Exploring Sedona, AZ
Updated: December 7, 2023
According to the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, over 3 million people visit Sedona each year. With it’s red rock formations, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, vortexes, wildlife, spiritual retreats and more, it’s no wonder why it’s such a popular destination.
Like so many others, I’ve been coming to Sedona for years and now that I’m a resident of one of the most beautiful states in the country, I’m there often.
The below information is a complete guide of the best places to stay, the top rated places to dine and drink, and all there is to see and do. We’ve also included transportation tips, as well as a summary of the history of this therapeutic town!
Time needed in this town: 2-3 nights or more!
NOTE: Jerome and Cottonwood are often visited when near Jerome. Click on those links for our guides on those towns.
where TO STAY
COURTYARD MARRIOTT SEDONA
I get mixed reactions from people when I recommend this Courtyard property, as they think “efficiency”, “bare bones”, and “work-related overnight stays”. This one couldn’t be further from that. Every room has a balcony overlooking the red rocks. There’s giant fire pits, a heated pool, and even a rooftop bar that allows for viewing some of the most spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and moonlit/starry skies.
TIP: Take one of their two walking paths to come across lower and upper meditation areas. We recommend the lower one for complete peace and quiet with stunning views!
SEDONA PINES RESORT
A great place to spend a weekend, week, month, season… is Sedona Pines Resort. While it’s nestled in a very serene and natural setting, the cottages are well-appointed with all modern conveniences. While there, you have access to the pools, hot tubs, mini-golf, tennis courts, and more! One of my favorite authentic Italian restaurants is also there, Bella Vita.
OTHER OPTIONS
Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek - This was the former lodge of Judy Garland and yes, you can rent it!
Rentals - There are so many condos and homes for rent in the area, should you want something less formal with more space.
Where to dine & drink
There are so many incredible, award-winning dining spots in Sedona, all of which require months-in-advance booking. However, there’s a couple of places I recommend for those “last minute” travelers that want good food without the need to commit to a time.
BELLA VITA RISTORANTE
Located in the Sedona Pines Resort, Bella Vita is truly an authentic Italian restaurant that is not only Celiac-friendly, but dog-friendly as well! I recommend making a reservation if you plan on eating after 7pm and be sure to request outdoor seating to take in the fresh air, the live music (if it’s scheduled), and the sunset. TIP: Save room for dessert!
Menu recommendations: All of their food is recommended - they can substitute many pasta dishes with gluten-free pasta.
ChocolaTree
Funky oasis for seasonal vegetarian American fare & sweet treats, free of gluten & processed sugar. NOTE: It’s walk-in only. Make sure to get there early for breakfast, for both parking and the wait!
Cream & Cake Couture
As seen on Insider, TLC, and Food Network, Cream & Cake Couture started as a wedding cake facility, expanding into desserts and ice creams from there. Every time I head to Sedona, I visit either their location in Tlaquepaque Village, or the larger one across the street. Note that if you have Celiac, they have a wonderful selection of gluten-free goods (I recommend their carrot cake cupcake).
Cucina Rustica
Owned by Lisa Dahl, this is a romantic, villa-style destination for Italian cuisine in multiple dining rooms & outdoor courtyard. Since this is one of her places, you need to book 1-2 months in advance.
Dahl & Di Luca
Considered one of Lisa Dahl’s best restaurants, we finally snagged a reservation after three years of trying! They serve italian fare & homemade pastas in a very romantic setting. Note, they do have an excellent gluten-free pasta!
TIP: Book at least 1-2 months in advance and if it’s beautiful out, ask for the grotto.
Elote
A bustling restaurant inside a hotel turning out inspired regional Mexican fare plus tequila drinks.
HIDEAWAY HOUSE
Every time someone comes to visit me in Arizona, and wants to go to Sedona, I take them here for lunch. Their menu is incredible, Celiac-friendly, and quite extensive. You can make a reservation for 6 or more people. Otherwise, it’s walk-in only. Make sure to ask for outdoor seating - especially when it’s later in the afternoon and the sun hits the red rocks just right.
Menu recommendations: Everything their menu is great but be sure to also try their juices!
