What to Do in Sedona If You Don’t Want to Hike

Sedona is so well-known for hiking that a lot of people wonder what you can do in Sedona if you don’t want to hike. Is it worth visiting if you don’t want to hike?

Yes it is worth taking a trip to Sedona even if you don’t plan on hiking. In fact, some of the best experiences here don’t involve hiking at all. You can spend a full day seeing the famous red rock scenery, exploring Sedona’s history, taking a Jeep tour, browsing Tlaquepaque, or swimming in Oak Creek Canyon.

I’ve visited Sedona many times, and if I were planning a no-hiking day, I’d pick one scenic drive, a few easy-access viewpoints, and an activity that matches your interests. Here’s what I’d choose.

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Things to do in Sedona – No Hiking Required

Originally published June 5, 2025— Last updated September 4, 2026

Whether you’re in the mood for jaw-dropping views, a little shopping, a splash of wine, or just soaking up the vibes, Sedona offers plenty of things to do that don’t involve breaking a sweat.

Let me share some fun things to do on your trip to Sedona that’s easy, scenic, and totally relaxing, with no hiking needed.

Take a Scenic Drive in Sedona

Let’s start with the obvious: the red rock views are the reason you came. And lucky for us, Sedona is full of scenic byways that don’t require hiking boots.

Cruise down Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) and make pit stops at places like Bell Rock or Cathedral Rock you can see these stunning formations right from the parking lot or a short walk away.

If you want more jaw-dropping landscapes, Oak Creek Canyon Drive (SR 89A North) or Red Rock Loop are some other gorgeous scenic drives.

Learn more about each Sedona Scenic Drive.

Sedona Heritage Museum

Learn a little local history at this cozy museum tucked into a historic homestead. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a peek into pioneer life and early Sedona culture. Indoor/outdoor museum. Check out the space behind the Telegraph Office for more picturesque red rock views.

Visit a Swimming Hole

If you’re visiting during the warmer months, head to one of Sedona’s natural swimming holes like Grasshopper Point or Slide Rock State Park. They’re popular for a reason refreshing water and picture-perfect backdrops. Even if it’s too chilly to swim, dipping your feet in the creek or exploring the creek is still a fun way to spend some time.

Read the complete guide → Arizona’s Natural Swimming Holes

Stargazing

Sedona is a designated Dark Sky Community, which means the stars here are incredible. Bring a blanket, look up, and get ready to be amazed.

Head out to Crescent Moon Picnic Site , Two Trees Observation Area, Yavapai Vista, or Airport Mesa after sunset. These spots are known for great stargazing without too much light pollution.

You can leave the logistics to someone else and take a guided stargazing tour.

Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross

Even if you’re not into religious landmarks, this spot is worth the visit. Built right into the red rocks, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is peaceful and has some of the best panoramic views in town. Parking is usually easy, and it’s just a short walk from the lot.

Take a Jeep Tour

You can still see Sedona’s backcountry, without hiking. Take a jeep tour for a really fun adventure. We loved the Broken Arrow Trail.

Want to see the red rocks without a strenuous hike? → Compare your best sightseeing and Jeep options.

Catch the Sunset at Airport Mesa

This spot is easy to reach and seriously delivers on the view. Airport Mesa is a favorite for sunset watchers. You can drive right up, find a good spot, and take in the way the red rocks glow at golden hour. No hiking involved, just park and walk across the street.

There are some really easy Sedona trails at Airport Mesa, so if you feel like taking a short hike this is one of the places you can do that.

Visit a Winery

The Verde Valley Wine Trail is just outside of Sedona and packed with charming wineries and tasting rooms. Spend an afternoon sipping Arizona-grown reds and whites.

Some of my favorites include: Page Springs Cellars and Southwest Wine Center.

You can book a wine tour if you want to relax and let someone else do the driving. → Book a Wine Tasting Tour

Visit Ancient Cliff Dwellings and National Monuments

So there is a little bit of walking to see these national monuments, but it’s not strenuous. Montezuma is paved, so it is just a walk in the park. I wouldn’t consider this as hiking, but you will have to do a little bit of walking to see these sights.

Just a short drive from Sedona, you’ll find Montezuma Castle National Monument, where ancient cliff dwellings are tucked into the rock. It’s an easy stroll from the visitor center and packed with history. You can also check out Tuzigoot National Monument or Palatki Heritage Site for more ancient wonders.

You will need a high clearance vehicle to reach the cliff dwellings. As an alternative you can take a guided jeep tour to Honanki.

Meditate or Reflect at the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park

Even if you’re not into meditation, the Peace Park is incredibly calming. Walk the trails, spin the prayer wheels, or just sit and take in the view. It’s a quiet spot that feels far from the crowds perfect for a moment of stillness.

Shopping

Sedona has no shortage of places to browse. Uptown Sedona, Tlaquepaque Art & Shopping Village, West Sedona and Oak Creek Village is full of cute shops with crystals, art, and souvenirs.

Peace Place Gifts & Reiki Center, near Jordan Road and Apple Ave, has slabs of Arizona selenite as well as other crystals and metaphysical items. You can also find public restrooms here down the cobblestone path.

Check out my guide → Shops in Sedona.

Where to Next? Sedona Guides

Sedona Tours

You don’t have to drive at all to sightsee in Sedona. You can have a more curated experience by taking a tour. Let someone else take care of the logistics and driving.

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• Book a Flight to Sedona: To Sedona the closest airport is Flagstaff Pulliam and Sky Harbor in Phoenix.
• Rent a Car to Sedona: You can rent a car in Flagstaff or Phoenix and drive to Sedona. Alternatively, you can leave the driving to someone else and take a bus tour from Phoenix to Sedona.
• Where to Stay in Sedona: Choose from hotels, motels, resorts, airbnb, vrbo, cabins, and camp sites in Sedona.
• Tours to Take in Sedona

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