Sedona, Arizona is one of the world’s most popular vacation destination spots and as such it can be difficult to believe that there are still some hidden spots in the area that are well worth visiting. Step away from the crowds and towards a new adventure that will satisfy your soul and make you forever grateful that you chose this part of the world to explore and our Sedona.org Arizona retreats to bring you comfort and luxury at the end of every day. This guide to hidden spots, Sedona attractions and obvious comforts will bring you a sneak peek into a vacation experience that will be like no other!
Secret Caves
We are well known for our red rocks, our vortexes, and the fact that many a Western movie has been filmed on this terrain, but did you know that we also offer a number of hidden caves just waiting to be explored? Offering a secret adventure that in most cases will be uncrowded and private, the caves listed below are just a sample of what you will find during your Sedona spelunking adventures!
The Birthing Cave
Although there is no evidence that Native Americans ever used this spot with stunning views as a place to give birth to their children and it is more likely named such due to its resemblance to a particular part of the female anatomy, the Birthing Cave is still worthy of visiting. Easily accessible through Long Canyon, the opening frames views of Thunder Mountain.
Mystery Cave
Accessed via Bear Mountain, Mystery Cave offers sensational views of the red rocks and is, in our humble opinion, the most beautiful of the secret caves of Sedona. Even better, it isn’t all that easy to find unless you know about it, almost guaranteeing that your time in the cave will be private and serene.
Dream Speaker’s Cave
History comes alive at Dream Speaker’s Cave, accessible via Boynton Canyon and offering panoramic views of two cliff dwellings. The hike to this fantastic cave is a difficult one that includes a 350 foot climb to reach the ledge where it is perched, but we can assure you, if you are physically capable this is one hike you won’t want to skip.
Sedona Attractions: Shaman’s Cave
There are a lot of hidden caves in the area, but we have more secrets to explore, so we will end our list of cave with Shaman’s Cave, accessed via Forest Road 525. Once used as a hideout for banditos, the cave is also known as Robber’s Roost and because the hike to the hideout is an easy one, we suspect this is one cave you will want to visit with the kiddos!
Peace, Love, and Bobby Sherman?
Ok, we took a trip in the way back machine for that title, but a visit to Amithaba Stupa and Peace Park will make you fall in love with this hidden and holy spot. Located at 2650 Pueblo Drive and described as a spiritual oasis, this park has become a destination for spirituality, offering the ideal spot for prayer and meditation. Those who know, know, but the park hasn’t reached the awareness of most travelers, giving visitors a quiet and peaceful stop during their whirlwind Arizona adventures. The park is free but it continues to thrive through donations from visitors, so if the spirit moves you, feel free to add your own donation.
Speaking of Spirits (The Non-Alcoholic Type)
This next adventure involves a short road trip south, with our iconic 89A highway leading visitors to the town of Jerome. Once this town built on copper mines and good time girls was in danger of becoming just another ghost town, until it experienced a revival of sorts due to the arrival of artists who moved in and began to renovate all the dilapidated buildings. It’s volatile history, however, refuses to keep quiet and if you like things that go bump in the night, you might want to consider participating in the ghost walks offered by Jerome Ghost Tours. Or you can spend your time dipping in and out of cool shops, eating a meal at the Haunted Hamburger, and sipping your way through the wine list of the Original Jerome Winery!
Out in the Open Comfortable Adventures at Home with Sedona.Org
Although our Sedona.Org sanctuaries may offer hidden alcoves, secret gardens, and secluded locations, the comforts and luxuries found within are all out in the open. Designed to be an integral part of your vacation experience, the good times will be that much better, the peace and tranquility will be more peaceful, and the fun will excite you through and through. Reserve your favorite Sedona sanctuary today and discover all the ways you will feel comfortable and at home during your wild west adventures in Sedona!
There are places in this world where waiting until the last minute to plan a vacation getaway is something that is sure to doom the success of your trip, but Sedona is not one of those places. Our red rock town is known for its casual vibe, for its laidback approach to life and all its adventures, offering a welcoming warmth to all who find their way to our doorstep, no matter when you started planning to escape to our gorgeous town. Even better, we at Sedona.Org often offer special deals on last minute bookings, ensuring that not only will you have fun and excitement during your vacation in Arizona you will also enjoy lower rates and all the comforts of home; this guide to some of our best tips, hints, and tricks for enjoying the best last minute vacation in Sedona ever will help you do just that!
Packing for All Seasons
We can’t know when your last-minute vacation is going to occur, so we thought we would start this guide with a few tips on packing throughout the seasons, ensuring that whenever you visit your outfits of the day will make sure you are comfortably dressed no matter what the temperature.
Winters Can Be Cold
Winter in the red rocks can be cold, with temperatures rising to the high 50s during the day and dropping down to freezing in the coldest times of the night. Most sunny, occasionally rainy, and rarely snowy, winters are still mild up this far north and packing layers will ensure you stay comfortable. A coat may be recommended and because this is the best time of the year to hike, good hiking shoes or boots will make it easier to cross the Devil’s Bridge red rock formation or hike through Boynton Canyon.
Spring Weather Can Be Different
There is a wide range of temperatures in the spring and Sedona has even been known to offer late season snowstorms, especially in March when it begins to rain more than normal. The lowest lows may dip into the 30s and the highest highs may reach the low 80s, so just as in winter, layers are important, and you may want to add a weatherproof jacket to the mix.
Hello Summer!
If your last-minute journey brings you to our stunning countryside in the summer, be prepared to fall in love, and be prepared to sweat. Average temperatures creep up to the mid to the high 90s and it is not uncommon to break the triple digit barrier, but nights are going to be cool, so you can look forward to sitting out on the patio of your Sedona.Org seasonal sanctuary and feeling quite comfortable. Shorts, tee shirts, sun dresses, and flip flops are the uniform of the season, but a light jacket and hiking shoes may be in order too, depending on how early in summer you arrive. Most important of all, however, will be sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats of any kind. The sun is bright and you will burn if you spend any time out in it at all.
Plan to Experience Less in the Off Season
Obviously, we don’t know what time of year your last-minute trip is going to take place, but if you happen to find yourself with some extra time on your hands in the summer months, it might be the perfect time to plan a last-minute vacation to Sedona. It will be warm, and we just spent a few paragraphs discussing what you should pack for your summer adventures, but experiencing less can be a good thing. Especially when you realize that the less we are referring to are crowds, costs, and traffic, as we explain below.
Less Crowds
Summer is a popular time to take vacation, but the crowds tend to stay away from Sedona as our temperatures can reach triple digits. (Although on average, 93 to 97 degrees is more common) This lack of crowds will give you the chance to really get to know this area so much better than when lines are long, and attractions are overcrowded. The popular hiking trails can cause “traffic jams” during season and with as many people visiting the iconic red rock formations and vortexes that dot the area, you may not be able to do fun things like climb to the top of Devil’s Bridge or take family photographs from the base of Cathedral Rock. Remember, however, that the temperatures do creep up there and it is best to conduct any hiking adventures in the earlier morning hours and stay hydrated.
Less Costs
Our local businesses need to make money too and summers can be very tight financially for shops and restaurants, something that benefits all that do decide to visit in the summer months. The best sales take place in the summer months allowing visitors to purchase the artwork they may not have been able to afford at the height of tourist season and to splurge for dessert while dining out, because summer menus have lower prices. Additionally, and maybe most importantly, your stay in our luxurious Sedona.Org seasonal sanctuaries may cost less or, because yours is a last-minute visit, you may have noticed a tab on our page titled “save big on last minute travel” and if you click on that it reveals all manner of deals. These last-minute deals change on a regular basis so be sure to check back any time you think to yourself, “Hmm. A visit to Sedona would be pretty nice right about now!”
Less Traffic
This one is pretty obvious, of course, but we can assure you that you will appreciate having the roads to yourself, especially when you choose to take a road trip to any of our surrounding towns. Driving to Clarksdale for a Verde Canyon Railroad adventure, to Cottonwood to sample wines, or to Jerome to explore an old mining town that is experiencing a transformation into an artist’s colony (There will be some great sales here too!) are all road trips we highly recommend, offering an even greater understanding of all that makes our part of the world wonderful.
