Flagstaff or Sedona? One night

Question

Heading from Mathers Point to Tucson. Either going to stay a night in Flagstaff or Sedona? Its in 2 weeks time? With 19 and 21 year old. Will probably only have a few hours to walk around in the evening.

Answer

Given your route from Mather Point to Tucson and only having one night to stop, both Flagstaff and Sedona have their merits, but the choice largely depends on the type of experience you want and how much driving you want to do.

Flagstaff: It is closer to Grand Canyon (Mather Point) than Sedona, so it’s convenient if you want a shorter drive after your canyon visit. Flagstaff is a college town with a relaxed evening vibe and several casual dining options. You can take a short evening stroll around its historic downtown, but it is more of a gateway town than a scenic destination.

Sedona: Slightly further south, Sedona offers stunning red rock scenery and a more picturesque environment, even if you only have a few hours. Evening walks can be especially nice around Uptown Sedona or along Oak Creek. There are plenty of restaurants and casual spots, and the views of the red rocks at sunset are memorable. However, it does add a bit of extra driving if you are heading to Tucson the next day.

If your priority is minimizing driving after the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is a good choice.
If you want a scenic, memorable stop with beautiful evening views and a lively tourist town, Sedona is worth the extra drive.

Other considerations:

Traffic is usually manageable midweek in both towns, but weekends can be busier in Sedona.
Both towns have plenty of lodging options; book early to secure a place for a short overnight stop.
With your 19 and 21-year-olds, Sedona might feel more vibrant in the evening with its restaurants, galleries, and casual nightlife.

In conclusion, if you want a scenic, more memorable stop and don’t mind driving a bit further, stay in Sedona. If convenience and less driving are your priorities, Flagstaff is the practical choice.

Flagstaff or Sedona? One night

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