attractive places in Sedona

20 Top attractive places in Sedona, Arizona

February 23, 2023
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If you have an idea to visit Sedona, one of Arizona’s most beautiful destinations, we’ll tell you the most attractive places in Sedona, as well as the most interesting things you can do in there. Sedona is a city with unbelievable views from every hiking trail and street corner. If you are a nature lover, Sedona is an ideal place for visiting.

There are many things to learn from visiting Native American ruins, galleries, and sacred sites as well. There are many outdoor activities you can do like hiking, mountain biking, and stargazing. Tourists often come to Sedona on a day trip from Phoenix. But if you have more time, Sedona is a great destination to spend a few days. If you visit Sedona as a base, you can easily take a day trip to nearby Flagstaff or Grand Canyon.

1. Cathedral Rock

attractive places in Sedona

Cathedral Rock is among the most attractive places in Sedona. This is the most photographed attraction in this area. When you drive from Oak Creek Village into Sedona, you can see cathedral rock from Highway 179. Red Rock Crossing Park is the most classic view of Cathedral Rock and it is located at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site. You can get a hiking trail leading up to the saddle, and climb this rock.

2. Uptown Sedona

attractive places in Sedona

You can find boutiques, tourist shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants from Uptown Sedona. It is another most attractive places in Sedona. This area begins from where Highway 179 ends and runs along Highway 89A. When you are going to Oak Creek Canyon towards Flagstaff, you will pass this area. Jeep tours start from the Uptown Sedona. Parking can be at a premium along in Uptown Sedona. But there is a parking garage and you will be able to find a spot.

If you plan on staying in Sedona, we recommend staying in Uptown Sedona. You can easily find the best hotels in this area as well. L’Auberge de Sedona and the mid-range Arabella Hotel Sedona are the best hotels in Uptown Sedona. You can easily find everything from jewelry and craft stores to crystal sellers and casual restaurants to fine dining in Uptown Sedona.

3. Red Rock Byway

attractive places in Sedona

This is an amazing drive along Highway 179 that runs from the south of the Village of Oak Creek to Sedona. There are many parking lots and you can stop and look around. There are some natural attractions to see and you can get hiking and biking trails as well. Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and, Chapel of the Holy Cross are the most popular sights along this route. You will find the Tlaquepaque arts and crafts village near the north end. If you are coming from Phoenix, you need to take exit 298 off Interstate 17. Then you can access the Red Rock Scenic Byway.

4. Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon

In the area of Sedona on the road to Flagstaff is the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon. Highway 89A is a scenic route that follows Oak Creek before reaching a stunning stretch of twisting mountain road that is surrounded by rock formations, cliff walls, and forests. It’s better to drive this road during the day because of the sharp corners and steep hills. You will find attractive places along this route like Slide Rock State Park and hiking trails. West Fork Trail is one a the most spectacular hikes here.

5. Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

If you are a nature lover, hitting the trails is the best way to explore the natural beauty around Sedona. You can easily do the trails in a couple of hours because many of the hikes are less than three miles. Most of the hikes offer access to the most amazing views in Sedona. If you like longer and more challenging hikes, you can find them around Sedona also.

Some trials are leading to mountain tops and up canyons. All of them give fantastic views over the landscape. Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral Rock, and Bell Rock are some of the most popular hikes in this area. But these hikes will be crowded because they are a few of the usual recommendations from the tourist information office.

6. Jeep Tours

Jeep Tours

There are some areas in Sedona you wouldn’t be able to reach without an off-road vehicle. You can go through these areas by Jeep tours. It is one of the most popular things to do in Sedona. This tour will take you to the areas that wouldn’t think go possible in a Jeep. The Sedona Outback Trail Jeep Adventure is a popular tour and it will take you through some of the landmark rock formations in Sedona. These tours are in open-air Jeeps and you can learn about the local history and geology of the area from the jeep drivers because they are knowledgeable.

7. Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona

Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most amazing architectural sites in Sedona and one of the most attractive places in Sedona. It is located on a small red rock plateau below a multi-hued sandstone ridge. Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a pupil of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright built the Chapel of the Holy Cross in 1956. The front face of the building is all windows and it incorporates a 90-foot cross that dominates the structure.

8. Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

Sedona is one of the outstanding mountain biking destinations in America. The trails suits all level of abilities and they are perfect for everyone from families to advanced riders. You can get biking trails throughout the year. But there will be a few snowy days here. The trials run through the mountain scenery, and along areas of Slickrock. They also pass some interesting attractions like Bell Rock, Doe Mesa, and Cathedral Rock. 

