The best things to do in Sedona extend far beyond hiking. First-time visitors can also explore scenic drives, ride through a canyon by train, visit spiritual sites, cool off in Oak Creek, and take several easy day trips outside town.
This guide covers 14 things to do in Sedona based on what I experienced during my trip, along with a few popular attractions I would prioritize next time. I have included what stood out, how much time to allow, and which Sedona activities make the most sense for different types of travelers.
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Sedona’s red rock landscape. Trails range from short scenic walks to steep climbs, so you do not need to be an advanced hiker to find an option that works for you.
Some of the most popular hikes include Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, West Fork Trail, and Soldier Pass. Each provides a different experience, from wide-open red rock views to shaded creek crossings.
Bell Rock is especially useful for first-time visitors because you can adjust the hike based on your schedule and ability. You can walk a short distance for photos or continue farther for more of a challenge.
Travelers who want more help choosing a manageable trail can read my Best Easy Hikes in Sedona for Beginners before deciding which hike to add to their itinerary.
West Fork Trail feels completely different from Sedona’s exposed red rock trails. It follows Oak Creek through a canyon with extensive shade and multiple water crossings, making it a strong choice during warmer weather.
If you are visiting in summer, start early in the morning. You will avoid some of the heat, have a better chance of finding parking, and encounter fewer people on the trail.
A small Osprey backpack is useful for carrying water and snacks without feeling bulky. I would also pack Supergoop face sunscreen, especially for exposed trails where shade is limited.
Best For: Outdoor lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting to experience Sedona’s iconic landscapes.
If you only have time for one Sedona sunset, I would choose Airport Mesa.
The elevated viewpoint provides panoramic views across Sedona’s red rock formations. As the sun gets lower, the rocks begin glowing in deeper shades of orange and red, and the scenery changes quickly during the final part of the evening.
Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before sunset so you have time to choose a viewing spot and enjoy the changing light before the sun disappears.
My Best Sunset Spots in Sedona: 5 Easy Viewpoints and Scenic Hikes includes Airport Mesa along with several alternatives when you want a quieter viewpoint or an easier place to park.
An iPhone tripod is also helpful if you want photos together instead of taking turns standing behind the camera.
Wendy’s Tip: Build extra time into your evening. Airport Mesa is popular, and parking becomes increasingly difficult as sunset approaches.
Best For: Sunset lovers, photographers, and first-time visitors.
A helicopter tour provides a completely different perspective of Sedona’s red rock formations and surrounding canyons.
Flight lengths vary, but even shorter tours can provide aerial views of well-known Sedona landmarks such as Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. You can also see areas that are difficult or impossible to appreciate fully from the ground.
This is one of the more expensive Sedona activities, so I would consider it a splurge rather than an essential part of every itinerary. It makes the most sense for travelers celebrating a special occasion or anyone who places a high priority on aerial photography and panoramic views.
You can compare available Sedona helicopter tours and other sightseeing experiences through Viator.
Although I understand the appeal, I would personally choose a Pink Jeep Tour over a helicopter tour. I enjoyed being directly inside the landscape and seeing the rocks and trails up close.
Best For: Couples, photographers, and visitors celebrating a special occasion.
The Verde Canyon Railroad is a relaxing alternative to spending another day hiking.
The train travels through desert scenery, red rock canyons, and alongside the Verde River, reaching areas you cannot access by car. You can move between comfortable indoor seating and an open-air viewing car, which made it easy to enjoy the scenery without spending the full four-hour ride outside.
The ride did feel a little long toward the end, but it was still an enjoyable way to see another part of Arizona, especially when traveling with a group.
My Verde Canyon Railroad Review: Tips, Cost & What to Expect covers the train layout, food, timing, and what I would do differently next time.
Best For: Families, couples, groups, and anyone wanting a break from hiking.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is one of the prettiest developed areas in Sedona.
The village was designed with cobblestone walkways, courtyards, fountains, archways, galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. It feels separate from the busier commercial areas of town, even though it is conveniently located near several major Sedona attractions.
You do not need to plan a major shopping trip to enjoy it. It is easy to spend an hour walking through the courtyards, browsing the galleries, and taking photos of the architecture.
Tlaquepaque is also a useful stop between other activities because you can walk around at your own pace without committing to a tour or trail.
I usually keep a Nano Bag in my travel bag because it takes up almost no room but is useful when I unexpectedly buy something while shopping.
