For a Southwestern escape like no other, Sedona can’t be beat. Surrounded by impressive red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and acres up acres of pine forests, this destination offers an otherworldly and luxurious ambiance. In this Sedona travel guide, you’ll find the best things to do, the best places to eat, and all the inspiration you need to start planning a Sedona getaway.
Where To Go & What To Do: The Best Things To Do In Sedona
- Slide Rock State Park: You’ve never been anywhere quite like Slide Rock. Here, you’ll discover gorgeous red sandstone formations that create natural slides into cool pools of water. Bring your swimsuit — it’s the perfect Sedona summer cool-off experience.
- Cathedral Rock: One of the area’s most photographed spots, this natural attraction isn’t just a place for a terrific hike. It’s also a place where the energy force known as a vortex exists, offering an especially good environment for meditation and reflection.
- Chapel of the Holy Cross: No matter what your spiritual leanings may be, Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the top Sedona attractions. Its stunning modern architecture provides a stark contrast to the red rocks of Coconino National Forest.
- Palatki and Honanki Heritage Sites: Discover a bygone era at this fascinating Sedona historic site. Here, you’ll explore cliff dwellings built between A.D. 1150 and A.D. 1350 by the Sinagua people.
- Sedona First Fridays: Sedona is a place that sparks creativity — and the results can be seen on the first Friday of each month. Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sedona Gallery Association members open their doors for free, presenting special exhibits, local artists openings and other fun, artsy events. All you need to bring is an open mind. Not here on First Friday? Check out this self-guided Sedona Art Walk.
Where To Shop In Sedona: The Best Galleries, Boutiques and Stores
- Sedona Crystal Vortex: Sedona and the power of crystals — a perfect match. At the Sedona Crystal Vortex, you’ll have the chance to bring some of that power home with you. Peruse thousands of glittering crystals of all sizes, shapes, and colors, and find the one that speaks to your soul.
- Tlaquepaque: Pronounced T-la-keh-pah-keh, this arts-and-crafts village has been a Sedona shopping must-visit since the early 1970s. Located on the banks of beautiful Oak Creek and modeled after an authentic Mexican village, Tlaquepaque (translation: the best of everything) is home to art galleries, unique boutiques, and artists’ studios.
- Hillside Sedona: The shopping is great at Hillside, of course — you’ll find enticing galleries, jewelry shops and stylish fashion boutiques here. But you might be distracted from your Sedona shopping spree by Hillside’s spectacular red rock views and dazzling kinetic wind sculptures.
Where To Relax & Rejuvenate: Sedona Spas and More
- Alchemy in Healing: Healing in many forms can be found at this Sedona spa led by Yvette Beauchamp. She’s a licensed massage therapist, a certified Usui Reiki practitioner and a certified hypnotherapist. Yvette might even be able to connect you with one of your past lives.
- Sedona’s New Day Spa: Find your desert bliss. This Sedona Day Spa is known for its Desert Nature Body Treatments, which use organic and local ingredients to nurture the skin and body.
- Namti Spa: Offering an array of restorative treatments, Namti is a Sedona day spa where you can get everything from massages, skin rejuvenation and even intuitive psychic readings.
- Sedona Arts Centre: Find your creative spark during a crash course in all things ceramics. You’ll get personalized attention from pottery masters and discover an ancient and contemplative art form.
Where To Eat & Drink: The Best Sedona Restaurants & Wineries
- Elote Café: The flavors of southern Mexico blend with the farm-fresh ingredients of the American Southwest at Elote. Overlooking scenic red rocks, this Sedona fine-dining experience comes from the fertile culinary imagination of chef/owner Jeff Smedstad.
- Mariposa Latin Inspired Grille: Located atop a beautiful bluff and boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, the views at Mariposa are what you notice first. But once you’ve ordered from this Sedona restaurant’s menu of South American-inspired cuisine, it’s the food you’ll be raving about in the days to come.
- Tamaliza Café: Authentic, time-tested recipes are the name of the game at Tamaliza. The Sedona restaurant is famed for its gourmet tamales — using fresh, non-GMO ingredients and full of flavorful filling. Good to know: Vegetarian and vegan options abound. Also good to know: Tamaliza’s breakfast burritos are to die for, too.
- Cress On Oak Creek: For a dose of pure Sedona romance, Cress On Oak Creek won’t disappoint. Nestled right on the banks of the creek and lit by softly glowing candlelight, its swoon-worthy ambiance is only matched by its cuisine, featuring local ingredient-infused dishes inspired by the southern regions of Spain, Italy, and France.
- Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery: Move over, Sonoma! Elevation, volcanic soil, hot days and cool nights make Sedona an ideal area for grape-growing — and Javelina Leap takes full advantage of this, creating a pure expression of Arizona terroir. Take the tour of the winemaking facility and barrel room for a deeper dive.
Where To Stay: The Best Sedona Timeshare Rental Resorts
- Hyatt Piñon Point: Located in the heart of Sedona’ “Red Rock country,” Hyatt Piñon Point’s Southwest-style architecture and décor blends perfectly into the surrounding environment. Enjoy luxurious rooms, two great on-site restaurants and attention-to-detail service. Starting at $225/night.
- Arroyo Roble Resort: This Sedona vacation rental, located right on Oak Creek, offers both two-story villas and single-level villas. The 13,000-square-foot Clubhouse features an indoor/outdoor pool, a spacious sauna and much more. Starting at $150/night.
- Sedona Springs Resort: After a day exploring Sedona, this Arizona resort is a great escape, with an outdoor pool, an on-site fitness center and barbecue pits for cooking under the stars. Starting at $275/night.
Explore more Sedona timeshare rental options.
