Best Things To Do In Sedona

Sedona's red pinnacles charm visitors from the first glance. In addition, there are many activities available, which mostly involve contact with nature.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

10 min read

Best Things To Do In Sedona

Vista de montañas rocosas |©Markus Stöcklin

Sedona is located in the green valley of Arizona and is a city mostly known for its red rocks. The best way to see it from end to end is to take a tour bus. While touring this desert town, you can stop by an old Mexican hacienda or an arts and crafts village.

Among the best things to do, you'll find ATV rides through Antelope Canyon, as well as guided tours to see starry nights. There are other activities you can take advantage of, such as hiking, venturing out on Sedona's best tours, visiting Cathedral Rock, exploring local vineyards, climbing iconic pinnacles and more - here's a full list of options to enjoy your visit!

1. Take a stargazing and UFO tour

Starry night in Sedona|©John
Starry night in Sedona|©John

Sedona's vibes are unmatched, in fact many spiritual rituals are practiced in the city. Indeed, at certain points of the year, it is believed that vortexes or energy portals open. Because there is little pollution, testimonies abound of people who claim to have seen UFOs flying over the area.

A star tour is a unique experience, ideal if you are looking for things to do in Sedona at night. It is an adventure that usually lasts about one hour and forty-five minutes, with a cost starting at 127 euros. Generally, you must have a car as the guide will only tell you where to go.

You will be able to see the brightest stars at Cultural Park Place, although you will need night vision goggles. If you are planning this activity among the things to do in Sedona in winter, I recommend you dress warmly as temperatures tend to be strong. Some of the rock formations and places you can visit are:

  • Fay Canyon: it is an easy route, suitable if you are planning to visit Sedona with children. It is full of geological areas and at night there is no light pollution, which makes stargazing easier.
  • Red Rock is open until late afternoon, but with a professional guide you can access during the night. Every month there are different activities, for example to celebrate the full moon or star showers.
  • Crystal Magic: is a souvenir store, where they sell crystals and gems that are manufactured in the city. It is an indispensable stop during this type of excursions.

Book a stargazing and UFO observation tour

2. Take a sightseeing bus tour of Sedona

Sedona Arizona Bus|©martin_rak
Sedona Arizona Bus|©martin_rak

The most comfortable way to stroll around the city is by opting for one of the best Sedona tours. For example, you can venture into guided experiences on a tour bus, an ideal activity for all ages. This way, you will get panoramic views of the red pinnacles that characterize this Arizona valley.

It usually lasts about five and a half hours, so it's ideal if you plan to visit Sedona in 3 days or more to learn about the geological history of the region. Note that the approximate cost is 97 euros, but it is completely worth it. This type of tour can take you to see:

  • Santa Cruz Chapel: it is a chapel built on one of the most beautiful hills in Sedona. Undoubtedly, you will get unparalleled views of the city and the best photographs.
  • Villa de las Artes de Tlaquepaque: it is an old town, very important in the region. Here you will find a market, which is worth a visit if you are planning things to do in Sedona for Christmas. Take the opportunity to explore the craft stores, restaurants with regional food, art galleries and more.
  • Peace Park and Amitabha Stupa: is a spiritual oasis containing an important Buddhist stupa or statue. It is worthwhile to relax in its gardens and lose yourself for a while in its labyrinths. In general, this type of experience usually offers a free time of approximately 30 minutes.
  • Sedona Airport Overlook: if you want to see the sunset and the red sandstone hills, this is the perfect place.
  • The Seven Canyons: it is a natural spectacle, ideal for exploring nature or taking hiking trails. There are excursions in 4x4 vans, in case you want to take an in-depth look.

The entrance fee is usually included in this type of tour packages, but I recommend checking with your travel provider. While strolling around the city, you will have the opportunity to ride along iconic trails such as Thunder Mountain where bike rentals are available. You can also find a variety of rock formations, such as Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Red Rock Road.