Best For: Shopping, photography, dining, and leisurely afternoons.
Uptown Sedona is the city’s main shopping and visitor district.
The area contains souvenir shops, local art galleries, crystal stores, clothing boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. It is a convenient place to look for gifts or browse between scheduled activities.
Uptown is busier and more commercial than Cottonwood or Tlaquepaque, but it is still worth seeing during a first trip. You can park once and walk between most of the shops and restaurants in the central area.
I would not devote an entire day to Uptown unless shopping is one of your main priorities. It works better as a flexible stop before dinner, after a hike, or during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Best For: First-time visitors, casual browsing, and souvenir shopping.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of Sedona’s most recognizable landmarks.
The chapel was constructed directly into the red rock cliffs, and the scale of the structure is impressive when you see it in person. It also provides elevated views of the surrounding formations.
I think the chapel is worth visiting when you have time, but I would not necessarily make it the highest priority on a packed itinerary. I would rank several of Sedona’s hikes, viewpoints, and outdoor experiences above it.
The stop usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, making it easy to combine with Bell Rock, Tlaquepaque, or a drive along State Route 179.
There are multiple parking areas along the road leading to the chapel. Parking in the upper lot gives you a much shorter walk, while the lower lots require more uphill walking.
Wendy’s Tip: Take an upper parking space when one is available. It will save you a considerable climb before you even reach the chapel.
Best For: Architecture lovers, photographers, and first-time visitors.
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A Pink Jeep Tour was one of the most fun experiences I had in Sedona.
The off-road route combines sightseeing with a little adrenaline as you travel across rugged red rock terrain and reach areas that would be difficult to access on your own. I took the Broken Arrow Tour and loved the bumpier sections and steep slickrock descents, but travelers wanting a calmer experience should choose one of the less intense routes.
If I were choosing between a helicopter tour and a Pink Jeep Tour, I would book the jeep. The helicopter provides impressive aerial views, but I preferred being immersed in the landscape and experiencing the trails up close.
My Pink Jeep Broken Arrow Tour Review: Is It Worth the Money or Overrated? covers how rough the ride felt, what the stops were like, and who should choose a different route.
A phone and wallet crossbody strap is useful during photo stops so your phone is easy to reach and less likely to go bouncing down a red rock trail.
Best For: First-time visitors, families with older children, and travelers wanting a more adventurous sightseeing experience.
An aura reading is one of the more unusual things to do in Sedona, particularly for travelers curious about the town’s spiritual culture.
During the experience, you hold sensors while a specialized camera produces a colorful aura image based on electrical signals from your body. The reader then explains what the colors are believed to represent about your emotions, personality, and energy.
I had my aura reading at Mystical Bazaar. It is not necessarily something I personally believe in, but I genuinely thought it was fun.
It also helped me understand another side of Sedona beyond hiking and sightseeing. Spiritual practices are a noticeable part of the town’s identity, and the reading provided a simple way to experience that culture without committing to a longer wellness session or retreat.
You also leave with your aura photo, which is a much more unique Sedona souvenir than another magnet or T-shirt.
Whether you fully believe in the interpretation or are simply curious, it is an entertaining addition to the itinerary.
Best For: Travelers interested in unique experiences, wellness activities, or Sedona’s spiritual side.
Driving the Red Rock Scenic Byway along State Route 179 is one of the easiest ways to experience Sedona sightseeing and see several major attractions.
The road connects many well-known landmarks and trailheads, including Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Tlaquepaque, and central Sedona.
During our trip, we stopped at Bell Rock Vista, Bell Rock Trailhead, Courthouse Vista, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Crescent Moon Ranch at Red Rock Crossing, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, and Uptown Sedona. We also visited Yavapai Vista and Airport Mesa, which are both worth adding to a sightseeing route.
What stood out most was how frequently the scenery changed. Every few minutes, we passed another red rock formation, trailhead, or overlook that made us want to stop.
Do not schedule the drive too tightly. Treating SR 179 strictly as transportation between attractions means missing much of what makes it enjoyable.
Even travelers who do not plan to hike can get a strong introduction to Sedona’s landscape from the road and its overlooks.
A rental car makes it much easier to reach Sedona landmarks, trailheads, and viewpoints on your own schedule. You can compare options through Discover Cars.
Wendy’s Tip: Leave room in your itinerary for unplanned stops. You will probably pull over more often than expected.
Best For: First-time visitors, photographers, travelers with limited mobility, and anyone who prefers sightseeing from the car.
