Sedona, Arizona, is a world destination, and visitors come for various reasons, including wellness, art, outdoor activities, and natural beauty. Sedona is known for its red rock limestone formations that attract over 3 million visitors yearly, second only to the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
Sedona is also known for its spiritual and mystical qualities. It is often referred to as the "New Age Capital," where visitors seek the healing powers of the swirling energy from the red rock formations. The world-renowned resorts, spas, and wellness centers are a big attraction for healing and self-exploration.
If the "new age" healing doesn't attract you, there are plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and golf. Go further and experience the art, wine, shopping, and wide range of culinary cuisine.
Sedona offers something for nearly everyone. Whether you go for the day or an extended visit, there is something special about this town of only 10,000 people.
12 Fun Things To Do In Sedona, Arizona
I have been visiting Sedona for many years and discover something new each time. Here are 12 fun things to do in Sedona, Arizona.
1. Go for a hike.
Over the years, Sedona has become a very popular hiking destination. With over 200 trails covering 400 miles, there is a hike for all fitness levels. Spring is the most popular time to hike Sedona, with Fall being a close second. The temperatures are comfortable, the summer storms have passed, and you can escape the chilly (and often snowy) winter months.
However, if you wish to avoid all the tourists, busy trails, and roads, you should skip the two busiest seasons and discover Sedona in the off-season (summer and winter). However, be prepared for adverse weather conditions. Summer is monsoon season, and with an elevation of 4,350 feet, Sedona can get quite cold and snowy during the winter.
I have been hiking Sedona for over ten years, and these are just a few of my favorite trails:
West Fork: I love this trail in the Fall. The colors of the oak leaves in the canyon are breathtaking. The trail is 6.9 miles out and back, labeled “moderately difficult,” it’s semi-shaded, and towering canyon walls encompass the trail along the way. Be prepared to get your feet wet as the trail crosses over Oak Creek many times. It is best to arrive early at the parking lot, as it fills up fast. Parking costs $10, with a $2 per person walk-in fee.
Devil's Bridge: This hike is one of the most popular trails in Sedona. It is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona region, with beautiful red rock mountain wilderness views. This hike is labeled “moderately difficult,” with a 521-foot elevation gain near the bridge. Parking is limited, and Sedona offers a free shuttle service to the Dry Creek Vista trailhead.
Cathedral Rock: This is a challenging hike, but the views of the unique natural rock formations are amazing. It’s a short 1.2-mile out-and-back with a 741-foot elevation gain. To reach the top, you climb up heavily traveled rocks that can be slippery. Good shoes are recommended, and you should put your belongings on your back to allow your hands to be free. The parking is very limited, so use the free shuttle service. A Red Rock Pass is required to access this trail.
These hikes are just a small sample of the beautiful trails in Sedona. I highly recommend this hiking book, written by a local hiker, available at the “Hike House” in Sedona and online.
2. Go golfing and take in the beautiful landscapes.
Sedona is a golfer’s paradise with over 300 days a year of sunshine, mild temperatures, and unparalleled scenery.
Here are seven golf courses within a 15-mile radius to discover on your next golf trip to Sedona.
Seven Canyons – Voted “Best in State” For Private Courses
Paco Diablo Resort – Sedona
Oak Creek Country Club – Sedona
Canyon Mesa Country Club – Sedona
Sedona Golf Resort – Sedona
Pinewood Country Club – Munds Park, Arizona
Agave Highlands – Cornville, Arizona
3. Stop By the “Chapel of the Holy Cross”
Built into a rock on the side of the hill, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Catholic chapel open to all faiths. It was built in 1956 and is a very popular tourist destination.
Hint: If it's busy, park in the lot below the church and ride the golf cart shuttle to the chapel to avoid traffic.
4. Take the kids to Slide Rock State Park.
Slide Rock State Park is great for cooling off on a hot summer day. This 43-acre historic location used to be an apple farm and is one of the few intact homesteads in the Oak Creek canyon today.
Slide Rock is a fun alternative for those seeking adventure and a break from the summer heat. Be sure to arrive early at the park, as it gets very busy during the summer months. Bring good water shoes and plenty of water, and always “Leave No Trace.” There is a $10 fee to enter.
5. Shop at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
Sedona offers plenty of unique, southwest-inspired art, clothing, and jewelry if shopping is your pleasure. Tlaquepaque (pronounced “Ta-lockey-pockey”) Village is a unique shopping experience.
You can visit working artists at Rowe Gallery, discover glass art, shop for boutique clothing and handcrafted shoes, visit a local brewery, enjoy the scents of a candle gallery, bring the kids to a fun toy store, enjoy some fine dining, and so much more.
Check out the stores, restaurants, and galleries at Tlaquepaque Shopping Village.
6. Visit the vortexes and experience the energy.
Sedona has long been regarded as both sacred and powerful. Visitors come from around the world to experience the area's energy to find healing and inspiration.
Vortexes are considered swirling energy centers conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration. They are places where the earth seems especially alive with energy. Many people feel inspired, recharged, or uplifted after visiting a vortex.