No Reservations Necessary
When dining out in places that are more laidback reservations must be made for most restaurants and those reservations are often needed to be made at least a week or more in advance. This can be difficult to do if you only decided to visit at the very last minute, but for your Sedona journey, it won’t be a problem. We’ve put together this list of wonderful and delicious restaurants that don’t require reservations and with a few exceptions will not have that long of wait lists, especially if you visit in the off season.
Colt Grill Barbecue & Spirits, 6101 AZ-179 in the Village of Oak Creek (Still Sedona)
Barbecue is America’s thing, and Colt Grill Barbecue & Spirits is one of our favorite places to visit, not even offering the chance to make reservations. We almost don’t know which we love more, the oversized wonderfully cushioned cow print chairs and bar stools that are so incredibly comfortable or the food they serve. (Ok, you got us, it’s the food!) Their barbecue will change your life and their casual vibe will make you wish you could put this wonderful place in your pocket and carry it home with you.
Hideaway House, 231 AZ-179 in Sedona
The Hideaway House has offered an essential Sedona dining experience for more than 50 years, offering an extensive international menu with a distinct Italian flair. They do accept reservations, but only for parties of five or more and that is just to ensure that they can ensure they have the space for your large dining group. They do, however, allow you to put your name on their waitlist, something that comes in handy during busy days (weekends) or busy seasons (winter.) Portions are big here, so count on taking leftovers back to your Sedona.Org sanctuary, especially because you want to make sure you save room for dessert. The dessert menu at Hideaway House is a bestseller, offering sweet treats that include a Ghiradelli Flourless Chocolate Cake and Limoncello Berry Mascarpone Cake.
Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits, 241 N State Route 89A in Sedona
If you have followed our blogs, you have probably heard us mention the Cowboy Club many times over the years, since it may be even more iconic than the Hideaway House. Offering a history that goes back to the days when Sedona was a prime Western movie filming location, in its former renditions it was where the stars dined. Today, however, it is a casual Western style steakhouse serving wild game dishes and a S’mores Skillet Brownie you will never be able to forget.
Explore These Exciting Events and Fantastic Festivals
The events and festivals of Sedona are a vital part of what makes us unique and with few exceptions, you won’t need to plan in advance to attend, you can just drop by whichever festival is on the calendar during your last minute vacation in Sedona. Below, we have provided a sampling of some of our favorite events and festivals, all of which are held in Sedona.
Celebration of Spring, April, Posse Grounds Park
Celebrating everything that makes spring fun-derful this Celebration of Spring event practically offers everything that makes a festival exciting, including in 2025, a Ninja Nations Skills Course. Also paying homage to Easter, our favorite spring holiday, there is usually an Easter Egg Hunt that your littles will be thrilled to be a part of, there are also rides, games, kid’s activities, and the opportunity to meet and greet the BBOC (Big Bunny on Campus) himself! The Free to Be Me Drumming activity held in the Gazebo during the lunch hour is always a fun interactive experience.
National Day of the Cowboy, July, Mary D Fisher Theater
For a while there in the 40s and 50s Sedona was often considered East Hollywood, as it was the site of many Western movies being made. On the National Day of the Cowboy, held every July, Sedona celebrates with a screening of one of those classic movies, offering a panel discussion with party favors and prizes. If you are a Western movie buff, why not play the game of what movie did I see that red rock in? In most cases it will be Cathedral Rock playing parts in movies such as “Comes a Horseman” and “Tall in the Saddle.” Just don’t tell anyone we gave away the answer.
Sedona Arts Festival, October, Sedona Red Rock High School
For two days in October the most talented artists and craftspeople in Sedona come together at the Sedona Red Rock High School, giving you the opportunity to purchase the best of the best. Offering food, drink, music, and stunning works of art, you will up your souvenir game when you purchase something from this iconic festival held every fall in Sedona.
The Deal You Have Been Waiting For
As you scroll through our Sedona.Org page, you may have discovered the tab titled Lodging Deals, and when you click there, your next tab will be the one titled Save big on Last Minute Travel. Now, do we really need to tell you to click on that tab? We don’t think so, but we do want to tell you that this is where you should look the moment you decide that Sedona is going to be your last-minute vacation destination. Offering an ever changing selection of bargains on our luxurious and comfortable Arizona escapes, you are about to find out that in this case, procrastination is something you will be rewarded for!
Reserve your Favorite Last-Minute Sedona.Org Arizona Retreat Today!
Waiting till the last minute to plan your Arizona vacation should be rewarded and our Sedona.Org retreats offer a luxurious example of everything you deserve. Reserve your favorite today.
Weekends are never long enough, especially when you have plans to travel someplace wonderful—someplace like Sedona, maybe?—seeking relaxation and fun. Our souls need these respites, and although a week or longer would serve them much better, the beauty of the Sedona landscape, the serenity of Oak Creek that winds its way through town, and the comfortable luxury of our Sedona weekend rentals will go a long way in making Monday much better. This guide to the ultimate getaway in the Sedona area may not be long enough to suit you but will encourage you to live your best life and start planning a return visit at a time when you can stay longer!
Let’s Make This a Long Weekend, Shall We?
Although you could cram a lot of excitement into just two days, a three-day weekend will give you a better idea of just how wonderful Sedona is as it fortifies you for the next round of unrelenting five-day work weeks. And if you can manage it, arriving in our red rock town on Friday evening, not needing to leave until Monday afternoon will give you even more time to fall in love with one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations, giving you adventures you will dream about, memories you will never forget, and perhaps a better understanding of the metaphysical world. Sedona is known for its red rocks, of course, but it is also known for its vortexes and it spiritual beliefs that can help make everyday life more bearable.
Friday Evening Adventures
There are multiple ways to travel to Sedona as you may have already discovered. Most of our guests will fly into the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, rent a car, and drive the two hours+ that it takes to get here from there. Some will fly into the Sedona airport, rent their car, and drive for the few minutes it takes to get to their final destination of Sedona.Org. The third option of a road trip from your home to ours more than likely would take too much time, cutting into your weekend, but if you are from Arizona, it is a great idea. In any case, most of your Friday is going to be spent in travel, leaving you with barely enough time to check in, unpack, and maybe grab a bite to eat before you find yourself ready to drop off into the best sleep of your life. So for this first night, we’re just going to list a couple of restaurants that you may want to stop in before heading “home” for the night.
Mesa Grill Sedona, 1185 Airport Road, Open Daily 7:30 AM to 9 PM
This first suggestion is an especially great one if you flew into the Sedona Airport, as it is located right within view of the runway, offering fantastic views of planes taking off and landing as you enjoy an American meal of high quality. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it is one of our favorite casual restaurants and if you just landed (or even if you drove into town) you can leave your luggage in your rental car and find yourself seated and fed in no time at all! Their menu changes with the seasons, incorporating locally sourced ingredients that are ripe and ready to be used during the season you have arrived on our doorstep.
Oak Creek Brewery & Grill, 336 AZ-179 Suite D201, Open Daily 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM
If you arrive in town especially late, Oak Creek Brewery & Grill will not be in your immediate future as they close rather early, but if you can fit this into your schedule on your first night, we can tell you that first sip of ice cold beer, beers that are brewed on site, will most likely be the best sip of your life. Located inside the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, you may want to take a quick peek, perhaps adding this shopping center into your weekend activities, but for tonight, it is the perfect spot to begin your Arizona adventures. Offering an international menu that includes German schnitzel sandwiches, English pub fish n’ chips, and an all-American Red Rock Rack of Ribs, there is sure to be a dish that will appeal to even the pickiest eaters in your traveling group.
Door Dash or Uber Eats
It’s been a long day of travel and you are simply too tired to spend any more time in public, so of course, Door Dash or Uber Eats is an option, allowing you to spend this first night in your comfy clothes, exploring the comforts of your Sedona.Org sanctuary, before turning in for the night, eager to greet the new day feeling refreshed and ready to explore all Sedona has to offer!
