Sedona, AZ

Red Rock 'n' Roll

Mention that you're taking the family to Sedona, and you'll hear a chorus of "oohs" and "ahs" from those in the know. Expect the same response from your backseat brood, as they spot the dramatic red ridges and pinnacles often seen in movies and on TV.

Sedona is about rocks. Really cool ones. They're the main attraction in this high-desert town, once inhabited by the Anasazi Indians. More than 4 million people ogle the scenery each year, on their way to the Grand Canyon. But locals know Sedona is a destination in its own right. And more outdoor-oriented families are finding that out, too.

Surrounded by national forest and bisected by lush Oak Creek Canyon, this natural "amusement park" is bursting with hiking and biking trails, natural swimming holes, campgrounds, and ancient Indian ruins to explore.

Don't like roughing it? Not to worry. There are luxury resorts, art galleries, shopping, and golf courses, all with drop-dead-gorgeous views of -- you guessed it -- red rock. Most families only spend a weekend here. But insiders say it takes at least five days to do Sedona right.