Updated July 18, 2024 • This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sedona isn’t just a dot on the map—it’s a red-rock playground where cliffs glow at sunset, creeks carve natural slides, and yes, vortex believers chase good energy. Whether you’re here for epic hikes, a spiritual reset, or a relaxed foodie weekend, this guide gathers Sedona’s can’t-miss highlights—with practical tips to make every stop easy.
Top 10 Things to Do in Sedona (Quick Picks)
- Cathedral Rock Trail – Iconic hike, glowing at sunset
- Devil’s Bridge – Natural sandstone arch, perfect photo-op
- Slide Rock State Park – Swim and slide in Oak Creek
- Chapel of the Holy Cross – Chapel built into red rocks
- Bell Rock Pathway – Easy family hike + vortex site
- Airport Mesa – Best sunset + panoramic views
- West Fork Trail – Shady creekside hike, stunning fall colors
- Broken Arrow Jeep Tour – Off-road thrills with epic views
- Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village – Galleries, shops, dining
- Mariposa Latin Grill – Fine dining with breathtaking red rock views
Quick Planner
- Best time to visit: March–May & September–November (mild temps, golden light).
- How long you need: 2–3 days for highlights; 4–5 for hikes + day trips.
- Getting around: A car is best. Parking fills early at popular trailheads.
- Passes: Many trailheads require a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass. Check signage.
- Safety: Carry water (more than you think), sun protection, grippy shoes. Start early to beat heat/crowds.
- Family-friendly picks: Slide Rock State Park, Bell Rock Pathway, Uptown Sedona, Pink Jeep Tours.
Top Landmarks & Views
Cathedral Rock (Iconic)
Why go: Classic Sedona views; the rock glows at sunset.
Quick Facts: Short but steep | Scrambling near the top | Best at golden hour
Devil’s Bridge (Instagram Favorite)
Why go: Natural sandstone bridge overlooking a canyon.
Quick Facts: ~4 mi RT (via official trail) | Moderate | Go early to avoid lines for photos
Airport Mesa (Sunset + Vortex)
Why go: Panoramic overlook close to town; famous energy spot.
Quick Facts: Limited parking | Arrive 30–45 mins before sunset
Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon Picnic Site)
Why go: Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek—postcard Sedona.
Quick Facts: Day-use fee | Flat trails + picnic tables | Great for families
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Why go: Modernist chapel built into the rock with sweeping views.
Quick Facts: Small lot | Go early for quiet and easy parking
Coffee Pot Rock & Snoopy Rock
Why go: Fun, family-friendly “spot the shape” landmarks visible from town.
Best Hikes (Easy → Moderate → Challenging)
Tip: Start early. Bring 1 liter of water per hour in hot months. Download offline maps.
Easy–Moderate
- Bell Rock Pathway (vortex site, wide trail, great for kids)
- West Fork Trail (Oak Creek Canyon) (shaded, creek crossings, stunning fall colors)
- Courthouse Butte Loop (~4 mi loop; big scenery, fewer crowds than Cathedral)
- Seven Sacred Pools (via Soldier Pass) (seasonal pools after rain; pair with Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole)
Short + Rewarding
- Doe Mountain (quick climb to a mesa with 360° views—sunrise or sunset gem)
- Airport Loop (loop with constant views; tack on the Overlook)
Longer / More Involved
- Boynton Canyon (vortex area + box canyon views)
- Mogollon Rim tracks (4×4 or guided—massive panoramas above the red rocks)
More Trails to Consider: Fay Canyon, Huckaby, Mescal, Brins Mesa, Baldwin, Cathedral Rock via Templeton (for creek access), Schnebly Hill Vista (hike or 4×4).
Water Play & Picnic Spots
- Slide Rock State Park (natural red-rock water slide—arrive early)
- Grasshopper Point (deep pools + big boulders for sunning)
- Oak Creek (various pull-offs; always pack out trash and check flows)
Scenic Drives
- Airport Road (fast access to elevated views and the Scenic Lookout)
- Schnebly Hill Road (high-clearance/4×4 for dramatic overlooks)
- Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR-179) (Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, chapel spurs)
- Mogollon Rim (4×4 climb to sweeping views)
Spiritual & Unique Experiences
- Vortex Spots: Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Cathedral Rock
- Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park: Walk, reflect, spin prayer wheels
- Sound Bath or Gong Meditation: Deep relaxation sessions around town
- Reiki & Chakra Balancing: Wellness practitioners throughout Sedona
- Aura Photos/Readings: Fun keepsake (and conversation starter)
- Stargazing: Dark skies reveal Milky Way (join a guided night-sky tour)
- Yoga with a View: Outdoor classes at resorts and studios
- Spiritual Readings: Sedona Energy Healing
Check out Mystical Hikes in Sedona’s Vorteces
Family Fun
- Uptown Sedona (shopping, treats, views; also called Downtown Sedona)
- Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (cobblestones, galleries, boutiques, events)
- Sedona Heritage Museum (local history + kid-friendly exhibits)
- Gallery Row & Kokopelli Gallery (browsing + art hunts for kids)
- Posse Grounds Park (playground + picnic)
- Sunset Park Splash Pad (seasonal splash time)
- Rainbow Trout Farm (stocked fishing; guaranteed kid smiles)
- Farmers Market (Sundays; local produce and snacks)
Nearby Animal Fun: Out of Africa Wildlife Park (Camp Verde; giraffes, shows).
