My best friend and I live in different parts of the country — we’ve been best friends for 24 years and have only spent about a third of that time in the same city — so we love taking trips together. There’s something freeing about packing light (just for yourself, not for everyone!), having a few nights of sleepovers in a new place, and exploring without schedules. Dessert for breakfast? Absolutely. It feels like pure joy.
This trip was my first time in Sedona. My friend grew up going there with her family, and she didn’t have to try very hard to convince me — the dramatic red-rock views, warm days, the mystical vortex lore, crystal shops, and that pool all sounded perfect. I was in.
Where We Stayed In Sedona
We splurged on Enchantment Resort, a place my friend had always wanted to experience. The resort feels like a cluster of casitas tucked into the mountains, with multiple outdoor pools, cozy lounges, and sweeping views everywhere. We shared a suite with a small kitchen, a beverage fridge, a fireplace, a spacious bathroom, and a balcony overlooking the mountains. Each morning we’d step outside and often spot a different wild animal below — more on that soon.
It was pricier than our usual trips — roughly $500 a night split between the two of us — but it felt worth it for a dedicated girls’ getaway. Splitting one nice room between two households is great math, plus our partners happily held down the fort at home. The resort served as an ideal base: walking paths to pools and restaurants, a spa, small shops, a meditation space, and free activities like stargazing and garden tours.
The location is literally among the mountains. Towering red-rock formations surround you and never stop taking your breath away.
My friend made an AI poster before the trip that we laughed about constantly. It was charmingly imperfect and set the tone for our silly, spontaneous weekend together.
Side note: AI spelling can be delightfully off sometimes, which made the poster only more entertaining.
Video Recap
We recorded a short video that captures many highlights of our trip in under two minutes. It’s a quick, fun summary if you want an overview before diving into the details and photos below.
How We Got To Sedona
Sedona doesn’t have regular commercial flights, so most visitors fly into Flagstaff (about 45 minutes away) or Phoenix (roughly two hours). We flew into Phoenix because flights were more frequent and affordable. After picking up our rental car, we drove up to Sedona. Arriving earlier in the day is ideal — lines at rental counters can be long and night driving in unfamiliar mountain terrain isn’t fun.
Wildlife We Saw
The wildlife at the resort was a highlight. We spotted tiny lizards on curtains, mule deer wandering the grounds, and javelinas roaming near the paths. Mule deer look a bit different than other deer I’ve seen, and javelinas—often mistaken for wild boars—were fascinating to watch. We spent a lot of time simply strolling the property after meals and spotting animals.
Activities We Did
We mixed outdoorsy adventure with the local mystical scene: vortex tours, a high-adrenaline Pink Jeep off-road excursion, peaceful chapel visits, shopping, and great food. Highlights below.
Guided Vortex Tour
We booked a small-group vortex tour a few weeks in advance. Our guide led us to several spiritual sites, explained local history and lore, and showed us unique natural features like trees that grow in spiral patterns. Visiting a medicine wheel and a stupa were particularly moving moments; the guide offered thoughtful interpretations and many of us were unexpectedly emotional. Comfortable shoes are a must — there’s a good amount of walking and standing.
Pink Jeep Tour of Broken Arrow
If you want thrills and views, the Pink Jeep off-road tour is unforgettable. It’s a bumpy, steep, and exhilarating ride along red-rock trails. Expect moments that make you feel both terrified and thrilled — you’ll be glad you did it when you step back out and realize you survived. Our driver was confident, skilled, and full of personality, which made the experience even better.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Built into the red rocks, this chapel is a must-see. It’s a busy tourist spot, so plan on climbing a short walk from the parking area, but the views and architecture are worth it. There’s also a small gift shop with souvenirs if you want a memento.
Weather during our early October visit was cool in the mornings and evenings (around 60–65°F) and quite hot during the day (mid-80s to 90s). It’s a dry heat but intense at midday. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and water.
Shopping Favorites
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
Tlaquepaque feels like a charming little village filled with boutiques, galleries, and cafes. The architecture, fountains, and lush greenery make it a beautiful place to stroll. We found a delightful jewelry and curio shop filled with fossils, shells, beads, and crystals — perfect for unique souvenirs.
Walking around Sedona’s main shopping areas is also a joy: crystal shops, clothing boutiques, and small specialty stores line the streets. We took our time hunting for the right tarot reader and found a memorable reading that felt meaningful and personal.
Food and Drinks
We ate exceptionally well. A gelato shop we tried was delightful — I had cherry and chocolate, and my friend chose mango and vanilla. One standout meal was at Tii Gavo, a restaurant at the resort: we shared an appetizer of grilled peaches with burrata, mint, honey, and pistachios that I won’t stop thinking about. I also loved a simple tavern burger I ordered there while enjoying the patio view.
A local favorite for breakfast was Coffee Pot, famous for its vast omelette selection. We returned twice because the food was that good. We also mixed in grocery-store snacks, cheese plates, and an evening of improvised chocolate-covered strawberries in our room — simple pleasures that felt indulgent on vacation.
During our stay we also witnessed a beautiful wedding at the resort — a magical evening set against the red rocks — which added a romantic, celebratory vibe to the grounds.
Day Trip to Jerome
On our way back to Phoenix we stopped in Jerome, an old mining town now known for its steep streets, art shops, and ghost lore. The town’s character is charmingly quirky: shops selling copper goods, kaleidoscopes, and local crafts line the main drag. We had lunch at a cliffside restaurant with an incredible view and enjoyed browsing small galleries and gift shops.
After Jerome we headed to the airport, tired but full of good memories. This girls’ trip ranks near the top of our favorites — full of laughter, adventure, and deeper connection.
Girls Weekend In Sedona: An Overview
- Stayed at Enchantment Resort
- Restaurants we loved: Coffee Pot, Tii Gavo, PussyCat Gelato
- Vortex tour — small group, guided experience
- Pink Jeep off-road tour of Broken Arrow — thrilling and scenic
- Visited Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Shopping: Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village and downtown Sedona boutiques
- Day trip to Jerome for shops and a memorable lunch
Other Trips We’ve Taken
If you enjoy family-friendly travel ideas, we’ve written about other destinations as well. Our girls’ weekend in Sedona was a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and soulful moments — and I can’t wait to go back.