Travel Guide to Sedona and Its 5 Best Attractions

Sedona, just two hours’ drive from the mighty Grand Canyon, really is "Red Rock Country," as the deep blue skies surrounding the city of Sedona are pierced with sharp red rocks that rise up from the horizon. This land of dramatic natural beauty and wild adventure is the perfect place to unwind for the weekend, or get the blood pumping on a nice hike. As it’s only a few hours from Phoenix, Sedona attracts lots of weekend visitors, and couples will love the spectacular scenery, red-hot sunsets and the world-class facilities in this wild and romantic land. While Sedona is best known for its outdoor activities, it is also home to some of the country’s best spas and resorts, with a strong arts and culture scene to boot.

The iconic, red-rock monolith, known as Cathedral Rock is just one of the stunning sights on offer in the Coconino National Forest

Photo by Carla Cooper via Flickr

Spreading an incredible 1.8 million acres across the counties of Coconino, Yavapai and Gila in Arizona, this 100-year-old park sees 1.8 million visitors each year. It’s little wonder that so many people are attracted to the natural beauty in the area, with landscapes ranging from snow-capped mountains to red-rock canyons, deep valley lakes and small forest streams. The Sedona side of the park is home to one of the most spectacular sights in the state, Cathedral Rock.

Bring your hiking shoes to the Chapel of the Holy Cross

Photo by Stanley Long via Flickr.

Approaching the site of the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a surreal experience. The tall and slender chapel appears to grow right out of the rocks beneath it, as it looms impressively over the dramatic landscape. Situated on Chapel Rd, just a few miles outside of Sedona, the building feels unusually modern, set amongst the ancient rock formations around it. Go inside for spectacular views out across the valley, on all sides.

Enjoy the tastes of Mexico at Elote Cafe, inspired by over 15 years of travel to Mexico

Photo by Howard UCD via Flickr.

Classic Mexican food, inspired by the colorful markets of Mexico, are at the heart of Chef Jeff Smedstad’s dishes in Elote Cafe, one of the highest regarded restaurant in Sedona. However, Smedstad ensures to keep it local with fresh, organic produce sourced from around Arizona.

Set in the heart of the some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country, the Mii Amo Spa Resort is a unique and luxury experience in Sedona

Photo by Michiko Yoshifuji via Flickr.

The stunning Mii Amo Spa Resort is one in a million. Surrounded by the breathtaking views of the red rocks of Sedona, you’ll be hard pushed to find a more inspiring and relaxing retreat in the heart of nature, as Mii Amo Spa. Stay for three, four or seven nights in the luxurious destination resort and leave feeling like a new person. But don’t just take it from us, as Travel + Leisure has repeatedly ranked the Mii Amo Spa as the world’s top destination spa.

The Enchantment Resort is everything you could want from a resort

Photo by hawkinsinternationalpr via Flickr.

Resort is an inviting place to spend a few days, surrounded by picture-perfect views. Home to the famous, award-winning Mii Amo Spa, the Enchantment Resort is perfect for a special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary. The splurge is most definitely worth it!