Tours & Adrenaline
- Broken Arrow Jeep Tour (Pink Jeep) (classic off-road thrills + geology stories)
- Hot Air Balloon Ride (sunrise over red rock country; celebratory toast)
- Open-Air Bus Sightseeing Tour (great overview without hiking)
- Horseback Riding (desert canyons the old-school way)
- Rock Climbing (Guided) (routes for beginners and up; epic rock quality)
- Mountain Biking (guided options; resorts like Enchantment can arrange)
- Fishing: Oak Creek (wild) + Rainbow Trout Farm (stocked)
Food & Drink (Tried-and-True Favorites)
- Elote Café (inventive Mexican; reservations recommended)
- Cucina Rustica (romantic, Italian-leaning; warm service)
- Vino Di Sedona (wine bar + tapas; live music some nights)
- Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen (GF-friendly pizzas/pastas/salads)
- Oaxaca Restaurant – Mexican food downtown
- Pisa Lisa (great pies + gelato; fast and family-friendly)
- Cowboy Club (ribs, jalapeño cornbread; Western vibe)
- Layla’s Bakery-Café (quick pastries—almond croissants go fast!)
- Coffee Pot Restaurant (breakfast institution since 1974)
- Rocky Rd Ice Cream Co. (classic treats; GF/vegan options)
- The Chai Spot (homemade chai + artisan goods)
- ShadowRock Tap + Table (Hilton at Bell Rock) (cozy igloo dining in season)
- Mariposa (Latin-inspired grill with WOW views).
- L’Auberge de Sedona (upscale, romantic riverside dining)
Get your caffeine on: 20 Best Coffee Shops in Sedona
Wine Country Nearby: Wine Country Nearby: Alcantara Vineyards, Javelina Leap Vineyard, Sedona Wine Cellars, and Valle Verde Wine Trail (great day-trip pairing with Cottonwood/Jerome).
Culture, History & Day Trips
- Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (events + galleries)
- Sedona Arts Center (classes & exhibits)
- Montezuma Castle National Monument (Sinagua cliff dwellings)
- Palatki & Honanki Heritage Sites (pictographs + ruins; dirt road access)
- Wupatki National Monument (ancient pueblos; combine with Sunset Crater)
- Jerome (ghost town charm, mine history, hillside views)
- Cottonwood (Old Town tasting rooms + eateries)
- Verde Canyon Railroad (scenic rails through red-rock canyon)
- Grand Canyon (South Rim) (~2 hours; classic Arizona day trip)
Shopping, Coffee & Strolls
- Uptown Sedona (souvenirs, snacks, views)
- The Collective Sedona (Village of Oak Creek) (shops + food)
- Hyatt Piñon Pointe Shops (convenient retail cluster)
- Grab-and-Gaze: “Coffee + a view” is a Sedona art form—plenty of cafés with patios.
Spa & Relaxation
- Mii Amo (Enchantment Resort) (world-renowned spa; book ahead)
- Resort Spas across town (yoga, massages, facials, outdoor soaking)
2 Great Sample Itineraries
2 Days (Highlights Sprint)
Day 1: Bell Rock Pathway → Chapel of the Holy Cross → Tlaquepaque lunch → Airport Mesa sunset → Dinner at Elote Café
Day 2: Devil’s Bridge (early) → Slide Rock State Park (midday) → Uptown browsing → Pink Jeep Broken Arrow → Tapas & music at Vino Di Sedona
4 Days (Balanced Adventure)
Hike Cathedral Rock Trail.
Day 1: West Fork Trail → Sedona Heritage Museum → Rocky Rd Ice Cream Co.
Day 2: Cathedral Rock (sunrise) → Crescent Moon picnic → Sound bath/Reiki → Mariposa at sunset
Day 3: Boynton Canyon hike → Winery hopping (Verde Valley Wine Trail) → Cottonwood dinner
Day 4: Jerome morning + Verde Canyon Railroad or Grand Canyon day trip
Related Guides
- Things to Do at Bearizona Wildlife Park
- Things to Do at Blazin’ M Ranch
- Fun Things to Do in Williams, Arizona
- Out of Africa
Quick Facts
- Hiking & Water → Collapsible Water Bottle
- Shoes → Women’s Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
- Kids Gear → Sun Protection Shirt for Kids
- Cooling Tool (Slide Rock/swim spots) → Quick-Dry Microfiber Towel
- Daypack → Osprey Daylite Daypack.
Sedona Travel FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit Sedona?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the most popular times thanks to mild weather and beautiful colors. Winter offers smaller crowds, while summer brings hot days but also great hotel deals.
How many days should I spend in Sedona?
Two to three days is enough to see the highlights, hike a few trails, and enjoy Sedona’s dining scene. For a deeper experience—like wineries, multiple hikes, and day trips—plan four to five days.
Is Sedona family-friendly?
Absolutely. Families love Slide Rock State Park, the Sedona Trolley, Uptown shops, and easy hiking trails like Bell Rock Pathway. Many tours, including Pink Jeep Tours, are kid-friendly too.
What are Sedona’s must-see landmarks?
Don’t miss Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Devil’s Bridge, Airport Mesa at sunset, and the Seven Sacred Pools along Soldier Pass Trail.
Do I need a car in Sedona?
Yes. Sedona is spread out and attractions are short drives apart. A car gives you flexibility, but shuttles and guided tours are also available.
What should I pack for Sedona?
Comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing (temperatures change quickly), sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), and a refillable water bottle are essentials.
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