You may think of the Grand Canyon when you think of Arizona; many of us do, and with good reason. It’s a spectacle unrivaled in the United States and draws nearly 6 million tourists per year. It’s even called The Grand Canyon State. While this is an otherworldly scene that may have you thinking you’re on another planet, the reality is Arizona is decorated with locations like these all over the place.
Take Sedona for example. This enchanting town, loved by vacation management companies, is known for its red rocks and enchanting allure and lies only 119 miles north of Phoenix. But unlike Phoenix, the landscape is the draw; not the shopping, bustling nightlife, professional sports, or other scenes of the city.
One could argue it’s the best place in Arizona to get a first impression of the state, or even the West as a whole. It’s close enough to the city to drive in any time you want during your vacation, but is far enough away to see the stars, go hiking, camp, or do other activities in the Great Outdoors.
In this blog, we’ll break down why Sedona is the perfect city to embody the state of Arizona, and why it should be the location of your next vacation.
Table of Contents
1. A Spiritual Oasis
Many flock to Sedona searching for something more. There’s a spiritual and enchanting aura in the air, and many go looking for a transformative experience. The red-rock landscape has ceremoniously been used in Native American cultures, and it can allow you to unplug and reset from the busyness of your life.
2. The Weather
You may have this expectation of a scorching, unrelenting desert when visiting Arizona. You aren’t wrong; much of the state is blistering for most of the year. Sedona, however, despite being so close to Phoenix, is actually quite mild. The average temperature hovers around 75 degrees, and you can enjoy over 300 days of sun per year.
3. Proximity
Sedona is just far away enough and just big enough to unplug without taking yourself off the map. It’s located just 119 miles from busy Phoenix and 45 minutes from nearby Flagstaff. This makes Sedona the perfect home base for your Arizona vacation to explore larger parts of the state. Plus, you’re only two hours south of the Grand Canyon as well.
4. Outdoor Adventures
Sedona is surrounded by countless trails for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and more. You can also ride horses to take in the surrounding landscape or catch a beautiful sunset at the end of the day. Again, the stars are beautiful here, and the mild weather lends itself well to outdoor activities.
5. Attractions
While it is much more relaxed than busy cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Flagstaff, Sedona still has everything you’d want for a shopping, eating, or artsy vacation. With more than 50 restaurants, 60 local tourist attractions and guides, and 80 galleries and shops, you’re sure to get your shopping fix in between outdoor adventures or spiritual awakenings.
Conclusion
Sedona has everything a hungry vacationer needs. From the beauty of the area around the town to the attractions the town offers, you and your family, company, or self will get the most out of Arizona in this stunning, mild oasis. You get the beauty of the state without the blistering heat, and the easy opportunity to travel to other Arizona attractions nearby.