Sedona to Prescott?

Question

Hello Trip Advisor Experts, thank you for your generous time you offer to travelers like me who can't help but re-think and tweak. Thinking back to how trip planning was when I was growing up.....mainly word of mouth and a map!

My third trip to Sedona, bringing my husband this time who has never been. We are staying at Casa Sedona for three nights :). (We are starting off at the Grand Canyon before Sedona.)

I had planned to leave Sedona after our three night stay and stay for one night in Prescott as we make our way back to Phoenix for the flight back to Houston. Now second-guessing that plan and wondering if we should stay one more night in Sedona.

Any advice?

Answer

For your Sedona to Prescott leg, both options—staying an extra night in Sedona or moving on to Prescott—have their benefits, depending on what kind of experience you want for the end of your trip.

Option 1: Stay an extra night in Sedona

Staying a fourth night in Sedona allows you to relax and soak in the Red Rock scenery without feeling rushed. Casa Sedona is centrally located, making it easy to explore additional trails, art galleries, or take a scenic drive. It also gives you more flexibility for sunrise or sunset experiences, which are particularly magical in Sedona.

Morning hike at Bell Rock or Doe Mountain for sweeping views.
Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross with fewer crowds later in the day.
Optional wine tasting or spa experience before heading home.
Less stress on travel day to Phoenix for your flight.

Option 2: Stay in Prescott for one night

Prescott offers a different vibe—historic downtown with Whiskey Row, a charming square, and outdoor activities like Watson Lake or local hiking trails. Spending a night there breaks up the drive to Phoenix and allows you to experience a small-town Arizona feel.

Explore historic Whiskey Row and the Courthouse Plaza.
Short hike or stroll around Watson Lake for scenic granite cliffs and water views.
Dinner at a local restaurant for a different dining experience than Sedona.
Drive to Phoenix the next morning for your flight, roughly 1.5–2 hours.

Recommendation: If your main goal is to maximize Sedona’s scenery and have a more relaxed end to your trip, an extra night in Sedona is ideal. If you want to experience a new town and break up the drive to Phoenix, Prescott is a nice choice. Since it’s only a short drive from Sedona to Prescott, some travelers even combine a late afternoon in Sedona with an evening drive to Prescott for a single night, enjoying a mix of both.

Sedona to Prescott?

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