Saturday Morning Dawns Early, Just Not TOO Early
The adventures you are going to enjoy during this, your first full day in Sedona are sure to fill your heart with happiness, but unless you want to do every single thing we have listed here, there’s no need to wake up too early. You may be experiencing jet lag or you may have discovered that your body just doesn’t want to leave the most comfortable bed it has ever slept in. But whatever time you decide to wake and roll, the adventures listed below are ones that best represent the Sedona experience.
Breakfast at the Coffee Pot Restaurant, 2050 W State Route 89A
Resting in the shadows of Coffee Pot Rock, Coffee Pot Restaurant has been a Sedona tradition for 75 years and is one of those places that if you don’t enjoy at least one breakfast under its roof, people may question whether you have REALLY experienced authentic Sedona. Famous for offering more than 100 omelet selections, this restaurant has been frequented by locals, travelers, and more than a few celebrities.
Jeep Tours
When you don’t have a lot of time to explore all that Sedona has to offer, signing up for one of the colorful jeep tours may be the first thing on your list of things to do. Pink Jeep Tours, located at 204 N State Route 89A is the most well-known, taking tourists on a variety of tours that explore the magic of red rock country up close. Their iconic pink painted jeeps handle off road and on road equally smoothly and you can choose canyon, red rock, ancient ruin, and sunset tours for your first adventure in Sedona. Most tours last about two hours, but some can last as long as 11 and some are as short as one and a half hours; all are informational and entertaining.
Hiking Adventures on Your Own
Not everyone likes to join in groups and although the different jeep tour companies all also offer private tours that can drive up the price and you still have to share your adventure with the stranger that is your guide. Hiking to the different red rock formations is something your entire family will enjoy and as you explore Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte, old Western movie fans may want to play the game of “Which movie did we see that in?” In the 40s and 50s, Sedona was popular with Hollywood filmmakers and many classic Westerns were filmed in the area. For more detailed information on starting and stopping points, length, and difficulty of the trails you will hike, Sedona offers a Sedona Hiking App you can upload to your phone, leading you on the path to adventure.
Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, 780 Chapel Road
As you drove into town you may have noticed a structure built around a huge cross peering down from the red rocks and yes, that is a church you can visit, known as the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This active chapel offers Sunday Mass and other services, but respectful visitors are encouraged to step inside, cool off, and be amazed by the views of the Sedona countryside visible from the wall of windows that takes up the back of the chapel. Also known for offering one of the most powerful vortexes in the area, your first day may be a great day to experience the first metaphysical part of your journey.
Early Dinner (Late Lunch?) at Tamaliza, 1155 W State Route 89A, Closes at 4:30
Honestly, we don’t know whether to recommend Tamaliza for lunch or a really early dinner, but this classic Mexican restaurant offers an authentic taste of the Southwest and we just know it is as important for you to visit as it is to try the Coffee Pot in the morning! If you dine at this casual counter serve restaurant for lunch, you may just want to fix dinner at home on this night, exploring the luxurious kitchens we provide in all of our Sedona sanctuaries. This quiet spot, tucked away in a small stone structure just off 89A offers a classic menu of Mexican favorites, all handmade and created by the chef and owner who grew up in the heart of Mexico. Inexpensive, colorful, and so very delicious, we think Tamaliza offers the perfect introduction to our Southwestern city!
So Much More to Look Forward to on Sunday
There really is a lot to explore in Sunday, and so after a breakfast at Red Rock Café (Another local hot spot) located at 100 Verde Valley School Road #100, we are going to usher you off onto another full day of adventures.
Slide Rock State Park, Oak Creek Canyon
If your Arizona journey is a summer one, you might want to toss some swimsuits and towels in the back of your rental car, because Slide Rock State Park is famous for, well, its slide rock, an 80-foot-long natural waterslide. The water is always cold, making it the perfect activity when the temperatures are nudging the triple digits. If you aren’t here in the summer, the park is still a great place to hike, picnic, and explore the original apple orchard that was once this areas primary purpose.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
The town of Sedona is a shopper’s paradise, offering just about anything you could ever want, including quite a few metaphysical shops selling crystals, offering psychic readings, or the opportunity to explore all that makes this area also a spiritual paradise. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, located at 336 AX-179 is another iconic Sedona attraction, offering an artists’ colony of sorts, all enclosed by a thick stucco wall and framed by mature trees that help keep your car cooler in the warmer months. In addition to restaurants, souvenir shops, and art galleries, Tlaquepaque offers a year round Christmas store that you won’t want to miss and the mall is also where many holiday events take place throughout the year, so if you are visiting during the holidays, be sure to stop in and see what all is going on.
Road Trips to Excitement
There are many great things to do outside the city limits of Sedona, so if you can bear to leave for a few hours, you may want to drive to Camp Verde to explore Montezuma Castle National Monument (cliff ruins in which the Sinagua people lived in many hundreds of years ago. Or you could head to the small towns of Cottonwood for wine tastings, and Clarkdale for a ride on restored trains with the Verde Canyon Railroad. A journey to the snow in Flagstaff may be in your future during a winter journey, with the college town offering Snow Bowl Ski Resort, or any time of the year is a great time to visit Jerome, a mining town that almost completely disappeared and today is home to many galleries, shops, and delicious restaurants.
Farewell on Monday
If you can manage to put off your departure a few hours on Monday, you may want to wake up early and explore all the wonders of your Sedona.Org sanctuary, wonders that may include private pools, hot tubs, game rooms, and of course, all the comforts of home. We know that you haven’t had a lot of time to explore Sedona during your weekend of wow, but we hope that we have given you plenty of ideas of how to fill your time and plenty of encouragement to visit again when you can stay longer. Reserve your favorite of our Sedona weekend rentals today!
If a summer vacation in Sedona sounds like a dream come true, now is the perfect time to get a head start on planning your getaway and we at Sedona.Org are here to help. There are so many things to explore, so many restaurants to enjoy, and so many views to see that you could miss out on some of the best, simply because you didn’t know they existed and that’s where we come into the picture. This guide will show you what to pack, the top places to visit, and why you should also remember to schedule some relaxation time into your getaway, ensuring that your Sedona summer vacation and stay in our seasonal sanctuaries will be one you will wish never had to end.
Plan to Pack Light for Your Sedona Summer Vacation
Summer in Sedona can get pretty hot during the daylight hours, so shorts, tees, and/or sundresses will be the majority of your clothing needed, but we do recommend a jacket because once that sun sets it can get a bit chilly. You’re probably going to want to get out and explore, hiking to the red rocks and the vortexes that add a metaphysical vibe to your vacation experience, so we also recommend comfortable and well fitting hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for further protection from the sun’s rays, as well as SPF lip balm. Water is important, so if you own a hydration pack, it could definitely come in handy, as will the GPS on your smart phone and a trails app that can lead you to the best trails in the area. And finally, although you will want the hiking shoes for your red rock adventures, you may be most comfortable walking around town in a pair of flip flops, especially if you own the walking flip flops that help keep your back from aching as you dip in and out of all the stores in the area.
Plan on a Night Out Under the Stars
Sedona is a Dark Sky Community, and if you don’t know understand the importance of trying to eliminate light pollution, step outside once the sun sets and look up at the night sky and it will all come clear. The stars shine brighter in Sedona, filling the sky with their brilliance and although you could just sit out on the back porch of your seasonal sanctuary, we suggest booking a tour with Sedona Stargazing Tours for a more comprehensive exploration of the stars, planets, and galaxies. Tours can be booked directly through the company simply by clicking on the link here.
Plan to Shop A LOT!
Shopping is a time honored tradition for vacationers and the shops that line the streets of Sedona are destined to bring you joy. Selling everything from crystals to metaphysical experiences, clothing to Christmas decorations, and every genre of artwork in existence. Bronze statues, glass sculptures, paintings, photographs, indigenous art work, even jewelry, clothing, and pottery can be found in our local shops, and as you explore each and every one, you will be glad of two things: 1) you are wearing those walking flip flops we mentioned earlier; 2) you were able to pack light so you will have plenty of room in your luggage for all your treasures!
