Only a visit, where you see and feel with your entire body, can explain what the magic of Sedona, AZ is all about. The geological wonder is a mecca for the wellness, health conscious, and spirituality types and a phenomenal place for solo female travel. With virtually no crime, mild temperatures, and all four seasons it can be an easy road trip (nearly 1,000 miles round trip from LA) to make or quick flight (1 hr 25 minutes to Flagstaff from LA) to take. From the stunning landscapes that will leave you feeling full of wonder to the unparalleled energy of the vortices there really isn’t a bad time to go to Sedona.

Sedona, AZ travel tips:

The busiest times of year in Sedona are between March and June or September through November, where you will also find higher costs for your accommodation. If you want to avoid crowds consider August (90 - 100 degrees F) or mid-December through February, with cooler temps (60 degrees F).
Sedona is fairly small, but what you will want to see and do will be hard to reach by foot. A car - a four wheel drive vehicle - is your best way to get around Sedona and see it for yourself.
If you are taking a road trip from Los Angeles, it is approximately 400 miles to get there or a little over 7 hours of driving. If you’re going for it solo and that is too long of a trip, there’s a couple ways to go about breaking it up. One option is to drive to Vegas and split the trip up into two chunks. Another is to make a stop in Kingman, AZ or head to Palm Springs/Joshua Tree for a night and then complete the rest in the morning when you’re refreshed.
Drink lots of water! You’re in the desert. Bring a gallon with you to have in the car during the long drive.
Make yourself an inspiring playlist and if you can, make sure it’s downloaded to your phone. There will be plenty of patches of driving where you won’t have any phone service.
To help with your Sedona trip planning, consider using these apps.
To help with your road trip preparation, read this post Best Ways to Prepare for a Road Trip in the USA.
If you want a more in-depth overview of how to plan your trip to Sedona, take a look at the official Sedona Tourism site.

Where to stay in Sedona, AZ:

- Amara Resort and Spa - located in uptown with great walking distance to popular shops and scenic views along Oak Creek. Has well known Salt Rock Restaurant famous for its cocktails (try the La Verdad).

- L’auberge de Sedona Resort & Spa - also situated alongside Oak Creek in uptown, this property airs on the romantic side with cozy and healing vibes.

- Enchantment Resort - This resort is sprawling across 70 acres in secluded Boynton Canyon and surrounded by red rock formations.

*Travel hack - check the app Hotel Tonight to see if there are any great last minute rates

Noteworthy Items to Pack:

-Comfortable walking shoes

-Sturdy sneakers/hiking shoes

-sunscreen

-layers

-a hat

-yoga pants

-sandals

Top 10 Things To Do in Sedona, AZ

Visit a Vortex

Boynton Canyon Vortex with twisting Juniper Tree

A vortex is a swirling or whirling energy center and can be made up of anything that flows; water, electricity, or wind. All of Sedona is actually a vortex and this energy can be felt throughout it, but there are four main points throughout the city where it is said to be the strongest; where the earth’s energy is more active. The four best known Sedona vortices are located at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon (across from Enchantment Resort). You’ll know you’ve made it when you notice the increase of twisting Juniper trees (pictured in the right of the above photo). With the growing tourism to Sedona you may want to try and visit one of these locations when most travelers or not up yet or having dinner. Plan to be there for a little while - do some yoga, meditate or journal.

2. Take a tour of Sedona with a local

If you want to save time and get some local inside perspective on Sedona, consider taking a tour on one of your first days in town with a smaller operation, for example Red Earth Adventures. In the off season with less travelers, and/or traveling solo, tours may be more costly, but also more private giving you space to enjoy the energy and get to ask more personalized questions. Margareth, the owner of Red Earth Adventures, was passionate about all things Sedona and gave a more customized approach to the tour; sharing insights about life as a local, history, and plenty of detail about the energy of Sedona.

3. Have one of 101 Omelettes at Coffee Pot Restaurant

Also, a local favorite, Coffee Pot Restaurant in the suburban area of Sedona is both a classic and iconic breakfast spot. Ask to sit out in the back and enjoy your breakfast on the patio.

4. Visit Crystal Magic

You will find tons of crystal shops and metaphysical shops throughout Sedona and naturally some will be more touristic than others. Another local favorite with great energy, is Crystal Magic located a short distance from Coffee Pot Restaurant. It has a beautiful selection of crystals, books, and jewelry to meet your needs and super friendly staff to help.

5. Meet with an intuitive

There are intuitives and psychics abound in Sedona. But just like there are differing skillsets of plumbers and lawyers, it goes the same for tarot card readers and mediums. If you are visiting Crystal Magic, consider a Tarot reading or energy clearing with one of their talents, like Tarot Reader/Psychic/Reiki Master, Wynterwolf. She has lovely energy and her downloads come quick, clear, and mightily.

6. Watch the sunset and the full moonrise

The changing colors of the red rock formations during sunset and the rise of a full moon (if the timing works out with your trip) are sights not to be missed during your time in Sedona. Watch sunset at Red Rock Crossing or over dinner at View 180 or The Hudson.

7. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Want to feel like you’re standing on your front porch watching the world go by? That’s what it’s like to float about the tree-tops in the 7 Sacred Canyons, the heart of Sedona with Red Rock Balloon Adventures. This professional and respectful outfit will provide you with a stunning sunrise experience that can only be experienced to be truly understood (especially if you’re not an avid hiker). The views are unparalleled.

8. Go for a Hike

Even if you’re not a big hiker, there are so many trails throughout Sedona that can meet your level and experience. Check out the trails in West Fork for some of the prettiest and peaceful views. Or hike out to or around any of the vortices. Here’s a snapshot of some of the best hikes and where they are located in Sedona. You can also download the app AllTrails for trails, trail levels, and trail reviews.

9. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross and light a candle

In 1932, local woman Marguerite Brunswig Staude was inspired to build the church after the construction of the Empire State Building. Completed in 1956 this chapel is actually non-denominational and is built right into the iconic red rocks facing many of the famous rock formations and vortices on Coconino National Forest land.

10. Browse Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village entrance

Sedona is known for its artists; sculpture, painting, pottery, and art and Tlaquepaque is one of the best places in town to see the original and beautiful work surrounded by architecture inspired from the Mexican city, Tlaquepaque. You can also check to see if they have any interesting events before visiting or plan to have a meal there.

BONUS!

If you are looking for a Sedona souvenir in the form of apparel, the only spot is Sedona Republic. All of the one of a kind designs are on luxe fabrics. Check out the sweatshirts!

For more insight and behind the scenes of Sedona, visit @hertravelstyle on Instagram and look for the Sedona Highlight!

Have an amazing time in Sedona!

Bon voyage,

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A post shared by Taryn * Cosmic Revolutionary * (@hertravelstyle) on Sep 1, 2019 at 7:00pm PDT

T.

The Top 10 Things To Do In Sedona, AZ