Indian Gardens Cafe
Serving sandwiches, salads & artisan coffee drinks in a scenic historic setting with a shaded back patio. Note: This is about 4 miles north of Sedona
Karen’s Gluten-free Bakeshop
For the last three years, I’ve been going to this bakeshop to pick up a gluten-free sourdough loaf, cupcakes, sandwiches, and virtually anything else they make on-site. Note that there can sometimes be a bit of a line and if you’re wanting the fresh sourdough, either head there in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
Owned by Lisa Dahl, this upscale restaurant & bar with South American-inspired cuisine, has a patio and panoramic views. Since this is one of her places, you need to book 1-2 months in advance.
MESA GRILL SEDONA
Located at the Sedona airport, Mesa Grill Sedona is an award-winning restaurant with fantastic comfort food. The bonus is the view - watching the planes take off and land on mesa.
Note: You can hike to this restaurant (via the Airport Loop Trail) or drive - there’s plenty of available parking.
Pisa Lisa
Now with two locations in Sedona, Lisa Dahl has created a snug, modern pizzeria with a bar & patio featuring upmarket wood-fired pies & gelato. Walk-in only.
PUMP HOUSE STATION
Located across from Tlaquepaque Village, Pump House Station is a cozy place all times of year, but especially for the winter! If you can snag a table near the roaring fire (like I did), it will make your experience all the more better. Menu recommendations: The gluten-free Eggs Benedict and a Cappuccino.
NOTE: Walk-ins only, so get there early for breakfast and lunch.
Rene
Owned by Lisa Dahl, they serve continental cuisine and fine wines in a relaxed, upscale environment. Since this is one of her places, you need to book 1-2 months in advance.
SaltRock Southwest Kitchen
Upscale-casual restaurant with Southwestern cuisine, craft margaritas & outdoor seating.
The Cowboy Club
Decked out with cowboy gear, this casual steakhouse offers Southwestern fare such as cactus fries. FUN FACT': Every Western movie star has visited here!
The Hudson
Neighborhood restaurant serving New American fare & cocktails in chic, contemporary surroundings
THE SECRET GARDEN CAFE
If you’re a local or someone who frequents Sedona often enough, you know this spot. Nestled at the entrance to Tlaquepaque Village, The Secret Garden Cafe is a highly popular breakfast spot, that if you’re not there by 8am, you’re waiting in an hour-long line to get in. The food is good, the staff is sweet, and the view is beautiful!
Menu recommendations: So far, I’ve had the gluten-free pancakes, Huevos Rancheros, and a vegetarian omelette. All are generous portions and I’d recommend them all!
THINGS TO See & DO
AMITABHA STUPA AND PEACE PARK
Meant to unite peace and religions from around the world, Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a great stop to not just take easy, meditative walks, but to learn more about the religions themselves.
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
Explore the natural wonders of Antelope Canyon, a narrow slot canyon carved by wind and water through the ages. A Navajo guide helps you photograph the shifting light and creamy colors of the sandstone canyon, a must-see amid the splendor of the American Southwest. Views of Glen Dam, Lake Powell, and Horseshoe Bend are included en route from Sedona.
Astronomy and Stargazing
Experience the dark skies in a whole new way as we take you on our western trails to give you the best stargazing experience in Sedona! We take you miles from the city lights into the seven canyons area. Learn about the history, flora & fauna, and beautiful rock formations surrounding you while having an amazing view of the Milky Way and constellations. Our guides will take you on a private nighttime off-road adventure under the stars for you and your loved ones to remember for a lifetime.
CHAPEL OF THE HOLY CROSS
Built 65 years ago, The Chapel of the Holy Cross still stands within these red rocks and it’s worth the visit! Note that there is parking all the way at the top, so if you don’t feel like walking those inclines, keep driving!
NOTE: This is also considered an energy vortex - this one brings a sense of gratitude.
Dead Horse Ranch
Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a state park of Arizona, on the Verde River, in an area known as the Verde River Greenway. Located at approximately 3,300 feet elevation, the park covers 423 acres of land with 10 miles of hiking trails, 150 campground sites, and several picnic areas, along with 23 group camping sites. It also offers trailhead access to the Dead Horse Trail System, located on adjacent Coconino National Forest land. The ranch was originally named by the Ireys family, who sold the land to the state of Arizona to become a state park.
Fort Verde Historic Park
Fort Verde State Historic Park in the town of Camp Verde, Arizona is a small park that attempts to preserve parts of the Apache Wars-era fort as it appeared in the 1880s. The park was established in 1970 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places a year later.
Golf at one of four courses
All of these are open to the public.
