Romantic Sedona: An Enchanted Honeymoon Beneath the Red Rocks

Description:

A 20-minute drive into town, the Enchantment Resort makes up for any loss of convenience with its exquisite views of Boynton Canyon, one of the most photographed red rock canyons in Sedona and the Southwest. Rooms and suites are situated in pueblo-style casitas, all with private decks, beehive gas fireplaces, and expansive views. Did we mention the views? Aside from the resort's gorgeous natural setting, other attractions include Mii Amo, a world-class spa featuring locker rooms, steam room, sauna and whirlpool, fitness room, indoor pool with fireplace, and an outdoor lap pool. The spa and beauty treatments are inspired by local native plants and traditional indigenous recipes. This is a quintessentially Sedona luxury resort spa in one of the most scenic spots in town.

Our Local Expert Says:

Take 89A through this beautiful canyon dotted with great spots to fish, camp, hike, and picnic. Don’t forget your camera!

Description:

A trip to Sedona would not be complete without a day spent bumming around Oak Creek Canyon. Traveling from Flagstaff to Sedona, Ponderosa pines give way to Sedona's signature red rocks in this breathtaking canyon. A quick stop at the Oak Creek Canyon Vista Lookout is worth a few wide-angle lens photos before driving down the winding switchbacks. Once the road levels out, most visitors tour the canyon by foot; hiking along Oak Creek, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, and gazing at the towering cliffs in all directions.

Our Local Expert Says:

Exquisite food and wine but make sure you're patient because beauty and deliciousness takes time.

Description:

The sumptuous dining room--all white linen and polished silverware--is located creekside at the ritzy L'Auberge de Sedona resort property. This is one of the most formal, elegant, and scenic dining rooms in town, and it's easy to see why it's a favorite spot for special dinners, romantic dates, and Valentine's Day. Chef David Schmidt has crafted a menu that fuses contemporary and classic American cuisine with a strong French influence. For can't miss house favorites, choose the filet mignon with mushroom risotto or the spinach and leek chicken crepes. With a wine cellar brimming with over 1,200 bottles, this is a perfect spot to enjoy a four-course wine-paired tasting menu.

Our Local Expert Says:

Take this early morning balloon ride for the most spectacular sites in Sedona. This is well-worth the money, especially for those short on time.

Description:

Experience the magnificent scenery of Sedona from the perspective of a red-tailed hawk, soaring quietly above the towering red rock and snaking canyons. Flights begin at sunrise and last from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on wind and the discretion of the pilot. $195 per person includes transportation to and from the launch site, a complementary picnic upon landing, and a DVD immortalizing the trip. Because it is often chilly in the morning, even during the summer, guests should wear layered clothing. And don't forget to bring a camera! Reservations should be booked in advance.

Description:

This open-air shopping center is modeled after a picturesque Mexican village and named after the artisan suburb outside Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. In Sedona, Tlaquepaque happens to be one of the top tourist attractions in town, drawing a steady stream of visitors to the sprawling, hacienda-like structure lined with cobblestone and decorated with whimsical statuary and fountains. You'll find dozens of high-end galleries, jewelry stores, boutiques, restaurants, and a small chapel. The stucco walls are covered over with crawling vines and flower pots are tucked into every corner and decorative terrace. Undoubtedly one of the more romantic shopping centers in town, Tlaquepaque is also a working artisan community where you may catch a glimpse of artists at work.

Description:

Year after year, Shugrue's Hillside Grill is awarded the distinction of being Sedona's superior seafood and fine dining restaurant. There is also good news for steak-lovers-the beef is hand cut for top quality. Located in the Hillside Sedona complex, it is a casually upscale restaurant, not a jacket and tie kind of place. The outdoor patio is even more informal in feel. On weekends, live jazz music is performed.

Our Local Expert Says:

Beautiful area for those seeking a secluded experience. Go early, especially on the weekends, if you want to claim a good camping spot. Either way, take food and plenty of water.