Local bike shops offer information on trials, maps, bike rentals, and repairs. Thunder Mountain Bikes in West Sedona are popular among tourists. Before going for a trail, you must have the Sedona Mountain Biking Trails map. You will be able to find the best photo locations in the entire area during the trails. Therefore don’t forget to bring your camera with you.

9. Vortexes

Vortexes

vortexes are one of the most attractive places in Sedona. Vortex is said to be the center of energy on the earth that can inspire spirituality, self-awareness, and healing. They have different properties like balanced vortexes, masculine vortexes, and feminine vortexes. As well as some of them go by different names like electrical vortexes, combination vortexes, and magnetic. Some of the most common and accessible energy vortexes are found in Boynton Canyon,  Cathedral Rock, and on Airport Mesa.

Boynton Canyon and Airport Mesa vortexes are both easily accessible. Both of them are located a short distance from the parking lot. But, Cathedral Rock vortexes need intense hikes. This Cathedral Rock hike is one of the best in Sedona. Sedona Vortex Tour by Jeep, a 2.5-hour tour will bring you to some of the vortexes sites and you will be able to learn more about them. There will be guides who are knowledgeable about the vortex’s historical significance and other natural features. 

10. Bell Rock

Bell Rock

When you approach Sedona from the south, you will see the Bell Rock in the Village of Oak Creek, along the Red Rock Scenic Byway. It is one of the most attractive places in Sedona. As well as it is a popular stop for tourists. You can park your vehicle and have a quick look. If you have time you can walk up to it and do a short and easy hike along the side of the bell. You have the opportunity to do an easy motorcycle ride here as well. Courthouse Butte, another famous sight and hike are located behind Bell Rock.

11. Boynton Canyon

Boynton Canyon

Boynton Canyon is one of the most attractive places in Sedona. It is located about eight miles west of central Sedona.  Boynton Canyon is a popular place among tourists due to a variety of reasons. The Boynton Canyon hiking trail, a 6.1-mile in-and-out trail below the canyon walls is one of the reasons. Vortex is located near the start of the Boynton Canyon hiking trail. Visitors can easily reach it without climbing or walking along the edge of a cliff. 

Hiking and vortexes are not the only reason for visiting Boynton Canyon. If you visit here, you can enjoy some of the best views in Sedona.  The luxury Enchantment Resort which is located near the Boynton Canyon is a great place to spend a couple of nights. If you don’t have an idea to stay there, you can come and have a meal from their excellent restaurants. Tii Gavo and View 180 restaurants are here to offer outstanding dining for you.

12. Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous and awe-inspiring sights in America. You can reach there within a 2.5-hour drive from Sedona. You may reach Flagstaff by car from Sedona by going through   Oak Creek Canyon. You can make a loop from here, passing through Williams or up Highway 180 over the frequently covered in snow Humphreys Peak, to reach the Grand Canyon. You can take a scenic flight over and into the canyon or spend the day seeing the sights along the rim of the canyon. Follow the Rim Road east along Highway 64 to Cameron and return via Highway 89 this is the best overall route that allows you to see some of the fantastic scenery like views over the Little Colorado River.

If you would like to enjoy the scenery we recommend you get the Ultimate Grand Canyon Tour from Sedona or Flagstaff. It’ll be a better option than watching the road while you are driving. As well as this tour stops at some amazing places like Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, a trading post on a Navajo Reservation, and Wupatki Ruins.

13. Slide Rock Park

Slide Rock Park

Slide Rock State Park is is both a historic site and a natural attraction. It is one of the most attractive places in Sedona. The park is located along Highway 89A in Oak Creek Canyon, north of Sedona. Many visitors come here on warm days to play in the river. Oak Creek flows over small waterfalls on the smooth rock and it creates a water park and a natural slide. People sliding along the rock and swimming in the natural pools are common views on hot days. The park site is used as a large apple farm owned by Frank L. Pendley.

14. Palatki Ruins

Palatki Ruins

The Palatki Heritage Site is the largest Sinagua village in Sedona. As well as it is one of the most attractive places in Sedona. The Heritage Site was inhabited by Sinagua about 800 years ago. However, the rock art in this area indicates cultures used this site 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. You can get two trails at the Palatki Heritage Site and they are trails that lead to the rock art alcoves and Sinagua cliff dwellings.

It’s best to call and make a reservation before heading to this site. A volunteer guide will show you around the site and you can learn the history and significance of the site from them. You can easily reach Honanki Cliff Dwellings, a site that was occupied from AD 1130-1280, from here. It contained an unknown number of pictographs and about 60 rooms. This area is a great example of Sinagua architecture and rock art. 