Plan Your Epicurean Adventures
Sedona is a foodie’s paradise, and even though you may not know what you want to eat this far in advance, isn’t it nice to know that you will have options? From the simple a breakfast at the Coffee Pot Restaurant (2050 W State Route 89A) to a sublime romantic dinner enjoyed at Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano (2321 AZ 89-A), every bite you take will transport you to new levels of food delirium. Experience a true Western dining extravaganza at the Blazin M Ranch in nearby Cottonwood or fall in love with the authentic flavors of the Southwest with a visit to Elote Café. Every restaurant you explore will bring its own vibe, charm, and appeal and will very likely haunt your memories (in the best of ways) for years to come.
Plan to Relax as Hard as You Play
Your Sedona adventures are sure to be memorable ones, and when you walk in the door of our Sedona.Org summer sanctuaries each evening, they will be comfortable ones as well. Our properties are designed to bring you peace, joy, and multiple opportunities to relax and recover from all the excitement you have been experiencing throughout your stay. Add in luxury amenities such as private pools, hot tubs, game rooms, and theater rooms, and you may begin to wonder why you really need to leave the boundaries of the property line. (And then you will see the red rocks and remember, oh yeah, that’s why!) Reserve your favorite escape today!
Did you know that the best time to visit Sedona is in the spring? The days will be warm, without being hot, the streets will be less crowded, and our Sedona.Org seasonal sanctuaries will be waiting to provide that soft space to land at the end of every day. This guide to the top April events in our red rock town and all the comfort, style, and luxury you will find in our Arizona retreats will help show you all you can do during your Sedona spring journey!
Celebrate Sedona, April 4th, Sedona Arts Center, State Route 89A and Art Barn Road, 4-6 PM
To be honest, we celebrate Sedona every day of the year, but this fantastic event held at the Sedona Arts Center takes the celebration to the next level. Celebrate Sedona is an event that takes place on a monthly basis, offering a wonderful peek into the beautiful life we live here. Explore art, food, and music, all created, prepared, and performed by the people who live in our red rock town, and if you don’t fall in love with Sedona at first sight, by the end of your time at the Celebrate Sedona event, that will change and our town will become one of your favorite places on earth.
Sedona Community Farmers Market, Sundays, Wells Fargo Bank Parking Lot, 2201 W State Route 89A
Your Sedona.Org kitchen will be the best stocked in town when you visit the Sedona Community Farmers Market, open Sundays in the spring, and offering a little bit of everything. Farm fresh produce, local wines (Arizona wines are giving Napa a run for its money!) flowers, even baked goods made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients, all of the above and so much more is just waiting to jump in your bag and be enjoyed at home in our Arizona retreat. The vibe of this farmers market is a welcoming one and as you walk through the aisles, stopping at each booth and perhaps sampling some of their wares, the quiet, the peace, and the joy you will find will make this adventure an impactful one.
Enjoy a Sedona Spring at the Earth Medicine Festival, April 18 Through April 20, The Collective Sedona, 7000 AZ-179
We have forgotten the power of the natural in most cases, but this Earth Medicine Festival, hosted by Sedona Infinity Spa & Wellness Center will help remind you of the power of Mother Nature and how artificial and plastic just won’t cut it anymore. Offering workshops led by holistic healers, vendors selling sustainable products, and ceremonies that honor the earth’s magic, promoting a deeper connection between yourself and the earth as well as live music and some really fascinating performances. Earth Day is held on Tuesday, April 22nd and this unique festival provides the perfect kickoff to a week of healing and connection, perhaps changing your outlook on natural living forevermore.
Celebration of Spring, April 19, Posse Grounds Park, 525 Posse Grounds Road, 9AM to 4PM
We may have mentioned it before, but springtime in Sedona is our favorite time of year, so much so that we celebrate it every year with this wonderful festival. It’s a Celebration of Spring, a joyous event offering carnival rides, a petting zoo, games, vendors selling a little of this, a little of that, and a whole lot of the other, while also offering a jump start on your Easter celebration. Meet the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs, and get your face painted to resemble a bunny; the egg hunt is divided into age groups so as everyone gets a fair shot, and parents can join in the hunt in the 0-2 age group. Admittance is free, as are the rides and the egg hunts, but you will need cash for food, drinks, and getting your face painted, so don’t forget your wallet while celebrating the best season of the year!
Easter Brunch, April 20, Enchantment Resort, 525 Boynton Canyon Road
While the majority of your Easter celebration may take place at home in our Sedona.Org vacation escapes, not everyone wants to prepare the traditional feast while on vacation, making the Easter Brunch at Enchantment Resort one of the most popular brunches in town. Offering a menu that is inspired by the season, sure to include your favorite traditional dishes, but you might just find yourself distracted from the food as you will be surrounded by stunning views of Boynton Canyon. Reservations are required.
Celebrate Comfortably and Luxuriously at Home with Sedona.Org
Your favorite moments may be the ones spent at home, relaxing and savoring the luxuries and comforts you find in our Sedona sanctuaries. Hide eggs around the pool that you may very well use as daytime temps will be nudging the 80s and many of our pools can be heated for an additional fee. Watch Easter movies on our state of the art televisions, prepare the Easter feaster in our fully equipped kitchens, and sleep well every night of your stay in the most comfortable beds in the state. Reserve your favorite Sedona.Org retreat today and celebrate April in style.
Sedona has been attracting travelers to its red rock countryside for generations, offering magic, mystical charms, and a landscape that will breaks the hearts of all who have to leave it, and when your journey brings you to our doorstep, you will understand all that we have just said. You never want to be out of sight of those red rock formations, and because many of our Sedona.Org vacation rentals are located in the shadows of the most famous ones, you won’t have to. This guide to vacationing with a view during your Sedona journey, and the best places to stay in Sedona with a view, will ensure that your escape to Arizona will be one getaway you will compare all others against—and they will all come up wanting in comparison!
Rentals with a Golf Course View
We may be known for our red rocks first, but golfers have been choosing our properties with golf course views for as long as we have been offering them. Seven Canyons Golf Club, located at 625 Golf Club Way and designed by golf architect Tom Weiskopf, is one of the area’s most famous courses, featuring a rugged backdrop of steep cliffs and stunning red rock formations and a landscape that consists of emerald-green grass, ancient pinion pines, and alligator junipers, all of which may be seen from the floor to ceiling windows of our Seven Canyons Golf Club Townhomes. The beautiful views could surely count as enough to make your Arizona journey, but you know Sedona.Org will never be satisfied with enough and the rentals offered here are filled with luxury amenities as listed below.
Cabin Luxe with a Twist
As you step inside our golf course view homes for the first time, you may notice the touch of cabin feel they offer. Tongue-and-groove ceilings, stained a dark tan, stone fireplaces that offer the classic look of wood burning ones but are gas ones, designed for ease of use, and wood floors throughout may feel cabin-esque, but that’s where the similarities end. Fully equipped kitchens are modern spaces, offering stone countertops, sleek custom cabinets, and name brand stainless steel appliances built to impress. In these spacious rooms, the small appliances, coffee makers, blenders, and the occasional wine refrigerators share equal importance with the larger ones, especially the blenders. There is nothing more wonderful than sitting on back decks that overlook the golf course, frosty margarita in hand, as you watch your fellow golf enthusiasts have the best game or the worst game of their lives.
