State Route 89A is not just a road; it is an officially designated National Scenic Byway. In the heart of its most famous stretch through Uptown Sedona, you will find Oak Creek Marketplace, a central hub for visitors.
Exploring Oak Creek Marketplace
This open-air complex features a rustic, Southwestern aesthetic and serves as a primary stop for those exploring the town center.
Unique Shopping & Regional Artistry
Sedona’s shopping scene is a blend of high-end investment art and charming desert keepsakes. Whether you are looking for museum-quality jewelry or a small piece of the desert to take home, these stops offer the best of the region.
Indian Touch of Sedona
Located just a short walk from Oak Creek Marketplace in the heart of Uptown, Indian Touch of Sedona is a must-visit for serious collectors and those seeking high-end, authentic Native American craftsmanship.
- The Collection: They specialize in museum-quality pieces from the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes. You’ll find an incredible array of Navajo Inlay Necklaces, Squash Blossom pieces, and 14K gold jewelry that blends traditional techniques with modern elegance.
- Beyond Jewelry: The shop is a gallery in its own right, featuring hand-carved knives, handmade pottery, and traditional watches.
- Why it’s a favorite: Unlike some of the high-volume souvenir shops in the area, Indian Touch is known for its curated selection of “one-of-a-kind” artisan pieces. It’s the place to go if you want a signature investment piece rather than a mass-produced trinket.
- Little things: In addition to expensive silver, you can buy calendars with Arizona views for 2026, themed socks (about $14.95), and embroidered baseball caps.
The Naja
A true Sedona institution, The Naja has been serving the area for over 50 years.
- Exclusivity: It is currently the only jewelry store in Sedona authorized to carry the award-winning designs of Artie Yellowhorse. Her work is celebrated for its contemporary aesthetic while maintaining deep Navajo cultural roots.
- Cultural Heritage: The shop focuses heavily on the “story” behind the jewelry. You can find pieces featuring rare stones like Kingman Turquoise and Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, often accompanied by information about the specific artist who created them.
Made in Arizona Wine and Gifts
After exploring the jewelry galleries, this shop offers a literal taste of the Grand Canyon State.
- The Experience: They offer a dedicated tasting room where you can sample wines from Arizona’s thriving viticulture regions like the Verde Valley and Sonoita.
- Regional Flavors: Beyond the bottle, the shop is packed with Arizona-made food products. Look for prickly pear cactus jellies, local salsas, and gourmet southwestern spices.
- Pro Tip: If you are traveling and don’t want to carry heavy bottles, ask about their shipping services—they can often send your favorite Arizona blends directly to your home.
Arizona wine tastings are often better than expected! Some visitors skip local Arizona wines assuming they’re mediocre, but several local tasting rooms feature surprisingly good Verde Valley wines.
Shopping Comparison at a Glance
| Shop | Best For… | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Touch of Sedona | Museum-quality investments | Navajo Inlay and 14K Gold Jewelry |
| The Naja | Artistic legacy & rare stones | Exclusive Artie Yellowhorse designs |
| Made in Arizona | Local flavors & souvenirs | Wine tastings & Prickly Pear products |
| Naja Jewelry | Classic Southwestern gifts | Authentic pottery and turquoise crafts |
When shopping for Native American jewelry in Uptown Sedona, always look for authenticity guarantees. Reputable shops like those mentioned above will be happy to discuss the artist’s background and the origin of the stones. This ensures you are supporting local indigenous artists and bringing home a genuine piece of Arizona history.
Prices for Jewelry and Souvenirs
If you’re looking for something to remember, Uptown Sedona stores have pretty affordable prices for basic items.
Copper and Silver Plated:
- Copper Rings: $9.99;
- Copper and Silver Plated Earrings: $17;
- Copper Bracelets: $24.99;
- Leather Bracelets with Copper and Brass Inserts: $37 for small to $55 for large.
Rings for Every Taste:
- Massive Stone Rings (Turquoise, Tiger’s Eye): $14.99;
- Silver Toe Rings: $21.99.
Native American Made:
Sterling silver bracelets with turquoise or opal are significantly more expensive (usually $100–$300+) and are presented in individual velvet boxes .
Desert Treasures & Local Flavors:
- Live Cacti: This is one of the most popular gifts. A small cactus in a hand-painted ceramic pot (with Native American or Kokopelli motifs) starts at $19.99. Large arrangements in large bowls can cost around $72.99.
