Tlaquepaque (pronounced Tla-keh-pah-keh) sits at the worst possible intersection in Sedona — directly beside the Y roundabout where Highways 89A and 179 collide. During peak hours, the roundabout backs up traffic on 179 to Poco Diablo Resort a half-mile south and on 89A west to Airport Road. Cars trying to turn into Tlaquepaque’s main entrance get caught in the merge. First-timers overshoot the entrance, circle the roundabout again, and overshoot it a second time.
The parking itself is actually simple once you know the layout. All Tlaquepaque parking is free. There are multiple lots surrounding the property. And there’s a larger, less-crowded lot across Highway 179 at Tlaquepaque North that most tourists never discover because the main entrance pulls all the attention.
This guide maps every lot, tells you which approach road avoids the roundabout, and gives you the walking alternative if you’re already parked in Uptown.
Navigating “The Y” Roundabout Traffic
Approaching from Highway 179 vs. Highway 89A
Your approach direction determines how stressful the arrival is.
From Highway 179 (coming from I-17 / Village of Oak Creek — easiest):
- Drive north on 179. Tlaquepaque is on your left (west side) just past Portal Lane and the Oak Creek bridge.
- The main south lot entrance is clearly signed. Turn left into the property before reaching the Y roundabout.
- This is the easiest approach because you arrive before the roundabout, not after it.
From Highway 89A westbound (coming from Uptown — moderate):
- Drive west on 89A through Uptown. You’ll enter the dual Y roundabout.
- Stay in the right (outer) lane. Exit right toward Highway 179 south.
- Immediately after exiting the roundabout onto 179, Tlaquepaque is on your right. Turn right into the property.
- The tricky part: The entrance comes up fast after the roundabout exit. Be in the right lane and watch for the sign.
From Highway 89A eastbound (coming from West Sedona — moderate):
- Drive east on 89A. You’ll enter the Y roundabout from the west.
- Navigate through the roundabout toward Highway 179 south (right-lane exit).
- Tlaquepaque entrance on your right, same as above.
The Tlaquepaque North approach (from either direction):
- Tlaquepaque North is on the east side of Highway 179, directly across from the main village.
- If approaching from 179 south, the North lot entrance is on your right before the Y roundabout.
- If approaching from 89A, exit the roundabout onto 179 and the North lot is on your left — you’ll need to find a safe place to turn or approach from 179 south instead.
Is there a Tlaquepaque parking fee?
No. All Tlaquepaque parking — south lots, north lot, Portal Lane overflow — is completely free. No meters, no time limits, no validation needed, no pass required.
The Primary Tlaquepaque Parking Lots
The Main South Lot: Scenic but Crowded
The south lots surround the original Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village on the west side of Highway 179. According to the village map, these include:
- East Parking — closest to the Highway 179 main entrance
- West Parking — deeper into the property, closer to Oak Creek
- Creekside Parking — near the creek (scenic, fewer spots)
Total south-side capacity: Approximately 100–150 spaces across all three areas.
When they fill: By 11 AM on weekends in peak season (March–May), by noon on weekdays during the same period. Summer and winter have more availability. December holiday shopping season fills the lots by mid-morning.
The south-lot experience: The cobblestone courtyards, sycamore-shaded paths, and creek views start the moment you park. It’s beautiful. It’s also competitive. If you see a spot, take it — don’t drive deeper hoping for something closer.
Tlaquepaque North: The Secret to Fast Parking
Tlaquepaque North is across Highway 179 from the main village. It has its own parking lot, its own shops and galleries, and a connection to the south village via a marked crosswalk and a newer pedestrian underpass.
Why it’s better for parking:
- The lot is larger relative to the number of shops on the north side.
- Most tourists drive directly to the south village entrance and don’t know the north lot exists.
- Even when south lots are full, the north lot frequently has spaces.
The connection to the main village:
- Crosswalk: A marked pedestrian crosswalk crosses Highway 179 between Tlaquepaque North and South. Traffic stops for pedestrians. The crossing is about 100 feet — 30 seconds to walk.
- Pedestrian underpass: The City of Sedona constructed a pedestrian underpass beneath Highway 179 connecting the two sides. This avoids crossing the highway at street level. It’s well-lit and paved.
The strategy: Drive to Tlaquepaque North first. Park. Cross to the south village via the crosswalk or underpass. Shop, eat, explore both sides. Walk back to your car.
Special Access and Large Vehicles
ADA Accessible Spaces near the Main Entrances
Tlaquepaque has ADA-designated spaces in the south parking lots near the main village entrances. The property’s paths are cobblestone — uneven but generally navigable with wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility devices. Some individual shops have steps at their entrances; the main pathways and courtyards are at grade.
Accessible restrooms are available within the village. Water sources are located near the restrooms for service animals.
Bus Parking and RV Restrictions (No-Parking Zones)
RVs, 5th wheelers, and tour buses: Park in the Portal Lane lot, located directly northwest of the main village off Portal Lane. This lot is designed for larger vehicles and provides easy walking access to the village.
Do not attempt to park an RV or bus in the south lots. The spaces are standard-car-sized, the cobblestone areas are narrow, and maneuvering a large vehicle through the lot risks blocking other cars and damaging the property’s landscaping.
Tour buses: Most organized tours (Pink Jeep, Sedona Trolley) use the Portal Lane area for drop-off and pickup.
Nearby Overflow and Photography Pullouts
Tlaquepaque Overflow Parking on Portal Lane
If all south lots and the north lot are full (rare but possible during holiday events or festival days), Portal Lane has additional parking. Portal Lane runs northwest from Tlaquepaque — look for it on the north side of the property. This is also where the trolley stop is located.
Quick Reference: Walking to Tlaquepaque from Uptown
If you’re already parked in Uptown Sedona (Jordan Road free lot, metered spots on Main Street, or any side-street lot), don’t move your car. Walk to Tlaquepaque.
Walking route: From the Uptown shopping area, walk south along the creek path or Highway 89A sidewalk. Cross at the Y roundabout pedestrian crossing. Tlaquepaque is on the south side.
Distance: Approximately 0.5 miles from the center of Uptown to Tlaquepaque’s north entrance.
Time: 8–12 minutes at a comfortable walking pace.
Why this is better than driving: You skip the roundabout entirely. You skip parking search entirely. You get a pleasant walk along Oak Creek. And you keep your Uptown parking spot for when you return.
From Tlaquepaque to other destinations on foot:
- Tlaquepaque to Uptown: 10 minutes
- Tlaquepaque to Hillside Sedona: 5 minutes (adjacent property)
- Tlaquepaque to Amara Resort: 8 minutes
- Tlaquepaque to the Sedona Visitor Center: 12 minutes
Float Above the Red Rocks at Sunrise from $55
Hot air balloon rides sell out weeks ahead in peak season. Check availability and lock in your flight.
Fall dates are filling fast — popular times sell out 2+ weeks ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Tlaquepaque validate parking?
Tlaquepaque doesn’t need to validate parking because all parking is free. There’s no meter, no gate, no fee, and no time limit in any of the Tlaquepaque lots (south, north, or Portal Lane). Park, shop, eat, and leave when you’re ready.
Where can I park an RV to visit Tlaquepaque?
The Portal Lane lot, located directly northwest of Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, is designed for RVs, 5th wheelers, and tour buses. It’s the only lot with enough space for large vehicles. Do not attempt the south lots or the Tlaquepaque North lot with an RV — the spaces and access roads are too tight.
