Sedona holidays

The crown jewel of Arizona’s high desert, Sedona is a city where spirituality is as much a part of the landscape as its mesmerising red rocks. With a thriving arts scene, world-class hiking and wellness options galore, it’s no wonder enlightenment-seekers get drawn into its vortex. So lace up your walking boots, dust off your pocket crystals and get ready for a holiday in Sedona, where the mystic meets the majestic.

Sedona holiday highlights

Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

Natural playground

With its rugged and wild landscape, Sedona is a go-to destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Cross the Devil’s Bridge, stand in awe of Cathedral Rock and meditate at Buddha Beach. Or why not try kayaking on the Verde River? With opportunities for walking, cycling, swimming and off-roading, a Sedona holiday is all about adventure.

New Age capital

Sedona has long held a reputation for spirituality thanks to its unique vortexes. Said to be swirling centres of energy that can induce physical, emotional and spiritual effects, the vortexes attract meditators and soul-searchers seeking rejuvenation. Experience them for yourself at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Dark skies

The incredible stargazing alone is reason enough to look into flights and hotels to Sedona. Awarded as an International Dark Sky Community, Sedona’s skies come alive at night with a dazzling canopy of constellations. Head to the Baldwin Trailhead for views of the stars above Cathedral Rock, or visit the Beaverhead Flat Scenic Overlook to spot the Milky Way.

Sedona: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-7 (MST) and UTC-6 (MDT)

High season

N/A

Low season

N/A

Find the best time to go to Sedona

Weather in Sedona

March – May: March starts out brisk before temperatures start to climb into the 20s°C. The warm days are perfect for exploring the area’s natural wonders. Expect higher prices for accommodation during this high season.

June – August: Sedona’s summers are milder than other parts of Arizona, but it can still get quite hot. Be ready to dodge afternoon downpours.

September – November :Pack warm layers, especially for nights when temperatures can dip into single digits. Sedona’s trees change colour, and the city comes alive during harvest season.

December – February: It can get below freezing in winter, but there are also days when it gets above 10°C. Put on your warmest coatand enjoy having the hiking trails to yourself.

Events in Sedona

Sedona International Film Festival (February to March): See indie films from around the world at this dynamic festival. Besides screenings, you can enjoy live music and even magic shows. And keep your eyes peeled for celebrities — past guests include stars like Nicholas Cage.

Sedona Yoga Festival (May): Stretch out and breathe in the stunning red rock landscapes at this popular yoga festival. Join fellow wellness seekers on a weekend of chanting, meditation, sound healing andas manyyoga poses as you can handle.

Gem and Mineral Show (October): Rock on at this sprawling retail event where vendors hawk fine crystals, gemstones, rare fossils andmore. Hourly raffles give you a chance to win prizes like a gorgeous hunk of pyrite or quartz.

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The best neighbourhoods in Sedona

West Sedona

This laid-back neighbourhood is one of the best areas to stay in Sedona for outdoor enthusiasts. Meditate in Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, or hike the Soldier Pass and Thunder Mountain trailheads. Need a break? Visit the Sedona Artist Market & Gallery and grab a quick bite at the world’s only McDonald’s to have blue arches.

Good for: Affordable hotels, hiking trails, shopping

Uptown Sedona

A hub of arts and culture surrounded by dramatic red rock formations, Uptown is where to stay in Sedona for first-time visitors. Explore the shops and restaurants along Main Street, learn about the city’s history at the Sedona Heritage Museum, or book a day at one of the neighbourhood’s luxury spas.

Good for: Shopping, spas, views

Oak Creek Canyon

Home to some of Sedona’s best hiking trails and the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross, Oak Creek Canyon feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Uptown. Picnic at the Midgley Bridge Observation Sight, and cool off with a swim at Grasshopper Point. Beat the desert heat at Slide Rock State Park’s natural rock water slide.

Good for: Hiking, swimming, landmark chapel

Things to do in Sedona

Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

Family friendly things to do

You’ll find heaps of fun outdoor adventures for the family in Sedona. Take a guided nature walk through Red Rock State Park. Or explore the epic hiking and biking paths such as Bell Rock Pathway, the West Fork Trail, the Boynton Canyon Trail and the Devil’s Bridge Trail. Need the perfect family photo op? Say hello to Snoopy Rock.

