15 Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona

Looking to visit Sedona? I’m sharing everything there is to know before visiting, including 15 of the best things to do while here.

Sedona is one of the most picturesque destinations in the United States. Located in the heart of Arizona, this small town is only 2 hours from Phoenix, making this place super accessible for any traveler. With world-class hiking, a vibrant art scene, and delectable cuisine from top-rated restaurants, Sedona should be on everyone’s bucket list. I recommend spending 2-3 days to truly see it all.

About Sedona

Sedona sits at about 4,500 feet above sea level in the high desert of Arizona and spans across 11,700 acres once inhabited by the Hopi Indians around 10,000 years ago. The tribes built impressive cave dwellings that can be seen and explored today showing how these people lived and survived in this area. It is unknown why the tribes left the area before the discovery of the land by the Europeans in the 1580s.

Modern-day Sedona began as a farming town in Oak Creek Canyon. By the early 1900s, a man named Theodore Schnebly and his wife, Sedona, moved to the area from Missouri. The Schnebly’s, along with the current residents, petitioned for a new post office, which got its name from Sedona herself. The city has experienced a boom in tourism since it was officially incorporated in 1988. About 3 million people from around the world flock to this area each year to see the natural beauty of the red rocks. Today, there are award-winning restaurants, luxurious resorts, and more activities than one could imagine offered right here in Sedona.

Best Time to Visit Sedona

Located in the high desert of Arizona, Sedona pretty much experiences beautiful weather year-round. Springtime will offer warm temperatures that rarely get to scorching hot, averaging between 70°F-80°F. This is a great time of the year for those outdoor activities like hiking, but it can get crowded as this is the busiest time of the year. If you are looking to witness the wildflowers bloom, you will want to visit in the spring.

By the summer months, Sedona can experience extreme temperatures, averaging between 90°F-100°F, which makes this season the best finding those popular swimming holes. The air is more dry than humid in Arizona, so be sure to stay hydrated and wear sun protection. Rainy season takes place in the summer with frequent thunderstorms this time of the year, so generally you’ll find cheaper accommodation rates than in the spring and fall months.

In the fall, temperatures begin to be much more pleasant and will continue to drop, averaging between 50°F-70°F. Since Sedona is located in the desert, you wouldn’t think there would be beautiful foliage that emerges this time of the year… but there is and it can be epic with the sea of red, orange, and yellow leaves. The best time for leaf-peeping is between late September through mid-October.

The winter months will of course be the coldest months in Sedona, with temperatures averaging between 35°F-60°F. Many visitors flock to Sedona to witness the snow-capped mountains set behind the red rocks, but this will undoubtedly be the least crowded and most affordable time of the year. The holiday season in downtown Sedona is also very magical for the whole family.

How to Get to Sedona

Located right off of Route 89A in Central-Arizona, Sedona is easily accessed whether you are coming from other Arizona cities like Tucson or Phoenix, or other states like California or New Mexico. On our trip, we traveled from the south rim of the Grand Canyon along Route 64 to Interstate 40 until we reached Route 89A.

Closest International Airports:

If you’re flying in, there are a few different airports to choose from. Phoenix, AZ will most likely be your cheapest option and is about 2 hours south of Sedona. Flagstaff, AZ is a smaller airport, but will be the closest option located about 45 minutes north of Sedona.

Tips for Visiting Sedona

• Start early! Sedona is becoming a very popular destination for hikers and most trailhead parking lots are small. I highly recommend trying to get to the trailhead before 8am or you could be parking a ways away or not be able to hike that route at all. The Sedona Shuttle is a great mode of transportation on busy days. The shuttle runs Thursday – Sunday year-round.
• Some trails have little cell service or none at all and dead zones do exist. Make sure to pack your guidebooks and download offline maps.
• If you’re looking to dine at popular restaurants, make reservations in advance. We would have loved to try out Mariposa, but unfortunately there were no tables by the time we called that day.
• Prepare for the heat. We visited in mid-September and it was HOT! Be sure to pack enough water when heading out on hikes, wear sunscreen, and start early.
• Bring tweezers on all adventures. I say this with a funny story where my friend ended up placing her hand on a cactus while scrambling up rocks during a hike. It’s funny now to talk about, but thinking back, I wish we packed better first aid supplies.

Leave No Trace: There are 7 principles you should know before setting out on any adventure. This includes planning ahead, traveling along durable surfaces, disposing of waste, leaving what you find, minimizing the impact of your campfire, respecting wildlife, and being considerate to those who are also enjoying the space.

15 Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona

1. Go for a scenic drive around Sedona

Coined the “red rock country,” I would argue that all of Sedona is scenic. However, there are a few iconic drives that should be on your list when visiting Sedona and first up on my list of 15 things to do in Sedona is just drive around town!

Red Rock Scenic Byway is a great place to start. Located off of Interstate 17, this 7.5 mile drive will take you right around many of Sedona’s iconic highlights: Bell Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, and Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village… just to name a few! This road has been designated a National Scenic Byway. If you’re only passing through Sedona, I highly recommend it.

If you’re coming from the north, Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive is a beautiful stretch of road that is also worth your time. A few great stops along Oak Creek Canyon are Midgley Bridge, Slick Rock State Park, and Oak Creek.

2. Explore the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park

The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a special landmark to respectfully visit when in Sedona. A stupa is a commemorative structure that honors the Buddha and represents the powers of Buddhism. A short trail leads to the sacred space. Dating back around 2,600 years, the park has served as a place for prayer, mediation, and healing.

