Known as “The Most Beautiful Place on Earth,” Sedona is located in Arizona’s Verde Valley, and is made up of iconic red rock formations, with canyons, mesas, and buttes formed hundreds of million years ago. Sitting at an elevation between 3,500 and 6,500 feet, Sedona’s landscape is a balance between the striking reds of sandstone and the greens of the high-altitude forests along Oak Creek. Completely awe-inspiring, the city’s beauty is worth a trip alone.
As one could imagine, a place this beautiful ended up attracting creative minds and artists seeking inspiration as well as people with an overall appreciation of the natural splendor of the region. Sedona saw an arrival of artists beginning in the 1940s, where its identity as an artist colony took shape. Now home to over 80 galleries and various art hubs, its longstanding recognition as a mecca for artists and creatives is as significant to travelers as the city’s natural scenery.
Among those who travel to Sedona, AZ, for its sheer beauty, there are travelers who also make the trek to seek out adventure, find mystical vortexes, and who also not just want to learn more about the American West, but to experience it. Sedona has also become popular for wine connoisseurs as the Verde Valley is an official American Viticultural Area with a growing wine industry that features award-winning wineries and tasting rooms. On a similar note, Sedona is also seeing a growing culinary scene, offering everything from fine dining to local spots foodies won’t want to miss.
When it comes to Sedona, it’s not so much what you should do while you’re in town, but what you should see. We’ll be starting off this section with a list of some of the best sights and iconic landmarks you’ll want to check out while you’re there, and also the best ways to experience them!
With Sedona’s landscape being the main attraction, exploring its red rock formations is at the top of almost every visitor’s list. Iconic natural landmarks like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Devil’s Bridge, and Airport Mesa feel almost otherworldly in person, and each location offers a slightly different perspective of the area’s geological beauty. In this case, if you see one rock formation, you definitely haven’t seen them all! Hiking is one of the most popular ways to experience these sights, with trails ranging from leisurely strolls to more challenging climbs that make it easy for hikers of every skill level to choose from.
If hiking isn’t your preferred way to explore, or if you just want to cover more ground, guided tours will be your best option. Jeep tours are especially popular in Sedona, taking visitors off-road into rugged terrain while the local guides share stories of the area’s history, geology, and even folklore. Want to take a drive yourself? For a more relaxed pace, scenic drives through Red Rock Scenic Byway or Oak Creek Canyon will let you enjoy the views from the comfort of your own car. If you feel like you’re missing out on a guide’s commentary, learn more about Sedona’s early settlers and pioneer roots at the Sedona Heritage Museum, or take a glimpse into Sedona’s ancient past at the Palatki Heritage Site that features well-preserved cliff dwellings and rock art created by the Sinagua people more than 700 years ago.
Another unique way to experience the area is aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad, a vintage train ride that winds through dramatic desert landscapes, towering cliffs, and lush riparian areas just outside of Sedona. These 4-hour journeys will take you 40-miles roundtrip, where you can take in the views in passenger or open-air viewing cars and enjoy snacks and beverages along the way.
Beyond its natural wonders, Sedona offers plenty of man-made experiences that round out a visit. The Verde Valley has become a destination in its own right for wine lovers, and many wineries and tasting rooms can be found in and around Sedona. Drive to nearby towns like Cottonwood, Jerome, and Clarkdale yourself, or reserve a spot on one of the numerous wine tours that are definitely growing in popularity!
If you consider yourself more of a foodie than a wine connoisseur, you’ll find a range of dining options that go well beyond what many expect from a desert town. From up-and-coming restaurants serving Southwestern-inspired cuisine to cozy cafes and local dining spots, food lovers will find plenty to enjoy. Uptown Sedona and the nearby Village of Oak Creek are popular areas to explore for dining.
Sedona is also widely known as a wellness destination, making a spa day a complete “must” during any visit. Many of the area’s spas draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape, incorporating red rock views and natural elements, making treatments rooted in relaxation and renewal. Visitors can choose from luxury resort spas offering full-service menus, holistic wellness centers focused on mindfulness and energy work, or intimate day spas perfect for unwinding after a long day outdoors.
Art and culture also play a significant role in the Sedona experience. With its large artist community, the city is home to dozens of galleries showcasing everything from traditional Southwestern art to contemporary pieces. Areas like Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village give visitors a chance to browse galleries, boutiques, and artisan shops, all within charming courtyards. The Sedona Arts Center, along with Gallery Row, highlights the city’s long-standing connection to artists and creatives who have flocked to the area for decades. If you have time to venture a bit farther, nearby day trips to Jerome or even Flagstaff will let you experience more of the region’s character.
Interested in checking out Sedona’s famous vortexes? Believed by many to be centers of spiritual energy, these sites—often located near places like Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Airport Mesa—draw visitors from around the world. Whether you approach them from a spiritual perspective or simply as stunning scenic viewpoints, vortex sites are an intriguing part of Sedona’s identity.
Families traveling to Sedona will also find plenty of things to do and see to keep everyone entertained. Easy hiking trails, creekside picnics along Oak Creek, and nature-focused activities make it easy for kids to unplug and really connect with the outdoors. Attractions like Slide Rock State Park are especially popular with families during warmer months, where there’s a natural water slide carved right into the red rock—talk about fun! Educational experiences, such as ranger-led programs or wildlife encounters in the surrounding area, will add another layer of engagement for all the younger travelers out there. Guided stargazing experiences are another family-friendly favorite, taking advantage of Sedona’s dark skies to view constellations, planets, and the Milky Way—perfect if you’ve never quite been able to spot them on your own time!
Sometimes when people think of Arizona, they just imagine hot, dry temperatures. Because of Sedona’s elevation and location, it does actually experience four seasons. Now, are Sedona summers still hot? Oh yes, they are! Expect daytime temperatures upwards of 90 degrees from June to August—sometimes even lasting into September. The month of July is typically the warmest month, and is also when the summer monsoon season begins (late July until early September). Interestingly enough, this rainy period is sandwiched between the two driest months—June and October.
To avoid extreme heat and have comfortably warm (and dry) weather to be able to get out and about to explore, think about planning your trip for spring (March through May) or fall (September through November). Mild temps can be between the mid-60s and mid-80s during the daytime—perfect for hiking and seeing the sights—and can fall to the low-30s at night, depending on when you visit. The weather is so pleasant that everyone wants to visit during this time, making the crowds and costs go up. If you can, try visiting mid-week, since Sedona is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
The slowest time is also the coldest time in Sedona. Winter weather—albeit not as freezing as some destinations—deters visitors from planning their trips in December, January, and even February. The highs tend to range from the high-50s to low-60s during the day, and temperatures tend to drop into the low 30s at night. While this weather isn’t completely terrible, the sun-seeking adventurers might say otherwise. If this sounds mild to you, by all means, book a winter getaway and escape the crowds and find better deals on accommodations!
For Palmera Vacation Club Members, Sedona is a destination that can be experienced in more than one way. Through Palmera’s 6 Ways to Travel, members can book spacious resorts through RCI or use Quest Travel Club to secure a boutique-style hotel or condo. This flexibility allows travelers to choose accommodations that match their travel style and group size, making it easy to fully enjoy Sedona on their own terms.
Looking to be close to shops, galleries, and dining? Book your stay in or near Uptown Sedona. Want a more relaxed and residential feel? Take a look at areas like West Sedona or even the Village of Oak Creek—you’ll love the quieter atmosphere while still being a short drive away from major attractions.
Here are some examples of resorts and hotels we’ve found using RCI:
Here are some examples of resorts and hotels we’ve found using Quest Travel Club:
