Travelers looking to visit a serene city need look no further than the red rocks of Arizona.
A recent study of Mission connection ranked Sedona as the #1 most zen city in America.
Sedona topped the list of 150 U.S. cities ranked by Google Review scores.
Mission Connection concluded that Sedona was a “wellness center” that attracted visitors from around the world seeking “tranquility and inner peace.”
With a population of less than 11,000, Sedona scored a 4.88 out of 5 in Google Ratings, making it one of two Arizona cities to make the top 10.
Mission Connection named Sedona, Arizona the most Zen city in the US
Sedona can be a dream come true for any outdoor or spiritual enthusiast.
A famous attraction in Sedona is Cathedral Rock, which marks one of the city’s four “vortexes.”
The Sedona vortexes are thought to be swirling energy centers conducive to healing, meditation and self-exploration. Visit Sedona.
In addition to Cathedral Rock, the energy crackles “most intensely” at Airport Mesa, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.
Anyone visiting these vortexes may want to be quiet, as guests regularly visit the areas to meditate or do yoga.
Outdoor travelers can also visit one of the more than 200 hiking trails spanning more than 400 miles throughout the city.
Visitors can also enjoy Sedona’s “plethora of yoga studios, luxury spas and holistic healing centers.”
A famous attraction in Sedona is Cathedral Rock
There’s plenty to see on a day trip to Sedona, but tourists who want to spend more time in the red rocks can choose from several hotels in town.
One hotel in Boynton Canyon is Enchantment Resort, which was named the best hotel in Sedona last August Forbes.
Others in Sedona include L’Auberge de Sedona, the Ambiente Hotel and The Wilde Resort and Spa.
The Enchantment Resort at Boynton Canyon was named the best hotel in Sedona by Forbes last August
FOX 10 drone pilots Brian Kae and Joe Tillman praised Sedona and its “beautiful red rocks” during an episode of Drone zone.
They also discussed the famous vortex that Tillman says he tries to avoid during his travels.
“Sedona is a great day out. It’s nothing like you’ve ever seen… Suddenly you turn off the highway and you’re surrounded by beautiful, beautiful red rocks,” he said.
Kae added that the two men enjoyed flying their drones over the Chapel of the Holy Cross – a top tourist attraction with “beautiful architecture”.
Tourists also have positive experiences in Sedona.
“As soon as you enter Sedona the red rock mountains are breathtaking. Lots of food options with Yelp or Open Table as references,” a Yelp reviewer wrote in June.
“The Upper Sedona is store after store… Lots of stores advertising crystals, psychic readings, etc. Clothing stores, Native American crafts, gemstones, fossils and more.”
Several reviewers have praised Sedona for its outdoor attractions
Sedona narrowly beat out cities in California, New Mexico and Hawaii to earn this year’s top spot.
Other Arizona cities that made the list were Prescott at number nine, Flagstaff at number 11, Tubac at number 16, Bisbee at 42 and Carefree at 76.