Sedona attracts a diverse mix of vacationers. Some visit for the stunning mountain scenery and easy access to outdoor activities, while others seek rejuvenation at area spas or from the many nearby energy vortexes. Just about everyone enjoys the Southwestern cuisine and shopping opportunities.

 

This 12-suite boutique hotel fills up well in advance, and for good reason. It sits quietly in Sedona's arts district and connects to paved bike and walking paths as well as numerous hiking trails. The adobe building features museum-quality Arts and Crafts furnishings throughout, which are authentic to the period or custom reproductions. Opt for the Grand Canyon Suite, with its vaulted log beam and rafter ceiling and full-length river rock fireplace, for a spacious yet cozy headquarters for your stay. Like many of the other suites at the hotel, it also features a pet yard for those traveling with four-legged members of their family. Visit elportalsedona.com for more information and reservations.

 

The signature restaurant at Enchantment Resort offers breathtaking views of Sedona's red rocks as well as delicious American cuisine with a hint of the Southwest. Don't miss the Squash Blossoms appetizer with goat cheese, green crème fraiche, shaved squash and Cherokee tomatoes or the Buffalo Tenderloin entrée with forbidden rice, pearl onions, agrodolce and baby carrots. While most of Sedona is laid back when it comes to attire, this restaurant does require men to wear a collared shirt and pants. Visit enchantmentresort.com for more information and reservations.

 

Within walking distance of El Portal, this collection of buildings looks more like a traditional Mexican village than a high-end collection of galleries and boutiques. There you will find a variety of works by local and regional artists in a multitude of styles and mediums, including contemporary and Southwestern fine art paintings, blown glass creations, Western and eclectic bronze sculpture, weavings, functional and traditional ceramics, decorative arts, photography and architectural décor pieces. Wearable art, such as clothing and jewelry, are also available in many of the shops. Visit tlaq.com for more information.

 

Spend an afternoon at this luxury spa resort to rejuvenate muscles tired from a hike in the mountains or a day spent shopping. The 90-minute Desert Renewal treatment begins with a body cleansing by volcanic ash. A poultice of antioxidant, immune-stimulant local wild-harvested herbs follows. And a massage application of regenerative butter cream completes the experience. The spa also offers meditation, past-life regression, psychic readings and other treatments from its Wellness & Intuitive Discoveries menu of services. Visit sedonarouge.com for more information and reservations.

 

Thanks to the still-changing leaves, fall is the perfect time to visit Sedona. If you plan to travel two hours north to the Grand Canyon during your stay, you will find fewer visitors than during other times of the year because of winter weather. Be sure to check for road closings before making the trip.