Grand Canyon Day Trip
Pack in a full itinerary to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on this day trip from Sedona. Your guide makes stops at the Navajo Nation and Cameron Trading Post as well as scenic overlooks at the Painted Desert cliffs, Little Colorado River Gorge, and Desert View Drive. Round-trip hotel transport is provided from Sedona or Village of Oak Creek.
Helicopter Tour
See some spectacular Sedona red rock formations and ancient Sinagua ruins in this half our helicopter tour into Boynton and Long canyons. You can’t get to these places unless you do a serious hike, and know where they are, so this helicopter tour by those in the know is the perfect way to see them. Pass over several spots in Sedona, and learn about them from your pilot while wearing noise reducing headphones.
Hike or Bike 400+ Miles of trails
The Airport Loop is one of the easiest hikes to do, affording you some of the best views in all of Sedona. You can start at the base and do 5 miles or start at the airport and walk 1-2 - it’s completely flexible. If you start from the top, do at least one loop around to take in every single view! When you’re done, grab a drink and/or food at the airport’s restaurant and take in the sights of private planes taking off of/landing on the cliffs.
NOTE: An energy vortex is included on this hike - it brings a sense of renewed energy and focus.
Considered a “moderate” hike, Devil’s Bridge is one of the most popular because of its Instagrammable quality. If you stick to the path, it’s about 2 miles in each direction with a lot of steep stairs and other moderate inclines. Some tips for this:
If it’s windy, a lot of desert dust will keep up that you should NOT breathe! We’re all tired of wearing masks, so at least have a bandana with you to cover your face with.
Bring a lot of water - that goes for any hike. The dry air is deceiving and with various altitudes, you can get sick if you’re not used to it.
Wait times to get a picture on the bridge can be upwards of an hour, so go first thing in the morning!
OTHER TRAILS
Horseback Riding
Go horseback riding in Arizona during this small-group tour in Cottonwood, approximately 30 minutes from Sedona. Meet your guide and set out on a tour through the Alcantara Vineyards. Cross the water where the Verde River and Oak Creek meet, and get up close to see ancient Apache ruins. Admire panoramic mountain views during this scenic excursion. No prior experience is necessary.
Jordan Historical Park
Jordan Historical Park is 4.8 acres and is located in Uptown Sedona near the end of Jordan Road. The park is open daily from dawn until dusk with no admission fee. It features interpretive nature trails, picnic tables, a large fruit orchard, and a museum.
The park is the site of the former homestead of Walter and Ruth Jordan and the current site of the Sedona Heritage Museum. The museum is focused on Sedona's pioneers, from the earliest settlers in the 1870s, through the heyday of western film making in the 1950s.
Mary D. Fisher Theatre
Sedona’s premiere arthouse theatre venue, operated by the Sedona International Film Festival. It presents daily films & special events including award-winning independent and foreign films from around the world, narrative features, documentaries and special shorts programs.
Montezuma’s Castle
Montezuma Castle protects a set of well-preserved dwellings located in Camp Verde (right next door to Sedona), which were built and used by the Sinagua people, a pre-Columbian culture closely related to the Hohokam and other indigenous peoples of the southwestern United States,between approximately AD 1100 and 1425. The main structure comprises five stories and about 20 rooms, and was built over the course of three centuries.
Several Hopi clans and Yavapai communities trace their ancestry to early immigrants from the Montezuma Castle/Beaver Creek area. Archaeological evidence proves that the Hohokam and Hakataya settled around or in the Verde Valley. Clan members periodically return to these ancestral homes for religious ceremonies.
It’s a great way to spend an hour or so, as it is remarkably intact AND you get to interact with a lot of the native tribespeople, both through performances and as your guides.
NAMTI Spa
Per their website, “Namti Spa provides the best services for massage Sedona, and is a locally owned and operated Sedona spa since July 2000, offering high-quality Massage Therapy, Medi-Spa Skin Rejuvenation and Classic Facials, Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Manicures & Pedicures and Energy Healing at affordable prices. Our licensed and professional therapists are all trained in a variety of styles and techniques and have years of experience so your Massage, Facial, Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Chakra Balancing or Nail Salon service will always be customized to best serve your needs.”
