Pretty places to hang by the water in Sedona, Arizona

For those days when it’s hot, you’re feeling lazy or recovering from a long hike, there are plenty of beautiful places to just hang out. In addition to your favorite bevis and snacks, don’t forget your waters shoes!

Here’s 3 of our favorites.

Beaver Creek

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Wet Beaver Creek is a prime spot to chill the day away. There is a parking lot very close to the water, so you only have a short distance to walk to make it to the water. And in the day use and picnic area there are bathrooms, charcoal grills and picnic tables.

To get down to the water you have to walk down rocky, unpaved trails, so keep that in mind when you’re packing your goodies. One of the best things about this watering hole, is the number of different areas you can hang out in. If you’re feeling social, there is a large rocky area, with a deep pool of water (maybe around 7 feet) where people tend to congregate, swim and sun bathe. If you’re looking for something a little more secluded, you can find some quieter areas with slow moving water and nice flat rocks just a short walk away.

Regardless of what part of the creek you end up in, you’ll find cool, clean water and big, chunky red rocks prime for sun bathing and chilling.

Buddha Beach

This hidden oasis takes a little walking and work to find, but once you’re there it’s absolutely magical. Aptly named, this gorgeous red sand beach is the perfect place to find your bliss. Since it’s near the Cathedral Rock / Red Rock Crossing vortex making it the perfect place to recharge and decompress. This specific energy vortex is known as an inflow area that brings fierce feminine energy, and can elicit feelings of softness, compassion and receptiveness. And while the weekends get busy (like most places in Sedona), during the week you maybe able to find some peace and quiet.

In addition to the sandy shore, there is a stack of rocks in the creek creating a very zen water fall and a great spot to sunbathe. This section of Oak Creek is pretty shallow so it’s a good spot to dip your toes… or bum… in the water. And if you decide you want to explore a bit, there are other dreamy areas on the water and a handful of trails to explore, all bringing their own special charm and zen vibes.

To get here, you can park at Crescent Moon State Park and walk along the trail, following the steam after you see Red Rock Crossing or hike in on Baldwin trail.

Oak Creek

Just about anywhere you can find a pull-off along Oak Creek Canyon gives a place to hop in the water and cool off. One of our favorite spots for this is right by Manzanita Campground. This lazy river spot is flanked with massive red rocks and is home to a sandy little spot perfect for lounging and dipping your toes in the water.

It’s one of our favorites because it’s pretty close to many good things, making it simple to have a day chock-full of adventure. You could swing by Slide Rock State park to meander down their natural rock slides, drive the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic road to soak in the views, stop in to Indian Gardens to snag river essentials (like drinks, snacks and food) or have a meal on their beautiful patio, or pick up one of the many nearby trails.