquepaque. If you are looking for a fun place to hang out here, check out The Chai Spot. It is decked out in Moroccan inspired decor and has a beautiful balcony that overlooks the shopping area.
3. Check out Creekside Cafe
Located right next to Tlaquepaque, Creekside Cafe is the perfect place to catch up on homework or drink a well-deserved latte after a hike. Every time I am in Sedona I have to make a stop in because the coffee and environment is so dang good! The baristas are always kind and the deck has a scenic overlook. They also have a restaurant in the same complex if you are looking for breakfast and lunch.
https://www.lauberge.com/dining/
4. Stop by the Turquoise McDonald’s
While this may not be the most pressing stop on your day trip, the turquoise arches are worth a stop for a picture. When this McDonald’s was built in 1993 city officials claimed that the yellow arches would disrupt with the beauty of the natural landscape so they opted for the turquoise arches that are there today. This made Arizona home to the only McDonald’s without yellow arches.
These are only a few things to do in Sedona but I hope it inspires you to take your best friends for a weekend getaway to this beautiful city!