Trying to plan a quick trip out west. Coming from New England, so warm weather is desirable, but not necessary. Can anyone recommend Santa Fe over Sedona, or vice versa? Hoping to spend 4-5 days or so in March or April. We want to do some hiking, shopping, cool restaurants (30-year old couple). Interested in beautiful scenery, views, mountains, indian cultures, arts, turquoise and silver jewelry. Outdoor activity and a one-day spa visit are priority!

Visited Sedona last year and Santa Fe this year. My preference for:

Towns: Santa Fe--charmingly beautiful town---basically no town in Sedona

Hiking--Sedona, Sedona, Sedona!!!great hiking.

Shoppinganta Fe--beautiful town and shopping area

Cool restaurants: Santa Fe

Beautiful scenery: Sedona!!!

Views: Sedona

Indian cultures: Santa Fe--enjoyed Bandelier

Arts: Santa Fe

Jewelry: Santa Fe--but cheaper at the Indian booths by the Dairy Queen in Sedona

Outdoor activity: Sedona

Spa: The Enchantment Spa looked lovely--didn't do the spa

We stayed at the Enchantment Resort in Sedona and the Inn on the Alameda in Sant Fe. Loved them both but the setting of the Enchantment in Boynton Canyon--unbelievably beautiful.

We preferred Sedona but we are hikers.

santa fe, sedona isnt even close to the mystique and beauty of santa fe

Linda makes a good valid comparison, however, all things being equal, I would stay in Taos & visit Santa Fe.

I agree with going to Santa Fe. And Santa Fe has my most favorite spa anywhere...Ten Thousand Waves. If you are interested in native American history as well as great hiking...go to Bandalier, SW of Santa Fe. Favorite restaurants there are La Casa Sena and The Shed. If you like sculpture, go to the Shidoni Foundary and see their sculpture garden. Northwest of Santa Fe is Abiqui and Georgia O'Keefe country...spectacular scenery. I am another that really prefers Santa Fe to Sedona.

LindainOhio has it exactly right from my perspective (having visited both places).

Depends on your priorities. Santa Fe has a huge edge over Sedona as far as restaurants, and a ton more art galleries; however, Sedona has quite a bit of good shopping (e.g., Talaquepaque Shopping Center). On the other hand, if hiking and stunning, unique views are more important, it's Sedona hands-down.

Two beautiful places but I would choose:

Hiking: Sedona
Shopping: Santa Fe
Cool Restaurants: Santa Fe
Indian Culture, turquoise, jewelry: Santa Fe
Spa: Ten Thousand Waves, Santa Fe (Enchantment Spa is nice, too. More Miami-ish than 10K waves-- Japanese zenlike)

March/April hiking in Santa Fe may be cold and slushy/muddy. Sedona has fabulous hiking but I've only been in summer months. Neither fall into the "warm" category March/April.

I would choose Santa Fe.

I too think you should base yourself in Taos. You mentioned restaurants-New Mexican food is amazing, if you've never been. Santa Fe and Taos, as well as some of the small towns along the High Road between them, have some great restaurants.
There is lots of hiking around Taos but trails may still be snowy. Someone else pointed out in neither place will it be warm-especially at night, it will be cold. Maybe call the folks at Bandalier National Monument and ask about March hiking.

I liked the architecture of Santa fe best. But as far as hiking and scenery...Sedona...hands down. But it all depends what you want.

HI..
Just got back from Sedona yesterday and it was 73 and stunning as always..
I am not a big fan of Santa Fe..I love Taos..I would stay in Taos and visit Santa Fe. Sedona has outstanding hiking, great restaurants, shopping and wonderful spas..
It still might be cool in New Mexico in March/April and Arizona will be alot warmer for you to enjoy the pool..
Have a great time!

putting my two cents in...Santa Fe has a charm all to it's own. We go three times per year and love it. The scenery and hiking around Sedona is amazing, but the town itself is disappointing - a strip of touristy shops. santa Fe is unique.
And I have to disagree with other writers - don't stay in Taos. Stay in Santa Fe.

Elevation is something to consider. I am fine in Sedona which is about 4500 but my heart pounds in Santa Fe which is 7000. I love Santa Fe and would like to move there but am concerned that I will never adjust to the elevation - anyone who lives there or has been there for an extended period -- what is your experience adjusting to the elevation.

I find both very special spiritual places