When it comes to traveling, we always want to see somewhere new and beautiful. Planning for such a vacation is a great way to look forward to something and keep our mind off of daily stressors. With the rise of inflation, taking a vacation may be more difficult now than it has been before. Luckily, you can always find free and low-cost activities to spend your time. This includes when you visit somewhere as incredible as Sedona. This Northern Arizona community offers beautiful views and amazing cheap things to do in Sedona. Take a look at how you can visit Sedona without breaking the bank this year:
Drive Along the Scenic Byway
Sedona nestled right here in Red Rock Country that offer a towering and beautiful addition to the horizon. The red rocks can be seen in full detail from the comfort of your vehicle when you cruise down the Red Rock Scenic Byway. This stretch of road is officially named State Route 179, but that sounds way less enjoyable. The Red Rock Scenic Byway starts at exit 298 off Interstate 17. You will find a 7.5 mile stretch of road that has the incredible Red Rock Mountains in the backdrop. The scenic byway has been referred to as a museum of its own, as you will see sights of Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Coconino National Forest, and more. There are plenty of scenic overlooks to stop at during the drive to get the best views of all. There are no tolls making this the perfect free activity during your stay in Sedona.
Tour the Chapel of the Holy Cross
When you are staying in Sedona it will be hard pressed to miss a glimpse of the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This cultural site is on the edge of the Red Rock Country and its stunning design is hard to miss. This chapel was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of the infamous Frank Lloyd Wright, and its design is like no other. The chapel is just four miles from Sedona’s main intersection making it easy to get to. Getting to the chapel is best enjoyed with a hike up the mountain. The trail to the chapel is only 1.3 miles out and back but has a moderate uphill climb on the way up. A visit to the chapel is free to explore and is reported to be a relaxing and tranquil experience for visitors. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a popular attraction in the area so planning ahead is optimal. Make sure to explore earlier in the morning before the midday crowd gets too busy. Visitors can also attend the Taize Prayer Service that takes place on Mondays at 5:00 PM.
Hike the Devil’s Bridge Trail
Sedona is home to some of the most popular trails in the state of Arizona. In addition to the Chapel of the Holy Cross Trail you can also find the Devil’s Bridge Trail here in the area. Devil’s Bridge is a site that is on everyone’s bucket list for Sedona. It is the largest natural sandstone arch and resembles a bridge as it juts over the valley. As such it has become one of the busiest hiking trails in the area. The trail is a 4.2-mile hike that will lead you straight to the bridge. The trail allows you to snap photos while you peer up at the 50-foot-high arch, but the real fun is walking out onto the bridge itself. Trek up the steep incline to reach the base of the bridge. There are typically people waiting in line to get a photo of the experience with wait times being longer later in the day. Make sure to hike up to the bridge early in the morning to beat the crowd. You may even have a chance to catch a glimpse of local wildlife including bobcats, black bears, coyotes, and javelinas during the hike so make sure you stay vigilant on the trail.
Go Stargazing
Now that you are up in Northern Arizona with an increase of elevation you can get something that is getting harder to find: a look at the night sky without light pollution getting in the way. Stargazing in Sedona is a great way to see the starry sky without anything to distract from the experience. Stargazing is best down over at Thunder Mountain Trailhead where you can start with a beautiful sunset before the night sky creeps in. You will have a panoramic view that is like no other.
More Fun Here in Sedona
These activities and many more will make your Sedona experience one you will never forget. Book a vacation rental with us today for the most comfortable stay in town.
One of the best parts of relaxing during any vacation getaway is hitting the local shops for some shopping. A little retail therapy can do wonders and make your vacation getaway even more exciting. This is especially true for those visiting Flagstaff up here in Northern Arizona. Flagstaff might be a quiet town here in the wilderness but it features many different places to shop at. Here are the best places for you to check out for some incredible shopping in Flagstaff:
Old Town Shops
Flagstaff features a variety of different shopping centers each different from the last. One such place is Old Town Shops located right in the heart of Downtown Flagstaff. This shopping center has some incredible local shops that are only available here in Old Town Shops. Visitors will find Old Town Shops located at 120 N Leroux St or at the intersection of Birch and Leroux streets in Historic Downtown Flagstaff. It is an outdoor collection of shops and restaurants that will keep you busy for hours. If you are looking for a unique collection of art look no further than Black Hound Gallerie. Sage Brush Trading Co and PJ Chilcottage have additional goods as well. Basement Marketplace is a locally owned women’s clothing store that lets you find new trends while supporting a local business. Make sure to stick around in the area whenever you are hungry as Old Town Shops has plenty of restaurants to choose from too. Diablo Burger has been a local staple for the community featuring made-to-order burgers. Old Town Creperie is the perfect morning breakfast stop for your favorite thin pancakes. Flagstaff Chocolates has plenty of sweats to end your meal on too. Make sure to check out Old Town Shops during your next stop in Flagstaff!
