The Perfect Weekend in Sedona (Family-Friendly + Walkable Stay)
- Shelby Matthews
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly weekend getaway in Sedona, this itinerary is one of those rare finds where you can park your car and truly relax. Between walkable shopping, incredible trails, and a hotel that feels like a destination itself, this is how we spent the perfect weekend in Sedona. Everyone says their least favorite part about Sedona is the traffic, so you can avoid that altogether with this hotel!
Where to Stay in Sedona: Arabella Hotel
We checked into the Arabella Hotel Sedona on Friday and honestly, we didn’t leave (or need our car) the entire weekend.
Here’s why this spot is perfect for families:
Multiple pools + hot tubs
On-site dog park (huge bonus if you’re traveling with pets)
Free breakfast buffet every morning
Direct access to scenic hiking trails
Walkable to shops, restaurants, and coffee
On-site games for the kids
Firepits to end the night with smore's
Our room had a courtyard view with unreal red rock views, and one of our favorite parts? Live music every Friday and Saturday night at the outdoor bar. The vibe was relaxed and family-friendly, we watched right from our balcony with the kids, which made it feel extra special without needing a sitter.
Friday Night: Check-In + Dinner with a View
After settling in, head to Mole Kitchen, the upscale Mexican restaurant right on the property.
The food? So good.
The views? Even better.
If you do one dinner in Sedona, make it here - especially if you can sit outside. Reservations are a must, especially on weekends.
Then wrap up the night with live music in the courtyard.
Saturday: Trails + Exploring Tlaquepaque
One of the best parts of staying at Arabella? You can walk straight to the trails.
We did:
Marg's Draw Trail – peaceful, scenic, and great with kids
Sunset Vista Trail – incredible views, especially later in the day
After hiking, we walked over to Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, which feels like a little European-style village tucked into Sedona.
You’ll find:
Local shops + boutiques
Coffee spots
Restaurants
Shady courtyards (perfect for kids to explore)
The hotel also has bikes + helmets for you to use for free during your stay!
Sunday: Slow Morning + Checkout
Sunday morning was all about taking it slow:
Breakfast buffet at the hotel
One last walk around the property
Soaking in those red rock views one more time
Why This Sedona Weekend Works So Well
If you’re planning a Sedona weekend itinerary, this setup makes it incredibly easy, especially with kids:
Everything is walkable
Trails are right outside your hotel
Dining + entertainment are on-site
It balances adventure + relaxation perfectly
It’s one of those trips that feels effortless but still gives you that “we did so much” feeling.
Gear Recommendations: Hard Carrier Backpack for hiking
Kids Hiking Shoes - the red rocks in Sedona can be extremely slippery. I do not recommend letting your kids just wear regular old tennis shoes for these trails. One time I wore regular Nike's, slipped on loose rock (on an easy trail!) and sprained my knee really bad. Make sure everyone has something with good grip.
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