The park is open daily from dawn until dusk and is free for all visitors. Donations are accepted and will support the maintenance of the space. The caretakers of the stupa are also available to speak to groups about the history and meaning of Buddhism. You can email amitabhastupa@tara.org to arrange for a presentation in advance.

3. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross

Sedona is a very spiritual destination. Putting religious beliefs aside, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a must-see. Nestled within the red socks, the chapel offers a beautiful panoramic view of Sedona.

The chapel is open daily and is free for all visitors. There is also a gift shop located downstairs. You can check the schedule online if you wish to attend a service. If you’re not attending a service, I recommend checking this landmark off of your list earlier in the day rather than later. Parking will fill up fast. Many visitors choose to park on the main road at the bottom and walk up to the chapel. It’s a steep hill to climb, but is a fairly short walk. There is also great hiking trails around the chapel, including a nearby vortex, if you would like to explore the area further.

4. Explore one of Sedona’s vortexes

What is a vortex? A vortex is a space of highly concentrated swirling energy. Many people seek healing and self-exploration when visiting. There are three different types of energy lines – magnetic (nurturing), electrical (energizing), and balanced (a mixture of magnetic and electrical). Sedona as a whole is considered a vortex, but there are four different areas where the energy is most intense. I’ve listed the areas below. It is common to see people meditating and performing rituals here. Even if you are not interested in what the vortex can do you for you, the areas are both accessible and incredibly scenic.

5. Go hiking

Without a doubt, Sedona is one of the best hiking destinations in the country. From short trails that have you walking among the iconic red rocks to strenuous treks that lead to breathtaking vistas, there is truly a trail for everyone. Here are a few of Sedona’s best hikes below:

6. Take a hot air balloon ride

After you’ve explored all of Sedona from the ground, it’s time to head to the skies to get a bird’s eye view of the landscape. There are several great companies that offer sunrise hot air balloon rides. This won’t be the cheapest thing you do here (most rides will run you $250-300), but if you’ve always wanted to check this off of your list… I recommend checking it off in Sedona.

7. Drive the network of 4×4 roads

No trip to Sedona is complete without exploring the network of 4×4 roads in the backcountry of Sedona. There are few different ways to do this. You can either bring your own or rent a high-clearance vehicle, bring you own or rent an ATV or something similar, or book a tour with one of the companies in Sedona. I personally recommend booking a tour with Pink Jeep Adventure Tours, especially if you do not plan on going hiking as this is a great way to see the dramatic landscape that Sedona has to offer. A tour company also knows where to go and offers great history and knowledge about the land which I think is unmatched. There are a handful of areas to explore with different highlights – I’ve listed the most popular below. Some will be more rugged than others. If you’re heading out on your own, make sure to do your research first.

8. Play a round of golf

Sedona is one of the most scenic golf destinations in the world. You simply cannot beat playing a course with a jaw-dropping red rock landscape in the background. A few popular places to play are Sedona Golf Resort, Oakcreek County Club, and The Club at Seven Canyons.

9. Have a picnic or go swimming at Red Rock Crossing

Red Rock Crossing was undoubtedly one of my favorite spots in all of Sedona. We got there a couple hours before sunset and it was absolutely beautiful with the setting sun projecting on Cathedral Rock. There are two entrances into Red Rock Crossing: one off of Verde Valley School Road at Oak Creek and one at Crescent Moon Ranch Picnic Area. The picnic area has a small day fee ($11 per day during my visit), but is a wonderful spot to spend an afternoon.

10. Shop around town

Sedona is definitely known for adventure, but this town is also known for its vibrant art scene. Full of artists and shop owners showcasing local and handmade goods, a great place to check out is the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.

11. Get a psychic reading

If you’re feeling adventurous in your spirituality, get a psychic reading with one of the many spiritual guides located around Sedona. Many people believe that because of the high energy in Sedona, the guides are able to channel the spiritual realm with more clarity.

12. Indulge in the delicious cuisine found around Sedona

My favorite part about experiencing a new destination is feasting on the local cuisine. To me, a great day starts and ends with a delicious meal. Check out these top restaurants found around Sedona below:

13. Drink your way through the Verde Valley Wine Trail

Once you’ve had enough to eat, head down to Cottonwood, Arizona – just 25 minutes southwest of Sedona. Here you will find the heart of the Verde Valley Wine Trail. There are over two dozen wineries along the trail and most are found right here in Cottonwood. Those who want to make drinking wine a little more fun can download a passport and have it stamped at each of the wineries on the trail.

14. Watch the sunset

Arizona sunsets are some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve seen in the world. The red rocks illuminating with the setting sun truly put on a show. We grabbed a spot at the Airport Scenic Lookout because we were told it was the best spot to watch the sunset. I can definitely agree! Some other popular spots we heard about are Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, Bell Rock, and Lover’s Knoll.

15. Go star-gazing

Last up on my list of 15 things to do in Sedona… witness the epic night sky! The location of Sedona offers perfect conditions to star-gaze almost year-round. If you’re traveling during July and August, it may be difficult to get a night with clear skies due to monsoon season. If you get clear skies, take advantage of it. After sunset, make your way to one of the best star-gazing spots I’ve listed below. A few of these spots are off-the-beaten path. Bring a flashlight if possible.

HAPPY EXPLORING!

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