<p>I haven’t stayed there, but it’s #1 on tripadvisor. We visited Sedona, for the third time, last year and loved it. Besides the hiking, I’d recommend Pink Jeep’s Broken Arrow tour.</p>
<p>I’ve never been to Santa Fe and have only driven through Sedona, so I can’t compare the two. But if you decide on Sedona and want to take a day trip (or maybe even spend one night away):</p>
<p>We enjoyed the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. </p>
<p>The Grand Canyon is worth seeing, even if it is hot and crowded. So if you haven’t ever been there and won’t have the chance to go back during a nicer time of the year anytime soon…go for it.</p>
<p>If you end up going to Sedona, I’d highly recommend the Pink Jeep tours. Yes, they’re worth it I think. Guides seem to be chosen for their excellent sense of humor and really know the area. That’s the first thing I’d do after getting there, just to get a feel for the place. Even my twenty-something D raved about it the last time she was there (2010).</p>
<p>Unless you are a major party animal, I think Sedona is a lovely place to relax. Santa Fe is cool too but larger with more to do and feels a little more touristy to me. That said, I haven’t been to either place in quite a while, so what do I know? :)</p>
<p>Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either choice…I’m jealous.</p>
<p>Lake Powell, recommended above is gorgeous, but I doubt you could get a boat on such short notice - more like a year in advance is necessary - and the boats are notoriously decrepit - best to bring your own.</p>
<p>In case you aren’t confused enough…I’ve always wanted to go to Sante Fe…haven’t been yet…it’s on my “bucket list”.</p>
<p>I have done extensive traveling and loved Sedona. However, we were there only for one day and did a pink jeep tour and loved it. It also helped that we went on the tour after lunch and at that time it was just our family alone with the tour guide/driver…many times it’s more than one group to share a jeep tour…they are worth it though.</p>
<p>I know that Sedona has many spas and little shops and art galleries…</p>
<p>We were there only for one day because we, too, combined it with a trip to The Grand Canyon and Las Vegas and other stops…we went in July and it was fine. No rain that I remember at all…the scenery is really breathtaking and worth it if you’ve never been…have fun! :)</p>
<p>Hiya chocchipcookie, curiouser, parent1986 etc
You guys are great. I am still exploring what to do, and have now thrown places like Bermuda in the mix. Ideas? Thoughts?</p>
<p>I’ve been to both Sedona and Santa Fe, and neither call out to me as being significantly better than the other. We did some great hiking in the Santa Fe area, and also visited Los Alamos, which was very interesting. </p>
<p>Never been to Bermuda, so can’t help there.</p>
<p>A friend just got back from a family rafting trip down the snake river. They had a blast. I havent been to the Grand Canyon since I was a kid. I lost my brownie camera there. Fell out of my pocket. Wonder if I can find it? :)</p>
<p>I haven’t been to Sedona, but I can say that Santa Fe was terrific. We went 5 years ago and stayed at the Inn on the Alameda which was lovely and well-located. I just checked trip advisor and it is currently ranked #3 out of hotels in Santa Fe, so it must still be good. It’s a cross between a b&b and a hotel–larger than the traditional b&b, but serves a delicious breakfast and afternoon sangria. I still use their sangria recipe for my annual Christmas party. Walking distance to the Plaza and the art galleries on Canyon Road. </p>
<p>One of the best things we did there was take a walking tour of the town. Our guide was very knowledgeable and really brought the history alive. After all, it is an extremely old city. Just a suggestion…</p>
<p>Bermuda is fun, especially if it’s just hubby & you…kinda expensive, though, but still fun. You can rent motor scooters, I think that’s how they get around. All the men wear knee high socks with their “Bermuda” shorts. We saw where Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones had a home…their kids went to school there…</p>
<p>My parents stayed at the Southampton Princess years ago…very elegant. Now I believe it goes by another name, but unfortunately don’t know it.</p>
<p>Bermuda is ideal in the summer…much colder other seasons…</p>
<p>Sounds like a great place to go just for a few days!</p>
<p>PS: If you like “nightlife”, I’ve heard Cabo/Mexico is a fun place to go…never been there, but I’m not a big nightlife person…</p>
<p>Bermuda would be terrific. When are you going? You just want to be aware that hurricane season has begun and Bermuda is in the area. Would you consider a four day cruise somewhere? There are lots of those…and many are very nice and good prices.</p>
<p>Atlantis casino resort in Bahamas is another idea. I haven’t stayed there, but lots of people go often. It would be quite a different experience than Sedona or sante fe. Since my sibling lives in s.fe, it is a favorite destination.</p>
<p>We’ve not been to Atlantis, but have been to Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. There aent any impending hurricanes in the area, as far as I know…
There is one over Mexico, I believe</p>
<p>Been to both Sedona (Pink Jeep tour IS awesome) and Santa Fe. Believe I’d vote to return to SF…especially if you like museums and galleries. One SF museum that’s often overlooked is the Museum of International Folk Art which we found to be lots of fun.</p>
<p>Hi jym-We are going to Sedona in mid-August, the five of us. When the kids asked how I picked Sedona, I said I thought I might have read about it in Travel & Leisure or somewhere else. Can’t even remember. We are renting a house for about 9 days, will take a day trip to the Grand Canyon and also take in an Arizona Diamondbacks game. Beautiful scenery and I had not heard of “monsoon season.” I hope that’s an exaggeration! It’s mostly an R&R vacation. :D</p>
<p>No, monsoon season is a real phenomenon in the Southwestern desert states. Afternoon thundershowers start about the first of July (mid-June some years) and last until early Sept. We get about half our annual precipitation during monsoon season.</p>
<p>But don’t let the monsoon deter you. It doesn’t necessarily rain everyday–or in the same place everyday. Showers can be awfully spotty. Literally, I’ve seen it rain on one side of the street and not on the other. Showers are more likely at elevations (i.e. in the mountains where you can absolutely count on a daily afternoon thunderstorm) than lower down. The rain usually doesn’t last more than an hour; 10-15 minute storms aren’t uncommon. </p>
<p>And the rainbows afterwards are truly spectacular! Lots of double rainbows. Even occasionally triple rainbows.</p>
<p>Monsoons are no big deal. Just bring rainjackets and use common sense:
stay out of exposed outdoor areas when there’s lightning and avoid ditches, creekbeds, arroyos and slot canyons. It can rain miles away and the flash flood will arrive entirely without warning.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info, WayOutWestMom. I probably won’t pass along this info to the rest of my family, but will make sure that we come prepared. ;)</p>
Beautiful scenery and I had not heard of “monsoon season.” I hope that’s an exaggeration! It’s mostly an R&R vacation. :D</p>