Sedona lies in the south-central region of Arizona and is nestled into spectacular red and orange-hued sandstone formations. The unique topography and welcoming year-round climate attract millions of visitors annually. Select from a wide variety of Sedona vacation rentals and set out to truly explore the area. The region has many fascinating places to visit that are easily accessible by car or through available tours.

Top Places to Visit in Sedona

The Vortices

Sedona is a popular destination for visitors seeking spiritual growth and enhanced well-being. The locals believe the area boasts “four vortexes” that emit calming, healing energy. The amazing landscape influenced some to nickname the area the “Spiritual Disneyland.” Hiking up to the vortices provides ideal photographic moments. Spas in the area offer a variety of services, including psychic massages.

Slide Rock State Park

“Fodor’s Travel Guide” rated Slide Rock Park in the top 10 out of the thousands of state parks in the country. The idyllic location features tree-dotted, gently sloping red rocks and sand, along with massive boulders. The site welcomes guests to enjoy the cool mountain water that forms the flowing Oak Creek stream. The terrain is so beautiful that the destination has often served as the backdrop for motion pictures. However, during the middle of the day, more visitors tend to frequent the site so be sure to get there early. Spring snow melt can mean chilly water!

Montezuma’s Castle and Petroglyphs

The Sinagua people carved this amazing cliffside dwelling out of the red rock approximately 1,000 years ago. The structure sits 90 feet above the desert floor. It rises five stories tall and contains 50 rooms. President Teddy Roosevelt declared the location a historic site in 1906. Make a point of visiting the nearby V-Bar-V Heritage site featuring more than 1,300 examples of Sinaguan petroglyph art. Depictions include animal and human figures in addition to various geometric shapes.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

This award-winning structure is located between downtown Sedona and Old Creek Village along State Route 179. Marguerite Brunswig Staude, once a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the Chapel of the Holy Cross and the building was completed in 1957. Legend says the architect scanned the immense terrain to find the perfect spot for the chapel, which stands south of the city overlooking the vast red-rock landscape. The Chapel of the Holy Cross does not hold church services though a posted sign wishes “peace to all who enter here.” Guests enjoy trekking to the chapel to take in the panoramic views below.

Crescent Moon Picnic Area

This scenic destination invites visitors to venture out for the day and enjoy the wonders of nature. Early morning hikes up to Cathedral Rock are popular here. Be sure to find relief from the summer heat by taking a dip in Oak Creek. Enjoy a BBQ. Relax in the shade and be amazed at the views. Stick around for the dramatic color changes on the rock formations during sunset.

Sedona Heritage Museum

Guests should make a point of visiting the local city museum, which provides a glimpse into Sedona’s famous past. Many of the exhibits showcase the films shot here over the years, as well as noted movie celebrities who starred in them. Robert De Niro was so enthralled with the area that he once built a home in Sedona. After visiting the museum, guests frequently enjoy identifying film locations favored by Hollywood.

Places to Visit around Sedona

Verde Valley Wine Trail

Few know that Arizona has a growing wine industry. There are 30 vineyards within proximity to Sedona. That’s worth toasting! The Fire Mountain winery is one of the popular places to visit. The name comes from a stunning evening display in which the rock formations appear as if they are on fire. In addition, the Alcantara Vineyards reliably attract couples looking for a bit of romance. What better way to end a hike than with a refreshing glass of wine?

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Venture to nearby Camp Verde and embark on a wildlife safari. Imagine traveling across the unspoiled Serengeti to see the antelope, gemsbok, giraffes, and zebras. Animals at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park have also been known to greet guests. See the big cats in the Wildlife Preserve area. Take a tour of the Reptile Resort. Daily shows include Tiger Splash in which caretakers interact with the large predators. Furthermore, the Creature Feature experience allows visitors to interact with one of the Wildlife Park’s many animals.

Places to Visit in Sedona at night – Just look up!

The Nighttime Desert Sky

The lack of light pollution combined with the open spaces of the desert create the perfect location for star-gazing. On a clear night, thousands of stars twinkle in the black sky including Andromeda. Many prefer taking along a pair of night vision goggles to enhance the view. UFO enthusiasts claim Sedona and its surroundings is also a great place to be to catch a glimpse of otherworldly visitors flying past.

Start planning an adventure in south-central Arizona. Make a list of all the wonderful locations you would like to see in Sedona and activities that offer a lifetime of memories. Contact us to book the perfect accommodations for your Sedona getaway. Travelers who want to enjoy the Sedona area can explore the uptown area easily on foot. There are plenty of sidewalks and it’s an easy stroll from one place to the next. Those who want to explore the rest of the city and stunning surrounding area are best served by renting a car or use of ride services. Renting a car adds flexibility and makes it easy to explore Sedona and all its magnificent sites. There are ample parking areas near Sedona sites, as well as in the popular uptown shopping area.

Exploring the area

A car is also a must for those who want to spend time exploring more of Sedona and beyond. Places like Cathedral Rock are very spread out and can take time to get to from some Sedona vacation rentals. A car allows you to plan your days with ease, knowing you can see what you’d like while in the Sedona area. Good transportation makes getting to and around Sedona more delightful.

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