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
In 1988, Dean and Prayeri Harrison founded a preserve born from their single-minded objective of bringing God, people, and animals together in a natural setting. Married in 1980, neither of them could predict what adventures would unfold when they first met. Dean began learning to interpret animal behavior from his reptile friends, during his childhood, while Prayeri shared a fascination with an assortment of cat, dog, and bird pets that she grew up with. This deep-rooted fascination of the animal world was the underpinning of what would one day become a 104-acre wildlife preserve featuring hundreds of exotic animals, a location filled with serenity and adventure.
Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park is a state park of Arizona, featuring a red sandstone canyon outside the city of Sedona. The main mission of this day-use park is the preservation of the riparian habitat along Oak Creek. Red Rock State Park serves as an environmental education facility for the public and for school or private groups, and provides limited passive recreational opportunities.
Sedona Arts Center
Provides a “home” for artists to hone their craft and sell them as well! NOTE: You can also take art classes there!
Sedona Wetlands Preserve
The Sedona Wetlands Preserve is a nature preserve near Sedona. It is composed of six man-made basins and is located south of the city's wastewater treatment facility. It is a popular destination for birdwatchers in Arizona as birds, such as ducks and shorebirds are usually absent from the preserve's dry surroundings.
Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park is an Arizona State Park located in Oak Creek Canyon, 7 miles north of Sedona. It takes its name from a natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek. Tall red rock formations, that are typical of the region, also surround the park, which contains a 43-acre working apple farm. It is a very popular place in the summer, especially for kids.
Soul Tour With Shamanic Guide
Take a spa day for your soul. Reconnect with yourself and get guidance on your life path during your visit to beautiful Sedona. Your professional Shamanic life coach and spiritual guide travels with you on a meditation journey to find purpose, create inner harmony, and eliminate stress. Take time to care for yourself and enjoy the panoramic vistas of Sedona’s Red Rock country.
TLAQUEPAQUE VILLAGE
In the heart of Sedona is Tlaquepaque Village - one of my favorite little places with all sorts of hidden shops, art work, alleyways, and so much more. It’s worth taking a few hours to explore it. Below are recommendations of some of my favorite shops to walk through':
Spirits and Spice - They have an incredible collection of bourbons, whiskeys, liqueurs, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and spice blends (if you like spicy, I highly recommend the Pineapple Curry).
Tlaquepaque Toy Town & Kids' Boutique - They have some great gifts for children of all ages.
Bow Wow Pet Boutique - It’s everything you expect from a pet boutique but note, the clothes and shoes are absolutely adorable.
Cucina Sedona (located across from the pet boutique) - Has an incredible array of cookware, marinades, spices, table settings, etc.
Any of the art galleries - These galleries are filled with all different kinds of art, utilizing so many different mediums. You could easily get lost in them for well over an hour.
Tuzigoot
Tuzigoot National Monument preserves a 2- to 3-story pueblo ruin on the summit of a limestone and sandstone ridge, just east of Clarkdale, Arizona, 120 feet above the Verde River floodplain.
The Tuzigoot Site is an elongated complex of stone masonry rooms that were built along the spine of a natural outcrop in the Verde Valley. The central rooms stand higher than the others and they appear to have served public functions. The pueblo has 110 rooms.
UFO Tours
Discover stories and information on UFOs that you're unlikely to hear elsewhere on an evening tour of Sedona that increases your chance of spotting an unidentified flying object. You'll be provided with military-grade goggles that allow you to see way further into the night sky, as your guide directs your attention to what could be alien life. Plus, a small group limited to 14 makes for an intimate atmosphere.
V Bar V Heritage Site
Formerly known as V Bar V Heritage Site, the Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site is the largest known petroglyph site in the Verde Valley, as well as one of the best-preserved. Acquired by the Coconino National Forest in 1994, the site is protected and kept open to the visiting public for their enjoyment and opportunity to learn more about their national cultural heritage. As partners in this effort, both the Verde Valley Archaeological Society and the Friends of the Forest provide interpretive tours and on-site management. The Red Rock Pass Program provides funding for the protection, enhanced amenities and facility maintenance under authority of the National Recreation Enhancement Act of 2005.
Verde Valley Archaeology Center & Museum
The Center is the only organization in the Verde Valley region dedicated to the care, management, and curation of archaeological artifacts found throughout the Verde Valley region. The Center's vision is to be the foremost research and educational institution devoted to the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of archaeology of the Verde Valley.
