Get ready for an incredible summer vacation this year that will transcend all the others. If you are looking for the ideal summer spot, look no further than Sedona. Our Northern Arizona community features a variety of incredible Sedona summer activities that will make for an unbelievable stay. You will find everything extremely close to our vacation rentals, ensuring you have plenty of fun. Take a look at the top summer activities found here in Sedona:
Cool Off at Slide Rock State Park
Sedona might be in Northern Arizona, but it still sees some of the high temperatures of summer for the state. During your stay, make sure you cool off by visiting Oak Creek Canyon, where natural pools can be found, and you can cool off with a dip in the water. The most popular dipping spot is over at Slide Rock State Park. Here, visitors will find a natural water slide. You can slide down the rock or simply hang out by the ledge and soak up some sunshine. Slide Rock State Park is a popular destination in the summer, so make sure to go early and beat the inevitable crowds.
Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Sedona is a truly stunning destination with the red rocks all around you. During your stay, you can take in the views from up high by booking you and your family a hot air balloon ride. Red Rock Balloon Adventures has everything you need for a sky-high adventure. Join one of their rides to get an aerial view from hundreds of feet up in the air. You can sit back and enjoy the views while you float around the valley. If you book a tour before noon, you can avoid the afternoon heat, making your journey in the sky much more delightful. Book your tour now to ensure this popular activity is available during your summer stay!
Go Hiking
It should go without saying that Sedona has some of the best views in the entire state of Arizona. When you arrive, you will be amazed at how the red rocks provide the perfect backdrop for your memories. While many might be initially nervous to go hiking in the Arizona heat, there are plenty of ways to escape it. Hiking early in the morning has become part of the regular routine for those who live in Sedona or visit often. Head out during the early hours of the morning for beautiful weather.
Finding a trail that is easy to get to and enjoy is not hard at all. The West Fork Trail, found over by Oak Creek, continues to be one of the top hikes in the area. You will be able to escape the direct sunshine as the trail hugs the canyon walls.
You also must check out local hikes that have become icons themselves with presence on social media. Devil’s Bridge continues to be an iconic spot to hike; take a picture of yourself on the natural bridge that crosses over the canyon. The hike to Devil’s Bridge is 4.2 miles round trip, making it an easy enough hike for most.
Don’t forget hiking up to Cathedral Rock, where another stunning hike awaits you. This is a great hike for sunset but can also be enjoyed at any time of the day. While the hike is only 1.4 miles round trip, it is up an extremely steep incline. Most hikers will need to climb up on their hands and knees and start the hike around an hour and a half before sunset to make it in time. Make sure to bring a flashlight for the way back down if you are planning on staying up there past sunset.
Enjoy a Winery Tour
Sedona is also known to be Arizona’s wine country, where you can find dozens of wineries and tasting rooms within a short distance of your vacation rental. Beating the heat has never been so relaxing as it can be with a glass of wine in your hand. Northern Arizona produces a lovely batch of grapes used for wines in the region. Popular wineries in the area include Page Spring Cellars that is always a favorite with the locals. Page Spring Cellars sustainably produces small batch wines and also puts on special events such as four-course dinners. Take a winery tour to get a glimpse at how each batch is expertly produced right here on the property.
Our Summer Adventure Awaits
These summer activities and many more will be waiting for you here in Sedona. Book a stay at one of our vacation rentals and come enjoy summertime in Sedona for yourself.
Visitors who make their way to Arizona want to take advantage of the warm and dry climate for some fun and exciting outdoor dining. Many of the restaurants in Scottsdale and Sedona offer outdoor dining so you can do just that. Take a look at the best outdoor dining in Scottsdale and Sedona in the summer:
Scottsdale Summer Outdoor Dining
Olive & Ivy
Outdoor dining is always at its best when it has plenty to see around you. Olive & Ivy offers just that and so much more inside the Scottsdale Waterfront. This local favorite restaurant serves up delicious Californian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine inside a stylish setting. The outdoor dining area is what most locals come for as the bustling Waterfront is full of people exploring the area. The menu never skips out on flavor and offers elegant dishes that look just as good as they taste. Enjoy a glass of sangria as the sun slowly sets overhead. Or try out Olive & Ivy on the weekend for morning brunch. You will find your own personal French Riviera when you dine with Olive & Ivy here in Scottsdale.
Craft 64
There is no better combination than craft beer and pizza so make sure to visit Craft 64 here in Scottsdale. This local venue is known for the extended selection of craft beers with 64 beers to choose from to be exact! Their selection includes their own personal beers crafted for their locations around the Valley. The Scottsdale location is the original spot and is also known for its incredible pizza. The wood fire oven bakes your pizza to perfection so you can enjoy it on their spacious outdoor patio. There is plenty of shade with the outdoor umbrellas to hide you from the summer sun. Additional items on the menu also include salads, bruschetta, cocktails, and so much more.
Café Monarch
For outdoor fine dining, there is no place more special than Café Monarch. This local restaurant is known for its chandelier-lit interior space and New American cuisine. The outdoor dining area will have you feeling like you are on the patio of a private Italian villa. This local favorite is located in Old Town Scottsdale and has a sommelier to help you find the perfect wine for dinner. The five-star cuisine will be something that you have never tasted before. Make sure to look up reservations well in advance for this fine dining experience. We recommend checking out our Paradise Valley vacation rentals to help round out your fine dining journey.
