Posted by: Lori Reinhold

Looking to find true love? Sedona might be just the place for you. With its beautiful red rock surroundings, friendly locals, and year round events & activities, it is easy to fall for Sedona and the great people who live here. But the foundation of any grand romance is the all important date. Whether you are just starting out or have been together for years, here are 5 unique and fun Sedona date ideas guaranteed to get the sparks flying in no time.

1. Take a Hike

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Sedona’s breathtaking red rock landscapes. It is also the perfect way to connect with your date. For a peaceful and romantic afternoon, we recommend choosing one of the quieter, off-the-beaten path trails in the Coconino National Forest. That way, you and your date can get to know each other a little better while exploring the region’s incredible natural beauty. There are countless amazing trails to choose from, but we recommend the Baldwin Trail to Cathedral Rock or the Cowpile Trail for low crowds and unbeatable surroundings.

2. Pack a Picnic Lunch

A romantic picnic is a date idea as old as time. Sedona’s unique and beautiful landscapes offer the perfect setting for a picnic like no place else on earth. You have many incredible picnic options to choose from in Sedona. The Banjo Bill Picnic Site is located in Oak Creek Canyon near a sparkling creek that runs through a lush green landscape framed by towering red rock cliffs. You can also find great picnic areas in Red Rock State Park and Slide Rock State Park.

3. Enjoy Dinner With a View

This may be a classic, but nothing can beat a romantic dinner with a view. Many of the restaurants in town offer the perfect combination of great food with great views of the surrounding red rock cliffs. The Hudson serves simple yet hearty American cuisine in a sophisticated industrial setting. They have a beautiful patio with a fireplace and great views as well as a swanky indoor bar serving up some of the best cocktails in the area. Cress on Oak Creek, or L’Auberge Sedona, serves elegant French fare with a Southwestern twist right on the lovely banks of Oak Creek. For something exotic and fun, Mariposa is known for their classy dining room and upscale takes on Latin cuisine.

4. Ride the Rails

For a date you will never forget, buy tickets on the Verde Canyon Railroad, a fully-restored vintage train that takes riders on a 20-mile journey through the gorgeous Sedona desert. It is known as “Arizona’s largest running nature show” because it offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the nation. In just four hours, you have the chance to spot more than 900 animal species on 50 million acres of public land, including bald eagles and the great blue heron. You’ll pass red rock formations, unspoiled canyons, and the sparkling waters of the Verde River. The return trip allows you to enjoy the same views but under the dramatic beauty of a canopy of stars. All seats are comfortable and climate controlled. We think the caboose seating option is particularly romantic.

5. Grab a Coffee

Sometimes the best dates are the simplest. Spend a couple of hours at one of Sedona’s many wonderful coffee shops sharing good conversation over a steaming latte or americano. Creekside Coffee serves some of the best coffee in town with some of the best views of Sedona’s red rocks. They also serve tasty cafe fair, like avocado toast and breakfast sandwiches, if you work up an appetite. Other popular local coffee spots into Theia’s, Oak Creek Espresso, and Synergy Lounge and Kitchen, which also serves some pretty incredible artisan chocolates and ice cream.

Planning a romantic getaway to Sedona, Arizona? Book a stay at the Alma de Sedona Inn for warm service and unbeatable red rock views.