The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Sedona, Arizona Now
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Start with scenery that makes your heart leap. Nestled among a geological wonderland with stunning red rock formations, endless outdoor adventures, and a thriving arts and culture scene—Sedona, Arizona is the ultimate year-round destination. Whether you're seeking a relaxing retreat or an action-packed adventure, the Verde Valley has something for everyone.
Source: Visit Sedona
Hike to the top of Cathedral Rock for panoramic views, kayak down the Verde River, or enjoy one of the many famous Jeep tours. And when you're ready to cool down, indulge in Sedona's luxurious spas, explore local art galleries, and discover one-of-a-kind treasures at any of the many boutiques. With so much to see and do, you won't want to leave. These are the top five reasons why Sedona, Arizona should be on your bucket list.
1. THE CUISINE & COCKTAILS
Enjoy award-winning cuisine at a Sedona landmark. Fine cuisine is just the beginning at René. Inside, René offers an intimate dining experience. Outside, the courtyard offers a step into another world. Overlooking Oak Creek, with one of the most beautiful red rock views in Sedona, Creekside American Bistro offers a totally pleasurable taste of wholesome cuisine. Mesa Grill is a Southwest Style grill serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The seasonally changing menu features favorites such as table-side guacamole. For your artisanal cocktail fixes, we recommend trying Creekside American Bistro for its Signature UK Gin & Tonic with Hendrick’s gin, fresh-squeezed lime, cardamom, juniper and pink peppercorn, as well as Mesa Grill for their Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita.
René crafts dishes that strike a balance between local and global flavors. Here, you’ll enjoy favroties such as Seared Scallops & Osetra Caviar with white asparagus beurre blanc and parsnip purée. With fresh, chef-riven cuisine and a view, Creekside American Bistro presents steakhouse favorites like Smoked Kurobuta Pork with acorn squash and apple chutney, and with one of the best views in Sedona enjoy Seared Swordfish and Crab Salad at Mesa Grill.
2. THE ART
There’s no better way to sample the ethos of Sedona, Arizona than to take a tour through its art scene. Here, you’ll find miles and miles to roam, some of which are off-road. You’ll find artists mainly in West Sedona, Uptown Sedona and Gallery Row (a mile-long stretch along State Route 179 with some 50 galleries) who present a prolific community of creative sensibilities.
With nearly 100 art galleries, art-inspired festivals and events happening year-round and heritage sites that exhibit the ancient art of the area’s earliest inhabitants, Sedona inspires creativity.
Source: Visit Sedona
The Sedona Arts Center showcases over 70 regional artists in a variety of media and styles throughout their galleries. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, stunning photography, or are just looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more.
3. THE SHOPPING
Your unforgettable Sedona experience must include spending time at internationally renowned Tlaquepaque (T-la-keh-pah-keh), Sedona Arizona's Arts & Crafts Village, one of the best things to do in Sedona. Nestled beneath the shade of the sycamores on the banks of beautiful Oak Creek in Sedona, Tlaquepaque is the most distinctive Sedona shopping experience to be found in the Southwest.
Source: Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
Authentically fashioned after a traditional Mexican village, Tlaquepaque, is a Sedona landmark. The vine covered stucco walls, cobble-stoned walkways and magnificent arched entryways, leading you to unique boutiques and art galleries, give you the feeling that Tlaquepaque has been here for centuries.
4. THE GARDENS
The Native American Heritage Pathway & Garden at Camp Verde contains a pre-historic pit house village below ground. The initial investigation identified eight to ten pit house structures. Subsequent surveys have revealed that there are twenty archaeological features, mostly pit houses but extramural hearths (fire pits outside a dwelling) as well. They are arranged in an arching pattern along the east and north end of the property.
One pit house was excavated. The Native American Ancestral Garden consists of traditional Native American plants, the Prehistoric Farming Garden features corn, squash, beans and cotton, typically grown, and part of the garden feature varieties of agave that would have been collected and roasted. There are several signs identifying the various native plants along the garden’s pathway.
5. THE HIKING
Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s most well known and well loved trails and for good reasons. More of a rock climb than a hike, this trail is unshaded and steep and difficult in places. Although the trail is not very long, it can be strenuous. Be sure to come prepared with plenty of water, especially if visiting during the summer months. Follow the basket cairns across the wash and up the moderate slope toward the spires. At 0.25 mile, the trail emerges on a broad ledge with very nice views.
Source: Visit Sedona
Emerging on a small knob, cairns show the way up and across several ledges toward the deep drainage ahead which it follows, climbing moderately steeply to the top of a wide saddle between two spires. You’ll discover great views all along, but quite spectacular from the top. An unmaintained path leads south along the west base of the spires giving access, with short climbs, to two more saddles between sheer rock faces and a close-up view of an exposed lava dike at the first. The Cathedral Rock trail head is easily accessible and can be found by typing “Cathedral Rock Trailhead” into your maps.
WHERE TO STAY IN SEDONA, ARIZONA
Amara Resort and Spa is a unique combination of social hub and private refuge. Discover a lively boutique-style resort in Sedona, Arizona—an experience unlike any other. Located at an elevation of 4,500 feet at the foot of vibrant Uptown Sedona, you are within steps of eclectic shops, lauded dining and fine art galleries. Al fresco pursuits such as golf, hiking, paddling, and hot air ballooning are also close by.
