11 Top things to Do in Sedona – Everything You Need to Know for an Amazing Adventure

Beautiful red rock formations surround the town in this outdoor adventure destination. Sedona is known for its gorgeous hikes, artsy town, and its reputation as a place of spiritual renewal. I’ve put together a complete guide to visiting this amazing place, with the top things to do in Sedona. Whether you are taking a Sedona day trip or plan to spend the week here, you’ll find plenty to do.

If you are interested in specific activities for your travel style (like things to do in Sedona with kids). Scroll all the way to the bottom for suggestions.

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Quick Look at 11 Top Things to Do in Sedona

Looking for the perfect long weekend in Sedona? Check out our 3-Day Sedona Itinerary.

Sedona Overview: What you Should Know Before Visiting Sedona, Arizona Attractions

Before you head off to Sedona, there are a few things you should know before your visit.

General Overview

Sedona is located about 2 hours north of Phoenix, AZ. The town itself is actually made up of several smaller areas. Sedona is full of great places to stay and eat and there are several grocery stores. Many of the best hikes and places to see in Sedona are located very close to town, making this an easy place to visit and get around.

Parking in Sedona

Many of the hiking trails and scenic spots in Sedona require a parking pass. You can purchase a Red Rocks Pass at most trailheads and parking lots. The pass costs $5/day or $15/week or you can use your National Parks Pass.

Sedona Shuttle

There is a brand new shuttle service in Sedona to help with crowding at the trailheads. This is a free shuttle and you can park in one of two park and ride lots. From here, the shuttle will take you to:

• Dry Creek Trailhead
• Soldier Pass Trailhead
• Cathedral Rock Trailhead
• Little Horse Trailhead

The shuttle runs Thurs-Sun during the busy times from 6:30-8:00. You can see more details on the Shuttle Website.

Best Time to Go to Sedona, Arizona

The best time to visit Sedona is in the fall and spring when temperatures are comfortable. These are also the busiest times. Winter can be a great time to visit Sedona, and you can expect cool to cold temperatures and many fewer people. Summers in Arizona can be hot, so if you’re visiting in the summer, make sure you hike early and pack plenty of water.

15 Things to do near Sedona

There are so many amazing things to do in this area. This list of the top things to do in Sedona includes many active activities, as well as some suggestions for exploring town. On our recent trip to Sedona in March of 2022 started each day early to squeeze in as much as we could – there is so much to do and see here. Read below for what we consider the absolute best things to do in Sedona.

Go Hiking

Sedona is truly a hiker’s paradise and there are beautiful trails that wind through the red rock canyons and formations for every level of hiker. Some of the hikes can be accessed from right in town, while most others are just a short 15-minute drive. Hiking is also very popular in Sedona and many of the trailhead parking lots fill up by 8:00 or even 7:00 am.

Here is a list of some of the best hikes in Sedona:

Brins Mesa and Soldier Pass Loop: This 6-mile loop is the perfect hike to see both the Brins Mesa Trail and the Solider Pass Trail. The loop is located just north of town and has amazing views. The Soldier Pass Trail section visits the Soldier’s Pass Cave, 7 Sacred Pools and Devil’s Kitchen.

Cathedral Rock: This rock formation is a short and steep hike just outside of the town of Sedona. Don’t let the short distance fool you though as there is a little rock scrambling at the end.

Devil’s Bridge: There are a few routes you can take to get to the iconic Devil’s Bridge. We think the hike from the Mescal Parking lot is the most enjoyable. This 4-mile round trip trail is mostly flat until the end when you have a climb up some rocky sections. Once at the top of the hike, you can walk out onto the bridge. This is a very popular hike so try to get there early!

Broken Arrow to Chicken Point: We loved this hike, partly because it is slightly less crowded. Just a few miles south of town, you can hike this trail as an out and back or do a loop with the Hog Trails. Make sure you take a stop at Submarine Rock and Chicken Point for the views.

Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte: Another classic Sedona hike, exploring Bell Rock is definitely one of the top things to do in Sedona. You can choose to hike as far as you like since the trailhead is very close to Bell Rock. Climb up part of the rock, or walk around the entire structure for beautiful views.

