Sedona or Scottsdale? Both are awesome in their own way. Both offer hiking opportunities, delicious restaurants, unique, local shopping districts and spa resorts. But I personally found a clear winner in Sedona.
Sedona was everything I was expecting Arizona to be. Around every bend in Sedona, there was a giant beauty of a red rock growing out of the Earth. Sedona’s landscape and scenery couldn’t compare to Scottsdale, which was pretty, but not PRETTY. Scottsdale is absolutely cool! And if you’re looking for more of a nightlife scene, Scottsdale would be your clear winner.
But for me, Sedona is definitely next level, compared to Scottsdale. The hiking was next level, the landscape and scenery were next level, and sadly the traffic was next level, too. We can’t have it all in a destination, can we!
Here are my favorite things to do in Sedona, as well as my favorite things to do in Scottsdale. Check them out and decide which Arizona destination is best for your trip!
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Devils Bridge in Sedona, AZ
1. Hiking
Hiking in Sedona is EV.ER.Y.THING! If you’re looking for a challenge, whether you’re an inexperienced hiker or an expert, Sedona has a trail for you. The beauty of the red rocks are both intimidating and inviting. They scream, “Look how pretty I am, do you dare to climb me?!” There are numerous Sedona hiking trails from which to choose. A few that I researched prior to arriving were Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge and Bell Rock. All are excellent choices and those are just a tiny few of the hiking trail options in Sedona. I personally need a fantastic photo (*cough* I mean view) at the end of my hike so I went with Devil’s Bridge. The hike wasn’t easy but the view and photo at the end were worth every step! Read more about my Devil’s Bridge hike here.
While I did not hike in Scottsdale, my friends did and loved it! They did the Camelback Mountain Trail which is popular with both locals and tourists. It’s a difficult hike but it is doable for inexperienced hikers if you take your time, wear proper footwear and bring water. There are two hiking trails at Camelback, the Echo Canyon Trail, which is steeper, and the Cholla Trail, which is longer. Pick your poison! Views from the summit allow you to see all of Scottsdale below. You can see the city and landscape below for what feels like miles and miles.
No matter your Arizona destination, the best thing to do in Sedona or Scottsdale is definitely to go for a hike. Research your trail, wear hiking boots, bring water, sun protection and a camera, and enjoy the views.
Related: Devil’s Bridge Hike: Be Where Your Feet Are Now
2. Spa Relaxation
The landscape of Sedona leaves you no choice but to seek out zen, tranquility, peace and relaxation. So enjoying some time at a Sedona spa is a divine idea. Scottsdale also offers spa options so really you can’t go wrong if you’re seeking some spa time while visiting Arizona.
There are numerous spa resorts in Sedona, most are luxurious and offer high-end facilities and treatments. I did not have the luxury of experiencing a spa in Sedona but a few that I’m sure do not disappoint include; Enchantment Resort (the views of the red rocks from the outdoor pool are breathtaking), the Wilde Resort and Spa (treatments, wellness and natural healing-say no more), and the ultimate in Sedona spas at Mii Amo (closed for renovations until Spring 2022).
Scottsdale also has plenty of zen opportunities at luxury spa resorts. The Away Spa at the W Hotel is cool AND relaxing, the spa at the Phoenician Hotel offers a rooftop pool and a drybar for after your services, and the Spa Scottsdale is a day spa so you can save on hotel costs but splurge on spa treatments if you’d like.
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Historic Old Town in Scottsdale, AZ; Courtesy of Courtney Elko
3. Local Exploring and Shopping
The best thing to do in Scottsdale (after hiking) is to visit the historic Old Town District. Old Town Scottsdale offers unique shops full of culture more than souvenirs, and several delicious eateries. Whether you’re looking for tacos, ice cream, coffee or steak — there’s something for everyone in Old Town. The Old Adobe Mission is a Catholic church in the heart of Old Town. It’s beautifully blinding white exterior is the oldest standing church in Scottsdale. No matter your affiliation, the Old Adobe Mission is worth a quick visit.
About five minutes away from the walkable, historic Old Town, is the modern-day Entertainment District of Scottsdale. The Entertainment District is the ideal spot for nightlife in Scottsdale. Numerous bars and restaurants line this area and the open-air atmosphere fills the streets with a party on the weekends. Diego Pops is a great place for Mexican food and margaritas and the Bottled Blonde is a high-energy bar filled with 20-somethings ready to party. The college crowd is out in full force in the Entertainment District. So depending on your mood, I’d recommend both areas of Scottsdale.
While Scottsdale has Old Town, Sedona has Uptown and Tlaquepaque, which are a big contrast to Scottsdale’s offerings. Sedona’s Uptown is a walkable shopping district filled with local shops, art galleries and restaurants. A small road with several roundabouts runs through Uptown causing plenty of traffic most of the day, which is definitely a downfall to this area. Most locals avoid the area, but it’s a fun place for tourists to visit. Parking can be limited here as well. Tlaquepaque, not far from Uptown, is a more high-end shopping and art gallery district. In Tlaquepaque you will find local artists, specialty shops and a few restaurants. There is a larger parking lot near Tlaquepaque as well, making it a little more convenient to explore compared to Uptown.
Both Arizona destinations are great places to visit. In my opinion, hiking is the best thing to do in Sedona while the nightlife scene is the best thing in Scottsdale. Sedona’s landscape and scenery is outstanding but the traffic in town wasn’t fun. Scottsdale was easy to navigate and had tons of bars and restaurants in a walkable area. But it lacked the beauty of Sedona.
For the best of both worlds, I would recommend visiting both if time allows. But it was the landscape that pushed Sedona to the front for me.
Related: The Authenticity Is In The Why