Slide Rock State Park is one of the most popular places to cool off near Sedona during warmer months.
Located in Oak Creek Canyon, the park is known for its natural rock waterslide, swimming areas, and red rock scenery. The creek flows across smooth sandstone, creating a naturally slippery section that visitors can slide down.
I did not personally make it to Slide Rock during my trip, but my friend who lives nearby Sedona highly recommends it. It is high on my list for a future visit. I would prioritize it during summer, especially if I were traveling with family or wanted a break from hiking in the heat.
The park frequently reaches capacity during busy summer days, and parking can fill early. Arriving in the morning gives you a better chance of getting in and allows you to enjoy the water before the largest crowds arrive.
Bring water shoes because the rocks can be slick and uncomfortable under bare feet. A lightweight quick-dry towel is also easier to carry than a bulky hotel towel.
Best For: Families, summer visitors, and anyone looking to cool off after hiking.
Crescent Moon Ranch at Red Rock Crossing was one of my favorite relaxing stops in Sedona.
The area provides a direct view of Cathedral Rock with Oak Creek in the foreground, making it especially popular for photography. You can also walk, picnic, sit near the creek, or access part of the Baldwin Trail.
We spent time cooling off in Oak Creek and enjoying the setting after a busy morning. We did not realize before arriving that people actually swim here, so we ended up wading into the water in our workout clothes.
Next time, I will bring a swimsuit.
This is a good place to spend a few hours rather than stopping only long enough for a photo. On a warm day, the creek provides a welcome break from Sedona’s exposed trails and viewpoints.
Pack a swimsuit, water shoes, and a towel so you can learn from my mistakes and make swimming a part of your original plan. There is a strong chance the water will look much more appealing once you are standing beside it.
A small travel dry bag can keep your phone, keys, and other essentials protected while you are near the creek.
Best For: Families, photographers, couples, and anyone wanting a slower break from hiking.
Sedona’s vortex sites are a major part of the town’s spiritual reputation.
Vortexes are locations where some visitors believe the earth’s energy is particularly strong. People visit them for meditation, healing, reflection, and other spiritual practices.
Popular vortex sites include Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon.
Before visiting Sedona, I had heard about the vortexes but was not sure what to expect. I visited Airport Mesa and Bell Rock during my trip.
Personally, I did not feel anything unusual.
I still thought both locations were worth visiting because they are among the most scenic areas in Sedona. Even without a spiritual connection, you can appreciate the views and learn why the vortexes have become such a significant part of local culture.
An aura reading and a vortex visit also pair well together if you want to explore Sedona’s spiritual side. Whether you leave feeling energized or simply take home strong photos, visiting at least one vortex site is a distinctly Sedona experience.
Best For: Travelers curious about Sedona’s spiritual reputation and anyone looking for excellent viewpoints.
Cottonwood makes an easy day trip from Sedona when you want a slower pace.
Located approximately 30 minutes away, the town has a walkable downtown with local shops, cafés, and restaurants. It felt much calmer than Uptown Sedona, which made it a pleasant change after several days of hiking and sightseeing.
During our visit, we browsed the shops and stopped at Queen B Vinyl Café for an afternoon chai latte. Later, we had dinner at Merkin Vineyards Trattoria, which offers daily made pasta.
Cottonwood also pairs naturally with the Verde Canyon Railroad because the train departs from nearby Clarkdale.
A practical day could include exploring downtown Cottonwood in the morning, riding the Verde Canyon Railroad in the afternoon, and returning to Cottonwood for dinner before driving back to Sedona.
This combination gives you shopping, scenery, food, and a slower afternoon without requiring another physically demanding activity.
Best For: Food lovers, couples, shoppers, and travelers wanting a relaxed day outside Sedona.
Three days is enough for a first Sedona trip, but you will need to be selective. You can fit in a mix of hiking, sightseeing, and one larger activity without making every day feel packed.
Four or five days gives you more flexibility for longer hikes, Oak Creek Canyon, Slide Rock State Park, or a day trip to Cottonwood. Slide Rock would be one of my priorities on a return visit since we did not fit it into this trip.
Regardless of how long you stay, avoid scheduling activities too closely. Parking, scenic pullouts, and unexpected stops often take longer than expected, and some of our favorite parts of Sedona happened because we had enough time to explore without rushing.
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Use my 3-Day Sedona Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to organize these attractions into a realistic daily schedule.