Boynton Canyon to Subway Cave: The Boynton Canyon Trail located about 15 minutes west of the town of Sedona, is a beautiful canyon walk with the bonus of the Subway Cave. This uniquely shaped cave is another popular photo spot, so get here early.

See a complete list of the best hikes in Sedona: 10 Most Amazing Hikes in Sedona

Visit Sedona’s Vortexes

Sedona is known for its Vortexes. These energy centers are located around Sedona, and are visited as a place for meditation, prayer, healing, creative thinking, and spiritual connection. There are between 4-6 Vortexes in the Sedona area. You can find them at Boynton Canyon, Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa, Red Rock Crossing, Chapel of the Holy Cross and Schnebly Hill.

Finding each vortex site is a wonderful way to explore the area.

Explore the Art Scene

Sedona has a vibrant art scene with wonderful galleries. You can find art ranging from centuries-old pieces to modern-day creations. It feels like everywhere you go in town is alive with art. If you want to check out the art scene, start at the Sedona Arts Center and plan to visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.

In addition to the galleries and shops, there are many art-focused festivals throughout the year – make sure to check the local calendars for anything that might be going on during your visit.

Cool off In Oak Creek

Drive north of town on Highway 89A and you will make your way up a canyon following Oak Creek. This is a scenic drive but is also an excellent place to dip your feet in the water or even take a swim. You can find a few parks and picnic areas as well as some short hikes down to the creek.

Check out the hike from the Midgley Bridge Picnic area, or stop at Grasshopper Point, Slide Rock, or West Fork Trail to access the water.

Take a Jeep Tour

If you’re looking for adventure, a fun activity is to do a jeep tour in Sedona. You can either rent your own jeep or book a tour through one of the guided jeep companies in town. You will see many of the pink jeeps all over town. There are several places you can go on your jeep tour, including Chicken Point, Schnebly Hill, Dry Creek Basin, The Outlaw Trail, Diamondback Gulch, and Soldier Pass.

Go Mountain Biking

Sedona has become a wonderful mountain biking destination with hundreds of miles of trails. What we liked best about biking in Sedona is that there are trails for every level. If you are an experienced mountain biker, there are plenty of trails to challenge you. On the other side, some of the trails south of Bell Rock are easy and the perfect ride for someone who wants a leisurely trail ride. The trails are incredibly well-marked across the entire area.

There are several places in town to rent a bike. We rented from Absolute Bikes, because we could bike right from the store. The best biking opportunities are on Chuckwagon, around Cathedral and Bell Rocks, Broken Arrow, and the Boynton Pass area, although there is truly excellent mountain biking across most of the area.

Take a Scenic Drive

There are several wonderful drives in the Sedona area worth exploring on your list. Taking a drive through the area also gives you a chance to stop at several locations and see some of the other top things to do in Sedona. The 2 drives below are some of the best scenic drives in Sedona:

Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179): This 7.5-mile scenic byway runs south of Sedona. If you are arriving from Phoenix, you will likely come into town on this road. On your way, you will pass Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock as several other amazing rock formations. Note that there can be significant traffic on this road during busy hours.

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Road (Route 89A): This road goes up the gorgeous 16-mile canyon north of Sedona. From town, the road climbs 4,500 feet to Mogollon Rim. There are several amazing viewpoints along this road and you will cross Midgley Bridge.

Visit Sedona’s Landmarks

Even if you aren’t up for hiking, there are plenty of sites in Sedona that can be seen from the road. If you are feeling up for some walking, some of the best views are just a short walk. Some of our favorite landmarks are also listed in other sections of the top things to do in Sedona and include:

Bell Rock – Check out this viewpoint from the parking lot or explore the area on foot for truly amazing views.