Luxury Amenities
The luxury amenities of our golf course view sanctuaries run the gamut from deep soaking tubs in en suite baths to firepits on back patios, and of course, state of the art televisions in the living and bedrooms of the properties. Large decks that expand across the back of the escapes may offer multiple seating areas, dining space, and barbecue grills, enabling guests to stay outside where the action is as much as possible. Community amenities do include access to the golf
Cabins with a Creek View
Oak Creek meanders through the town of Oak Creek Village and Sedona and our Sedona.Org retreats with a creek view are amongst some of our most popular. The cheerful sound of running water plays a serene accompaniment to your vacation experiences, and the casual elegance of the cabins that reside alongside the creek may just steal your heart. Just as with our golf course view properties, cabin is perhaps to simple a term to use to describe the spaces you will claim as your own for the stay, but there are touches that stay true to the classic cabin design. Again, these spaces may offer stone fireplaces, rustic wood plank walls, windows without mullions because no one wants anything to interfere with those views. Modern kitchens, state of the art televisions, and showers the size of small bedrooms equipped with multiple shower heads contrast beautifully with barn doors, walls of reclaimed wood, and iron bedframes that could have come straight from the set of Little House on the Prairie. (The mattresses are 100% 21st century, though, and could be described as the most comfortable in the state.
Come Outside and Play
Although we are mainly focusing on the views you will discover during your Sedona adventures, when it comes to the creek, the sounds are equally important making guests want to spend as much time outside as they do in. We understand that want and our outdoor areas will be furnished to ensure you are as comfortable outside as you are inside. Outdoor fireplaces or firepits will bring romance to any occasion and warmth in the winter months when temperatures can get a bit chilly. Multiple seating areas look out onto the Sedona countryside, providing views of the creek, the red rocks, and glimpses of wooded areas that resemble a fairy’s home, dining areas provide the perfect spots to sit and watch the sun set, and barbecue grills or outdoor kitchens will bring you joy, as well as the scent of charring meat.
Mountain Views
The red rocks aren’t the only stone formations in Sedona; we are surrounded by mountains, rugged, imposing, and offering a majestic presence that makes visitors feel safe and protected. Our Sedona.Org properties with mountain views are a blend of cozy townhomes, condos, and expansive stand alone homes that offer all the bells and whistles. The windows of these escapes frame mountain views to perfection, and like most will be unadorned panes of glass, with nothing preventing you from taking in all the views. The mountains that surround us are often feature red rock formations in the foreground, so your views in these sanctuaries will be of both, and as you sit in large living rooms, the state of the art television may remain off, conversations may be muted, and all eyes may be drawn to the beauty that lies just outside.
Cornville and Surrounding Communities
Not all Sedona.Org places to stay in Sedona with a view are located in Sedona, and our mountain view retreats are the perfect example. They could be tucked away in small towns with quirky names like Cornville, Clarkdale, or the Village of Oak Creek. The larger homes may offer their own private pools and hot tubs, gazebos set up with outdoor kitchens, dining tables and televisions, even putting greens and other outdoor games. Inside you may find secondary fireplaces in the primary suite, deep soaking tubs, and indoor game rooms that will ensure that you can stay entertained without having to leave the premises in search of adventure. As with every one of our homes, the list of amenities you will find inside each space may boggle your mind. Kitchens may offer wine refrigerators and wet bars, living rooms may feature bookshelves stocked with books, board games, puzzles, and movies, and dining rooms will be where you play the board games, put together the puzzles, and maybe enjoy more of those breathtaking mountain views!
Now It’s Time for the Red Rocks
Like any skilled entertainer, we like to build the anticipation, and as we have taken you on a tour of the most breathtaking Sedona views in the region, we are now going to explore our homes that offer views of those red rock formations. Most formations are named after the shape they take on, including Coffee Pot Rock, lending its name to one of our most popular restaurants, the Coffee Pot Restaurant. Lying in the shadows of Coffee Pot Rock, we offer spectacular properties, properties that also share a close proximity to Posse Grounds Park, a park where many local events take place. The homes we offer in this vicinity are light and bright, probably because of all the windows that let in all those views, providing an elegant sophistication and a cheerful color scheme. Modern kitchens remain light, again due to the windows, and are furnished with high end appliances in stainless steel and bedrooms are spacious, luxurious, and dominated with the most comfortable beds in the state.
Chapel Area Retreats
Our chapel area retreats are so named for their proximity to the most famous church in town, Chapel of the Holy Cross, a stunning and still active Catholic Church perched high above the red rocks. The church may be seen from the walls of windows in your Sedona.Org vacation hideaway, and you may also have views of the two famous formations that flank the chapel, Elephant Rock and the Two Nuns rock formation. Our homes that lie in the shadows of the chapel are family homes featuring large and spacious rooms, fully equipped kitchens, and large yards with plenty of room for the kiddos to run mild in. These properties may offer private hot tubs, game rooms loaded with gaming tables, video games, and other entertainment options. Bedrooms with private sitting areas and private entrances to patios where more seating options provide the perfect spots to sit and savor those views of red rocks, green trees, and the serene and tranquil Chapel of the Holy Cross.
From Chapels to Cathedrals
Cathedral Rock may be the most famous of Sedona red rocks, standing tall over the landscape and serving as an inspiration to artists from all over the world. Although Bell Rock is generally the first rock formation you may come across upon your arrival in Sedona, Cathedral Rock may be the most famous and is definitely the most photographed, offering a familiarity to travelers while making them feel they have arrived at home. Our homes that feature Steamboat Rock views, reflect the colors and magic of the Southwest, found in the art on the walls, the fabric used on sofas and bedding, and of course, in the views that are visible through walls of windows located in many of the rooms in the sanctuaries. Offering private office spaces where working from home will make the other members of your virtual meetings feel envious of your surroundings, large patios that extend more than halfway around the home, and a location near hiking trails that will give guests an up close and personal viewing of the beauty of the Sedona landscape. In these homes the views from the front may be as exciting as the views from the back and chairs will be waiting on front patios, allowing guests the opportunity to sit, savor, and fully relax.
Chimney Rock Sanctuaries
Chimney Rock is a sacred spot, offering a spiritual significance that won’t soon be forgotten. As you might imagine, it is named for its resemblance to a chimney, something you will immediately notice when staring out the windows of our Chimney Rock view escapes. The second thing you may notice after tearing your eyes away from the views are the vivid colors that can be found throughout the properties. When you live in red rock country you soon learn not to be afraid of color and there is a joy that can be found in that freedom with that joy being shared with everyone who resides within. These properties may be a bit more casual than others, making families with children feel right at home (it is always such a relief when you don’t have to worry about living in a museum with your children) offering game rooms that are geared to the tinier travels. These game rooms may be old school in nature, offering board games, chess boards, and puzzles that the family can work together to construct, hopefully finishing before the sad moments when you must leave.
Fall in Love with the Sedona Views, Fall Deeper in Love with the Amenities
The Sedona views from all of our Sedona escapes are destined to make you fall in love but it is the amenities, the comforts, the luxuries, and style that will make you wish you never had to leave. Every home provides its own style, its own personality, and when you find the one that will fit your family best, your vacation experience will shine bright, Reserve your favorite Sedona home with views of paradise today!
As we dive into the new year with enthusiasm and a touch of worry, you may be already starting to plan your vacation schedule, exploring the idea of visiting wonderful places all over the world, with a trip to Sedona heading your list. We at Sedona.Org can wholeheartedly get behind your plans, even going as far as suggesting that February 5th would be Book Direct Day, the perfect day to pick your vacation dream home come true, that our homes are the ones that are going to add something wonderful to your vacation experiences, and to tell you that booking directly with us, instead of straying towards the third-party vacation websites, will change the way you travel forever. February 5th is , and this guide to all the reasons you should book direct will give you insight into what an idyllic vacation can look like!
How Can We Help On Book Direct Day?
At the top of that list lies our willingness to provide the personal touch that is sadly lacking in other websites, going the extra step to ensure there is no uncertainty and no wrong notes that will play out during your Arizona adventures. We love our little section of paradise, and when you book directly with Sedona.Org, you will have access to all the hints, tips, and ideas that will make this getaway stand out. When you’re celebrating a special occasion, only a special occasion restaurant will do, and we know the best of the best having celebrated at those spots many times ourselves. Filling the pantry of your fully equipped kitchen can be fun, especially when we direct you to the shops that provide gourmet and perhaps unusual food ingredients. And what if you forgot your blood pressure pills and need an emergency refill but aren’t sure which pharmacy you should have them sent to? Just ask and we will reveal all, adding that personal touch to your vacation and a sense of relief that you won’t have to suffer the consequences of your understandable forgetfulness.
