From Vortexes to Vineyards: The Top 5 Things to Experience in Sedona
Sedona, Arizona is one of the most enchanting places I've ever visited.
I've had my fair share of wanderlust-inducing experiences. I've driven the scenic Road to Hana in Maui and ziplined through the rainforests of Costa Rica. But it's Sedona that has my heart!
The Mysterious Pull of Sedona
Some say that Sedona calls you there and I believe it! My journey to Sedona started seemingly out of nowhere.
During the pandemic, I kept seeing Sedona pop up everywhere - from articles to conversations to bumper stickers. I'd stop in my tracks every time it came up thinking, "I have to go there." It felt like the universe was whispering in my ear to go, but I wasn't able to pull off a trip at that time.
Fast forward a couple of years, and the signs started again. I was working in a very stressful job that felt like it was crushing my soul. One night after a long day, I was watching HBO's Hacks (a hilarious series, by the way - highly recommend), and there was an episode set in Sedona. It reignited that spark in me to go.
I finally booked my flight. Sometimes you just have to follow your instincts.
5 Must-Do Experiences in Sedona
1 - Explore the Mystical Vortexes
Here's the funny thing - I didn't know much about Sedona's vortexes when I booked the trip. My husband downloaded a book about Sedona on his Kindle for the plane ride. We took turns reading it during the flight there, and that's when I learned about the vortexes.
These vortexes are said to be areas of concentrated spiritual energy. While the scientific community might raise their eyebrows at this, these sites join the ranks of other landmarks that are said to be energy vortexes like the Great Pyramid of Giza and Machu Picchu.
The four main vortexes in Sedona are:
Cathedral Rock
Airport Mesa
Bell Rock
Boynton Canyon
Each vortex is said to have its own unique energy, and how you experience it is very personal. Some visitors feel an intense connection. Some believe they receive personal messages from spirits or ancestors. Others simply enjoy the stunning views.
My biggest advice to anyone exploring the vortexes is not to force anything or expect to feel something. We're all different, and your vortex experience will be uniquely yours.
I won't spoil your experience by detailing too much of my own - that's for you to discover. But I will say I felt a strong connection to Airport Mesa and Boynton Canyon.
The views are worth it, whether you feel the vortex energy or not!
2 - Wander Through Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque (pronounced T-lockey-pockey) is a charming arts and shopping village in the heart of Sedona. It feels like stepping into Old Mexico.
While we were there, there were some Day of the Dead decorations set up in preparation for their upcoming celebrations, which added to the authentic charm.
We spent a couple of hours wandering through the shopping complex, which has beautiful fountains and gardens throughout. We checked out many of the unique shops and art galleries - I highly recommend checking out what the jewelry shops have to offer.
And if you're looking for a romantic place to eat dinner, Rene at Tlaquepaque was delightful. We had a delicious dinner there one night, while sitting on the patio overlooking the courtyard.
3 - Dine at Mariposa
Speaking of romantic dinners, Mariposa is the crown jewel of Sedona’s culinary scene. No Sedona trip would be complete without it!
Take my advice though: make your reservations months in advance. When I booked our reservation, the only spots left were two seats at the bar. And here’s another tip: aim for a sunset reservation. The backdrop is stunning and the perfect spot for a photo op!
The restaurant's design is gorgeous. The dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the red rocks. It's like dinner and a show, courtesy of Mother Nature.
And the food? Exquisite. Lisa Dahl is the executive chef and owner. She’s one of the leading female chefs in the U.S. You don’t just get food here - you get a culinary experience.
4 - Sip and Savor at Page Spring Cellars
After a morning of hiking and vortex experiences, we decided to check out the Bistro & Tasting Room at Page Spring Cellars.
This charming winery turned out to be so much more than just a place for a quick drink. The ambiance was cozy, and we sat together on a couch facing the bar area. We were surrounded by art from local artists.
A friendly staff member guided us through a wine flight featuring five delicious wines from white to red. I typically gravitate toward white wines, but my favorite was a delicious Petite Sirah.
The food was also better than I've gotten with other wine tastings. We ordered a brick-fired mushroom pizza. The earthy mushrooms and crisp crust paired very well with the red wine.
It's open 365 days a year, so it’s sure to be open while you're there. And here's a bonus - you get to take the tasting glass home with you!
5 - Conquer Devil's Bridge
If you're up for an adventure and a bit of an adrenaline rush, hiking to Devil's Bridge is a must. But let me tell you - it's not for the faint of heart!
We decided to start our hike before sunrise. This meant a very early wake-up call, but it’s not too bad if you’re on East Coast time! The solitude on the trail, just the two of us in the dark, was both eerie and magical at the same time. Once the morning light started to show, the red rock views around us were gorgeous.
The hike took a bit longer than I expected. It was mostly flat, but once you’re almost there, it gets more challenging. The trail’s final stretch includes more of a steep incline and some rocks you have to scramble up. I couldn’t imagine doing this part of the hike during peak times with the big crowds!
Once you reach the bridge, the views are breathtaking. And once you get on the bridge, it truly takes your breath away! Let's just say, it looks a lot higher up when you're standing on it.
My husband, who's not typically one to be a daredevil, skipped across it like it was nothing. But me? I got about halfway across the bridge before my knees started shaking.
The hike itself was beautiful, and the sense of accomplishment (even if I didn't cross the bridge) was well worth the early wake-up call.
Your Sedona Adventure Awaits
While these five experiences are a must in Sedona, they're just the beginning. I can’t give away all the secrets! You'll have to discover some things on your own once Sedona inevitably calls you there too.
You'll find your own places and experiences that resonate with you. For me, it was a personal tarot card reading that ultimately inspired me to leave my unfulfilling job and pursue a life that felt more authentically "me".
Sedona called me for a reason, and I'm glad I answered!
What about you? Have you ever felt called to a place? Or did you ever visit the right place at the right time in your life?
