Top Things to Do in Sedona

There are a few things to do in Sedona that are absolutely on the "must-do" list. Sedona is most known for its breathtaking red rock formations, famed vortex healing energy, outdoor recreation, and luxury accommodations. But how to best experience these things is really up to you. From hiking to jeep tours; meditation to week-long retreats; picnicking amongst the red rocks to mountain biking, or staying at cozy cabins or 5-star resorts on the creek; there's no one right way you MUST experience all that Sedona has to offer. But as far as the "must do" list goes, this is what we recommend:

Take in the gorgeous red rock views
Make time to see if you can feel the vortex energy
Play outside and interact with your surroundings
Stay somewhere that makes you feel happy and relaxed
Most importantly, do yourself a favor and be present!

Getting Oriented with Sedona

Sedona is divided into four sections roughly: Uptown Sedona, West Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, and the Village of Oak Creek. All are still considered “Sedona”, but with the popularity of Sedona comes traffic. Knowing what things there are to do in each area will help you make the most of your time here.

Uptown Sedona

This part of Sedona is basically “Downtown Sedona”. It’s where the majority of the shops, restaurants, and art galleries are located. You can easily park your vehicle here and spend half or a full day exploring the culture of town. Many tours pick up from Uptown Sedona, so this is place to start your vacation whether you’re just getting your feet wet or are ready for an immersive Sedona experience.

West Sedona

West Sedona is located to the west of Uptown Sedona. There are quite a few hotels in this direction. There are some fantastic shops and restaurants out this way, but you’ll either need to drive to each location or be ready to walk. West Sedona is the perfect place to stay if hiking is the thing you want to do in Sedona. Many of the trailheads start in this area making it a favorite location to stay when exploring the trails is on the top of your list for things to do.

Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon is located northeast of Uptown Sedona. The road that takes you there is lined with oak trees growing along a clear creek backdropped by towering canyon walls. It’s quite possibly one of the most beautifully scenic drives in Arizona. Here you will find Slide Rock State Park and Grasshopper Point swimming holes. This area is also popular for fishing, camping, and generally staying shaded and cool during the warmer months.

Village of Oak Creek

This part of town is located south of Sedona. Visitors coming from Phoenix will drive through the Village of Oak Creek before getting into Sedona proper. This is where the famous Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock are located. Also in this area are some highly-rated restaurants, golf courses and high-end accommodations. But some of the more budget places are located in the VOC as well. In general, you can find more budget lodging here than in Uptown or West Sedona.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

A Roman Catholic Chapel that people of all creed come to visit as it is a unique Sedona landmark. Hours are 9-5pm daily. -Village of Oak Creek

Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park

The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is an outdoor venue for prayer, meditation, and the experience of peace in a sacred place. People of all faiths are welcome. It is open during daylight hours, and entry is free The Park is supported by visitor donations. -Village of Oak Creek

Cathedral Rock

Cathedral Rock is a natural sandstone butte on the Sedona skyline is one of Sedona’s famed vortex points. The extremely popular hike to the top is a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail with incredible scenery and is generally considered a more challenging hike. -Village of Oak Creek

Bell Rock

Bell Rock is a butte with panoramic views of Sedona and is one of the most well known of Sedona’s vortex locations making it a popular place to hike, take pictures or meditate. The trail to the top is .8 miles out-and-back, which is excellent for a short but moderate in challenge adventure. -Village of Oak Creek

Tlaquepaque Art & Shopping Village

Tlaquepaque was authentically fashioned after a traditional Mexican village to create an artist community. It is a perfect setting to witness gifted Sedona artisans absorbed in their work while surrounded by over 50 specialty shops, exclusive art galleries, fabulous art treasures, and distinctive gifts around every corner. -Sedona

Uptown Sedona Shops

Discover a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants and local art all located in a compact and easily walkable destination. Uptown Sedona is the central hub of Sedona where dining, entertainment, shops and tours can be found. -Sedona

Airport Mesa

Airport Mesa is not just an airport, there is a hiking loop around Table Top Mountain through basalt boulders & red rocks offering panoramic views of Sedona. It is probably the most popular place to watch sunset from. Hike or drive up. But if your drive, be prepared to come early to find and pay for parking. -Sedona

Palaki Ruins

An archaeological site and park with cliff dwellings located near Sedona. In the Hopi language Palatki means 'red house’. They were the largest cliff dwellings of the Red Rock Country between AD 1150 - 1350. -West Sedona

Montezuma Castle National Monument

t's a preserved native dwelling built into a cliff over 700 years ago. Having to use ladders to get up to it, this cliff dwelling has remained one of Arizona's best-preserved living spaces of the Sinagua Indians. -On the way to Sedona near Camp Verde

Day trip to Grand Canyon

2 hour drive from Sedona -It’s THE Grand Canyon and it’s only 2 hours away. Imagine getting to experience one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World! There are at least a dozen tour companies that will happily drive you to Grand Canyon National Park from Sedona if you want to just sit back and enjoy the view. Explore Grand Canyon Tours »

Hit the Trails

See more information on some of the Sedona's most popular hiking trails.

Energy and Bodywork

Sedona is known for its powerful vortex healing abilities where meditation, reiki, and energy work effects can be enhanced. Even if that’s not your thing, enjoy a relaxing massage, or join a sound healing or ecstatic dance session just for the Sedona experience.

Psychic, Past Life, or Tarot Card Readings

Dig deep to learn more about yourself. Here's a good place to start to find Sedona intuitives and psychic healers.

Shop in Uptown Sedona

Discover a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, and local art all located in a compact and easily walkable destination.

Visit Art Galleries

See our list of Sedona art galleries.

Swim in Oak Creek

The two most popular swimming holes are Slide Rock State Park and Grasshopper Point. If you are willing to hike 6 miles total out-and-back, Wet Beaver Creek on the west side of 1-17 is a beautiful swimming hole to cool off in the summer.

Enjoy a Resort Spa Weekend

Sedona has some of the more luxurious resorts and spas in the country. Check out Enchantment Resort, L’Auberge, Armara, and The Wilde for spa weekends. There are dozens of day spas to choose from as well.

Dine

try authentic Southwest cuisine, raw chocolate delicacies, some organic, healthy, energy-balanced smoothies, or juices. Explore Sedona restaurants.

Look for UFOs

Yes, this is a thing! Wear military-grade night-vision goggles and explore the starry night sky for visitors. Sedona UFO tours are available nightly!

Rent a Bike

From e-bikes to mountain bikes, this is a great way to explore Sedona.

Go on a Jeep, Helicopter, Hot Air Balloon, or Guided Scenic Tour

There’s a reason why all these Sedona tours are so popular. Choose the kind of tour that excites you the most and go for it! It will be an experience to remember, guaranteed.

Wine Tasting

Just south of Sedona is Verde Valley, Arizona’s wine country. Book a wine-tasting tour that drives you from Sedona to each of the wineries in the Verde Valley. It’s well worth allowing yourself to enjoy the wine while taking in the scenery. See our recommended Sedona wine tours.

Go on a Scenic Drive

Check out our recommended self-guided driving tour.

Experience a Romantic Getaway

Needs some ideas about the most romantic hotels? Here are our recommendations for some of Sedona's most romantic hotels.

Hone in Those Photography Skills

There are fewer places on this tiny-blue planet that are more picture-worthy than Sedona.

OTHER HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THINGS TO DO IN SEDONA

Maverick Helicopter Tours

Maverick Helicopters offers tours of the Grand Canyon West Rim and South Rim. Maverick brings VIP service to the canyon with climate-controlled helicopters and unobstructed views perfect for sightseeing. They give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon … More