For people who are lucky enough to visit Sedona or live here, the word “magical” comes to mind when they talk about the Sedona experience. From the serene beauty of its stunning landscape to the excitement of unforgettable outdoor, indoor, and spiritual adventures, Sedona is a gift that keeps on giving. Even though Sedona is a small town of about 10,000 residents, there is nothing small or ordinary about what Sedona offers to the nearly three-million tourists who visit every year.
Top 6 Attractions of Sedona
A phrase I have heard many times since I moved to Sedona over 25 years ago is:
“God created the Grand Canyon, but he lives in Sedona”.
That pretty much tells you Sedona needs to be on your Bucket List. There aren’t many vacation destinations that wrap you in dramatic, yet cozy, red rock mountains. Where you can hike dozens of enchanted trails year-round, yet stay in luxury accommodations. Where the shopping and dining choices will please everyone in your group and have you buying the cookbook on your way out the door.tion destination.
And, the location! If you like active vacations, and the Southwest is “calling,” you could stay in Sedona for a couple of weeks and still not get to all the activities and attractions Sedona and the surrounding area have to offer. You just might get home and discover you need a vacation from your vacation!
And speaking of you… are you taking care of yourself? If not, Sedona is The Place for relaxation, massage, energy work, and soul work. Spiritual and healing retreat centers, gifted massage therapists, aromatherapists, yoga, meditation, and metaphysical practitioners abound. And then there’s simply enjoying a quiet sunrise while surrounded in red-rock beauty. Sedona really is a spectacular and powerful place to “find” yourself.
The attractions of the Sedona area are endless, but right now we will focus on 6 categories that make Sedona a must-visit Southwest vacation destination.
What is so special about Sedona?
#1 Breathtaking Beauty
Nestled in the spectacular Red Rock country of northern Arizona’s high desert, Sedona is surrounded by ponderosa and pinyon pine forests, towering, red rocks, flat-topped buttes, and steep-walled canyons rising high above Oak Creek. Everywhere you look are famous rock formations that have been photographed millions of times. Blessed with a mild climate, Sedona offers comfortable weather year-round. The autumn is brisk, colorful and long-lasting. The winters are mild and delight locals and visitors alike with occasional, light dustings of snow that usually melt by mid-day. Spring is the busy season and gifts outdoor enthusiasts with perfect weather for hiking and other outdoor activities. Summer finds residents and tourists enjoying the waters of Oak Creek and the shade of Oak Creek Canyon. Take a deep breath, and inhale nature’s clean air far away from city life. Welcome to a rare slice of paradise!
READ: Sedona Sunsets – Discover the 7 Best Places in Sedona to Watch the Sunset
#2 Outdoor Adventure
Explore the great outdoors from Sedona’s many hiking and mountain biking trails for all skill levels. For a thrill, rent an ATV or take a guided jeep tour through Sedona’s panoramic landscape. Visit ancient Indian ruins and cliff dwellings and imagine the lives of the people who lived in this area long ago. Start your day with an early morning, awe-inspiring hot air balloon ride. Picnic on the banks of Oak Creek in the canyon, at Crescent Moon recreation area, or Red Rock State Park. Go swimming (and sliding!) at Slide Rock State Park. There is just so much to do!
#3 Spirituality, Metaphysical & New Age
Sedona is internationally known as a spiritual mecca for those who seek rejuvenation, spirituality, and a higher purpose. It is one of very few places in the world that has powerful “energy vortexes.” Sedona vortexes actually infuse people from all walks of life with the desire to nourish their souls and transform their lives. Each vortex has a special energy that enables meditation, prayer, and healing. Sedona attracts world-class healers, spiritual guides, artists, yoga masters, and intuitive, wellness practitioners who offer life-changing private, couple, or group sessions. For those who believe in holistic spirituality, Sedona welcomes you with a plethora of “New Age” services and experiences.
READ: Sedona Mind Body and Soul – Taking Care of Yourself in Red Rock Country
#4 Spas, Pampering & Relaxation
Are you feeling tired, sore, or stressed? Do you long for luxurious “Me” time? Sedona’s award-winning spas are the perfect solution. Choose from the latest spa and therapeutic massage services for singles and couples. Benefit from advanced therapies and top-of-the-line skincare products in the soothing hands of experienced face and body skin care professionals. Sedona massage therapists provide a variety of relaxing bodywork sessions that heal your aches and pains and soothe your soul. Soon you will feel revitalized and ready for another memorable day of fun in amazing Sedona.
#5 World-class Shopping, Dining, and Lodging
The shopping in Sedona is a southwest treat. Experience art galleries and fine restaurants in Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, a lush, Mexican village-inspired outdoor shopping community along Oak Creek. Heading north less than a mile is Uptown, the “tourist” part of Sedona, where you can hop on a jeep tour, buy souvenirs, and get a reading. Other main shopping areas include Hillside and the Collective, but there are art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques showcasing Native American crafts, crystals, hand-made jewelry, clothing, vortex shops, and more all along the 179 and 89a corridors into and out of Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek.
Restaurants in Sedona offer you an exciting variety of delicious cuisine in beautiful settings. Enjoy the spicy palettes of Southwestern and Mexican cuisine, contemporary American fare, superb Italian, Thai, and much more. Dine along the banks of Oak Creek, in the treetops above Oak Creek, surrounded by red rocks in Uptown and West Sedona, nestled in hidden red rock canyons, and more.
Looking for a place to stay in Sedona? Enjoy a wide variety of lodging options for all budgets. High-end accommodations include 5-star resorts and hotels, luxury vacation rental homes, time-shares, and boutique bed and breakfasts. More affordable options range from inns and motels to campsites along Oak Creek. Sedona’s beauty envelops you everywhere you go.
#6 Amazing Day Trips from Sedona
Sedona is the perfect base camp for expanding your vacation fun with awesome day trips. So get out there and explore!
Head Southwest
Drive out west of Sedona and visit Tuzigoot National Monument in Cottonwood, Arizona. Meander down the eclectic streets of Old Town Cottonwood, browse the local shops and enjoy a fabulous meal. Ride the historic Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale. Enjoy the hundred-mile views from Jerome, a historic, hillside, copper-mining town. Check-in at a Page Springs Winery on the way home.
Drive North
Head up north through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon and visit the college town of Flagstaff. You will see the dramatic San Francisco Peaks, Arizona’s highest mountains, long before you roll into town. Stop by the Lowell Observatory and the Museum of Northern Arizona. Browse the shops and restaurants in the historic, Route 66 downtown district. Visit Sunset Crater, a lava tube, and Walnut Canyon National Monument. Hike in the aspens. Keep on going and spend the day at the magnificent Grand Canyon.
Go South
Discover ancient, cliffside dwellings at Montezuma’s Castle National Monument. Try your luck at Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde. Take the family to Out of Africa Wildlife Park.
Explore a little bit farther Northeast…
Road trips can take you to Hopi, Antelope Canyon, Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, and many more tempting destinations. We have only listed a handful here!
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