- Tip: Look for “Cactus Grow Kits” if you’re worried about bringing a live plant through customs.
- “Turquoise” Chocolate: Be sure to check out Turquoise Gemstone Chocolate (a Taste of Sedona brand). This is chocolate in the shape of a raw turquoise stone. It costs around $12–$15 per package and looks incredibly realistic.
- 3D Figures: For kids or as an inexpensive souvenir, you can find 3D-printed dragons or cacti for around $4.99.
- AZ Lemonade Stand: For a refreshing break, look for the oversized 32 oz (946 ml) jars from AZ Lemonade Stand. These aren’t your average drinks; they are a local cult favorite
- Pro Tip: These jars are quite large—perfect for sharing while sitting on the Canyon Breeze patio, or you can keep the jar as a souvenir of your trip.
Lifehack for jewelry buyers: You’ll see “Silver Plated” or “Alpaca Silver” on many price tags in Sedona.
- Important: “Alpaca Silver” is not silver at all, but an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc. If you want real silver, look for the “Sterling Silver” or “.925” stamp. At stores like Indian Touch, the salespeople will always tell you the origin of the metal and stones.
The Magic of SR 89A (The Drive)
If you continue north on 89A from the marketplace toward Flagstaff, you enter Oak Creek Canyon, often called the smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon.
- The Switchbacks: The road climbs 2,500 feet through a series of dramatic hairpin turns, transitioning from red rocks to dense Ponderosa pine forests.
- Slide Rock State Park: Located about 7 miles north, this is a natural water chute carved into the riverbed.
- Midgley Bridge: A historic steel bridge just outside of town that offers a perfect photo op and access to several hiking trails.
- Oak Creek Canyon Overlook: At the very top of the climb, this vista offers a panoramic view of the entire canyon you just drove through.
Is It Worth It?
- Yes, if: You want the quintessential Sedona experience—dramatic drives, local art, and easy access to amenities. Driving the 89A is widely considered one of the most beautiful road trips in the United States.
- Maybe Not, if: You are looking for total seclusion. Because the marketplace and the highway are so famous, they can be very crowded, especially on weekends.
Nearby Things to Visit
If your schedule is limited, prioritize:
- Oak Creek Canyon — one of Arizona’s most scenic drives.
- Slide Rock State Park — famous natural water slide.
- Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village — much more atmospheric for shopping and photos.
- Uptown Sedona for restaurants and red rock views.
Life Hacks & Secrets
| Category | Insider Tip / Secret |
|---|---|
| The Best View | Secret: You don’t need to pay for a tour to see the red rocks. Walk through the Canyon Breeze restaurant to their back patio. It offers a “million-dollar” panoramic view for free. |
| Parking Logic | Uptown Sedona is notorious for traffic. Arrive before 10:30 AM to snag a spot in the public lots near the marketplace; otherwise, you may spend an hour circling. |
| Alternative Swim | Instead of the overcrowded Slide Rock, try Grasshopper Point. It’s closer to the marketplace, offers more shade, and is usually much quieter. |
| Local Wine | If you buy wine at Made in Arizona, ask about shipping. Most people don’t realize they can ship cases home directly, saving room in their luggage for other souvenirs. |
| Driving Hack | When descending the 89A from Flagstaff into Sedona, shift your car into a lower gear. Using your engine to slow down prevents your brakes from overheating on the steep grades. |
Best Time to Visit
Avoid:
- midday weekends;
- holiday afternoons;
- spring break afternoons.
Better:
- weekday mornings;
- golden hour before sunset.
Sedona lighting becomes incredible near sunset.
Use It as a Cooling-Off Stop
Sedona hiking can get brutally hot. Many experienced visitors alternate:
- hike;
- shopping stop;
- sunset viewpoint;
- café/lunch.
That pacing makes Sedona much more enjoyable.
Prices Are Usually Higher Than Phoenix
Souvenirs and crystals are generally tourist-priced. For better value:
- small handcrafted items,
- locally made sauces,
- Arizona wines,
- artisan jewelry usually feel more worth buying than generic souvenir shirts.
Quick Summary
Start your morning at Oak Creek Marketplace for breakfast with a view, then head north on SR 89A to experience the canyon before the afternoon crowds arrive. This combination gives you the best of both Sedona’s culture and its natural splendor.