Book Direct and Shop Local
Our nation’s economy thrives when the small towns and big cities that make up its whole thrive, and the best way to do that is by shopping local. We don’t just work in Sedona; we live here, we play here, and when we hire, we hire local residents, ensuring that the money spent will be funneled back into the community. You aren’t from the Sedona area, of course, but it benefits you when you explore a vibrant and bustling town, one with a large selection of specialty shops, gourmet restaurants, and wonderful attractions that will add excitement to your trip, and besides. When you shop local, wherever you are visiting, you are doing your part to boost a national economy that has been in a slump for more than a few years. The third-party platforms you are used to using, simply pocket your money and move on, giving new meaning to the phrase, “the buck stops here!”
What You See Is What You Get
From the first moment that our property caught your eye while scrolling to the exciting moment when you step inside for the first time, you will have been dreaming about the spaces you saw in the pictures, perhaps even poring over them time and time again. These mini “vacations” from real life got you through some really tough times, and you just can’t imagine what you would do or feel if the door you walked into on your first day was not the one you saw. Fortunately, because you booked direct, you don’t need to worry about that, because there will be no substitutions (as can happen with the big corporate vacation rental websites) and the pictures we post are updated and recent. Walking inside will feel as if you are greeting an old friend and as you peek through windows at the red rock views you have dreamed about, you will realize that dreams really can come true.
Saving Money by Booking Direct
This probably isn’t your first vacation, and you are probably aware of the extra fees those big name sites add to the bill, including the ones that charge you for “privilege” of using their websites. When you book direct, those unnecessary fees don’t exist, especially as we feel the privilege is ours that YOU chose US for your vacation accommodations. This cuts down your overall costs, but that isn’t the only way you will save. Booking direct will give you access to last-minute discounts, holiday sales, and off-season deals aimed at getting your head in our beds! The end numbers will be noticeably different, perhaps changing the way you travel forever more.
Book Direct on February 5th
Come home to all that makes Sedona.Org comfortable, luxurious, and serene. Reserve your favorite escape today!
Aside from packing, the most difficult part of planning a vacation can be choosing a budget, especially when you are traveling somewhere you have never visited before. You don’t know about parking fees, food costs, and because you may not really know all there is to do in the town you choose, you have no idea what the fun activities are going to cost you, but fortunately, you have found your way to our Sedona.Org page, we have a plan to help keep you from missing out on the most fun activities. This guide to budgeting for your 2025 Sedona vacation will give you an idea of what to expect from our town, the costs you may not have considered, and the wonders of choosing our Sedona sanctuaries for your vacation accommodations!
Summer Savings
Although we don’t have the exact numbers when you want to stretch your budget a little further, the summer months are the best time to do so. It doesn’t get as hot as it does in the Phoenix area, temperatures will still reach triple digits and travelers tend to go further north where it is cooler. Because of this lodging is often cheaper, the stores offer more sales, and even the restaurants offer different menus, with the summer menu costing less. Like we said, we can’t give specific numbers, but we can estimate that you will spend close to 50% less in the summer months as opposed to the high tourist season.
The Epicurean Landscape for Your Vacation in Sedona
The restaurants of Sedona cover the gamut from super cheap to highly expensive, making it easy to find the perfect fit into your vacation budget, and if you want to splurge on a special occasion meal, perhaps with a meal at Forty 1, located at 900 W State Route 89-A, you can plan on dining at home and utilizing our fully equipped kitchens. Forty 1, is truly a special occasion restaurant offering a menu filled with creative cuisine, including elk strip loin and surf & turf ramen, but you will need a high limit credit card as the menu will run you $100+. When you want a hearty meal but without the higher price, a visit to Sundowners, 37 Navajo Drive will satisfy you on all levels. You can expect to pay in the $10 to $20 range for sandwiches and burgers that go wonderfully with the drinks served here as well. And in between, there are hordes and hordes of wonderful restaurants that will add a shine to your vacation experiences and become a treasured memory when it is time to return home.
Fees and Admission Costs
The activities you engage in while exploring Sedona, won’t really cost you that much, especially as you will probably spend much of your time hiking the trails that lead you to the red rocks, but there will be some fees associated in some of your adventures, including a visit to Slide Rock State Park. Home to the state’s longest natural waterslide, the park was once an apple orchard and you will still see some trees from its early incarnations during your wanderings, but it will cost you between $10 and $30 to enter the park, depending on which month you are visiting. This is one case in which the summer months are the most expensive and the winter months are the cheapest, so if your Arizona journey brings you to the area from November through February, the $10 fee will be what you pay. The Sedona Heritage Museum, located at 735 Jordan Road, is another reasonably priced activity, offering a peek into our rich and storied past at only $10 per person, for adults 13 and over. And last but not least, we are taking a little road trip to Camp Verde for your next adventure, visiting Montezuma Castle Monument, located at Montezuma Castle Road. These cliff dwellings were the home of the Sinagua people, surviving in a hostile environment for many centuries, and providing a fascinating glimpse into their lives at the low cost of, yes, you guessed it, $10 per person for guests 16 and over.
Our Best Guesstimate
A week’s vacation in Sedona is destined to be filled with fun and wonder and if you budget correctly, will cost on average about $200 per day per person. This includes food, fees, and yes, even lodging, although as with all guesses, the costs can vary. We can’t predict how much you will spend at the shops of Sedona or whether you will decide to visit the more expensive restaurants on a regular basis. But we can promise that choosing Sedona.org will help you keep your expenses on track, often costing less than a hotel room might while providing comfort and luxury that you will wish you never had to leave behind. Reserve your favorite escape today!
Sedona is renowned for its magic, and your first visit to our rocky landscape is destined to be magical as well as you hike along trails that lead you to mystical spots of wonder, dine at local restaurants that feature an authentic Southwest flavor, and shop for crystals, art, and all manner again experience a first time in Sedona. You want to make this visit perfect, but if you don’t know all the secret spots, the hidden wonders, or even the best loved attractions, will your experience be less powerful? Fortunately, that is a question you will never have an answer to because we at Sedona.Org have created this ultimate first-time Sedona visitor guide, bringing the magic directly to you and ensuring that you won’t miss a single wonderful opportunity to see all that our town has to offer.
The Red, Red Rocks of Sedona
When you think of Sedona, it is the red rocks that automatically come to mind, and there are many iconic formations that you can visit by car, by tour, or by hike which should be included on your Sedona itinerary.
Cathedral Rock
You will soon learn that the formations we mention are named for the shapes they seem to represent and Cathedral Rock, offering a cathedral like shape with peaks pointing heavenward is our first example. The 1.2-mile Cathedral Rock Trail is a popular but often considered challenging one, featuring a gain in elevation of nearly 800 feet. This site is also considered to be where one of the main and most powerful vortexes is located, so you can cross two things off your list with a visit to one place.
Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge is the largest sandstone arch in Sedona, offering an example of the mystical with the tale of its construction. The story goes that the devil built the bridge in exchange for the soul of the first person who crossed it but was tricked when that person sent his dog across instead. Whether that story is true or not, the views from the top of Devil’s Bridge might make you understand why someone would agree to sell their soul in able to access them. The climb to the top where the best views are is 400 feet in height, so not everyone can attempt it, but the views from the bottom of the arch are wonderful as well.
Bell Rock
Resembling a massive bell nestled into the landscape, Bell Rock’s iconic shape greets travelers as they drive into Sedona, offering them their first peek at the wonders that await. The trail that leads to Bell Rock, for those who want up close and personal views, Bell Rock Pathway, is a moderate one, stretching out for 3.6 miles. This formation is also the site of another powerful vortex, one that is described as having an upflow or masculine energy that helps visitors feel vital and creative.
Sedona Awaits
The best way to get a feel of the place you are visiting can be with a tour of the most popular areas, offering a glimpse and the chance to determine if you want to return later on your own and explore in more depth. The tours below are the ones that we recommend to all first time visitors.
