Few places in Arizona are as instantly recognizable as Sedona. Long before you arrive into town, the towering red rock formations begin appearing outside your car window, creating one of the most scenic drives in the Southwest. Simply driving through Sedona feels magical. Massive red rock formations surround the town in every direction, making even an ordinary trip to dinner feel like you’re inside a national park. But if you’re planning your first visit, you may be wondering … What exactly is there to do in Sedona?
The answer depends on what kind of traveler you are. First, let’s get this out of the way. Sedona isn’t a nightlife destination. If you’re looking for clubs, live music every night, or a busy entertainment district, this isn’t your place. Once the sun goes down, Sedona becomes remarkably quiet. Instead, people come here to disconnect, spend time outdoors, admire incredible scenery, and slow down.
What Makes Sedona Unique?
I feel like any time you read about Sedona, two things are mentioned: red rocks and energy vortexes. Sedona delivers on the red rocks and gorgeous scenery, that’s for sure. As for the vortexes, that’s up to you to decide. If you’ve never heard of them, vortexes are believed by many visitors to be locations where the earth’s energy is especially strong. Some people visit for meditation, spiritual healing, yoga, or simply to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Whether you believe in the energy or not, many of the vortex locations also happen to offer some of Sedona’s best hiking and panoramic views, making them worth visiting regardless. Along with the vortexes, you’ll also find plenty of crystal shops, metaphysical bookstores, aura readings, psychic services, and other New Age experiences throughout town. Having hiked numerous times near these vortexes, I can tell you I felt no different.
Best Things to Do in Sedona
Hiking and scenic walks are my favorite thing to do in Sedona. There are trails for all abilities.
Visit Bell Rock
One of the first red rock formations you’ll see entering Sedona from the south, Bell Rock is both scenic and accessible. It features easy walking trails. It’s also a popular vortex location and offers visitors incredible sunrise and sunset views. Allow 1-2 hours. Make sure you pick up a Red Rock Pass for your trip to Sedona as this will be required for parking. It’s $5 a day, $15 for seven consecutive days, or $20 for a yearlong pass.
Check out Cathedral Rock
This is one of the most recognizable rocks of Sedona. The hike has become much steeper since trail improvements, but the views are worth the effort. Even if you don’t hike, Cathedral Rock is stunning from the roadside viewpoints. The viewpoint only needs 20-30 minutes. The hike is around 2-3 hours.
Airport Mesa offers one of the best panoramic views in Sedona. I absolutely love it up here. There’s a small parking area (which fills quickly), a short hiking trail, and a restaurant nearby (Mesa Grill) where you can enjoy lunch or drinks overlooking the red rocks and watch the planes take off and land. It’s quite lovely. Note that not all the trails are marked well. Be careful or you may end off the trail. Also, it gets muddy after it rains. You don’t have to hike though to see the amazing views, and this is a great place for sunset. Allow 1-2 hours. Parking is $3-5 and not covered with the Red Rock Pass. After your hike or walk, pop into the restaurant for a bite to eat or drink. The Expresso Martinis are pretty good. Treat yourself!
Boynton Canyon
Boynton Canyon combines beautiful scenery with one of Sedona’s better-known vortex sites. The trail is moderately easy, making it a favorite for visitors wanting a quieter hiking experience. I actually really love it out here. Every February, Sedona hosts Run Sedona and it runs in this area. While the hills are killer, the scenery makes up for it. Allow 2-3 hours.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Whether you are religious or not, do check out the Chapel of the Holy Cross. You’ll see it as you drive into town, and it’s really unique. In fact, being built directly into the red rocks, it’s one of Sedona’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s free to visit, but does require a walk up a hill. Sometimes there are people there with golf carts to take you up. Bring some cash for a tip.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
When you’re ready for a break from hiking, spend some time walking through Tlaquepaque. Designed to resemble a traditional Mexican village, it’s filled with art galleries, boutiques, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants. It’s touristy but really pretty and worth a visit. There’s a few restaurants there and even an ice cream and cake shop on the other side of the road. It’s a little pricey but very good.
Uptown Sedona
If you’re looking for souvenirs, local shops, coffee, or casual restaurants, Uptown Sedona is the place to go. Parking can be challenging during busy weekends, so expect to walk. A lot of the shops are very touristy, but it’s fun to take a browse.
