Sedona was the location of my first solo trip, and is still one of my favorite places on the planet. So it felt full circle to have it be the location of my bachelorette. Before we get to the perfect trip itinerary planned by my sisters, let me tell you about some of the cutest touches they made to make my bachelorette feel so special. First, they went with the most adorable theme: Last Trail Before the Veil. They decorated the Airbnb with bridal balloons and a banner. They included stops for my favorite foods like coffee, acai bowls, and Mexican food. There was the most beautiful paper itinerary that is so cute I plan on framing it. Everyone received gift bags that included a personalized yoga towel, a glass cup with “Camp Dana-Last Trail Before the Veil” etched on it, eye masks, and bridal koozies. And each day, one of my girls gave me a personal letter. My fiance and I have had kind of a long engagement (a year and a half), and this trip really put me in a bridal state of mind! This may not be the wild atmosphere you might expect for a bachelorette, in fact, it was more Girls Gone Mild–but hey, that’s me!
Day 1: Brunch in Phoenix and Cathedral Rock
Our Sedona bachelorette getaway kicked off with a delicious brunch in Phoenix. There are no shortage of great spots to choose from including The Henry, a chic spot known for its mouth-watering avocado toast and refreshing mimosas. After fueling up, we embarked on our scenic drive to Sedona, soaking in the picturesque landscapes and listening to nothing but Taylor Swift’s Tortured Poet’s Department. Yes, I am fully aware of how utterly basic this paragraph sounds…and I love it.
Upon arriving in Sedona, we settled into our stunning Airbnb. There are plenty of hotels right along the main strip of downtown Sedonna, but with a group, we wanted a space where we could also hang out, cook, and relax during the crazy hot parts of the day. After excitedly looking around the Airbnb and unpacking, we geared up for an evening hike to Cathedral Rock. This iconic trail, though short, offers a bit of a challenge with its steep ascents, but the breathtaking views at the top make it all worthwhile. I’ve hiked this trail a couple of times, and it remains one of my all time favorites–especially at sunset. For those seeking other easy hikes, I recommend the Bell Rock Pathway and the Fay Canyon Trail, both offering stunning vistas without too much exertion.
Day 2: Coffee, Slide Rock State Park, and an attempt at Artistry
We started our second day with a leisurely morning coffee at home, enjoying the serene views from our backyard patio. For those who prefer a coffee shop vibe, The Secret Garden Cafe offers a delightful and shaded ambiance while Wildflower is a little more commercial but offers panoramic views of the red rocks. If you have the time, the Secret Garden cafe is also located in the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. This charming, Spanish-style village is filled with unique boutiques, art galleries, and delightful cafes. We needed to get to our next spot kind of early, but if you have a leisurely morning definitely check out this area.
Next, we headed to Slide Rock State Park, where we spent a fun-filled morning and afternoon sliding down the natural rock water slides and lounging by the creek. It’s a perfect spot for a mix of adventure and relaxation. Make sure to get there early in the summer months because it gets crowded and eventually they stop letting people in. Be prepared, the water feels like a natural cold plunge, but sliding along the rocks is worth the chilly temps. Bring water shoes for sure and plenty of sunscreen!
In the afternoon, we cooled off and embraced our creative sides with a little painting party at the Airbnb. We attempted the TikTok trend of everyone painting a picture of the bride. While none of us should quit our day job, we excelled at drinking wine and painting at the same time. If art is truly your thing, consider a class at the Sedona Arts Center. Guided by a local artist, you could each paint your own Sedona-inspired masterpieces. Personally, I preferred hanging out in my pajamas with a charcuterie board and assessing the hilarious renderings of what my girls thought I’d look like as a bride.
We ended the day by dressing up and heading out for drinks and a delicious dinner at the upscale Mexican restaurant, 89 Agave Cantina. I’d also recommend Mariposa, a Latin Inspired Grill, as another option.