Pink Jeep Tours, 204 N State Route 89A
As you drive into town, the first thing you will notice are the red rock formations, of course, and the second will be a variety of colored jeeps traveling the streets as well as bouncing through the countryside, taking visitors to the best spots in the area. These jeeps are from jeep tour companies with the most iconic being Pink Jeep Tours, the first and still most popular company in town. Offering a selection of sightseeing tours through the Sedona landscape and to historic ruins that give off a magic of their own, you can’t consider that you have visited Sedona without a ride in one of their pink jeeps.
Elevated Sedona Wine Tours, 3150 W State Route 89A #1
Arizona wines are rapidly becoming known as the best wines in the country and Elevated Wine Tours gives travelers the opportunity to sip the best of the best, without having to worry about who is going to be the designated driver. Offering five different tours, the Divine, the Sublime, the Elevated, the Wicked, and the Ultimate Vine Wine Tours, Elevated takes guests on a wine intensive tour of vineyards, breweries, and even tasting rooms (if that’s your pleasure) providing an elegant adventure that you should be able to remember as long as you don’t sample too much!
Shopping Adventures
We may have developed a shopping problem living here in Sedona and when you visit, you will understand why. Surrounded by shops that sell everything from art to crystals to gifts to food, your retail adventures in Sedona are destined to be unlike any you have ever experienced before. We’ve listed a few of our favorite spots below, but there are so many wonderful shops we can’t list them all and if you see something that interests you be sure to drop in, even if it didn’t make our list.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, 336 AZ-179
The walls that surround Tlaquepaque and the mature trees that dot its landscape give the appearance that this is a place that has been around for hundreds of years, but its secret is this. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village was the brainchild of a local developer who also happen to be an avid arts collector and was constructed in the 1970s! Its age, however, doesn’t matter and as you stroll along cobbled walks, dipping in and out of shops selling a huge variety of everything, you will wish that you could call Sedona your home and Tlaquepaque your shopping mall. Art galleries, Christmas stores, even souvenir tee shirt shops are filled with items you never knew you needed until you held them in your hot little hands and if you are hungry, there are restaurants. If you are thirsty, there are bars. And if you just want a little snacky snack, discover how sweet life is at the shop named How Sweet it Is, selling chocolates, fudge, candies, smoothies, and ice cream.
Mystical Bazaar, 3058 W State Route 89A in Sedona
Mystical Bazaar is a charming spot, standing on a corner its colorful stuccoed exterior inviting drivers to stop, pull in, and explore all it has to offer. And when you step inside, shelves filled with crystals, essential oils, and jewelry beckon, reminding you that you definitely aren’t in Kansas anymore. Also offering energy healing, aura photography, and psychic readings your every metaphysical need will be met and if you happen to fall as deeply in love with the items on their shelves (as we expect you will) their online store will keep you from having to make weekly return trips. Although we would certainly welcome you if you did!
Mi Amore Sedona, 100 Brewer Road in Sedona
Located in the historic Hart Store building (constructed in 1926) Mi Amore Sedona is a gift store that deserves a more in-depth exploration. This isn’t the traditional cheesy souvenir shop that is often all you can find in other vacation destinations, and if you are looking for a gift for a specific person, this is the shop we recommend you visit. Featuring home décor, bath and body lotions and potions, jewelry, garden wares; the list of what you can buy in this wonderful shop that is simply loaded with charm is longer than the amount of space we have to talk about it here.
Road Trips
Although there is a lot to see right here in Sedona, the surrounding towns offer adventures that will enhance your Arizona vacation experience and a short road trip through all our fantastic countryside scenery is always going to be a good idea, even during your first visit.
Montezuma Castle National Monument, Montezuma Castle Road in Camp Verde
The history of the Sinagua People is a fascinating one as they lived, worked and played here for about 300 years, before migrating away from almost as if by magic. The cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument were where they lived and visitors can stroll along tree lined paths, staring up at the monuments to human ingenuity while wondering how they managed to live in such harsh environs. There is a nominal fee to enter the area and a visitor’s center that tells the story of the area but nothing compares to actually seeing the dwellings for yourself. You won’t get close, for their protection and yours, the views will be strictly from the sidewalks located at the base of the cliffs, but it is no less impactful at a distance.
Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N Broadway in Clarkdale
The Verde Canyon Railroad got its start as a railway that carried supplies, workers, and their families to the mining towns in the region. The mines have long since shut down and many towns were on their way to becoming ghost towns, but tourism became the new business and the railroad decided to capitalize on it, offering rides through the Verde Valley that never fail to stun. Offering wine trips, chocolate trips, and special holiday events, there is never a bad time trip the rails fantastic during your Sedona getaway. December visitors with children MUST experience their Magical Christmas Journey.
Jerome, Arizona
Speaking of mining, the town of Jerome was once a thriving mining town that nearly disappeared, coming as close to becoming a ghost town as humanly possible, if not for the interception of artists that visited and thought, this town would make a good artist’s colony. Today, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity, offering galleries filled with talented pieces, shops filled with well curated gifts, and restaurants that add flavor to your adventures. Jerome Grand Hotel is reputed to be one of the most haunted hotels in the nation, and its bar offers a quiet place to sip and savor the Jerome State Historic Park. A luxurious mansion owned by mine owner James S. Douglas is now a fascinating museum that tells the stories of the mines, the town, and the people who once lived here.
Epicurean Adventures in Sedona
The best vacation memories are often the ones that remind of us all the good food we enjoyed and the restaurants listed below evoke a true taste of the magic that is Sedona.
Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits, 241 N State Route 89A in Sedona
From its early days as a saloon and pool hall to its current incarnation as a local hot spot the Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits has always offered an authentic taste of the Southwest. Its all-American menu is filled with modern day renditions of the classic dishes you love and their talent with wild game dishes will make you want to take up hunting as a hobby.
Coffee Pot Restaurant, 2050 W State Route 89A in Sedona
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and you won’t walk away hungry from the Coffee Pot Restaurant, offering over 100 omelet selections on its breakfast menu. Sitting in the shadows of Coffee Pot Rock, its casual vibe makes every guest feel at home.
Tortas de Fuego, 6657 AZ-179 C7 in Sedona
You may have heard that the Mexican food in Arizona is something special and Tortas de Fuego is our way of saying you heard right! Offering authentic Mexican food that explodes with flavor, they also offer two other equally delicious locations, one in nearby Cottonwood and one in the Village of Oak Creek. Don’t ask us what our favorite dishes are at Tortas because we honestly love them all, and there simply isn’t enough time to list them all.
Perfect for First Time Visitors
You’ve already made the best decision for first time visitors, that of choosing Sedona.Org for your vacation retreat and following our Sedona visitor guide. Offering comfort, luxury, and a plethora of windows that frame and capture the beauty of the Sedona landscape to perfection, every moment spent at home with us will be ones that you never forget. Reserve your favorite sanctuary today!
There is magic in a Sedona vacation that can never be found anywhere else, and as the world flocks to our doorstep, all trying to discover the magic for themselves, we full-time residents of Sedona make our way to the spots the masses do not know about. We have our favorite attractions, our favorite events, and our favorite restaurants, and because we at Sedona.Org think of our guests as family, we are sharing those secret locations with you. This guide on how to experience our area like a Sedona local will give you a magical escape that will shine brighter simply because you learned the secrets of the real Sedona, the town that most tourists don’t ever learn exists.
Off the Beaten Path Explorations of Sedona
Sedona has been thoroughly explored over the years, but there are still parts that we locals frequent, keeping them a secret for the most part, and feel thankful that they exist, some of which we have listed below.
Mary Coyle Ice Cream, 17550 S Munds Ranch Road in Sedona
The mercury doesn’t rise as high in Sedona as it does in our Southern towns, but summer temperatures do like to creep up and on the hottest days, we find ourselves stepping into the air conditioned pinkness of Mary Coyle Ice Cream. The ice cream served here is made from the same recipe they have used for over 70 years and the difference in the taste of real old fashioned ice cream will have you rethinking what you buy at the grocery store! Mary Coyle’s parlor is a delight in pink, taking guests back to a time when all problems could be solved with a taste of something sweet, and sometimes, it feels as if that is true today.