Book a bus tour

3. Tour the Sedona Canyon by ATV

ATV in the mountains|©graham
ATV in the mountains|©graham

The Sedona Grand Canyon is a spectacular site that attracts thousands of tourists from different parts of the country. Located in the Grand Canyon National Park, the rock formations in this area are huge, so you have to choose the right vehicle to explore them. A quad is an all-terrain ATV capable of taking this type of adventure. Grand Canyon tours usually include a guide and helpful tips for using the vehicle.

If you're planning things to do in Sedona in September, you're in luck! Specifically, from September through November you'll be able to take advantage of cooler weather, as well as less tourist crowds. It's a fun activity not to be missed, usually lasts four hours and prices start at 214 euros per person.

Some of the sites you can visit include Skeleton Bone Mountain, one of the highest points in Arizona's meandering red desert, ideal for panoramic views of the area. Nearby you may encounter javelinas, an animal that is related to elk, deer and wild boar - be careful if you're on your own! There are coyotes, snakes and crows.

Book a Sedona Canyon ATV Tour

4. Enjoy an excursion to Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon|©Ameer Basheer
Antelope Canyon|©Ameer Basheer

Antelope Canyon is one of the most emblematic sites near Sedona and stands out for its colorful rock formations. It is a place that every day receives thousands of tourists captivated by its natural wonders and where you can find many guided experiences. It is the best option if it is your first time in the city, you can find packages from 267 euros per person.

In autumn the colors of the antelope are really wonderful, so I recommend you to plan things to do in Sedona in October. Some of the places you can get to visit are:

  • Oak Creek Canyon: it is an area with a variety of activities, ideal for fishing, hiking, pre-notification camping or spending the day with the family. It is surrounded by forests and mountains, so it is ideal even during the humid summer heat.
  • Horseshoe Bend or the Horseshoe Bend: it is ideal if you want to sit for a while in front of the flow of the Colorado River, where you can see red cliffs.
  • Glen Canyon Dam or Glen Canyon Dam: it is a very nice and quiet place, where you can appreciate Lake Powell and the Colorado Canyon.
  • Bottom of Antelope Canyon: this is probably one of the areas that you will like the most, as you can clearly appreciate the diversity of colors of the canyon. If you opt for a guided experience, you will probably walk along the rim accompanied by a professional.

If you want to know how to get to Antelope Canyon from Sedona, all you have to do is take US-89 N/N 89 by car, it will take you about two hours. It's the fastest and most economical way, as buses and trains take over eight hours.

5. Feel like in an old Mexican hacienda at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Sedona, AZ|©John Linton
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Sedona, AZ|©John Linton

Sedona offers a variety of activities as an area with few intervening buildings and skyscrapers. As a result, existing homes often have facades inspired by quaint haciendas. The Mexican influence has inspired spaces such as Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, located in the small town of Tlaquepaque. Currently used as a shopping mall, outside is an old market with exhibits of all kinds.

Additionally, in this desert city the days are long and hot, which creates the perfect atmosphere to appreciate its landscapes. Therefore, if you have 2 days to visit Sedona you can take advantage of walking around this colonial house, as well as exploring its surroundings. During the morning walks, it is common to come across cultural events or weddings that take place here. Don't forget to take lots of pictures, as it is a preserved building dating back to 1970.

6. Explore the Sedona Heritage Museum

Sedona Heritage Museum|©Tere Sue Gidlof
Sedona Heritage Museum|©Tere Sue Gidlof

Sedona is an area whose main attraction is the rock formations and their dazzling colors. However, you can find a small museum on Jordan Road. This is the Sedona Heritage Museum, I recommend you spend about an hour.

Here you can dig into the history of the city and learn more about the process of rock formation, coloration and more. There are very educational permanent exhibits, ideal if you are visiting the region with children. Additionally, it is a space where events are often held that are open to the public. If you are looking for things to do in Sedona in November, you can take advantage of this activity, as the low season begins.