Search for flights to Phoenix through Skyscanner, then compare rental cars through Discover Cars. Having your own car is the easiest way to reach trailheads, viewpoints, Cottonwood, and the Verde Canyon Railroad.
My Sky Ranch Lodge Review: Is It Worth Staying on Airport Mesa? covers the rooms, location, views, food truck, and what it was actually like staying there.
You can compare Sedona accommodations through Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Compare Sedona sightseeing tours, helicopter flights, and day trips through Viator or GetYourGuide.
My What to Wear in Sedona in June explains what worked for hiking, sightseeing, creek stops, and nicer dinners during warmer weather.
For this itinerary, I would prioritize supportive shoes, a small hiking backpack, sunscreen, water shoes, a swimsuit, and a quick-dry towel.
Read my Best Restaurants in Sedona: Where to Eat for Every Budget for breakfast, lunch, casual dinner, and splurge restaurant recommendations.
I ate chilaquiles while a Cessna taxied past the window, and that’s just a normal Tuesday breakfast in Sedona.
@mesa_grill_sedona sits right beside the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout, so along with your food you get red rock views stretching in every direction and a front-row seat to tiny planes lifting off. Chef Mercer Mohr runs the kitchen, serving up Southwestern comfort food from breakfast through dinner, chilaquiles, elevated diner classics, burgers, steaks, seafood, all of it.
The view is what pulls people in the door, but the food actually holds its own. Good enough that this place stays packed with locals, not just tourists passing through on their way to the lookout. It also picked up the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice and OpenTable Diners’ Choice awards, so it’s not just me saying it.
Indoor seating if you want the AC, a pet-friendly patio if your dog’s along for the trip. Either way, get there before plane-spotting turns into a wait for a table.
Link in bio for the full Sedona breakfast roundup ✈️🌵
Confession: my newsletter is where the good stuff lives. Not the polished, edited-for-the-grid stuff, the “here’s the hole-in-the-wall I almost skipped” stuff, the packing lists I actually use, the “don’t book this hotel” warnings before you waste your money on them.
The newsletter is basically me texting you before a trip instead of after one. Sign up and you’ll be the first to know where I’m headed next, plus a few things I’ll never post here.
Link in bio if you want in. ✈️
Yes, it’s only July. Start planning anyway. Fall books faster than people expect, and a few of these destinations are worth getting ahead of. Here are five places worth putting on your radar right now.
Ireland: Cooler temps, moody skies, dramatic coastline fall was made for it. Tourist crowds drop, the green stays, and the whole country feels a little more like itself.
Great Smoky Mountains, TN/NC: Fall foliage in the Smokies is the real thing. The color peaks mid-October and the views from the ridgelines are hard to argue with. It’s also one of the most visited national parks in the country, so going on a weekday makes a real difference.
New York City: Fall is NYC at its best comfortable temps, the energy of the city shifting into a new season, and every neighborhood doing something worth showing up for. It’s also just a great walking city when it’s not brutally hot.
Japan: Fall foliage season is as good as spring cherry blossoms and somehow less talked about. The colors are dramatic, the temples and gardens are stunning, and it’s worth planning around peak dates by region.
Mystic, Connecticut: Small, walkable, genuinely charming Mystic in fall feels like exactly what a New England autumn is supposed to look like. Easy to pair with a broader New England road trip if you want to extend it.
Full guides linked in bio 🍂
There are two kinds of travelers: people who plan a trip and then figure out where to eat, and people who book a restaurant and then build the rest of the itinerary around it.I am the second kind. I will not apologize for this.
The reservation gets locked in first. The hotel search happens within the same 24 hours. The flights get compared around the restaurant’s hours of operation. The rest of the trip exists to fill the days before and after the table I actually came for.
If this sounds unhinged, I completely understand. It has also resulted in some of the best meals of my life, so I’m going to keep doing it.
Drop a 🍽️ if you plan your trips around food too.
Let’s talk about when to actually book that Dubai trip you’ve been pinning for two years. I get asked this constantly, so here’s the honest breakdown: October through April is your window. Anything outside that and you’re basically touring in a sauna!
October and November give you warm days and cooler nights, which is basically the sweet spot for wandering around without melting. December through February is peak season: gorgeous weather. March and April are the quiet insider pick, right before summer heat shows up and ruins everyone’s plans.
Saving this for later? That’s what it’s here for. Full breakdown linked in bio.
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
