Here's what to know about Sedona, one of the most popular destinations in Arizona

Located in the northern Verde Valley, Sedona is one of the best-known tourist destinations in the Southwest. The city is home to just under 10,000 permanent residents but welcomes nearly 3 million visitors each year, according to the Sedona Chamber of Commerce.

The city is named after Sedona Schnebly, an early pioneer in the area and the wife of the city's first postmaster. Celebrated for her hospitality, she served as a Bible school teacher and aided in the development of the town's general store. A statue of Schnebly stands outside the entrance of the Sedona Public Library.

Whether you're visiting for a day or a week — or are looking to make a more permanent move — here are some things to know about Sedona.

Sedona weather is cooler than Phoenix, warmer than Flagstaff

While summers in Sedona can definitely get warm, with averages in the mid-90s, the city's elevation at around 4,500 feet helps keep the season cooler than the high temperatures reached in Phoenix about 100 miles to the south. In contrast, the city averages highs in the 60s and lows around freezing during the winters, significantly cooler than Phoenix and about 20 degrees warmer than Flagstaff, which is about 30 miles north.

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Sedona is in two counties

Sedona is split between Coconino and Yavapai counties.

The city operates on a council-manager form of government. An elected City Council, including the mayor, develops policy positions and then directs the city manager to carry out their decisions. The mayor has a single vote that carries the same weight as the rest of the council.

Sedona's mayor, Scott Jablow, was elected in 2022 and is up for reelection in 2024.

Sedona-Oak Creek Unified School District serves the area

The public school district serving the Sedona area is the Sedona-Oak Creek Unified School District. The district enrolled around 750 students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 during the 2022-23 school year.

Sedona Red Rock High School offers dual enrollment and Early College Program courses in partnership with Yavapai Community College, which has a satellite campus in Sedona. The school also offers expanded career and technology courses, made possible by the formation of the Valley Academy for Career and Technical Education in 2001.

Attractions: What to do in Sedona while there

Sedona is perhaps best known for its natural beauty. Red rock formations surround the city. More than 200 trails in the region span over 400 miles, and there are several places to hop into Oak Creek for a swim. The area is also home to four unique "vortexes" — supernatural "hot spots" where energy is said to be concentrated — all accessible by trail.

One of the most popular spots in the Sedona region is Slide Rock State Park, where there's a natural water slide and apple picking. Admission to the park is $20 per vehicle Monday through Thursday and $30 Friday to Sunday during the summer and $20 per vehicle between Labor Day and Halloween.

Reach the reporter at LLatch@gannett.com.

The Republic’s coverage of northern Arizona is funded, in part, with a grant from Report for America. To support regional Arizona news coverage like this, make a tax-deductible donation at supportjournalism.azcentral.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Visiting Sedona, Arizona: What to do and what to know