I want to visit but don't want to drive!

Question

Hi, want to visit Sedona / Grand Canyon/ Monument Valley. I need to relax without the stress of driving. I do not hike. I'd rather pay for tours as I think would be more fun to meet and share with people and learn about the history of these places and have no stress of driving.

so what's the best city to sleep considering I will do some tours? Sedona / Flagstaff / Scottsdale / Phoenix? Will fly to Phoenix , I can also rent a car and drive Phoenix to Sedona just for the transfer. I learned there are shuttles too from the airport about 70$ each way pp.

I am thinking early May, after Easter and before Memorial Day about 5/6 days.

Your experienced tips would be much appreciated, never visited these places and I feel ashamed about that! thank you!

Answer

For a stress-free, no-driving vacation visiting Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Monument Valley, it’s smart to pick a base city that offers easy access to organized tours, shuttles, and accommodations with minimal transit hassles. Given your priorities—relaxing, learning from guided tours, and minimal self-driving—here are some considerations:

Base city options:

Sedona: Excellent for scenic day tours, Pink Jeep tours, and art/culture experiences. Many local operators provide full-day tours to nearby sights, including Oak Creek Canyon and even some Grand Canyon options. Staying here allows you to relax in a resort or lodge with minimal stress.
Flagstaff: Central location for tours to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and even northern Arizona landmarks. More affordable than Sedona in terms of hotels, but you’ll need to take a shuttle or booked tour to Sedona or Grand Canyon. Less charming than Sedona for leisure stays.
Phoenix/Scottsdale: Good for the initial arrival, especially if you want city amenities. However, tours to Sedona, Grand Canyon, and Monument Valley from Phoenix will be full-day and involve long travel, meaning less time enjoying the sites. Might be useful for the first or last night, but less ideal for the bulk of sightseeing.

Suggested approach:

Fly into Phoenix. If you want minimal driving, consider taking a shuttle to Sedona (~$70 pp one-way). Alternatively, renting a car for one-way transfer from Phoenix to Sedona gives flexibility for sightseeing at your own pace without stressing about driving in Sedona itself.
Spend 3–4 nights in Sedona. Book guided tours for the Red Rocks, Sedona scenic drives, and history/culture. Options include Pink Jeep tours, small-group van tours, or photography/adventure tours that are easy and informative.
For the Grand Canyon, join full-day or overnight tours from Sedona. Some tours provide transport and guided commentary, so you don’t need to drive to the South Rim or find parking.
For Monument Valley, consider a multi-day guided tour or a tour that includes Monument Valley from Flagstaff or Page. There are also tour packages that combine Grand Canyon and Monument Valley highlights.

Practical tips:

Book tours in advance, especially for early May, as it is a popular period between spring break and Memorial Day.
Choose accommodations in Sedona that are close to tour pickup locations or offer shuttle service. This will minimize any need to drive.
Pack layers and comfortable shoes for walking short distances during tours; even non-hikers benefit from comfortable footwear for brief scenic walks or viewpoints.
Consider a half-day “relaxation day” in Sedona to enjoy spas, art galleries, or casual walks without scheduled tours.

Summary: Sedona is the best city to base yourself for a relaxed, tour-focused trip. Phoenix or Scottsdale works only as arrival/departure points. Flagstaff is a practical alternative but less scenic and comfortable. Using guided tours and shuttles allows you to see Sedona, Grand Canyon, and Monument Valley without driving stress.

I want to visit but don't want to drive!

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