Sedona, Arizona, is the ultimate paradise for nature lovers and spiritual seekers. Massive crimson rock formations stretch into bright blue skies, creating a majestic landscape that will take your breath away. Sedona is teeming with life and energy. The high-desert ecosystem is dotted with evergreen trees and cacti, providing the perfect environment for mountain lions, javelina, and coyotes to roam.
The city is nestled within the Colorado Plateau, about two hours outside of bustling Phoenix, and is well-known for arts and culture, outdoor recreation opportunities, and energy vortexes. Sedona’s year-round population hovers at just less than 10,000 residents, and nearly three million tourists visit yearly. You’ll find everything in town, from gourmet restaurants, luxury hotels, and high-end golf courses to unique private rentals, herbal apothecaries, and crystal shops.
Sedona has something for every type of traveler to enjoy, making it ideal for family vacations or a long weekend getaway with your closest friends. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature, relax at a world-class spa, try alternative healing techniques, and explore your spiritual side.
Learn about Sedona’s fascinating history
Before the arrival of European settlers, Indigenous people thrived throughout the area due to the abundant natural resources and mild climate. For hundreds of years, Native Americans called the Sedona region home, regarding the land as sacred. Sedona was a junction on trade routes stretching from South America to North America and a ceremonial gathering place for various tribes.
Evidence of Native American dwellings date back nearly a thousand years, and some still stand near Sedona today. History buffs will love visiting Montezuma Castle, which was constructed by the Sinaguans in the 12th Century and remains remarkably intact. The massive cliff dwelling features 20 rooms. The National Monument is located about a half-hour drive from the city of Sedona. Boynton Canyon is one of Sedona’s popular hiking areas, where you’ll find more unique cliff dwellings constructed by the Sinaguan and petroglyphs drawn on the red rock cliffs.
In the 1500s, the first European settlers began to arrive. The town was eventually named Sedona after a community member’s wife when he applied to create the region’s first post office in 1902. Other historical sites from the 20th Century include Sedona’s first store, the Hart Store (currently a shop called the Hummingbird House) which was constructed in 1926 and The Chapel of the Holy Cross which was built in 1956. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Experience Sedona’s natural beauty on epic hikes
No trip to Sedona is complete without adventuring into the rugged mountains surrounding the town. The natural landscape around the city is considered by many to be even more beautiful than many of the more popular United States National Parks. You can choose between 200 different hiking trails spanning 400 miles. Hikes range from leisurely walks to strenuous climbs, so there are plenty of options for everyone.
For a quick and easy walk, visit the Seven Sacred Pools, which can be reached via a 1.1-mile out and back trail. The elevation gain is minimal, and you’ll arrive at beautiful natural pools carved within the sandstone and fed by a small stream surrounded by epic mountain views.
The Birthing Cave is a fantastic site and one of Sedona’s lesser-known energy vortexes. Hopi women ventured there to give birth, and it’s associated with feminine energy. Reach the cave via a 1.9-mile out-and-back hike that is moderately challenging. After a scramble, you’ll arrive at a beautiful round cavern with a diamond-shaped crevice opening to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valley.
Embark on the Boynton Canyon trail for a longer hike with an incredible payoff. The 7.2-mile round trip hike takes three to four hours. Leave yourself plenty of extra time to stop and appreciate the views along the way. During the Boynton Canyon hike, you can experience energy vortexes, Indigenous cave dwellings, and the phenomenal Subway Cave if you brave the steep rocky scramble.
Stay in accommodations with stunning views
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Lodgings in Sedona include luxurious resorts, cozy family-owned inns, rustic cabins, and unique private vacation rentals. Sedona isn’t the most budget-friendly destination out there, but finding affordable accommodations that won’t break the bank is possible. For a budget-friendly option, check out the Bell Rock Inn, which has rooms starting around $60 per night.
Stay in the center of Sedona’s bustling art district when you book a room at Sedona Hilltop Inn. The family-owned property features comfortable rooms with some mountain views starting at around $150 per night. You’ll be within walking distance to many of the town’s best restaurants and shopping.
If you’re traveling with friends or family, booking a private vacation rental is an excellent choice. Sedona has some gorgeous properties for rent with unique architecture where you can relax and make yourself at home during your stay. Search Airbnb or VRBO for properties like the Red Rock Dome House, which has 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, a private hot tub, and mountain views, with prices starting around $200 per night.
Explore your spiritual side
Travelers looking for spiritual experiences and enlightenment flock to Sedona from around the world to visit the many energy vortexes in the region. Energy vortexes are believed to be located at sacred sites worldwide, like Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Egypt. These mystical places on earth are believed to have special concentrated energies conducive to healing and meditation. Many believe that the energy from Sedona vortexes is so intense that it can be felt physically and can assist in achieving spiritual enlightenment.
The entire city of Sedona is considered a vortex, but a few locations are even more poignant. Cathedral Rock, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon are some of the most popular energy vortexes. When you visit, you’ll likely see people meditating or performing other spiritual practices. You can take a guided vortex tour with a professional guide who will help you experience the vortex energy through guided meditations for around $200 per person.
Sedona’s natural beauty and good energy have attracted all kinds of New Age healers focused on holistic health practices to achieve wellness in the body, mind, and spirit. It’s the perfect place for a spa day and a healing massage. Local metaphysical shops offer spiritual services like astrology chart analysis, tarot readings, and more.
Gourmet restaurants and local art galleries
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Sedona is a dream come true for foodies and health nuts alike. The city has world-class restaurants serving mouthwatering meals made from locally sourced ingredients. Many menus choose to highlight seasonal ingredients throughout the year. From fine dining to casual lunch spots with healthy eats, there’s something to suit every palate in Sedona.
For fine dining with fabulous views, head to Mariposa. The Latin-inspired menu features tapas, handmade empanadas, gourmet steaks, and drool-worthy sharable sides like lobster mashed potatoes. A delightful craft cocktail menu contains flavorful creations like the spicy mango Mariposa and twists on classics like the Bolivian Mule and Monarch Sour. For the best views, make reservations around sunset, where you can admire the changing colors over the red rocks through the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows.
For unique organic coffee drinks, head to Synergy. The menu features herbal teas and special elixirs like the Aphrodite Rose Vanilla Love Tonic. While you’re there, treat yourself to gourmet vegan chocolate and head next door to Sedona Apotheca, where you can browse the selection of bulk herbs, self-care products, crystals, and locally crafted jewelry.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is an excellent spot to enjoy Sedona’s art scene. The open-air shopping plaza along Oak Creek features traditional Mexican-style architecture, massive sycamore trees, and beautiful landscaping. There are more than 50 shops to explore, many of which showcase the work of local artists. Sometimes, you can even catch artisans hard at work creating their next masterpiece.