Flagstaff Mall
If you are looking for a collection of recognizable shops here in Flagstaff you need to stop by Flagstaff Mall. This indoor shopping center features a variety of big-name stores you will recognize such as JCPenney, Bath & Body Works, Dilliard’s, and much more. The mall is indoor making it the ideal shopping location during the winter season. Flagstaff Mall is also a great spot for you to catch up on any work you need as the mall features complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the building. You will also find charging stations for mobile devices along with Starbucks for your coffee need. An indoor bowling alley will also be coming soon. Now that is a lot of fun waiting for you at the Flagstaff Mall!
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Flagstaff is located near various other Northern Arizona towns and communities such as Sedona. This community is known for having an incredible arts community that involves several shopping areas. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Center is a special and enduring outdoor market that has become a staple in the Sedona community. A stop by this shopping center is considered one of the best activities in the city to do. In addition to being a landmark for over 50 years, it also features a beautiful design. Tlaquepaque features cobblestone walkways and beautiful arches. Giant sycamore trees hang overhead. Tlaquepaque started as an artist community but has evolved into a well-known shopping area. Stop by to purchase handmade artwork that includes a collection of fine arts, sculptures, rugs, and so much more. Hand-made jewelry can be found at local shops including Caravana Jewelry and Cocopah. A variety of specialty shops feature something for you to take back home. Of course, anyone can get hungry after spending several hours shopping so make sure to grab a bite to eat. Tlaquepaque features El Rincon, a fine dining establishment that features Native American Navajo and traditional Mexican cuisine. Oak Creek Brewery & Grill lets you enjoy casual American eats with a pint of your favorite style of beer. There is plenty more for you to choose from at Tlaquepaque!
Discount Gems & Minerals
While you are in Sedona make sure to check out one of the biggest items for sale in Sedona, crystals. Sedona is known for having a natural healing element, especially with the crystals mined in the area. Visitors can purchase one for themselves by visiting Discount Gems & Minerals. Visitors will have plenty to choose from and at great prices too. Crystal Magic is another great shop that sells gemstones and crystals along with additional jewelry and artwork. You might be a new crystal connoisseur by the time you leave Sedona.
More Shopping in Northern Arizona
You cannot miss out on all of these wonderful shopping centers found in and around Flagstaff the next time you are in the area. Enjoy our luxury vacation rentals in the area for the best stay in Flagstaff.
When many people think of Arizona, they often think of the heat and how hot our summers typically get. While Sedona is located in northern Arizona and does not quite get as hot as Phoenix, it can still get a little toasty in the summer. This makes the transition to the fall season one of the most anticipated events of the year. The weather starts to cool down, and with it comes a variety of thrilling fall activities and events to enjoy. Take a look below at our favorite fall activities that you can enjoy in Sedona:
Book a Pink Jeep Tour
Whenever you travel around Sedona, you are most likely going to catch a glimpse of one of the infamous Pink Jeeps that frequent the area. Pink Jeep Tours has been around for years and is now a staple of the Sedona community. The fall season is the perfect time to book a Pink Jeep tour for the first time. Your tour will be a comfortable ride inside these luxurious Jeeps as you head out into the red rocks. An experienced tour guide will take you out to areas such as Diamondback Gulch, Ancient Ruins, and Broken Arrow, to name a few. Come join in on the fun that has been around Sedona since the 1960s for the perfect fall experience!
Hit the Trails
Since the weather is cooling down, you better head out and check out the beautiful hiking trails in Sedona. The red rocks offer the perfect backdrop to a day on the trails. Some of the most popular hikes in the area include Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge Trail; make sure to start your hike early in the morning as they can be especially popular with visitors seeing them for the first time. Trails near Oak Creek feature maple and other trees that show off dazzling displays of reds and oranges for their changing leaves. Hiking around Sedona is the fall is a unique experience not available anywhere else.
Book a Balloon Ride
Everything seems quite a bit different when you view Sedona from hundreds or thousands of feet up in the air. You can do exactly that when you book a trip with Red Rock Balloon Adventures. This local tour company offers hot air balloon rides over the red rocks for a magical time. Quietly soar over the mountains for a romantic journey that can be complete with champagne and a light meal up in the air. The fall foliage makes the backdrop of a hot air balloon ride even more magical in autumn.
