Uptown Sedona: Best Attractions, Shops, & Views
Whew! You’ve finally made it past the bottlenecked roundabout where State Route 179 meets 89A. Uptown Sedona is the main street for tourists.
You’ve arrived. Welcome to Uptown Sedona, Arizona.
This is where red rock daydreams meet souvenir shops, crystal energy stores, and yes, plenty of foot traffic. It’s the heart of Sedona’s tourist scene bustling, scenic, and charming if you know where to look and where to park.
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Where is Uptown Sedona?
It’s just north of where State Route 179 and 89A meet. You’ll know you’re there when the lanes start to back up and that first traffic light looms into view.
Quick tip if you’re not planning to turn left into the Sedona Visitor Center or the shopping center right away, get yourself into the right lane. Trust me, this spot is notorious for last-minute lane changes and merge drama.
Directly to your right is a sidewalk path where, once you park, you’ll be able to walk down and see great views of the surrounding area called the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Overlook
Taking the First Left: The Visitor Center & Shops
Okay, back to that first traffic light. If you do decide to turn left here, you’ll find the Sedona Visitor Center a great place to pick up trail maps, ask questions, and grab some insider tips from volunteers who actually live here.
This area also gives you access to a cozy mix of boutiques, restaurants, and small art galleries. If you’re just here for a day trip from Phoenix, this is the perfect spot to stretch your legs, window shop, or grab a coffee with red rock views.
Several of the shopping centers here have patios or balconies. They have some of the best views in town.
Shopping & Restaurants
If you stay straight on 89A instead of turning left, you’ll coast right into the walkable strip of Uptown Sedona. Parking here can be hit or miss, especially on weekends, but there are a few public lots tucked behind the shops. Once you park, everything is an easy stroll.
You’ll find art galleries, outdoor sculpture displays, shops selling handmade jewelry, vintage cowboy boots, and yes—a few vortex maps and aura photos if you’re in the mood for Sedona’s spiritual side.
On the west side of the street there is almost always an animal rescue place that has various snakes and lizards you can hold.
Uptown Sedona Restaurants
Hungry yet? Here are a few restaurant gems to try in Uptown:
- Elote Café – Just a couple blocks from the 89A on Jordan road.
- 89 Agave Cantina – Bold flavors, colorful patio, and solid margaritas. Great for people-watching, too.
- Outlaw Grille – My favorite spot to get a burger in Sedona. Perfect after a morning hike.
- The Vault – Sweeping views and a modern vibe. Ideal for sunset cocktails and small bites. This one is near the visitor center and I suggest getting a table on the patio. It has great views.
Sedona Heritage Museum
Learn about the history of Sedona. For a little local history, wander up Jordan Road to the Sedona Heritage Museum. It’s tucked away just enough to feel quiet and a little hidden.
The museum shares stories of Sedona’s homesteading families, Hollywood Westerns filmed in town, and even Sedona Schnebly herself . You’ll find old wagons, antique tools, the apple packing shed and a replica tenthouse that early families lived in as they built their homes.
The tour is DIY, you can download an app to listen to the history. I recommend earbuds, so you can block out the noise from other visitors and hear the stories better.
Visit the Telegraph Office. It was moved from it’s original location to the Sedona Heritage Museum site and restored. Now it houses movie memorabilia, but the best part in my opinion is the view from behind the building. After you’ve explored the history inside take a look behind the building.
Visit the official site for more information.
Jordan Road Trailhead & Brins Mesa Trailhead
If you packed your walking shoes and want a quick nature fix, you’re in luck. At the north end of Jordan Road (not far from the Heritage Museum), you’ll find access to the Jordan Road Trailhead, which connects to Brins Mesa Trail.
It winds through shady sections of juniper and manzanita, then opens up to sweeping mesas and distant rock formations that practically glow in the afternoon sun. It’s moderate, scenic, and not as crowded as some of the more famous Sedona hikes.
Uptown Sedona Parking
On busy days in Sedona (especially holidays and weekends) parking is the worst. You can spend a long time driving around just trying to find somewhere to park. The last couple times I went it took me more than 20 minutes to find a spot.
There is paid parking on 89A in uptown Sedona, including some behind the shops on Amara Road. There are additional parking lots off of the following roads: Vanderen Road, Jordan Road, Apple Road and Schnebly Road.
Oak Creek Canyon
If you want to continue down scenic 89A towards Flagstaff, check out our post on 5 Fantastic Adventures to Have in Oak Creek Canyon.
Yes, Uptown Sedona gets busy. Yes, the traffic is a little maddening. But if you take it slow, lean into the walkable vibe, and know where to pull off for the best views, it’s an easy and rewarding way to explore the heart of this town in just a few hours.
Things to do in Sedona