Shopping

Known for being one of the Southwest’s leading arts communities, Sedona is a paradise for collectors and shoppers. Browse the healing crystals and Navajo goods in the shops along Uptown’s Main Street, or make a beeline for the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, which has over 50 shops and galleries. With one-of-a-kind boutiques and a focus on artisan crafts, shopping in Sedona is a must.

Take in the culture

Expect to find a great selection of art galleries and museums in Sedona. Visit the Sedona Heritage Museum and the Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art. Or spend time exploring the city’s other galleries and shops showcasing local artists’ work, like the Rowe Fine Art Gallery and the Renee Taylor Gallery.

Nightlife

After an active day outside, the nightlife in Sedona invites you to slow down in its casual breweries and cosy cocktail lounges. The city’s not known for big clubs or a rowdy bar scene, but you’ll find a lively atmosphere at the handful of saloons and dinner theatres. For something completely different, look to the skies for stargazing and UFO tours.

Places to eat

Sophisticated hotel restaurants, hole-in-the-wall eateries and excellent Mexican food make the city a favourite with foodies. With year-round water and fertile soil, Sedona is proud of its fresh, local ingredients. Expect trout from Oak Creek and locally raised beef to appear on your menu. Pair your meal with a wine from one of the Verde Valley’s wineries.

Beaches

You won’t find typical beaches in Sedona, but you can cool off in one of the area’s swimming holes. Jump into Oak Creek from the cliffs at Grasshopper Point, or sunbathe by the water at Midgley Bridge. For unbeatable views of Cathedral Rock, the swimming hole at Red Rock Crossing delivers.

Plan your holiday to Sedona

Budget

For a cheap holiday in Sedona, consider travelling in winter. You may have to bundle on an extra layer, but you’ll find more bargains, and the spas and wellness centres will be less crowded. An inexpensive meal in Sedona costs about 20 US dollars ($). A domestic beer or a cappuccino will set you back about $6. A short taxi ride starts at around $10.

Day trips from Sedona

Craving even more red rock majesty? Take the two-hour drive north to Grand Canyon National Park, one of the world’s great natural wonders. Attend a geology talk with the park service for a deeper dive into the 446-kilometre-long canyon. For a dose of small-town charm along with farm-to-table eats, head to Flagstaff, 45 minutes away.

Getting around Sedona

The best way to see this high-desert jewel is by car. Plan to stay close to town? The Verde Shuttle runs seven days a week through neighbourhoods like Oak Creek Village, Uptown and West Sedona. But wait times can stretch between 45 and 90 minutes. Sedona is one of the best cycling cities in Arizona. Hire a mountain bike or e-bike to make the most of the landscape.

FAQs about Sedona holidays

During your city break in Sedona, you'll hear the locals talking mostly in English.
The United States dollar (USD) is the official currency. From shopping at local markets to tipping, carrying some cash during your trip to Sedona will be helpful.
With temperatures hitting highs of 36ºC (97ºF), July is the hottest month in Sedona.
January delivers the coolest conditions for a Sedona holiday. Plan your trip then and you'll find lows of -5ºC (23ºF).
The cost of a holiday to Sedona greatly depends on how you choose to spend your time. Travel during the offseason (December to February) for better deals on hotels and flights to Sedona, and explore the area by bus instead of car. Many of the hiking trails are free to explore, but keep in mind that you’ll need a paid pass to visit Red Rock Country and there’s a fee to enter Slide Rock State Park.
A three-day holiday in Sedona gives you time to explore its shops, galleries and scenery. If you want to make the most out of the city’s many hiking trails and swimming holes, consider extending your stay to five days.
From Chapel of the Holy dove to Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, this city is filled with experiences worth your time. Prepare for your next big adventure by researching the best things to do in Sedona.
Sedona is generally a safe place to visit, but like anywhere, it's always a good idea to take commonsense precautions. Avoid carrying large sums of money, keep local emergency numbers handy and only use licensed ride-share services or cabs. Additionally, stick to well-lit streets if you venture out at night during your holiday to Sedona.
With an average rainfall of 8 cm, July is the rainiest month to go on a Sedona holiday. When the skies open up, head indoors and enjoy the city's art exhibits, cafes, shopping centres and more.
For mild weather and the best conditions for outdoor activities, visit between March and May or September and November. These periods coincide with the high tourist seasons, however. To save money on accommodation, consider visiting in the winter.

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