Is Sedona the Most Beautiful City in America?

The Tourism office of Sedona claims the red rock city as the most beautiful city in the world. I’d say, it’s the most beautiful city in America.

I mean, it’s like “Wow, it’s beautiful,” not like “OMG! It’s beautiful!” It doesn’t have the appeal of New York nor the glamour or Paris. But, it does have scenic, panoramic nature that could topple down the skyscrapers of Chicago.

These photos will show you why you shouldn’t skip Sedona in your future trip in Arizona.

How would you feel if the entrance to the city looks like this? 

And its village has a huge, red Bell Rock? 

Sedona’s Uptown Center has skyscrapers like these. 

Their hotels have panoramic views.

Would you leave your room if you can see this from your bed? 

Sunset from your patio? Why not? 

Some backyards aren’t just nice but the best. 

This is their Catholic Church. 

And they call this as Cathedral Rock. 

And guess what? These are Two Nuns. 

And this is their version of Madonna and Child! 

The city’s Courthouse looks like this. 

Rumour has it that The House below the Chapel of the Holy Cross is owned by Nicholas Cage. Really? 

In Sedona, you can find the world’s best parking lot with a view. 

Hungry? How about a bite or a drink at a cafe with this view? 

Their art district’s name is hard to pronounce: Tlaquepaque!

You can also find benches on a hill and be on your own. 

And oh, this is their skyline.

Their main street is winding and panoramic.

Their roundabout is scenic. 

And their alley has a stunning view like this. 

And yes, they have a trolley like this! 

Sedona is beautiful but expensive. It’s for the rich. Or at least, for those who drive. Backpackers? Hmnnnn… not really as welcome as the ones with overflowing budget.

BUS FROM PHOENIX TO SEDONA
Your ONLY option is the Arizona Shuttle. It will cost you around $51 + tip.

NO HOSTEL
Yes, there’s no hostel in Sedona. There used to be one, I was told. So, the accommodations in Sedona are dominated by hotels and motels with exorbitant prices.

Hotel in Sedona

I was planning to stay there for at least three nights because I wanted to go hiking some of the trails with amazing views. But I ended up for one-night stay in Sedona Motel that cost me $154, including taxes. For a SOLO backpacker, that’s really expensive, eh?

There’s a public bus that traverse from Sedona to Cottonwood. But, don’t depend on it. There’s a long interval before the next bus comes. The bus stops are away from each other, too. It doesn’t go to the tourist attractions around the city. 

I walked from downtown Sedona to the Church of the Holy Cross for three hours, including a lot of stops for photographic opportunities. I was literally the only one walking there with a nimbus cloud above. Then, it poured. Good thing, I had an umbrella.

Where to eat: Ranch Cowboys, Starbucks (It has the best view ever.), Thai Palace, Golden Flowerbread, any cafes/restaurant in Uptown and Downtown Sedona.

TRAVEL TIPS: VIEWS OF THE RED ROCK

If you drive, I personally think that you don’t need a tour if you’re just into the stunning views. You can park your car in downtown and uptown for free.

You can drive all the way to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. There’s a parking up there. Mid-morning should be the best time to go for postcard perfect photos. There’s no need for joining a tour going there. Unless, you have other interests.

Snoopy Hill

Walk up along the Snoopy Hill for your first walk around Sedona. It’s just right below the Starbucks on the hill.

Boynton Trail

Boynton Trail is consist of several hiking trails with amazing views of the grandeur of Sedona’s red rocks. If you’re not into hiking, just park in designated parking spaces of the trails where you are surrounded with majestic red rocks of unbelievable, rugged beauty!

Village of Old Creek

If you’re driving from Phoenix, you’re gonna enter through the Village of Old Creek. From above the highway, you’ll be stupefied at the scenic drive as you go down the village. I had goosebumps as we went down. The beauty was just so stunning and jaw-dropping. I was literally speechless and immovable that I forgot to take photos.

Go Hiking

Just like I said, there are many hiking trails there. I wanted to do the one that goes to the Devil’s Bridge but rain and lack of public transportation ruined it.

Enjoy and have fun in Sedona!