Vortex Tour
Explore the magic and mysticism of natural vortexes on this small-group tour departing from Sedona. Traveling the region by Jeep, you’ll visit several vortex sites around town and learn about their history, all with the help of an informative guide. Whether you feel the energy on your skin or experience a feeling of enlightenment, find out for yourself the powers of a vortex. Keep things simple with this small-group tour, limited to eight people for a more intimate experience. Please note this is predominantly a walking tour and you will be required to walk on uneven terrain.
Experience the tranquility of a guided meditation with this Sedona experience. Your guide, Michele, will meet you in the red rocks of Sedona, where you'll take a short walk to a quiet spot together. You'll then sit down for a guided meditation, with the opportunity to learn about different techniques for mindfulness in order to find what suits you best.
Wine Tasting
This is a perfect tour for those who are short on time, or want to get the most out of a vacation. They are also PET FRIENDLY! You will be guided to two vineyards for a 3 to 4 hour tour (tasting fees are included), as well as roundtrip transportation.
A history summary
Red Rock, the mid-point between Indian Gardens and the rest of the Verde Valley, was the social center of the extended canyon community long before anyone heard of the name ‘Sedona’. There, ran the main road, a school was established (1891), as well as the first cemetery (1893). The school hosted election voting, dances, socials, and meetings along with classes.
The earliest history is as follows:
Jim Thompson was the first to arrive in 1876.
After two lonely years he invited the Abraham James family and married their daughter, Margaret.
Bear Howard escaped from a California prison and hid out in the canyon. His daughter and family, the Purtymuns, joined him and Purtymun descendants still live in the canyon today.
The Chavez and Armijo families were related to some of the oldest Hispanic families of the southwest.
The City did not incorporate until 1988. Residents got used to doing things themselves. Today, this is still prevalent in the strong sense of volunteerism and pride held by citizens.
How Sedona got her name
By the turn of the century, about 15 homesteading families called Sedona,home. T. C. Schnebly was an enterprising young man from Gorin, Missouri who had married Sedona Miller. T.C.’s brother, Ellsworth, had moved to Arizona for health reasons, and convinced T. C. and Sedona to join him in red rock country. The Schnebly’s built a large two-story home that also served as the area's first hotel and general store. T.C. saw a need for regular mail service, and organized the little village’s first post office.
T. C. suggested the names, “Oak Creek Crossing” and “Schnebly Station”, but the Postmaster General at the time had a prejudice for one-word names for postmarks. Ellsworth advised him, "Why don't you name it after your wife?"
When Amanda Miller’s little daughter was born on Feb. 24, 1877, in Missouri, Amanda "just thought up" the name Sedona for the child because she thought it sounded pretty. So, the name Sedona isn't Spanish, nor Native American.
Fun facts:
Sedona was a leading supplier of fruit until the 1970s - Most agriculture in early Sedona was for home consumption, or for a limited seasonal market in Flagstaff and the boom town of Jerome. Using water from Oak Creek, both the Native Americans and our first Anglo settlers irrigated small patches of ground to raise food for their families. Every homestead had a vegetable garden and a collection of chickens, turkeys and pigs. Cattle provided beef as well as milk and butter. But it was fruit growing -- particularly apples and peaches -- which played the most significant part in the early Sedona economy. Fruit was driven to markets in Jerome, Prescott, Flagstaff and Phoenix. Oak Creek Canyon fruit was so popular, that people from Phoenix drove here just to purchase fruit at fruit stands. Commercial orcharding all but disappeared from this area by the 1970s-1980s.
Celebrities flock to Sedona for filming - Almost 100 feature films and countless video productions and commercials have been shot either in full or in part in the Sedona area. Moviemaking began in Sedona, in 1923, with Zane Grey's silent film the Call of the Canyon. In 1945, John Wayne came to town for his first stint as producer. Other actors to film in Sedona, include: James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Sterling Hayden, Joan Crawford, Glenn Ford, Robert DeNiro, Robert Young, Hopalong Cassidy, Tyrone Power, Rock Hudson, Donna Reed, and hundreds of others.
Cattle ranching is still an industry - Ranchers like the Van Derens, Owenbys, Otto Hallermund, Kel Fox and Pete Michelbach moved their cattle from their winter ranges around Sedona to the tall grassy meadows of the Mogollon Rim in summer. Families moved with their herds, putting their children in area schools during the winter months. The U.S. Forest Service managed then and still manages, today, a grazing permit program for ranchers.