I only discovered this place a few years ago. It’s in West Sedona. It’s free and makes for a nice little walk. It features a 36 foot tall Buddhist stupa. There’s also a Native American medicine wheel that people flock to. I’ve found it is something unexpected, but deeply enjoyable to wander around and enjoy the scenery.
Did you know Arizona has wineries?
Many people don’t, but they are actually quite good. There are a number of wineries near Sedona and some wine tastings are even offered in town. Page Springs Cellars, along with several neighboring wineries in Cornville, is only about 25 minutes from Sedona and makes an excellent afternoon trip. Plan on spending 2–4 hours if you’re interested in wine tasting and make sure you have a designated driver.
Easy Side Trips
If you have extra time, consider adding:
- Flagstaff (45 minutes) – Home of Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff offers skiing in winter and cooler hiking in summer (if you go to Snowbowl). It has a nice downtown to walk and explore the shops and grab a bite to eat. If you need some time in the pine trees, Flagstaff is the place to go.
- Jerome – This is an old mining town up in the mountains. It’s fun to browse the shops.
- Montezuma Castle National Monument – cool cliff dwellings in Camp Verde.
- Verde Canyon Railroad – This is in Clarkdale and takes you on a scenic train ride through Arizona’s red rocks. I enjoyed my visit in the fall.
Where to Stay in Sedona
Where you stay can significantly affect both your budget and your experience.
West Sedona
I like to stay in West Sedona. Generally, you’ll find easier parking, less traffic and better hotel values. Sedona requires a vehicle and West Sedona is only a short drive from most attractions. There is also a Safeway there and if you need it a McDonald’s. This McDonald’s has turquoise arches!
Properties I’ve stayed at and can recommend that are clean and affordable:
Mountain Modern Sedona, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Used to be called the Sedona Real Inn)
I stayed several times when it was the Sedona Real Inn and it was lovely. It has since been renovated and rebranded. I look forward to checking it out as a Hilton property.
Arroyo Pinion Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel
This one is next door to the Mountain Modern. It was basic, but clean. Breakfast OK but the staff was very nice. I liked that this one and the Mountain Modern were walking distance to Famous Pizza (lovely casual pizza spot) and also walking distance to the Run Sedona starting line.
There are other chain options such as the Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott that look nice. Avoid the Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit. It is dated (The 90s called and want their furniture back) and the staff is very rude.
Elsewhere in Sedona, you’ll find the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock which is located in Oak Creek Village. The Aiden by Best Western offers a boutique feel; Sky Ranch Lodge has incredible sunset views from Airport Mesa; the Wilde Resort and Spa is also a lovely property.
Uptown Sedona has a clean Best Western that offers wonderful views and an easy walk to the shops and restaurants. It’s pet-friendly too.
What to Pack for Sedona
Even if you’re visiting in spring or fall, don’t underestimate the changing temperatures. I’d recommend bringing:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Layers (mornings and evenings can be cool)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Daypack
- Camera
- Trekking poles if you plan longer hikes
Other Tips
My Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Spend more time outdoors than shopping.
- Start hiking early to avoid crowds and heat.
- Watch at least one Sedona sunset.
- Don’t overbook your itinerary. Sedona is a place to slow down.
- If hiking isn’t your thing, many of the best views are visible right from the road. There’s also the Pink Jeep tours. I haven’t personally done one or had the desire to do one, but people seem to enjoy them.
Best Time to Visit Sedona
One of the great things about Sedona is that it’s beautiful year-round. However, each season offers a different experience. I personally love visiting in early February as I like cold weather and less crowds. And, if you’re lucky enough you might even see snow on the red rocks which is incredible. It could be rainy though.
Spring is nice as the wildflowers begin blooming and temperatures are still comfortable. Fall is pretty too, though it is still hot in September, so I’d recommend October/November. Summer is still warm so if you are going to hike, go early and bring plenty of water.
How Many Days Do You Need?
- 1 day: You’ll see the highlights, but it will feel rushed.
- 2 days: Perfect for first-time visitors who want to hike, explore Uptown, and catch a sunset.
- 3 days: My recommendation. You’ll have time for hiking, shopping, scenic drives, and either a winery or another nearby attraction like Jerome without feeling like you’re constantly on the move.
Find out more about Sedona, by visiting https://visitsedona.com/
