World-famous for its red rock, Sedona is a must-see when in Arizona. We have teamed up with experts from job aggregators Jooble to bring you the ten best tourist attractions in Sedona.
Tourism is one of the things that many people enjoy. It allows you to meet new people, live in a different city, and explore new things.
It also helps the economy of low-income countries and provides employment opportunities through travel and tourism jobs for the public.
However, if you’re passionate about travel, Sedona is one of the places to consider. This region in Arizona is blessed with many beautiful places and structures that you’ll love.
To make your time in Sedona even better, we have teamed up with experts from job aggregators Jooble to discuss the ten best tourist attractions in Sedona.
Let’s explore more.
Best tourist attractions in Sedona
- Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Sedona Museum
- Red Rock Crossing and Crescent Moon
- Scenic Red Rock Byway
- Slide Rock State Park
- Tlaquepaque Arts and Craft Village
- Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
- Bell Rock
- Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive
- Vortexes
More on each of the best tourist attractions in Sedona
1. Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of Sedona’s most spectacular architectural attractions. This chapel sits on a red rock beneath a multi-hued sandstone hill.
This stunning landmark construction features a 27-meter cross on top of the structure.
The chapel’s front face is entirely made up of windows. The harsh lines and angles of the modern design contrast with the rounded red rocks, but it blends in wonderfully with the environment.
2. Sedona Museum
Usually, when people visit Sedona, they are enthralled by the beauty of the red rocks and the intriguing environment. However, many never think about how the city became what it is today, one of the best tourist attractions in the world.
If you want to learn about the town’s history, visit the Sedona Museum. Here you will learn about its earliest residents as far back as 1876. You will also find the history of the Jordan family, which dates from 1931.
It’s one of the most overlooked tourist attractions in Sedona.
3. Red Rock Crossing and Crescent Moon
Another stunning Sedona location, there is a small day-use fee for accessing Red Rock Crossing and Crescent Moon.
If you want to relax, have a picnic, spend time alone, or appreciate the creek, it’s a perfect place to go on a sunny day. You can have a warm water swim, relax and enjoy the breezy environment, or have a picnic with friends and loved ones.
Also, it’s an excellent environment for photographers. In fact, photographers are always there waiting for the sun to shine brightly on the cathedral rock and take a perfect shot. (see image at top of page).
4. Scenic Red Rock Byway
This is another breathtaking area along Highway 179.
People usually come here to hike and ride across the rock. This is one of the most enjoyable activities in Sedona that every tourist usually looks forward to.
There are various natural attractions along the way, and Scenic Red Rock Byway is one of them.
If you don’t have time to see it all of the tourist attractions in Sedona, Bell Rock (#8), Cathedral Rock, and Chapel of the Holy Cross are probably the most famous landmarks in the area, and all three are very close to the road.
5. Slide Rock State Park
Another historic Sedona site, Slide Rock State Park is situated along Highway 89A in Oak Creek Canyon.
People usually come here on sunny days to have fun on the river or the riverbank. The water is usually warm, and the environment is serene and attractive.
As beautiful as the lake appears, it is worth noting that the rock underneath is hard. Hence, the need for you to be very careful while swimming. This center is not a place for acrobatics; it’s for relaxation and chill.
6. Tlaquepaque Arts and Craft Village
Tlaquepaque Arts and Craft Village is a replica of a 1970s Mexican village that originally created by a community for artists. Intermixed with the shopping, it has lovely art galleries with eye-catching artworks and eateries to ensure you get maximum satisfaction.
The atmosphere is reminiscent of a bygone era with cobblestone pathways, courtyard fountains, balconies, stately archways, and vine-covered buildings. The complex currently spans both sides of Highway 179 with the addition of the Northern part of Tlaquepaque.
7. Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
The Amitabha Stupa And Peace Park is a peaceful and serene place where people of different faiths usually go for prayers. It is generally believed that prayers are steadily answered here.
Aside from worship, people also come here to meditate and have a lonely time. Hence, its name, the haven of peace and tranquility. It is a perfect place to go whenever you need to clear your head and relax.
8. Bell Rock
Named Bell Rock because its appearance resembles a bell. it’s another notable structure to see in Sedona. Bell Rock is situated in the village of Oak Creek, south of a town, on the road that leads to the Scenic Red Rock Byway.
It is one of the places you’ll see as you enter Sedona from the south. Interestingly, this place is very accessible on and off the road. You can easily park your vehicle and have to do a little inspection, take pictures for the gram, and continue your journey.
If you find yourself in Sedona, we recommend visiting the bell rock.
9. Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive
This is another attractive place to consider in Sedona. It is located upstream of the city. The roads in this picnic center are twisted with switchbacks. They are decorated with beautiful rock formations, woodlands, and cliff walls.
Because of the hairpin bends and steep slopes, this is a road you should drive during the day and avoid after dark.
10. Vortexes
The vortexes, which may be seen in several natural sites across Sedona, are one of the area’s most unusual attractions.
What exactly are vortexes? Vortexes are claimed to be energy centers on the earth that can help people recover, gain self-awareness, and experience spirituality. There are complete guided tours on vortexes in Sedona.
Final thoughts on tourist attractions in Sedona
Going on vacations and spending quality time with your loved ones are part of the ways to live a quality life.
However, if you’re a tourism lover and have never visited Sedona, you miss a lot. The city has several hundred attraction centers to explore with spectacular views you will enjoy
Save on your trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), VRBO (self-contained), or Hostelworld (budget).
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Motorcycles: we have heard good things about BikesBooking.
- Campervans or Motorhomes: we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount.
- Private guides: we often find the best option is to work with a private guide.
- Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.
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Which of these tourist attractions in Sedona will you visit?
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About the author
Edwin Barnes is a professional traveler and content writer who focus on tourist attractions and opportunities. He is always eager to explore new places as well as share the main scenic points of interest.
Denise
It has been way too long since I’ve been to Sedona. Such a beautiful place, that photo of Cathedral Rock says it all!
Yvonne
I live in AZ and will be visiting this fall. Can’t want to experience the vortexes again!
Alaina Thomas
Wow, there truly is a lot to do here! The view from the scenic drive is beautiful, adding that to my list.
Erin
Sedona is such a gorgeous place to be in nature. Even though they are “tourists” attractions – they are ones that locals would love to see over and over again. You did a great job capturing the must see attractions.
Chelsea
We are returning to North America later this year! Will put Sedona on our list for sure, sounds like a hidden gem.