About two hours south of Grand Canyon National Park and Flagstaff, Sedona, Arizona, has no shortage of things to do. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the Southwest, this bustling little enclave has a bit of everything—incredible views, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and world-class amenities right in town, with a sense of desert-inspired spiritualism evident everywhere you look.
With so much to find here, we’ve put together a guide on the 15 best things to do in Sedona. Book your stay with Sedona Premier and read on to see what you won’t want to miss.
1. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
Photo Credit: Zane Lewis
Perched atop red sandstone buttes just outside of town, the Chapel of the Holy Cross has been a fixture in Sedona’s scenery since its construction in 1956. An architectural wonder built on Coconino National Forest land, the chapel features a striking exterior backed by stained glass windows and an enormous cross. Inside, you’ll find even more gorgeous artwork, including a floor-to-ceiling sculpture of Christ on the cross.
Though the chapel features a gift shop, this is an actively used place of worship. Respect your surroundings and be mindful of others as you take in the views both inside and outside the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
2. Shop Sedona Galleries, Crafts, and Local Eats
Sedona is best known as a hub for outdoor activities, but if you need to escape the summer heat or the winter chill, you’ll find plenty of options to snag a souvenir of your time in town. The Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is a centrally located hub that features dozens of art galleries, eateries, shops, and even a chapel for a moment of quiet reflection.
While the retail opportunities in Tlaquepaque will understandably take up quite a bit of your attention, make sure to look up and admire the hacienda-style architecture and the blue-tiled dome that caps the Tlaquepaque Chapel. If you somehow exhaust your shopping options here, wander along uptown Sedona's Main Street to find even more retailers and restaurants.
3. Go for a Vortex Hike
Photo Credit: Margaret.Wiktor
Sedona is renowned for its stunning red rock formations and its storied ‘vortexes.’ These vortexes are believed to be swirling centers of energy that can have various effects on people, from feelings of peace and tranquility to heightened spiritual awareness.
Several sizable trail networks surround Sedona, making for countless hours of exploration. These hikes range from short, less-than-a-mile jaunts all the way up to strenuous, multi-day treks with massive climbs. The Sedona Airport Mesa Loop Trail is a favorite because of its easy access to a vortex known for its uplifting energy.
Though you might struggle to narrow down all your hiking choices, we recommend starting with one of the below treks:
- Oak Creek Canyon Trail (1.3 miles, easy)
- Fay Canyon Trail (2.4 miles, moderate)
- Broken Arrow Trail (2.9 miles, moderate)
- Sedona Airport Mesa Loop Trail (3.3 miles, moderate)
- Boynton Canyon Trail (6.5 miles, moderate)
4. Venture to Cathedral Rock
Though Sedona’s surroundings are dominated by so many noteworthy red rock formations, including the famous Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock is the area’s signature landmark. Sandstone spires tower toward the sky above the scrub oak, capturing the sun's rays in a breathtaking, photo-worthy array.
You can hike up to the top of Cathedral Rock via a 1.2-mile, strenuous hike, but you may have to share the trail—Cathedral Rock is popular for good reason, and the trailhead parking lot often fills up during weekends and holidays. (A shuttle also ferries hikers from a designated park-and-ride location on North SR-179.) Or, you can pack a picnic lunch and stop by the Crescent Moon Picnic Site to take a look at the rock from afar.
5. Reflect at the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
Photo Credit: Jack Rogue
You’ll find this serene space tucked into the hills above West Sedona, near the Thunder Mountain hiking area. At the park’s center is the 36-foot-tall Amitabha Stupa, which blends seamlessly into the surrounding red rock country. Built in 2004, the stupa draws dozens of visitors each day to reflect, meditate, pray, or simply soak up the much-needed peace and quiet of this special spot.
A short walk is needed to reach the park. Similar to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a spiritual center, not a playground. While dogs are welcome, visitors must remain mindful of the park’s significance and refrain from disrespectful behavior.
6. Ride a Natural Waterslide at Slide Rock State Park
One of the many state parks near Sedona, 43-acre Slide Rock State Park is named after a natural stone waterslide. This picturesque spot is perfect for cooling off during our hot summer months. The slide ends in a series of deeper swimming holes where you can paddle your way out, hop up on the rocks, and head back up the river to try again.
Considering Slide Rock’s close proximity to Sedona, you’ll likely see some crowds during your visit to this natural water park. Try to plan your trip for an off-peak day if you don’t want to wait for parking and your turn on the slide.
7. Walk the Devil’s Bridge
Photo Credit: Nikolas_jkd
The Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area, a must-visit photo op for anyone passing through. You can reach the bridge via a short but moderately difficult hike that sees you climb 400 feet in just under a mile. If that’s enough to alarm you, don’t worry—the views you’ll see at the top will make the effort more than worthwhile.
