Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park

The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is one of the most visually striking and culturally distinctive free attractions near Sedona, offering families a peaceful, contemplative experience amid the iconic Arizona red rock landscape. Located in Cornville (about 20 minutes south of Sedona), the site centers on a gleaming white Tibetan Buddhist stupa that rises dramatically against the rust-red canyon walls — a juxtaposition that photographers and travelers consistently describe as one of the most beautiful sights in the Sedona region.

The park is open to visitors of all backgrounds and faiths, welcoming anyone who approaches with respect and curiosity. The grounds include walking paths through carefully maintained desert gardens, colorful Tibetan prayer flags that catch the breeze, and meditation areas that invite quiet reflection. For children, the visual spectacle of the stupa and flags against the red rock backdrop naturally sparks questions about Tibetan Buddhist culture, traditions, and the meaning of the monument — turning a simple walk into an impromptu cultural lesson.

Visiting with children requires modeling respectful behavior, as this is an active place of spiritual practice and meditation. Quiet voices and mindful movement are appropriate, and most children naturally rise to the occasion in such a visually and atmospherically compelling environment.

The visit is entirely free, though donations are warmly welcomed to support maintenance of the sacred grounds. Morning visits offer the most peaceful atmosphere and the best photographic light; late afternoon golden hour produces spectacular images with the warm sun illuminating both the white stupa and the red canyon walls.

The Amitabha Stupa pairs beautifully with a day in Sedona as an offbeat, culturally enriching stop that differs completely from the area's typical outdoor adventure offerings. It's a reminder that the Sedona region offers much more than red rock hiking — and it costs nothing to visit.