While staying at a spot as unique and gorgeous as the Sedona cliff house can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, there are many rewarding and exciting ways to experience this unique city. Sedona, nestled up in the mountains between red rocks and lush forests, is truly one of the most unique places in the American Southwest. There’s simply nothing else like it. Noted for its unique culture, local cuisine options, impressive amount of recreational opportunities, and friendly community, Sedona needs to be on your vacation list.
But if you’ve never visited this town before (or even the whole state of Arizona), it can seem overwhelming knowing just how to plan for this trip. While a vacation rental property management company can help you find a great vacation property to stay at (preferable for many over a hotel or motel), you still need to plan out quite a few other things. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’re offering some tips to help you plan your perfect Sedona vacation. After reading, hopefully, you’ll have enough tips and some great inspiration to begin your planning to visit this true jewel in the American Southwest.
How to Plan Your Sedona Vacation
Planning out the perfect vacation, no matter where you go, takes some careful research and time. Of course, knowing someone local in Sedona doesn’t hurt either. But to help you get started, let’s offer some vacation planning trips for Sedona:
- Where to eat: no vacation is complete without a sampling of the local fare. And boy, does Sedona have a lot of options for that. This small town is renowned for its eclectic mix of both local and international cuisine (sometimes found in the same restaurant). Tii Gavo is an excellent spot for local fare inspired by the people of the Southwest. If you’re feeling like a cowboy, check out Cowboy Club Grille and Spirits. Attracting some of America’s most famous movie stars (like John Wayne), this is a classic spot for a good steak and a classic cocktail. Last but not least, explore Cress on Oak Cree for a romantic getaway.
- Outdoor recreation: perhaps more so than the food options, Sedona is well-known for its access to so much outdoor recreation. If you’re into rafting, hiking, kayaking, or even just taking a scenic drive through the mountains, Sedona is the place for you. If you’re looking to hike or even climb, make sure you explore some of the amazing red rock formations like Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, or Fay Canyon. There are also tons of opportunities to hit the water for kayaking or rafting—a great way to cool off in the Arizona heat.
- The vortexes: did you know that Sedona is home to four prominent vortexes? Did you even know what a vortex is? Scattered throughout the city, these spiritual vortexes are believed to be center points for unique energy flows. Many people choose to visit these vortexes to relax, practice yoga, or simply get in touch with themselves.
- Shopping experiences: you’ll want to make sure you don’t go home without a souvenir from Sedona. There are many unique shopping experiences to explore in Sedona, many of which even feature local artisans crafting up unique gifts you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Get Help from a Vacation Rental Property Management Team
Last but not least, you need to make sure you find a place to stay. For many vacationers, they’ll just immediately turn to a hotel or motel as the most obvious answer. But these days, more and more people are turning to vacation properties. In fact, data shows that over 450 million people across the world have stayed at a vacation rental. And these numbers seem sure to just keep growing.
Compared to a hotel, there are many advantages to this choice. For one, you get to choose from a wide range of house sizes and styles. Looking for something for a big family getaway and you need separate rooms? A vacation rental is your best bet. You can also determine the specific location for your place so you can be closer to the amenities you want. And speaking of amenities, you’ll find far more of these at a vacation rental. Looking for something with a big pool? Some outdoor space? Or a fully stocked and functional kitchen so you don’t have to eat out every single evening? If so, a vacation rental property is definitely worth looking into.
Conclusion – How to Plan Your Sedona Vacation
Are you feeling ready to start planning your vacation yet? There’s truly no other place in the country—or on the planet—quite like Sedona. Nestled up in the lower Rockies, Sedona is surrounded by forests and beautiful red rock formations. Since it’s at a higher elevation than most of the rest of the state, this can also be a great way to beat that notorious Arizona heat. Sedona is smaller than other Arizona cities like Phoenix or Tucson, but that’s in part what gives it the charm.
When planning your vacation to this stunning place, before you take a look into some of the local culinary options. You’ll have a lot to choose from, so by doing research first you can narrow it down a bit. The same goes for your shopping options. Of course, we recommend checking out the local Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village for some true local artisans and shops.
Last but not least, you’re going to probably need a place to stay. Instead of going with your conventional hotel, we recommend exploring staying at a vacation rental property. By working with an experienced vacation rental management team, you can get hooked up with some of the most unique and beautiful properties in town. They can also help you find the right property for your specific needs (like if you’re coming down with a large group) to ensure that your Sedona vacation is one to remember.