Visit the Verde Valley Wine Trail
It is no secret that Sedona is the wine capital of Arizona. There are dozens of local wineries in the region many of them being just a short drive away from our vacation rentals. These wineries are smaller and more intimate settings that the larger California wineries but still produce some incredible tasting wine. The best spot to catch multiple wineries in a single visit is at the Verde Valley Wine Trail. This trail features award-winning wineries that use grapes grown exclusively in the region. The Verde Valley Wine Trail is a self-guided trail where you can pick and choose which wineries to visit. Some popular options include Winery 1912, Alcantara Vineyards, Pillsbury Wine Company, and Javelina Leap Vineyard Winery and Bistro. Each setting offers its own selection of award-winning wines for you to taste and purchase bottles. There are plenty of wine tours to schedule as well so you don’t have to worry about finding a ride between each destination.
Find Arts and Crafts
Sedona is home to many talented artists who call this northern Arizona town home. You can find an eclectic selection of arts and crafts to browse from at the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. This Sedona landmark is a Mexican style village that offers the art community of the area to sell their wares. You can find everything from jewelry, textiles, and handmade crafts right here. Find a unique gift to bring back home to a loved one.
Explore Native Ruins
Northern Arizona is also home to a variety of ancient ruins belonging to native tribes of the past. Sedona is nearby sprawling monuments you can explore up close such as Montezuma’s Castle National Monument and Palatki National Site. Each of these ruins offers a look at the rich history of Arizona. Take advantage of the cooler weather so you can enjoy your day outdoors!
Sedona Is Waiting
As you can see, Sedona is a wonderful place to visit any time of year, but the fall season is especially fun. Get ready for your fall getaway by reserving one of our Sedona rentals or Sedona condos for rent that will keep you close to all of these fun activities.
Now is the perfect time to start planning ahead for the 4th of July holiday later this summer. Make the most of your holiday plans by reserving a trip to beautiful Sedona. This northern Arizona destination features a variety of exciting events and activities that will help you bring in the 4th of July the right way. Take a look at what you can enjoy for the 4th of July when you visit Sedona:
Nearby 4th of July Events
Unfortunately, Sedona does not allow fireworks within city limits. Due to this code, most locals will travel a short distance to nearby cities for a variety of events to celebrate America’s birthday. One of the biggest cities in northern Arizona that is just a quick drive away is Flagstaff. This historic city features their Annual Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Parade that marches around Historic Downtown Flagstaff. After all of the festivities in the day are done, you can make your way to the Continental Country Club to see their dazzling fireworks show. Grab a spot on the lawn and sit back as the sky lights up with huge displays of fireworks. Get there early and check out the fun hiking trails around the city. Another fun city that will be hosting a 4th of July celebration is Williams. This historic railroad town hosts a variety of activities for the big celebration. Enjoy the parade that marches through downtown, the chili cook-off, an antique car show, and even a team rope competition. The night ends with an incredible display of fireworks seen from anywhere in town. Make sure to check out these nearby towns if you are in the mood for classic American fun!
Buddha Farms Wellness Lifestyle Weekend Events
Sedona is a city known for its artisanal crafts that are locally produced or foraged. One of the best places to find a little bit of everything is the weekly Buddha Farms Wellness Lifestyle events. This weekly gathering provides an evening full of live music, delicious food, and artisanal crafts all provide by local vendors. Buddha Farms will be whipping up dinner using organic ingredients with vegan options too. Everything is gluten free, making sure you are eating healthy. Local musicians will highlight a variety of music themes that is always family friendly. Multiple vendors will have plenty of local art, organic food, and unique gifts such as hemp creations on hand for sale. Don’t miss up on this truly Sedona experience offered by Buddha Farms.
Various Musical Events
Sedona features an abundance of events all summer long that are a treat to enjoy in person. This includes a variety of musical performances that are currently scheduled to take place around the 4th of July. Sedona is currently hosting an outdoor summer concert series with modern takes on classic compositions. Catch violinist Tyler Carson performing “Fiddler on the Rock” all weekend long. Catch world traveling Latin musician Eric Miller performing some of his romantic and soulful songs at Sound Bites Grill on July 2nd. The Yavapai College Performing Arts Center is showcasing their Concerts on the Green all this summer and will have a performance on July 3rd. This performance will be featuring the Prescott POPS Symphony: An American Celebration that will showcase classic American songs to help bring in the 4th of July. Sedona is home to incredible live music all year long so don’t pass up a chance to finally hear live music again when you visit for the 4th of July. Tickets start at $15 for adults, $5 for youth, and free for children ages 8 and younger.