Day 3: Yoga, Wineries, and Shopping
Our third day began with a revitalizing yoga session with an instructor from Aumbase on top of Airport Mesa. We met our instructor outside the studio and followed her to the parking lot of Airport Mesa where a short hike led to our class location. I did the same class with the same instructor on my first solo trip to Sedona, and six years later it was still the same wonderful and serene experience that captures Sedona’s spiritual essence. Wow, could I have packed more alliteration into that sentence? If you’re not used to yoga or yoga with a more spiritual focus, there may be a few moments that cause a giggle or two (like when the instructor sings or hits a drum near your head while you’re in Savasana). However, it really is the quintessential Sedona activity.
After yoga, we enjoyed breakfast at Creekside which opens for lunch and dinner as well. I’ve eaten here for both breakfast and dinner and it remains my favorite food spot in Sedona. The food is upscale American which somehow tastes both homey and unique. The indoor seating is cozy and eclectic while the outdoor patio sits along the tranquil Oak Creek and offers red rock views as well.
After freshening up (everyone wanted to try the giant steam shower in the Airbnb) we embarked on a wine-tasting adventure in Verde Valley. After a short drive, our first stop was Oak Creek VIneyards where we indulged in a wine flight paired with a cheese platter. Even though it was insanely hot, there were misters everywhere so we felt cool even outside. The vineyard patio setting was perfect for our group. We then visited a very popular local winery, the D.A. Ranch Estate Vinyards. This location was an unexpected gem. The grounds were like the perfect backyard bash. There were oak trees and a lawn of lush green grass surrounding a log cabin providing plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. There was a small creek running through the yard and adding to the ambiance. There were also several vendors around the property selling things like homemade dog treats and permanent bracelets as well as live music on the back porch. This spot is the perfect place to socialize, and if you’re in AZ or interested in a destination wedding, it would make an incredible venue.
In the late afternoon, we indulged in some retail therapy, exploring the charming boutiques and art galleries in Uptown Sedona. The majority of us walked away with one of those permanent bracelets. We planned to cook that evening, but after an afternoon of wine tasting we opted for more quick service at Canyon Breeze which is conveniently located in the center of Uptown Sedona and has picture perfect views of the red rocks. There is better food in Sedona but the convenience and views are fantastic. Another Uptown option would be Elote Café with its delicious Southwestern cuisine, but just know that several places either require a reservation, or may fill up and not take reservations during the busy summer months.
Day 4: Hiking and Pool Day Relaxation
Our final day began with an invigorating morning hike to Soldiers Pass. I say invigorating, but it was actually a little draining. Some of the hikes, like this one, require you to take a shuttle to the trail head because of limited parking. We missed the first shuttle so decided to walk the mile to the trail head and then do the hike. I don’t recommend this. Especially when it’s a scorching summer day. We hiked up to the Seven Sacred Pools and then decided to continue onto the arch on the path. In hindsight, we probably should have turned around at the pools. If you have plenty of water, it is not a bad hike at all. Other options could include Doe Mountain Trail, a moderate hike that rewards you with panoramic views of the red rock formations. Or Devil’s Bridge Trail which is challenging enough to feel accomplished but manageable for all fitness levels.
If hiking is not your thing, I suggest exploring Sedona’s scenery with the Pink Jeep Tour to explore Sedona’s rugged terrain. A knowledgeable guide will take you off-roading through stunning landscapes, sharing fascinating stories about the area’s geology and history.
After our hike, we stopped for sandwiches at The Hilltop Deli which totally blew me away. It was one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten–and that does not take into account how hungry we were after our hike. We spent the rest of the afternoon by the pool. Even though our Airbnb didn’t have a pool, we bought a resort pass which allowed us to use a hotel pool without being actual guests. The poolside was the perfect spot to cool off, unwind and reminisce about our trip.
That evening we opted for a peaceful night grilling out at home. To top off our night, we visited the Hudson for some delicious ice cream and ended our evening stopping at a viewpoint on the way home and checking out the amazing night sky. If you’re looking for something a little less tame than ice cream, an evening at the Margarita Bar is a great way to toast the end of your trip.
I so appreciate how this bachelorette was tailored perfectly for me, and I loved spending time with my favorite ladies doing all of my favorite things! Sedona was the ideal destination for my bachelorette trip, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning a pre-wedding getaway or just a girls’ trip, Sedona promises a magical experience for everyone.
It was the best trip celebrating the beautiful bride to be 👰🏽♀️ 🏜️