Sedona Summer Outdoor Dining
Hideaway House
If you have ever wanted to feel like you are dining outdoors inside of a treehouse you have to make a stop by Hideaway House. This Sedona restaurant is a relaxed eatery that focuses on pizza, pasta, and sandwiches. You will have direct views of a scenic creek as you enjoy your outdoor meal. The covered patios make it easy to hide from the direct sunlight while still enjoying the beautiful weather Sedona is known for. For tasty Italian food and beautiful views of the Red Rocks, you simply cannot beat Hideaway House.
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
There are plenty of spots around Sedona where you can find fine dining including Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill. This upscale restaurant features South American-inspired cuisine that is paired perfectly with the stunning views of the Red Rocks from their outdoor patio. Many of the ingredients for the entrees are grown from the restaurant garden located on the property. All organic vegetables are obtained directly from Arizona while the beef and seafood come from the best purveyors in the industry. Booking a reservation well in advance is highly encouraged for one of the finest upscale restaurants in Sedona.
Gerardo’s Italian Kitchen
Some restaurants go all out with the incredible décor while others keep it minimal with low-key space. This is how you can describe local favorite Gerardo’s Italian Kitchen. The no-fuss design lets you focus on the delicious food that includes a variety of Neapolitan pizzas and authentic Italian dishes. The wood fire oven bakes each dish including pizza and lasagna to perfection. While you may not have any sweeping views of the valley you will have plenty of room on their outdoor patio. Each item on the menu is made from scratch to ensure a tasty bite. Do not skip out on a visit to Gerardo’s Italian Kitchen this summer.
Your Time to Book Scottsdale or Sedona
Now that you know where to find the best meals outdoors in Scottsdale and Sedona you can start planning for your summer getaway. Our Sedona AZ vacation rentals offer luxury features and amenities for the most comfortable stay in the city. Make sure to book these properties in advance as they are sure to go quickly for the summer!
Now is the perfect time to start planning ahead for the 4th of July holiday later this summer. Make the most of your holiday plans by reserving a trip to beautiful Sedona. This northern Arizona destination features a variety of exciting events and activities that will help you bring in the 4th of July the right way. Take a look at what you can enjoy for the 4th of July when you visit Sedona:
Nearby 4th of July Events
Unfortunately, Sedona does not allow fireworks within city limits. Due to this code, most locals will travel a short distance to nearby cities for a variety of events to celebrate America’s birthday. One of the biggest cities in northern Arizona that is just a quick drive away is Flagstaff. This historic city features their Annual Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Parade that marches around Historic Downtown Flagstaff. After all of the festivities in the day are done, you can make your way to the Continental Country Club to see their dazzling fireworks show. Grab a spot on the lawn and sit back as the sky lights up with huge displays of fireworks. Get there early and check out the fun hiking trails around the city. Another fun city that will be hosting a 4th of July celebration is Williams. This historic railroad town hosts a variety of activities for the big celebration. Enjoy the parade that marches through downtown, the chili cook-off, an antique car show, and even a team rope competition. The night ends with an incredible display of fireworks seen from anywhere in town. Make sure to check out these nearby towns if you are in the mood for classic American fun!
Buddha Farms Wellness Lifestyle Weekend Events
Sedona is a city known for its artisanal crafts that are locally produced or foraged. One of the best places to find a little bit of everything is the weekly Buddha Farms Wellness Lifestyle events. This weekly gathering provides an evening full of live music, delicious food, and artisanal crafts all provide by local vendors. Buddha Farms will be whipping up dinner using organic ingredients with vegan options too. Everything is gluten free, making sure you are eating healthy. Local musicians will highlight a variety of music themes that is always family friendly. Multiple vendors will have plenty of local art, organic food, and unique gifts such as hemp creations on hand for sale. Don’t miss up on this truly Sedona experience offered by Buddha Farms.
Various Musical Events
Sedona features an abundance of events all summer long that are a treat to enjoy in person. This includes a variety of musical performances that are currently scheduled to take place around the 4th of July. Sedona is currently hosting an outdoor summer concert series with modern takes on classic compositions. Catch violinist Tyler Carson performing “Fiddler on the Rock” all weekend long. Catch world traveling Latin musician Eric Miller performing some of his romantic and soulful songs at Sound Bites Grill on July 2nd. The Yavapai College Performing Arts Center is showcasing their Concerts on the Green all this summer and will have a performance on July 3rd. This performance will be featuring the Prescott POPS Symphony: An American Celebration that will showcase classic American songs to help bring in the 4th of July. Sedona is home to incredible live music all year long so don’t pass up a chance to finally hear live music again when you visit for the 4th of July. Tickets start at $15 for adults, $5 for youth, and free for children ages 8 and younger.
Sedona Activities
Take advantage of the season and enjoy a variety of summer activities only found in Sedona. Start your morning with a quick hike to Bell Rock that features incredible views. Explore the red rock canyons with a Jeep tour that will take you off road and into the wild. Sedona features a variety of unique boutiques downtown that are fully open for business. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many local restaurants including Creekside American Bistro or The Hudson. A variety of art galleries showcase authentic works of art from local and national talent. Sit back at night and see some of the clearest views of the stars in the entire state. Relax at one of the many spas in town for a natural healing experience. All of this is up for grabs when you come visit Sedona this summer season for the 4th of July.
Make the Most of Your Time in Sedona
As you can see, there is plenty to enjoy when vacationing to Sedona for the 4th of July. Reserve one of our vacation rentals today for the best experience around!