Discover Sedona’s Vortex Energy on a Red Rock Weekend Getaway
Nestled amongst the red sandstone formations of Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona is a stunning destination for a weekend getaway. With its mild climate, beautiful scenery, and charming shops and restaurants, it’s easy to relax and rejuvenate on a trip to this Southwestern gem.
Where to Stay For accommodations, consider one of Sedona’s cozy bed and breakfasts, quaint cottages, or boutique hotels, like Amara Resort and Spa, which offers stunning creekside views and a full-service spa for unwinding. Those on a budget can find decent lodging rates at places like the Best Western Plus Inn of Sedona or Days Inn.
Top Things to Do A must-do while in Sedona is taking a Pink Jeep Tour to experience the area’s famed red rocks up close. Stop to capture that iconic Cathedral Rock selfie and soak up the vortex energy many believe the area possesses. Grab a trail map and take a moderate hike through Boynton or Bell Rock Canyon, before cooling off with a swim in Oak Creek.
In the evening, head uptown to stroll the art galleries and boutiques of Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, before enjoying a Southwest-inspired dinner on the patio of René at Tlaquepaque, where you’ll want to save room for their famous crème brûlée. Wrap up your night star gazing and sipping local wine along the glowing rocks of Airport Mesa.
Where to Eat and Drink In addition to René, visitors rave about the tasty tacos and margaritas at El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano and the healthy, locally-sourced fare at The Hudson or Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen. For the best artisan coffee and breakfast sandwiches, stop at Sedona Baking Company or The Secret Garden Cafe.
Discover the Allure of Sedona: Hotels, Food, and Tours
Known for its jaw-dropping scenery and vibrant energy, Sedona is a top destination for travelers seeking natural beauty, rejuvenation, and adventure. Here’s my guide to the best hotels, restaurants, and travel experiences you won’t want to miss when visiting this Southwestern gem.
Where to Stay Sedona has a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels. For a splurge, check into Enchantment Resort, set amidst stunning red rock views. Mii Amo Spa offers pampering treatments and outdoor activities cater to adventure seekers. The historic Garland’s Oak Creek Lodge provides a peaceful escape with creekside cabins in a forest setting. Budget options like White House Inn and Best Western offer comfortable rooms at affordable nightly rates.
Top Restaurants and Cafes
From Mediterranean cuisine to classic comfort food, Sedona’s dining scene impresses. Start your morning at a local favorite like Sedona Baking Company, with fresh scones and coffee on the patio. For casual fare, Sauce Pizza & Wine has creative pies baked in a wood-fired oven. Cress on Oak Creek’s seasonal menu bursts with fresh southwest flavors and a creekside setting. For fine dining, Mariposa has stunning views of Cathedrals Rock from their acclaimed Latin fusion cuisine and impressive wine list.
Having your own rental car is highly recommended when visiting Sedona. While ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area, availability is limited. You also run the risk of surge pricing during peak tourism seasons. As for taxis, rates are typically very expensive in Sedona with few operators to choose from. Without researching companies thoroughly beforehand, visitors often report being scammed into paying exorbitant fees.
Renting a car allows you to experience Sedona on your own schedule. Having the freedom to explore popular sights like Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and the Red Rock Scenic Byway is invaluable. With your own wheels, you don’t have to worry about rush hour traffic or cramming your plans between ride share availability. You also avoid the risk of shady cab companies price gouging unaware tourists in the area. While driving in unfamiliar places can cause anxiety for some, having the flexibility and reliability of a rental car is worth it for the level of comfort and control it provides.
Tours and Travel Experiences The best way to experience Sedona’s famous red rocks is getting out amongst them. Take a Pink Jeep Tour to hard-to-access vortex sites and ancient ruins. Rent a bike for a cruise through Oak Creek Canyon. Choose from dozens of exceptional hiking trails offering everything from challenging climbs with panoramic payoffs to easy creekside walks among towering formations. Relax on an evening Canyon Sunset Tour in an open-air 4×4. When the stars come out, set up camp for some astronomical sightseeing on a Night Sky Tour. No matter how you spend your days, Sedona’s magnificent landscape is sure to enchant.
Visitors to Sedona often find themselves caught off guard by the relatively high prices for dining and shopping in town. Much of this has to do with Sedona’s status as a prime Southwest travel destination, bringing in over 3 million tourists per year. The influx of visitors has led to inflated menu prices at many restaurants, making the average meal cost upwards of $20-30 per entree. Even casual cafes and bakeries often veer towards upscale pricing. As for shopping, Sedona is known for art galleries, jewelry boutiques, and New Age shops selling crystals and metaphysical goods. While there are beautiful items to tempt vacationers, the specialized nature of the shops allows them to charge a premium. Between artwork, souvenirs, and crafts, an afternoon of browsing and buying can quickly add up to several hundred dollars. Tourists find it difficult to encounter true bargains in Sedona. Those hoping to save money may have better luck at markets in neighboring towns. But otherwise, higher expenditures are the norm for this small town that runs on tourism.
With luxurious accommodations, mouthwatering cuisine, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, Sedona has it all for an unforgettable getaway. Treat yourself to red rock views, vortex vibrations, and Southwestern hospitality in one unforgettably beautiful destination.
No matter what you choose do, Sedona offers no shortage of natural beauty, adventures, delicious food, and ways to help you relax and re-energize, all just a quick weekend away.