15. Airport Mesa

Airport Mesa

If you want to look out over the entire Sedona, you can visit to Airport Mesa. It is located on a flat field on the top of the mesa. The tourists visit there not only to look out from the viewpoint but also for hiking, seeing the energy vortex and enjoy a meal at the Mesa Grill. You can also watch the planes take off and land from the Mesa Grill. You can also do Airport Mesa Loop Trail. It is a 3.5-mile hiking trail that runs around the mesa and along the edge. Another overlook farther up Airport Road on the right side provides access to additional amazing scenery. From here, views of Uptown Sedona may be seen to Coffee Pot Rock and Soldier Pass.

16. Tlaquepaque Village

Tlaquepaque Village

Tlaquepaque village is a recreated Mexican-style village. It has art galleries, craft shops, restaurants, and clothing stores. If you visit there you can find interesting retail establishments like glass, ceramics, sculptures, weavings, paintings, decor, decorative arts,  jewelry, and photography. This village indicates an older period. Cobbled streets, courtyard fountains, vine-covered buildings, balconies, and majestic archways are some examples of it.

17. Amitabha Stupa

Amitabha Stupa

The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is one of the most attractive places in Sedona. It is a place of tranquility and serenity that is often overlooked by tourists and is located in West Sedona in a residential area. People who have faith and fit in beautifully in Sedona attract to this spiritual place. They usually visit there for prayer and meditation. Prayer flags flow from the 36-foot stupa and swing in the air. The location is surrounded by juniper trees and prickly pear cacti, and in the distance are mountains that shine an orange color that is nearly identical to that of the stupa.

  • Visit: 2650 Pueblo Drive, Sedona, Arizona

18. Red Rock Park

Red Rock Park

Red Rock Park is special for tourists who looking to experience some nature and local history. Also, this area is one of the most attractive places in Sedona. It is located about 10 minutes outside of Sedona towards Cottonwood. There is a section of Oak Creek, the former site of the Smoke Trail Ranch, and several hills in this area.

The abandoned House of Apache Fire was built in 1947. It is situated on a hilltop commanding beautiful views and is one of the most interesting sites in the area. Views of the red rock countryside and up-close views of the House of Apache Fire are offered through short hiking routes. Birdwatchers frequently visit the site as well. Located on the lower level of the visitor center, a bird feeding station attracts a variety of avian visitors, from hummingbirds to woodpeckers.

19. Art Galleries

Art Galleries

Art galleries in Sedona open their doors on the first Friday of every month to visitors while giving them opportunities to meet some of the artists or chat with other tourists. They offer snacks and beverages as well. The establishments are different from the usual quiet gallery settings on this day. The 1st Friday in the Galleries is free. It runs from 5 pm to 8 pm. If you visit galleries at Tlaquepaque, Uptown Sedona, and Hillside Sedona, you will be able to get more excitement.

20. Heritage Museum

Heritage Museum

Many people come to Sedona to see amazing red rocks and beautiful scenery. It is one of the most attractive places in Sedona and is located near uptown Sedona on Jordan Road in the Jordan Historical Park. If you like to know how the city was founded and functioned for many years,  the Heritage Museum is a great place to learn them.

Most of the structures date from 1931. This building is included in the National Register of Historic Places as well. There are many interesting exhibits on the history of Sedona beginning in 1876,  inside the museum. Some of them belong to its first residents and the Jordan family.

Those are the most attractive places in Sedona,  Arizona. If you plan to tour Sedona, don’t forget to visit these places. You will be able to get an amazing experience in Sedona.

Hotels to stay in Sedona

If you visit to Sedona, you can stay in the below highly rated hotels. They are close to the most attractive places in Sedona.

Luxury Hotels

  • The Adobe Grand Villas: A boutique hotel, located in a quiet area in West Sedona, offers large and private, themed luxury villas, an outdoor pool, and a private chef available for dining requirements
  • L’Auberge de Sedona: Located within easy walking distance of Uptown Sedona
  • Enchantment Resort: About eight miles from Uptown, upscale rooms with amazing red rock views, some great on-site restaurants, an outdoor pool

Mid-Range Hotels

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Frequently Asked Questions 

For what is Sedona most well-known?

Sedona is well known for being a haven for spiritual wellbeing in addition to the natural beauty of its red rock formations, as a result of the multiple energy vortexes that many consider the area to be home to.

How long is enough time in Sedona?

I advise staying in Sedona for at least three days. You have more time for hiking and other unique adventures in Sedona with each extra day you put on. Your trip to Sedona will be even more exciting if you drive on the 4WD routes.

Does Sedona worth to visit?

Sedona is rated by many as one of the most beautiful and relaxing places in America. It is famous for its breathtaking scenery, massive red rock formations, and spiritual healing.