Sedona to Avalon Road Trip Guide: Ultimate Desert to Coast Adventure

The route from Sedona, Arizona to Avalon, California crosses the Colorado Plateau, descends into the Sonoran Desert, and climbs over the coastal ranges to the Pacific. Approximately 450 miles of Highway 17, Interstate 10, and Highway 1 are involved.

A little-known fact: the stretch of I-10 from Palm Springs to Banning sits atop the San Andreas Fault, visible in the stepped valley walls. Drivers cross this tectonic boundary about 90 minutes before reaching the coast.

For those wondering how long to drive Sedona, AZ to Avalon, CA, expect 8-10 hours without stops, but the journey deserves at least two days. This guide covers things to do between Sedona, AZ and Avalon, CA and answers is it worth driving Sedona, AZ to Avalon, CA with a resounding yes.

Use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to craft your personal adventure.

Desert stretches have high heat and occasional sandstorms. Carry water, blankets, and a spare tire. I-10 through California can be monotonous; break every 2 hours at designated rest areas.

• Rest areas: Salome (mile 85), Chiriaco Summit (mile 173) with a museum.
• Cell service: Spotty near Arizona-California border; download offline maps.
• Family stops: Living Desert Zoo & Gardens in Palm Desert, and Cabazon Dinosaurs (giant T-rex photo op).

Pet-friendly: Most rest stops have designated pet areas. In Sedona, Bell Rock Trail allows dogs on leash. Avalon's beaches require dogs on leash; Descanso Beach is pet-friendly. Carry poop bags and water.

• Pet-friendly lodging: L'Auberge de Sedona (pet fee), Palm Springs' Desert Riviera Hotel (no fee), Avalon's Hotel Catalina (pet rooms).
• Veterinary: AAA Animal Hospital in Palm Desert (walk-ins accepted).

Interstates dominate: I-17 south from Sedona to Phoenix, then I-10 west to the coast. The final leg from Long Beach to Avalon requires a ferry from San Pedro or Long Beach (passenger-only; vehicles stay on mainland).

• Total distance: ~450 miles driving, plus 1-hour ferry crossing.
• Best departure time: early morning to avoid Phoenix heat and LA afternoon traffic.
• Fuel stops: major towns every 30-40 miles; fill up in Phoenix and Desert Center (remote stretch).

Ferries depart from Long Beach ($84 round trip, 1 hour) or San Pedro ($54 round trip, 1 hour). Reservations recommended, especially summer weekends. No bridge connects to Santa Catalina Island; Avalon is walkable once ashore.

• Long Beach Ferry: Catalina Express, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
• San Pedro Ferry: Catalina Express, Berth 95, San Pedro, CA 90731
• Parking at terminals: $15-25/day; reserve via Parking.com.

From Sedona's red sandstone buttes to the cactus forests of Saguaro National Park (detour near Tucson), then through the Mojave's Joshua trees and finally the Pacific's cliffs. Each ecosystem is distinct.

• Sedona: Oak Creek Canyon and Cathedral Rock. Stop at Slide Rock State Park for a swim.
• Phoenix: Desert Botanical Garden for cactus diversity.
• Palm Springs: Tahquitz Canyon with seasonal waterfall. Downtown has mid-century modern shopping.
• Avalon: Descanso Beach Club and Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden.

Local commerce thrives in tourist towns. In Sedona, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village offers handmade jewelry and pottery. Along I-10, Indio's date shops sell Medjool dates and date shakes. In Avalon, the Green Pleasure Pier hosts boutiques and seafood markets.

• Must-try: Date shake from Shields Date Garden in Indio, CA.
• Best local art: Sedona's Hozho Plaza galleries.