Description:

This clear, cool brook remains pleasantly secluded in the deep red rock canyon it has cut into the southern rim of the Colorado Plateau. For much of its length, the land bordering Wet Beaver Creek has been declared a wilderness area. In addition to the opportunities for solitude such an area offers, the stream's pools and riffles are a popular place to fish, hike, swim, and bird watch. The waters of the stream are stocked with trout. The lush riparian area beside its banks is alive with a full palette of songbirds. The desert beyond that oasis bristles with the highly adapted plants of the upper Sonoran Desert.

FACILITIES: There are 13 single unit campsites with tables, fire rings, cooking grills, Drinking water and vault toilets at Beaver Creek Campground., picnic area, hiking trails, Wilderness Area.

Our Local Expert Says:

Beautiful area for those seeking a secluded experience. Go early, especially on the weekends, if you want to claim a good camping spot. Either way, take food and plenty of water.

Description:

This clear, cool brook remains pleasantly secluded in the deep red rock canyon it has cut into the southern rim of the Colorado Plateau. For much of its length, the land bordering Wet Beaver Creek has been declared a wilderness area. In addition to the opportunities for solitude such an area offers, the stream's pools and riffles are a popular place to fish, hike, swim, and bird watch. The waters of the stream are stocked with trout. The lush riparian area beside its banks is alive with a full palette of songbirds. The desert beyond that oasis bristles with the highly adapted plants of the upper Sonoran Desert.

FACILITIES: There are 13 single unit campsites with tables, fire rings, cooking grills, Drinking water and vault toilets at Beaver Creek Campground., picnic area, hiking trails, Wilderness Area.

Our Local Expert Says:

Beautiful area for those seeking a secluded experience. Go early, especially on the weekends, if you want to claim a good camping spot. Either way, take food and plenty of water.

Description:

This clear, cool brook remains pleasantly secluded in the deep red rock canyon it has cut into the southern rim of the Colorado Plateau. For much of its length, the land bordering Wet Beaver Creek has been declared a wilderness area. In addition to the opportunities for solitude such an area offers, the stream's pools and riffles are a popular place to fish, hike, swim, and bird watch. The waters of the stream are stocked with trout. The lush riparian area beside its banks is alive with a full palette of songbirds. The desert beyond that oasis bristles with the highly adapted plants of the upper Sonoran Desert.

FACILITIES: There are 13 single unit campsites with tables, fire rings, cooking grills, Drinking water and vault toilets at Beaver Creek Campground., picnic area, hiking trails, Wilderness Area.

Our Local Expert Says:

An uptown favorite for its location and consistently good food.

Description:

Healthy, fresh Mexican food gives your taste buds something to sing about at this scenic uptown restaurant in Sedona. The large, comfortable patio provides some of the best canyon vistas you'll find at at any restaurant in town, and the carefully prepared food adds to a great dining experience. Smoky salsa and an extensive tequila list make this a good place for a long lunch or leisurely dinner. Oaxaca owner Carla Butler is a registered dietitian who does not use lard or cholesterol-rich oils in the dishes, making this a health-conscious foodie's dream come true, and the gluten-free menu items provide choices for those with food sensitivities and allergies.

Description:

Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona's most famous scenic landmarks, a majestic monolith with red spires twisting up toward the sky, perfect for getting postcard-worthy vacation pics that will make your friends back home green with envy. Be warned that getting up close and personal with Cathedral Rock is not a simple endeavor, but it's completely worth the effort for the broad valley views and close encounters with a fascinating lava dike. You'll need to rock climb your way across and over steep, unshaded bald rocks and shallow clefts to get to rock's multilevel ledges and bases. Like all great hikes, challenging but rewarding. To get here from the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 179 south 3.5 miles to Back-O'Beyond Road, which will be on your right. From there, go less than one mile to the trailhead parking turnout on your left.