Whew! You’ve finally made it past the bottlenecked roundabout where State Route 179 meets 89A. Uptown Sedona is the main street for tourists.

Uptown Sedona

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

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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.

The Shops at Pinon Pointe

If you’re just here for a day trip from Phoenix, this is the perfect spot to stretch your legs, shop, or grab a coffee with red rock views. There are shops from unique clothing boutique, art galleries, wine shops, and a courtyard with casual dining options. Where else can you grab a burrito at Chipoltes with a view like this.

On the downside, it isn’t uncommon to wait 15-20 minutes to find a parking spot on the weekend during spring and fall.

Uptown Sedona Shops

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.

Sedona Original Uptown Mall Plaza

The original area has outdoor gear,

Matterhorn Shops

You can find Native American jewelry, discounted crystals and minerals, a western clothing boutique, restaurants, and vortex tours to name a few. I like to check out the discounted crystals store when I visit because there inventory is always rotating.

Sacajawea Plaza

A collection of indoor stores with pottery, metal art and home decor.

Sinagua Plaza

This two-level shopping center is one we find ourselves exploring often. It has an olive oil store, body care, restaurants, ice cream shop, candles, metal art, Native American pottery, and unique gifts. I like to browse in Soul Shine. I’ve also purchased different flavored olive oils.

Sedona Arts Center

This is just a short walk north of the Sinagua Plaza. Find local artists and unique items here.

Peace Place Gifts & Reiki Center Sedona

Not right on 89A, but just off of Apple and Jordan road is Peace Place Gifts & Reiki Center. This is one of my favorite stops to check out when I visit. You may even pass it depending on where you park. I bought some a large flat piece of Arizona gypsum here. There is also a public restroom in this area.

Best Uptown Sedona Views

Upper level of Sinagua Plaza has fantastic views of Wilson Mountain, Thunder Mountain and Snoopy Rock.

Pinon Pointe Shopping has great views of the mountains as well.

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.

Don’t forget to take in the view from the back of the Telegraph Office.

Visit the official site for more information.

Jordan Road Trailhead & Brins Mesa Trailhead

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.

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.

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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.

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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 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.

Uptown Sedona Parking Map

The map shows the uptown Sedona main street and public parking lots. In addition to these spots there are paid parking spots on each side of 89A.

Sedona Arizona Guides

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Sedona Tours