Sedona Tourist Attractions

The Sedona Arts Center began out of a need for a location where artists could work and teach together. As a result the center is a great place both to see art and to learn art. The Fine Art Gallery showcases the works of local artists. Depending on when you visit, you may be able to meet some of the artists. This is a great way to see the local talent and, in many cases, see the beauty of the Sedona area translated into works of art. There is an array of experience available. The exhibits feature paintings, crafts, and performing arts.For those spending some time in the area, there are also a variety of classes and workshops offered to the public. Some of the options include ceramics, watercolor, drawing, oil painting, and more.

Red Rock State Park covers 286 acres just west of Sedona. It is a nature preserve and environmental education center, but is best known for its beautiful landscape. As the name suggests the landscape is a characteristic brownish red color caused by iron contained in the rocks.The family-oriented trail system is well marked and visitors can learn about native plants and animals of the area. While visitors can hike on their own quite easily, the park offers guided walks with naturalist which can be very educational.For information on the park, stop in at the visitor center which has an interpretive area. There is also a movie theater with a film on the Sedona area.

Tlaquepaque is a recreated Mexican style village in Sedona with more than 40 art galleries and craft shops as well as four restaurants. The original idea behind the village, in the 1970s, was to create an artists community. Shoppers can still see artists at work, although most of what you will find is simply retail establishments.The setting here is quite unique with cobbled streets and two story Spanish style buildings with balconies, rounded arches, and fountains. The atmosphere is unique and it is one of the things to see while in Sedona.Art includes works in glass, ceramics, sculptures, weavings, paintings, decorative arts, photography, jewelry, and decor, among others.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a unique structure which sits on a red sandstone ridge south of Sedona. It was built in 1956 by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a pupil of Frank Lloyd Wright. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a breathtaking landmark in Sedona, with a 90 foot cross that dominates the structure and a massive stained glass window.The modern appearance, with sharp lines and angles, contrasts with the rounded red rocks that stand around it and can be seen in behind. Most visitors would not immediately identify the building as being a church or chapel.

The Palatki Heritage Site is a well-preserved ruin, and one of the largest Sinagua villages in the area. Palatki was inhabited by the Sinagua about 800 years ago, however the rock art indicates cultures used this site 3,000 to 5,000 years earlier.There are two trails at the Palatki Heritage Site, one trail takes visitors to the Sinagua cliff dwellings, and a second trail that leads to the rock art alcoves.

Grasshopper Point is a natural swimming hole located 2 miles north of Sedona. This is a large cliff side swimming spot that is ideal for respite from the heat and popular in summer. It can be a good alternative to Slide Rock State Park which is frequently very busy.There are picnic sites in the area.

Great Venture Tours offers a variety of fully guided tours of the Grand Canyon and the Sedona area. Grand Canyon tours originate from Sedona, with overnight tour packages available. Colorado River Rafting, helicopter, and scenic float tours are also offered. See and learn about Sedona on one of the local tours.

The main building of Sedona Heritage Museum was the farm home of Walter and Ruth Jordan. The rooms tell the story of Sedona pioneers, how they lived and the things they used. The house was built in 1930 and contains original furnishings. The primary focus of the museum is from 1876 to modern day.

The Andrea Smith Gallery features sculptures, paintings, handmade jewelry, and inspirational books.

The Sedona SuperMax theater shows a 33-minute film of Sedona on a massive screen.