Although all of Sedona is considered a vortex, there are four major areas where the energy is stronger. The four vortexes are Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock View, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon. Each of these locations radiates its unique kind of energy. Some are thought to produce energy flowing upwards, while at others the energy spirals downward, entering the earth.
All the vortex sites are easily accessible. People meditate, do yoga, or perform other unique and meaningful rituals. Be respectful and keep an open mind. You may be pleasantly surprised.
7. Pamper yourself at a day spa.
After visiting the vortexes, spend a few hours (or a day) and pamper yourself at a spa. Sedona is becoming quite popular as a destination for rest and rejuvenation of the mind and body.
Leave the technology and crowds behind and disconnect at any of these great spas in Sedona.
Sedona’s New Day Spa: Voted the best day spa for 15 years.
Mii Amo: A global leader in well-being resorts and destination spas.
Jaliza Sedona Luxury Spa: A full-service salon and spa.
Los Abrigados Resort & Spa: A resort-luxury spa.
8. Volunteer to help keep Sedona beautiful.
If you want to give back and make your stay in Sedona a “volunteer” experience, check out www.keepsedonabeautiful.org. This non-profit’s goal is to protect and sustain the natural environmental beauty of Sedona and the Verde Valley.
Sedona is emerging as a leading example of sustainable tourism. With over 3 million visitors a year, Sedona has witnessed plenty of challenges with overtourism, one-use plastic garbage, and balancing the quality of life for the locals with the big tourism business.
Conde Nast Traveler and the New York Times have rated Sedona as a top tourist destination in the United States. With those accolades also come the issues of balancing the natural environment and the stressors of tourism.
Check out Sedona's Sustainable Tourism Plan, adopted in 2019, to learn more about its great work in maintaining natural resources, beauty, and tourism demands.
9. Learn the history of Sedona at the Heritage Museum.
From the 1870s pioneers to “Little Hollywood,” Sedona has quite a history. Over 100 films were made here from 1920 to the 1960s. To learn more about Sedona’s history, visit the Heritage Museum in Uptown.
10. Drive one of the Top Scenic Drives in America.
Rand McNally named Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon one of America's most scenic drives. Route 89A winds its way through 23 miles of spectacular scenery, where you can enjoy the narrow walls of Oak Creek Canyon, dramatic rock formations, abundant pine forests, and switchbacks starting from 4500 feet and climbing to 6900 feet upon arrival in Flagstaff.
This beautiful drive is best enjoyed with stops along the way. Be sure to stop by and browse in Hoel’s Indian Shop. This jewelry shop specializes in Native American jewelry, Navajo rugs, baskets, fetishes, and artwork. For over 70 years, Hoel’s has brought the world the greatest variety of authentic Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and Pueblo creations “In the Heart of Oak Creek Canyon,” Arizona.
11. Explore the world-famous local art scene.
Sedona is known for its local art galleries and is home to many thriving bohemian artists. One of the more famous galleries is “Exposures Fine Art Gallery,” voted among the top 20 Best Galleries in the World (and America).
Sedona has plenty of galleries to choose from if you are an art lover, collector, or simply looking for a souvenir to bring home to family and/or friends.
I also enjoy the Sedona Artist Market. It is located in West Sedona and represents 150+ artists.
For a complete list of art galleries in Sedona, go here.
12. Take A Pink Jeep Tour.
The Pink Jeep Tours in Sedona are very popular if you want to explore the backcountry. The great thing about the tour is that it is given by a local experienced guide who provides insider information about the area.
Tours offer a variety of experiences, from rugged ravines to ancient ruins.
When To Visit Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona, is a beautiful location year-round, and the best time to visit depends on what you want to do.
Spring (March-May)
This is the busiest time of year. The temperatures are comfortable, desert flowers are blooming, and it's a great time for hiking or jeep tours. However, it is high season, and room rates will be higher. Spring also brings busy roads and tourists, and restaurant reservations are necessary.
Fall (September-November)
It is the second busiest time of year to visit Sedona. A major benefit is that you can experience the fall colors.
Summer (June-August)
Sedona can get quite hot in the summer, and it's also monsoon season. Late afternoon thunderstorms are common. Although hotel rates are lower, it can still be busy with visitors escaping the higher heat in the valley of Phoenix.
Winter (December-February)
January and February are the most economical months to visit Sedona. You can also avoid crowds and enjoy the serenity that Sedona is famous for.
How To Get to Sedona
Many visitors to Sedona make the journey from Phoenix, Arizona. Sedona is about a 2.5-hour drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (assuming no traffic).
Sedona is about an hour's drive from Flagstaff, 4.5 hours from Las Vegas, and approximately 5 hours plus from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The nearest airport to Sedona is in Flagstaff, Arizona, a 20-mile drive.
Where To Stay in Sedona
Look for accommodations in Uptown Sedona if you want to be close to restaurants, shops, galleries, and the most vibrant area of Sedona. The Village of Oak Creek or West Sedona is a great option if you prefer a slower pace.
Whatever time of year you choose to visit, I hope you have a wonderful experience in one of Arizona's most loved vacation destinations.
Until next time,
Marla
View my complete collection of American Southwest photography here.