With Kids 
Sedona is the side attraction that will become the main attraction. We’ve only been to the Grand Canyon once, but we’ve already done Sedona twice and will probably return again. The beauty strikes from afar and continues to take your breath away as you draw nearer to the bold red rocks protruding around you.
Both hiking trails and scenic vistas abound, so you can get an up close and personal experience, or just stand back and gasp at the panoramic. Each view is different from the last. Here’s everything you need to know for a perfect trip! As always, all suggestions are family friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Getting There
Sedona is just south of the Grand Canyon. If you’re in that area, Sedona is a family trip you can’t skip. It’s closest to the Phoenix airport, but Vegas (McCarran) runs some unbeatable deals on both flights and car rentals, so it may be worth the extra drive. This is a good area for a rental car. There is no bus or train that can offer quite the same experience as exploring on your own.
Getting In
Entrance to Sedona is free, but many of the trails require a parking pass. If you have the America the Beautiful Access Pass (free to people with permanent disabilities), this covers it… with the exception of Sedona Airport.
What to See
While Chapel of the Holy Cross, Red Rock Crossing, and the Sedona Airport are known for their scenic views, everywhere in Sedona is scenic. You’re not going to miss the perfect picture, so don’t worry about doing it all.
Chapel of the Holy Cross is a chapel built right into the rock. The views of and from are both worth the line to get in.
Sedona Airport offers a panoramic vista of the area, but charges $3 for parking. You can also park just down the hill and hike up. This is actually our favorite hike, anyway (pictured). Our Freeloader was a must for this trail – it’s pretty much up the side of a small cliff.
Red Rock Crossing is a gravel and packed dirt path (also a great place to catch the sunset). Fay Canyon Trail is also wheelchair accessible.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can drive to and through most scenic points. Getting to the top of any of the rocks requires climbing. We brought our Freeloader along for climbs. This is great for kids with disabilities to be able to be a part of inaccessible hikes. It’s made for kids up to 80 lbs.
We drove the loop and just stopped and explored wherever looked like it would be a good, accessible view. There were plenty of scenic stops that didn’t require intense hikes.
Where to Eat
Just about every restaurant in Sedona boasts a magnificent view. Actually, the number one perk of dining in Sedona is the view. We soaked in the view from the deck at The Hudson, but even Starbucks offers breathtaking views. Check out these restaurants with a view. In most of these places you’ll want to ask for patio dining. Black Cow Cafe is a nice ice cream spot in the center of the action… and ice cream is always a win! Weather permitting, Sedona can even be a lovely picnic spot.
Where to Stay
Sedona is a hopping spot with every chain and plenty of boutiques. We used points, so we stayed in chains we were comfortable with through our Chase Sapphire card.
Extending Your Stay
Sedona can be traversed in a day, or you could spend a week rambling the trails and taking in the scenery. Either way is a win. If you’re looking for more to do in the area, check out my southwest driving loop.
