Places to Visit in Sedona
Getting to Sedona
One Arizona town that continues to attract travelers from all over the world is Sedona. This part of Arizona has been home to people for many centuries. Today, it is both a place to live year-round and an ideal destination for the avid traveler. It’s home to several special places to eat and wonderful ways to spend time outdoors surrounded by beautifully colored rocks.
Getting to Sedona
People planning a trip to Sedona will find it easy to get here and even easier to get around. Many factors contribute to accessible transportation and getting to the area. Sedona is located near several communities. It’s also a spectacular road-trip driving destination from many U.S. cities across the Southwest. Regional airports, shuttles, and car rental options facilitate travel to Sedona from varied locations abroad such as Mexico, Europe, Asia, and South America. Careful advanced planning makes transportation and getting to vacation rentals in Sedona easier than ever for the intrepid traveler.
Regional Flights
There are several airports within the region that service Sedona. The city of Sedona has an airport, which makes it easy to get to your vacation rental and prepare to explore the area. The Sedona airport is ideal for people who are coming in small and private planes as it has a single runway. This is a good choice for those taking their own transport and avoiding the larger airlines. The airport also has a helipad. The convenience of the local airport is ideal for business and leisure travelers who wish to arrive and depart as quickly as possible. Several other airports in the area provide options for travelers to get here after a short drive. Cottonwood Municipal Airport is located nearby, which provides several transit and ride options to access Sedona.
Air Travel From Major Cities
While smaller airports can help travelers get to Sedona quickly, many opt to fly into larger airports that offer more flights each day and more connections. The slightly larger though still regional Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is the closest commercial airport to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff has several connections with other airports, which makes it possible for people to easily plan travel. These connections include larger airports in the vicinity, such as Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. Both are a short flight from Flagstaff, and home to various connecting flights to northern Arizona. It’s a good idea to book seats well in advance as flights can fill up quickly during high seasons.
Getting to Sedona by Car
Travelers planning to reach Sedona by car should feel assured the city is well-served by many area highways. When traveling along I-40 from either the west or east, take I-17 in Flagstaff toward Phoenix. To reach Sedona, exit onto 89A just south of Flagstaff. The 30-minute scenic drive along 89A descends via a series of switchbacks. This provides breathtaking photo opportunities along the way.
From Phoenix, take I-17 north toward Flagstaff. Exit onto AZ-179, which will lead you through Oak Creek as it becomes the Red Rock Scenic Byway. Plan at least two hours to get to Sedona from the Phoenix metro area. Allow more time if traveling during rush hour. Travelers may choose to stop along the way to see places such as Castle National Monument. Whichever route you choose, the drive to Sedona is a scenic journey through some of the loveliest parts of America.
Other Travel Information
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Frequently Asked Questions
Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the most convenient and popular choice when traveling to Sedona, though the smaller Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) can be a closer option. While there’s an airport in Sedona, this is not for commercial flights. If flying into Arizona for your Sedona adventure, renting a car is a great option as this will provide the most flexibility for getting around to all the sights and trailheads.
When driving to Sedona, it is about a 2 hour drive from Phoenix along the I-17 to Exit 298. This will lead you to the Red Rock Scenic Byway (State Route 179), which is a spectacular way to make a desert entrance.
The most popular attractions in Sedona are outdoor activities such as Hiking, Jeep Rides, and Hot Air Balloon Rides.
In addition, many visitors to the area hike up to Sedona’s renowned vortex sites. Some popular landmarks are the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Seven Sacred Pools, Cathedral Rock, and the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
Sedona is a popular destination year-round. However, the most popular times for tourists are from March-May and in the fall from September-November when the weather conditions are ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor dining.
Sedona’s stunning scenery provides the perfect backdrop for festivals and events throughout the year, including holiday treats and seasonal arts festivities. Plan your Arizona getaway around some of these top Sedona events:
- Sedona International Film Festival (Late Feb - early March)
- Sedona Mountain Bike Festival (November)
- Red Rocks Music Festival (Varying performances throughout year)
- Sedona Yoga Festival (Spring)
You are never too far from hiking trails anywhere in Sedona, and yes, many of our Casago Sedona vacation rentals back right up to some of the most spectacular trails. We have a great selection of luxurious, spacious homes and condos in and around Sedona, many with private or community pools and all offering stunning views of the awe-inspiring Red Rocks. The most accessible hiking trail options will depend on where you choose for your Sedona getaway, though it’s easy to drive to public parking areas at area trailheads.
Sedona is a great destination for family adventures, romantic getaways, restorative retreats, and even golf outings with the crew. For family-fun and exploration, head to Slide Rock State Park for its natural rock water slides. Plus, with hiking trails across Sedona for all skill levels, there’s plenty of family-friendly options. For couples, red rock adventures complemented with outdoor dining, spa treatments, and spectacular scenery will simply take your breath away.
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