Airport Mesa – drive to the top of Airport Mesa for views out over the town on Sedona

Devil’s Bridge – This landmark involves a hike, but is one of the classic places in Sedona and you will see this in many photos of the area

Subway Cave – located up the Boynton Canyon Trail, this one of a kind cave offers amazing views

Chapel of the Holy Cross – built into the rocks, this Catholic Chapel is worth the stop

Explore Cliff Dwellings

The area around Sedona is full of small and large ancient dwellings. The ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings can be reached by a tour, or you can seek them out on your own. The best places to visit are Palatki and Honanki Heritage sites

Watch the Sunrise and Sunset

There is something magical about watching the sunset and sunrise across the brilliant red rocks in Sedona. If you plan your time right, you can watch both the sunrise on an early morning hike and set at the end of a fun-filled day. Some of the best places to see the sunset and rise are:

• Cathedral Rock
• Boynton Canyon Vista
• Devils Bridge
• Airport Mesa (although we found this a little overrated and crowded)

Explore the Sedona Food and Wine Scene

If you are foodie or wine lover, Sedona is a great place to visit! There are some excellent restaurants in town in both West Sedona and Uptown. Some of our favorites included:

Elote Cafe: a very popular spot with Mexican and southwestern food

Mariposa: Upscale food with an excellent view

The Hudson: Excellent food in an even better setting

Vino De Sedona: wine and food with outdoor seating and music

If you are interested in wine, the Verde Valley Wine Trail is a must. Pick up a ‘passport’ and get a stamp at each winery. If you complete the passport you are entered for a drawing.

Top Things to Do in Sedona By Category

When we first started planning our visit to Sedona we were overwhelmed with the amount of things to do. After spending time in this amazing place, here are the top things to do in Sedona by category.

Free Things to do in Sedona (or cheap things to do in Sedona)

• Visit a Sedona Vortex
• Hike one of the many amazing Sedona hiking trails
• Watch the sunset and sunrise
• Browse the art galleries in town
• Do a scenic drive

Things to do in Sedona with Kids

Sedona is a great destination to visit with kids, and the best Sedona family activities are perfect for folks who might need a slower pace. Depending on the age of your kids, you may want to choose some of the more adventurous activities listed above.

• Hike one of the easier trails (Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, Devil’s Bridge) See more about hiking in Sedona)
• Visit Oak Creek (Slide Rock State Park is great for kids)
• Do a scenic drive
• Walk around town
• Red Rock State Park
• Check out the Cliff Dwelling

Things to do in Sedona in Winter

Many of the top things to do in Sedona can be done all year long. If you are visiting in the winter, check the weather before heading out and dress warmly.

• Go hiking
• Mountain biking
• Sedona vortexes
• Shop the art scene
• Take a jeep tour

Where to Stay in Sedona

There are many excellent places to stay in Sedona. Here are a few excellent options:

Courtyard by Marriot Sedona – located on the western part of town – this is a quieter location but close to many of the best hikes in Sedona.

A Sunset Chateau – A luxury option, you can rent several different sized lodging. Really lovely property with a hot tub and tennis court on site.

Arabella Hotel Sedona – This is a great hotel located in Uptown Sedona. The hotel has a hot tub, a pool, and includes breakfast.

How to Get to Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is located about 2 hours north of Phoenix and is an easy drive. The Phoenix airport is the closest large airport with both domestic and international flights. The drive from Phoenix is easy and you can easily do a day trip to Sedona from Phoenix

Here are some other common driving times to get to Sedona:

• Grand Canyon to Sedona: 2 hours and 15 min
• Flagstaff to Sedona: 45 mib
• Zion to Sedona: 4 hours and 30 min
• Las Vegas to Sedona: 4 hours and 30 min

Common Questions about Visiting Sedona

What Is the Local Cuisine Like, and Where Can I Find the Best Restaurants?Sedona has a variety of restaurants offering Southwestern, Mexican, and American cuisine. Visitors may want to know about the best places to try regional dishes like prickly pear margaritas or Navajo tacos. We enjoyed the food scene in Sedona!

Do I Need a Red Rock Pass, and Where Can I Purchase One? You will need a Red Rock Pass to park in many of the parking lots in Sedona. You can purchase these passes right at the trailhead.

What Are the Art Galleries and Shopping Opportunities in Sedona? Sedona is known for its vibrant arts scene, and tourists frequently inquire about art galleries, boutique shops, and unique souvenirs.

Is Sedona Family-Friendly, and What Activities Are Suitable for Kids? Sedona is a great destination for kids to get out and explore. You can find a lot of hikes that work well for kids of all ages.

Looking for more incredible destinations?

Check out our guides on visiting the US National Parks

Or drive north from Sedona to check out Zion, Mesa Verdeo or Bryce Canyon.