8 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Sedona Trip

I’ve always heard Sedona, Arizona was a magical place, but couldn’t quite understand why, as I’d never been and could only view others’ photos. Of course, it looked beautiful from afar, but magical? I assumed you just had to experience it to understand. Finally, …experience it, I did! In January, I took a trip to this well-known area to learn more about the history of the town and what makes it special. In short, I was blown away by how peaceful I was and by the constant surroundings of beauty. It is not a large area, but it is filled with many great things in town and nearby. If you’ve been thinking about visiting, here are 8 suggestive tips to make the most of your time.

1. Make yourself at home by renting a home! 

Although there are many hotels in Sedona, they can get a bit pricey (likely due to the spectacular views that most of them have). Since Sedona has such a homey feel, I found being in an actual home for the duration of our trip was very fitting. We were able to bring whatever food and supplies we needed into the home without worrying about things going bad, a crowded space, etc. We were comfortable and able to enjoy our trip peacefully.

 2. Learn about the Red Rocks! 

Sedona is known for its one of a kind red rocks which were formed from the sea receding and layers of sediment from volcanic activity forming. Wind and water erosion then created the sculptures (who all have a name!) that are composed of basalt, sandstone and limestone. Ferrous oxide was blended with the sandstone which gives the red rocks their color. This is the only place in the world with this rock combination. Drive around and try to find the different names of each! If you are up to it, get out and climb the ones you can. I was certainly beginning to feel the magic when I did.

 3. Explore the Outdoors!

There are so many fun activities you can partake in while in Sedona. If you want to explore them on your own, that’s great, but if you need a little extra guidance, you can surely find many options that are fitting for you. I would highly suggest visiting the official visitor’s bureau site ( https://visitsedona.com/ ) which has a constant calendar of events. Some of these include hiking, jeep tours, zip-lining, helicopter tours, and much more! The area is just too pretty to be inside. Be advised- it is Arizona which means it will get HOT if you go in their summer months. Stay hydrated and listen to your body.

4. Meditate in a vortex!

Sedona has become a tourist spot centered around spirituality and connection due to their many vortex sites. Vortexes are thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation and self-exploration. These are places where the earth seems especially alive with energy. Many people feel inspired, recharged or uplifted after visiting a vortex. We meditated not in an actual vortex, but in the central point of the major vortexes in the area. It was still an amazing experience. I felt so light and connected afterwards. I can only imagine what it would’ve been like in an actual vortex (I was injured, otherwise I would’ve hiked to one). If you are unaware of how to locate one, you can find tours for this as well!

5. Get a Massage!

Sedona is also known for their great massages. You will find massages of all kinds to help your body with whatever need. There are also unique options, which my friend experienced. They say you will leave Sedona feeling lighter…this particular massage is sure to help with that… if you’re bold enough! ;)

6. Take a road trip to the Grand Canyon! 

The Grand Canyon is only 2.5 hours away. If you have time and have never been, carve out a half day and drive to this beautiful site. It is MASSIVE and truly a site to see. Along your drive, you will see mini canyons and mountains all over. If you have a fear of heights, take the highway, which is much longer, as you will have a longggg drive up a steep mountain. If you can stand the heights, it is cool to experience. Along the way, grab lunch in Flagstaff if you get a little antsy in the car. Once you get there, pick one of the many viewing spots, as there are 277 miles worth to choose from! As expected, there are tours you can take to view the Canyon as well. These are filled with great facts about how the Grand Canyon was naturally formed.

7. Eat Great food! 

 I HIGHLY underestimated how great the food would be in Sedona. Whether it was breakfast, lunch, or dinner, every meal I had was fantastic. There is something special about the pride taken in preparing all of the dishes. I sensed a bit of love at every restaurant. To highlight a few:

1. 1. Mexican option: Elote– This is supposedly the best Mexican in all of Sedona. This appeared to be evident with their LONG wait time. Despite getting there early on a Saturday night, the wait was still very long. The great thing is, they have a separate bar where you can grab a beverage while you wait. We ended up getting food to go and it was no less delicious than if we would’ve had it there! The fish tacos were out of this world!
   2. Winery 1912– There is a small tasting room for this winery right in the heart of downtown Sedona. Their grapes are sourced from their family’s vineyard in Willcox, AZ. They believe in minimal intrusion to the native environment and restoring the balance of the ecosystem. Love! They also have a great cheeseboard and view to go with the wine!

      

      

      

      
      
   3. Latin Option: Mariposa– Everything about this place was lovely. There was Latin inspiration from the moment you arrived. From the patio, to the décor, to the live music, and to the food. There was so much care put into the aesthetics that it made you feel as if you were in a Latin country! The food was also delicious. I highly suggest their chicken with charred corn and mashed potatoes + empanadas to start.  Before you go, make a reservation! The best time is about an hour before sunset (depending on what time of year it is). If you get there early and get a table in the main dining room, your view of the red rocks will be amazing!

      

      

      

      
      

      

      

      

      
      
   4. Italian Option: Cucina Rustica – The same owner of Mariposa (Lisa Dahl) also owns Cucina Rustica, amongst others. This Italian restaurant will give you the same transformative feel. There was live music and a Tuscan style décor throughout. We could tell the pasta was fresh and made with care. My suggestions are the lasagna (yes you can get it anywhere but try it HERE!) and the bruschetta.

      

      

      

      
      
   5. Breakfast/Lunch Option: Indian Gardens Café and Market: This restaurant is a very casual place that is great for families. You don’t have to worry about dressing up. Just come as you are! They have indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor tables come equipped with blankets, which were perfect for January. This restaurant reminded me of a great place to recharge. The food was light yet filling with many healthy options. I recommend their salads and their Ferrari sandwich. A nice glass of white wine went perfectly with both as well.                                                 

8. Relax! 

Last, but certainly not least… take time to relax. So many of us have very busy schedules that cause us to be on the go on a regular basis. Sedona will allow you to be centered and STILL if you let it. You will hopefully leave with a new perspective and positive energy circulated through you. Don’t wear yourself out. Enjoy the time here and soak in as much of this truly magical place as possible!