As spring blooms in Sedona, the magnificent red rock formations are complemented by brilliant wildflower displays, lush streambeds, and just-right temperatures. The Easter weekend is the perfect time to gather friends and family and enjoy it all, from the spirit of renewal to the serene landscapes, from engaging activities for all ages to festive dining options. Here are a few of our favorite ways to celebrate Easter near The Arabella.
Family-Friendly Easter Activities in Sedona
Easter Egg Hunts in the Red Rocks
If there’s one Easter tradition the whole family can enjoy, it’s an Easter egg hunt. Many local parks and resorts host egg hunts against Sedona’s spectacular scenery. One of the best is the annual Sedona Celebration of Spring, which will be held at Posse Grounds Park in West Sedona from 9 AM until 1 PM on April 19th. Enjoy carnival rides, games, food vendors, and a petting zoo. The official Easter egg hunt features more than 21,000 eggs hidden across the grounds – arrive before 10 AM to be part of the fun!
Easter Bunny Express
Ride the rails on the Easter Bunny Express! The historic Verde Canyon Railroad is proud to present its annual holiday journey, where children and adults have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with the Easter bunny himself before hopping aboard. Take a wonderful ride through the canyon with plenty of sweets on hand, of course.
Outdoorsy Fun
Take advantage of Sedona’s mild spring weather by venturing into nature on family-friendly trails. The Bell Rock Pathway is an easy hike with stunning views where kids can marvel at the iconic rock formations. Slide Rock State Park offers a picture-perfect setting for a family Easter outing. Pack a picnic basket with seasonal goodies, and enjoy your meal by Oak Creek. Kids can explore the natural water slides or dip their toes in the cool waters.
Spiritual Encounters
Easter is a time for spiritual reflection, and there’s no better place for it than the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross. Perched high on the red rocks, this architectural wonder was built in 1956 and connected to a twin pinnacled red rock spur about 250 feet high. Soak in the breathtaking view of Oak Creek Canyon and a light a candle for whatever intention is in your heart.
We also love the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, nestled into the beautiful red rocks at the foot of Thunder Mountain. The Amitabha stupa itself rises 36 feet into the air. Long recognized as a holy ground by many of the native tribes in the area, Buddhists have also come to acknowledge this 14-acre park as a sacred space that holds the power of spiritual healing and transformation. It’s especially beautiful here in the spring when high desert botanicals are blooming and new wildlife, such as roadrunners, lizards, and birds of prey, are out and about.
Scenic Brunch Spots for Easter Sunday
After a morning of family fun and adventure, treat yourself to a delightful Easter brunch in one of Sedona’s acclaimed restaurants.
Creekside American Bistro
A gem of the Mercer’s Kitchen Restaurant Group, Creekside Sedona offers a cozy yet refined venue amidst lush sycamores overlooking gently flowing Oak Cree . Known for their inventive, delicious dishes and friendly service, it’s a lovely Easter choice for the whole family. It’s just a jump from Sedona’s mystical vortexes, so let the rejuvenating energy fill you up. Indulge in Chef Mercer Mohr’s fluffy pancakes and zesty omelets. If you like a brunchy lunch, check out the ramen noodle bowls and lamb chop lollipops.
Shorebird
Exquisite flavors await at the Sedona location of Shorebird, where the menu blends the ocean’s bounty with the best of the land’s harvest. We particularly love the lemon ricotta souffle hot cakes with blueberries and whipped honey butter, and the carne adovada y huevos, with Santa Fe-style smoked pork shoulder, two over-medium eggs, cheddar cheese tostada, ranchero sauce, cilantro, guacamole, pickled red fresco chiles, and pico de gallo.
Mesa Grill Sedona
Local favorite Mesa Grill offers incredible views of Sedona’s red rock landscape alongside a menu filled with Southwest-inspired dishes. Among the signature brunch dishes to savo: Sedona Red Rock Benedic, redefining the classic with a Southwestern twist, featuring house-made cornbread, poached eggs, spicy chorizo, and a drizzle of chipotle hollandaise; and the fluffy Mesa Grill Omelette filled with your choice of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to order a Mesa Mimosa or Red Rock Bloody Mary to enhance your dining experience.
Looking to make your Sedona Easter even more special? Explore The Arabella’s curated stays for you and your family.