7. Hiking in Sedona

Sedona Hike|©Mslice
Sedona Hike|©Mslice

Sedona offers many fun and challenging experiences. Here you can take advantage of more than 70 hiking trails. There are different options, suitable for all ages. Keep in mind that this is an area where wildlife abounds, so you should take precautions because there are animals roaming in their natural habitat. Some of the ideal places for hiking are:

  • Soldier Pass Trail: it is a moderate intensity trail, with flat areas and few ascents or descents. It is a great option if you are looking for things to do in Sedona in June, as the sunny weather makes it easy to hike.
  • Cathedral Rock Trail: this is a long and difficult trail, not recommended for beginners. You will find rest stops and restrooms nearby. If you are planning things to do in Sedona in April, you can schedule this route and take advantage of the good weather conditions of spring.

8. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona

Chapel of the Holy Cross|©Jeff Wiles
Chapel of the Holy Cross|©Jeff Wiles

If you are planning to visit Sedona in 3 days, you can take advantage of the spiritual energy of the area and visit its main chapel. Here many people gather to give thanks, and regardless of religion many people book this destination because of its privileged views.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is built on a hill, it is a unique experience not to be missed. To get there you can drive along AZ-179 S, to get there in about eight minutes. You can also take a bicycle route of less than twenty minutes.

Access is free, but on holidays it is usually closed. You can take advantage of visiting this chapel if you are planning things to do in Sedona in December, as there are special celebrations and events for the Christmas holidays.

9. Take a tour of the best vineyards in Sedona

Alcantara Vineyards|©Brandi Walsh
Alcantara Vineyards|©Brandi Walsh

For a good wine tasting in Arizona, I recommend setting aside a day to check out the best vineyards or wineries in town. If you are planning things to do in Sedona in winter, this can be an ideal plan to warm up. In fact, many flea markets offer a selection of the season's best.

To take advantage of outdoor activities, I suggest planning things to do in Sedona in March as spring begins. Some of the best vineyards around Sedona are:

  • Alcantara Vineyards: a small winery that operates with eco-friendly policies, private or group tastings are organized every day. The best Sedona tours usually offer guided tours, which are the best way to soak up the experience. It is located thirty minutes from downtown by car on W Arizona 89a.
  • Cove Mesa: it is a winery where you can taste wines and typical foods of the Sedona region. To make a visit it is important to make a reservation in advance. It is located 25 minutes from downtown by car, taking W Arizona 89a and N Page Springs Rd.
  • DA Ranch: it is one of the best vineyards in the area, it is a quiet place ideal for a walk with the family. It has natural springs, close to the tasting areas.

10. Camping in Sedona

Tent pitched on the mountain|©Bryan Keith
Tent pitched on the mountain|©Bryan Keith

A plan that you can't miss is camping, as it is a fun activity for the whole family. The best Sedona tours can take you to live this experience, safely. There are also year-round camps starting at 40 euros. The price may vary depending on what is included.

  • Camp Avalon: is an ideal camp for a spiritual retreat, a great option if you are looking to disconnect and explore the pinnacles of Sedona. It is located fifteen minutes from downtown by car, via W Arizona 89a and Upper Red Rock Loop Rd.
  • Rancho Sedona RV Park: is an RV park where you can spend the night in Sedona. It is a large area where you will enjoy tranquility and privacy, ideal for a romantic getaway. It is located three minutes drive from downtown, just take N State Rte 89A and AZ-179 S.
  • Cave Springs Campground: a cabin in the middle of nowhere, many people visit to relax and camp in a safe area. However, be aware that it is located in a high area where the weather is quite cold. You can get there by car in less than twenty minutes, taking AZ-89A N/N State Rte 89A.

Tips for visiting Sedona

Sedona Store View|©Pete Gruber
Sedona Store View|©Pete Gruber
  • Bring mosquito repellent and watch out for animals in the area, such as snakes, crows and more. Some experiences are best taken with a professional guide, who will guide you as to the areas where you can walk without invading the space of other species.
  • The best time to visit the city is at the beginning of the year, I recommend you to take advantage of the things to do in Sedona in January since there are few tourists.
  • If you are planning things to do in Sedona in July, you should keep in mind that this is the hottest season. Summers in this part of Arizona are notorious for being humid and sunny. Stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
  • For a romantic getaway, the best option is to plan things to do in Sedona in February, as it celebrates the Day of Love and Friendship.