The Views at Merry Go Round Rock
Sometimes you just want to find a secluded spot and sit in tranquil silence, letting the views take you to a higher plane, and Merry Go Round Rock is where we go to find that peace. The hike to the rock is an easy one, with the trail circling MGR and extending just 1.2 miles, but the views from this spot when you face south towards Sedona will brand themselves on your soul, especially if you are there to witness the sunset.
The Palatki Heritage Site, 10290 N Forest Service Road #795
Ancient history comes alive in Sedona and the Palatki Heritage Site, a pair of cliff dwellings inhabited by the Hopi is a perfect example. Palatki, translates to red house and the twin structures that appear separate but equal are carved into the red rocks Sedona is famous for. The Hopi lived in this spot hundreds of years ago, but the history of this site extends thousands of years back with a series of petroglyphs and pictographs carved into the rocks, carvings that date back 5000 years.
Arts & Culture
Sedona is known for its art almost as much as it is known for the red rocks that add magic to the landscape, and as happens in towns where great beauty is found, artists from all over the world flock to our doorstep, eager to replicate the beauty of the surroundings in their work. The art and culture scene in Sedona is a strong one and the businesses listed below offer an amazing representation of that scene.
Kachina House, 2920 Hopi Drive in Sedona
There is a power that is found in the strong colors and simple designs of Native American art and the Kachina House celebrates perhaps the most colorful of all the genre has to offer. The three women who own this shop that is hidden in plain view have a passion for the art they sell and have become the largest distributors of Native American treasures, selling pottery, baskets, jewelry, and yes, kachina dolls. Also selling artifacts that are handmade in the area and include cradle boards, dream catchers, medicine bags, and too much more to list out here. This is where we suggest travelers seeking authentic gifts from the Southwest visit and here is where you will finally see for yourself all the beauty of Native American art.
Sedona Hummingbird Gallery, 6569 AZ-179 #126 in Sedona
Beth Kingsley Hawkins is the artist behind the magic of the Sedona Hummingbird Gallery, offering peace and tranquility in the photographic images that hang from the walls of this low key gallery. Unlike other galleries in the area, you could drive by the unassuming building that houses her mystical art and never know that you missed all the beauty that lies within, but Sedona.Org encourages you to add a stop here to your dance card of activities you have already filled in.
Sedona Arts Center, 15 Art Barn Road
The entire town of Sedona is considered an artist’s colony, and we would consider the Sedona Arts Gallery as the heart of the colony. Offering classes, workshops, special events, and a gallery that sells all the magic that is created therein, visitors rarely travel this way, but we locals frequent the center as often as we can. Home to Gallery 928, where today’s talented youths learn the skills to become tomorrow’s famed artists, the entry to the Art Barn that lies behind the center is marked by a 12 foot mural that depicts the Rabbit Ears red rock formation and if you find yourself taking a selfie in front of that mural, you will soon discover that you aren’t the only one that recognizes its magic.
Walking in the Footsteps of Those Who Have Walked Before Us
The history of Sedona is as rich and magical as the landscape, and a tour of some of the most historical sites (including the Palatki Heritage Site mentioned earlier) will make you understand the area so much better.
Capricorn Hill in Sedona
As well it should, art and history combine with a visit (by appointment only) to Capricorn Hill, the former home of surrealist artists Max Ernst and Dorothea Tanning. If art isn’t your strong point, you may not recognize those legendary names, but if art is in your blood, you are more than likely fangirling at the thought of walking in their footsteps. Perched high on the hilltop and offering panoramic views of the countryside on the outside and inside, the home is a homage to the two iconic artists who left a strong and long lasting mark in the art world. Dorothea actually lived to be 101 years old and was still creating almost up to the moment that she took her last breath. Today, Capricorn Hill is known as the Capricorn Hill Center for Surrealism, and appointments to see the room Dorothea Tanning used as her studio and the grounds that surround the home can be made by emailing surrealsedona@gmail.com.
Sedona Heritage Museum, 735 Jordan Road in Sedona
To understand the Sedona you see today, it is vital to explore its humbler beginnings, and the Sedona Heritage Museum is our favorite place to do just that. Once home to the Jordan family, a family that settled here early on, the structure has gone through many incarnations over the years, including private home, hotel, general store, and of course, museum. The museum explores the challenges of living life in red rock country and also explores our golden years in which our town often served as the backdrop for the Western movies the world loved. Today you can even see a part of a movie set on the grounds of the museum, an old telegraph office that was moved here from Winona, Arizona (it was a railroad depot) and used in the movie “Angel and the Badman.”
Events We Sedona Locals Love
Perhaps the best way to get to live like a Sedona local is to experience the special events and festivals offered in the town you are visiting, and the ones listed below are ones we would never miss.
Sedona International Film Festival & Workshop, Late February, Various Venues
The Sedona International Film Festival & Workshop lasts nine days and is a celebration of the best independent movies made. Giving Sundance a run for its money, more than 90 films will be aired, covering the gamut from short films and documentaries to animation and student films and so much more.
Sedona St Patrick’s Day Parade, Saturday Before St Patrick’s Day
Although our heritage is that of Native American and Hispanic, on this glorious day in March we are all Irish, and the parade that runs from Jordan Historical Park to Mesquite Avenue is a celebration of the old country. Also offering a variety of celebrations that will include all the green beer you want to drink, even though this is a one day event, you will enjoy a thousand experiences in that one day.
Sedona Winefest, Late September, 525 Posse Ground Road
Arizona wines are developing quite a wonderful reputation, enough so that Napa is starting to look nervously over its shoulder at the upstarts quickly overcoming them, and the Sedona Winefest will give you the chance to explore their deliciousness for yourself. Offering wine, food, music, and a plethora of vendors selling their wares, this two day festival is much beloved by the locals that live here.
Sedona Plein Air Festival, Mid-October, Sponsored by the Sedona Arts Center
The Sedona Plein Air Festival is a celebration of artists painting outside and no matter where you go in Sedona during your visit, you will have the opportunity to watch these talented people create their masterpieces in this weeklong festival. At the end of the week, the paintings will be judged and offered for sale, so be sure to leave room in your suitcase!
Meals to Remember
The best vacations revolve around the foods of the region, and these wonderful spots are our secret go to spots, the ones we don’t want to get too popular, but want to continue to stay in business forever. Each spot listed offers that one dish that we think your visit would be incomplete without trying, so we invite you to sample them all.
El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano, 336 AZ-179 in Sedona
The southwest is known for its authentic Mexican food and you can’t get more authentic than the wondrous dishes created at El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano. Famed for their prickly pear margaritas and their live flamenco music, it is their chimichangas that we urge you to experience, offering hand rolled masa (such as what you would normally find in tamales) instead of tortillas stuffed full of all manner of tasty ingredients.
Red Rock Café, 100 Verde Valley School Road #107 in Sedona
Tucked away in a nondescript strip mall, the Red Rock Café offers a menu that is exploding with flavor. In a tie for best breakfast with the Coffee Pot (2050 State Route 89A in Sedona) you must try their Southwest Benedict topped with green chiles, but we can promise that whatever you order will make you fall in love.
Golden Goose American Grill, 2545 W State Route 89A in Sedona
If you can snag a patio table where the puppies can eat, we invite you to do just that, because all that furry sweetness will bring your happy levels even higher. Offering an all-American menu of casual favorites, we suggest that the crab stuffed prawns will bring you to even higher levels of happiness and joy. Yes, seafood in a landlocked state, but don’t worry. The Golden Goose American Grill works magic with their meals!
The Locals Love a Staycation
When you live in paradise, you don’t really want to leave, but the honey-do lists that grow longer each day are left behind when we and our fellow Sedona residents choose to staycation in our Sedona.Org Arizona retreats. We know for a fact that you will feel pampered, comfortable, and so spoiled when you stay in these spaces because we have sampled them ourselves! Reserve your favorite escape today!