That said, you may have to park further away and walk slightly longer if you don’t have a high-clearance vehicle. Once you reach the Bridge, you can stay at the base and marvel at this sandstone formation from below, or you can climb a staircase to reach the top and walk across with views of Sedona. Just make sure to keep your balance up there.
8. Explore Palatki Heritage Site
A short drive outside of Sedona, you’ll reach a site of significant historical intrigue. Palatki Heritage Site contains the remnants of several ancient Native American cliff dwellings, as well as petroglyphs. The stone ruins date back to the second century, while the petroglyphs go back even further, some 5,000 to 6,000 years in age. All still serve as culturally important artifacts for the native Hopi people.
To view the ruins, you’ll have to reserve a spot on a free, guided tour with the U.S. Forest Service. Those who want to learn more about Native heritage can head to Montezuma Castle, less than an hour's drive away from Palatki.
9. See a Live Show
Photo Credit: Rik Farrow
While the visual arts often take center stage in Sedona, the performing arts are also a must-see. The town is home to several troupes, including the Sedona Ballet. As for venues, you’ll have the pick of the litter—the Sedona Performing Arts Center, Mary D. Fisher Theater, and the Emerson Theater Collaborative all put on shows throughout the year.
Performances vary based on the season, so check local events calendars to plan your trip. You may want to purchase your tickets in advance since certain shows are quite popular and will sell out quickly.
10. Fish at the Rainbow Trout Farm
Want to introduce the little ones to the excitement of fishing? Head out to Sedona’s Rainbow Trout Farm. An oasis in the midst of the mountains, the pond is stocked with sizable fish, increasing your chances of hooking a big one. And should you manage to nab that coveted prize, you can grill up your fish and eat it right on site—between picnic tables, barbecues, and ready-made grill packages, you'll have everything you need to cook your catch.
If you don’t happen to reel in anything during your visit, you’ll still enjoy a family-friendly fishing day. Plus, the farm is a short drive from Slide Rock State Park, so you can easily plan a day trip to the area.
11. Take an ATV or 4WD Tour
Photo Credit: Hsa htaw
The miles of red dirt roads surrounding Sedona provide an opportunity for a bumpy thrill ride. You’ll get to access spots that you might never see from the paved roads, giving you a new perspective on Sedona’s famed scenery.
Several companies operate ATV and 4WD tours in the Sedona area, including…
12. Learn About Sedona History
While Palatki tells the story of the area’s ancient residents, the Sedona Heritage Museum covers more recent events in the region. Located in a preserved farmstead, the museum features exhibits and interactive, hands-on activities that will teach you all about Sedona’s history over the past 200 years. Tickets are just $10 for adults, while kids 13 and under get in free.
The Sedona Heritage Museum also hosts a packed slate of events throughout the year, so you should check the calendar before you head over. Though open daily, the museum does close for major holidays.
13. Go Single Track Mountain Biking
Photo Credit: Lissandra Melo
One of the Southwest’s great mountain biking meccas, Sedona supplies relaxed rides and steep single-track alike over more than 200 miles of trail. You can even book a guided bike tour. For those who would rather plan their trip themselves, it’s not hard to find a place to get some mud on the tires—just take a look at local guidebooks and websites for recommendations.
Note that hikers and horseback riders often share these routes, so exercise caution while out on the trail. You should pay close attention to maps and ratings, too. With so many options to choose from, you can easily get lost out in the hills.
14. Hop in the Saddle
If you want to slow down and get a totally fresh perspective on Sedona’s sweeping vistas, book a horseback ride and take in the sights from the comfort of the saddle. Horsin’ Around Adventures is the closest option to town, but other guiding companies are a short drive away, including Wild Western Horseback Adventures and Trail Horse Adventure.
As always, make sure to book your trip as soon as possible, particularly if you intend to visit during peak tourist season. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind experience, which will take you through beautiful natural flora up to incredible viewpoints.
15. Book a Sedona Spa Day
Photo Credit: Studio Romantic
After all of these indoor and outdoor activities, you may want to spend a well-earned day pampering yourself. Luckily, you won’t have to look too far to find a world-class spa in Sedona—the town’s commitment to wellness extends to the physical as well as the spiritual.
We’d recommend starting at one of these spas and salons:
- A Spa for You Sedona Day Spa
- Namti Spa and Salon
- The Wilde Haven Spa
- Sedona Tao Foot Spa
- Jaliza Sedona Luxury Spa | Beauty Lounge
Plan Your Sojourn to Sedona
From 4-wheelers to hiking trails and 5-star shopping, Sedona has it all. There's even more that we didn't have room to cover here, like stargazing the night sky, wine tastings at local wineries, and hot air balloon rides. You might find yourself hard-pressed to absorb all the Southwestern magic this iconic town has to offer, so you should try to plan your itinerary and make any reservations sooner rather than later.
To get started, book your stay at Sedona Premier. We know that if you’re vacationing in Sedona, you have an appreciation for the finer things in life, and our luxury property rentals fall in that category. Don’t wait to visit Sedona!