Sedona Activities
Take advantage of the season and enjoy a variety of summer activities only found in Sedona. Start your morning with a quick hike to Bell Rock that features incredible views. Explore the red rock canyons with a Jeep tour that will take you off road and into the wild. Sedona features a variety of unique boutiques downtown that are fully open for business. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many local restaurants including Creekside American Bistro or The Hudson. A variety of art galleries showcase authentic works of art from local and national talent. Sit back at night and see some of the clearest views of the stars in the entire state. Relax at one of the many spas in town for a natural healing experience. All of this is up for grabs when you come visit Sedona this summer season for the 4th of July.
Make the Most of Your Time in Sedona
As you can see, there is plenty to enjoy when vacationing to Sedona for the 4th of July. Reserve one of our vacation rentals today for the best experience around!
Sedona is a magical place where the red rocks surrounding the city provide a beautiful experience. There is so much to see and do around Sedona that it can be difficult if you do not know where to start. Newcomers especially will want a little extra help discovering the area’s best attractions. If that sounds like you, make sure you book a tour experience here in Sedona. Professional guides will take you around the valley where you can experience thrilling activities. Here are some top tours to pick from:
Pink Jeep Tours
Perhaps the most popular and well-known tour company right here in Sedona is Pink Jeep Tours. You will immediately see why the company is named the way it is the second you take off in their signature pink Jeeps. This local tour company will take you out into the surrounding wilderness where you can find thrilling spots for incredible views. Pink Jeep Tours always provides a knowledgeable tour guide who will give you history into the area while taking you up and down the many hills. Guests report that the experience is like a fun roller coaster set in the Arizona desert. The Pink Jeeps can comfortably hold eight individuals, so feel free to invite the whole family. A minimum of two individuals is needed for booking. Go pink with Pink Jeep Tours!
Sedona Trolley
Sure, you have seen Sedona by car, or out on the hiking trails, but have you seen it from the comfort of a trolley? That’s right, you can book a tour of the Sedona area in a trolley with Sedona Trolley. This unique tour company brings extra joy to these tour experiences. Their authentic trolleys are just like the ones you find in downtown neighborhoods of cities, but instead, they are out on the open road here in Sedona. Their options include shorter tours which are just under an hour in length that is perfect for younger children who may not have the stamina for a full-day tour. Let your driver know if there are any particular sights you want to see, such as the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Sedona Air Tours
Now that you know what to expect from Sedona tours on land, you need to look up into the sky. Sedona Air Tours offers thrilling aerial tours that show off Sedona from a whole new level. They offer thrilling helicopter tours that will fly you around the best parts of Sedona, offering spectacular views of the red rocks. Your helicopter pilot will be a trained professional and knowledgeable tour guide. Make sure to bring your camera, as pictures from the higher elevation are pure bliss. Sedona Air Tours offers a variety of tour lengths starting with 35-minute tours. Do not pass up on the opportunity to see Sedona from hundreds of feet in the air!
One Tribe Tours – Sedona Vortex Tours
Sedona is known as a center for healing and re-centering yourself. During your stay, let the professionals at One Tribe Tours help you find your center again with their Sedona vortex tours. Their customizable tours will help you recharge and start a new journey in your life. These tours are meant to help you reconnect to your surroundings while appreciating the beauty of Sedona. These tours can include historical insight into the area, spiritual meditations, and explorations of natural healing centers out in the wilderness. These tours are perfectly paired with stops in a local spa to complete your spiritual journey. The Sedona vortex tours can be done individually or in small groups for a personalized experience.
Sedona UFO Tours LLC
One of the many fascinating parts of Sedona’s history is the frequent UFO sightings in the area. Whether you believe in UFOs or not, it is incredible to learn about the frequent sightings and what may be out there waiting for us. Sedona UFO Tours LLC will take you on a thrilling tour at night. You will be given night vision goggles and taken out to areas where UFO sightings have previously occurred. The night sky in Sedona does not have the light glow of big cities, so you can easily look up at the stars. Your tour guide will be a personal encyclopedia of all of the unique sightings and events that Sedona has experienced. Sedona UFO Tours LLC also offers vortex tours and hiking journeys all around Sedona.
More Fun in Sedona
All of these exciting tours in Sedona can be fully accessed during your next summer stay. Reserve one of our exclusive Sedona vacation rentals for incredible views of the surrounding red rocks along with having access to luxury amenities. Contact us to book today!