Things to Do in Sedona: The Best Experiences
Nature is the main attraction in Sedona, Arizona. If that sounds like your kind of town, you’ll love it here. Sedona is home to stunning red rock formations, and tons of hiking trails. It’s a gorgeous town even if you’re not here to hike. Since my first visit to Sedona in 2000, I’ve made over 50 trips from Phoenix to Sedona. I’ve visited Sedona in every season and look for something new on each visit.
If hiking, scenic drives and outdoor activities are your vibe, Sedona may be your favorite town in Arizona. It is perfect for a two or three-night stay. However, I love going back there over and over. If you are looking for nightlife that doesn’t involve sunsets and stargazing, Sedona may not be for you.
This guide pulls together everything I’ve learned about Sedona. Spend less time planning and more time enjoying Sedona. If this is your first trip, start with the Quick Trip Planner below. If you already know what you want to do, jump straight to hikes, scenic drives, places to visit, or trip planning.
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What I’ve Learned From Visiting Sedona 50+ Times
Originally published March 10, 2023 — Last updated September 7, 2026
- If it was my first time visiting Sedona I would take the time to make the stops on scenic SR179 (you’re driving on this if coming from Phoenix), I would visit Crescent Moon Ranch to see one of the best views of Cathedral Rock, with minimal hiking. I would hike a trail that appealed to me the most, visit uptown and Tlaquepaque.
- You don’t have to hike to enjoy Sedona. If you don’t like to hike, I would visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, I would take a scenic drive and take photos at the stops. Then I would choose one of the jeep tours so I could see some of the backcountry without hiking.
- Which hikes are actually worth the crowds. Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock are worth the crowds. However, I would avoid them during Spring Break. I prefer to hike in the morning when its cooler out.
- Where you stay affects your trip. Where you stay in Sedona changes how much time you spend dealing with traffic and getting to trailheads. Are most of your hikes on the west side of Sedona? If so, then you may want to stay on that side of town. Are you looking for a walkable area? If so you may want to stay in uptown area.
- What time of year you visit affects your plans. Summer hikes need to start early in the morning. Snow might be oak creek canyon, but not in uptown Sedona. Find out what the best time to visit Sedona.
- Oak Creek Canyon is worth visiting if you’re staying in Sedona a few days.
Planning a Trip to Sedona – Before You Go
First time visiting Sedona? Before you start choosing hikes and attractions, read my guide to parking, trailheads, getting around, Red Rock Passes and other things that can trip up first-time visitors. → Plan Your Sedona Trip First Time Sedona Travel Tips
Sedona Restaurants – Where to Eat in Sedona: My Top Picks
Where is Sedona & How to get to There?
⏱ Quick Travel Tips
Distance from Phoenix: 115 miles, about 2 hours via I-17, then the scenic SR-179 Red Rock Byway into town.
How many days do you need: 2-3 days, however it’s easy to visit longer without repeating activities Best Times to Visit: Spring & Fall are the best and most popular times to visit. In summer finish hikes by 9 or 10 am.Do I need a Red Rock Pass?:If you’re hiking, probably.
Sedona’s red rocks are the main reason to visit. The best way to experience them depends on what you want from your trip. You can hike, take a scenic drive, or explore the red rocks around town. Here’s what I’d prioritize on a first trip:
Things to Do in Sedona
- Hike Devil’s Bridge or Cathedral Rock. If you want the classic Sedona trail views, these are the two hikes I’d consider first. Yes, they’re crowded, but I think the views are worth it. Devil’s Bridge is the longer hike, while Cathedral Rock is shorter but more strenuous.
- Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR-179). If you’re coming from Phoenix, this is the road you’ll drive into Sedona on. Stop at Bell Rock for some of the best red rock views without having to hike. Of course, you can get out and walk around if you want to.
- Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Not up for a hike? Check out this unusual church built right into the red rocks. The architecture alone makes it worth a stop.
- Browse Uptown Sedona and Tlaquepaque. Uptown is the more touristy part of Sedona, but you’ll also find shops, restaurants, and plenty of red rock views. I’d go for the architecture and art galleries in Tlaquepaque, even if shopping isn’t your thing.
- Take a Jeep tour. If you want to see more of Sedona’s backcountry without hiking, this is a good option.
- Cool off at a swimming hole. In summer, head to places like Slide Rock State Park or Grasshopper Point to cool off.
- Drive through Oak Creek Canyon. It is one of the most scenic stretches near Sedona, and shaded.
Not sure which activities are worth your time? Use the guide below to fid the ones that fit your travel style. There are so many cool places to visit in Arizona, however, Sedona is my favorite area to explore.
What do You Want to See?
⏱ Travel Tip
Best Things to do in Sedona: Sedona’s Red Rock formations are the main draw to the city. To take in the views you can hike, walk around uptown and take a scenic drive.
Explore Sedona
Sedona’s touristy areas to explore include uptown Sedona and Tlaquepaque, and Chapel of the Holy Cross. They are all near each other (within 4 miles), so you won’t spend too much time driving to see each of them.
From my many visits to Sedona, I would suggest uptown Sedona for great red rock views, restaurants and browsing. Tlaquepaque for its architecture, shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross for the views and unusual setting.
I’ve visited these areas many times, and think they’re worth including on a first trip. I usually go to one of these three areas every time I visit Sedona. A couple hours is enough for the touristy areas.
I Want to Get Outdoors in Sedona
Just want to get outside? Read my guides on Sedona hikes, the best viewpoints, scenic drives, nearby swimming holes, and fun stops in Oak Creek Canyon.
After visiting Sedona in different seasons, fall, winter and spring are the most comfortable times of year to hike. Sedona is only about 15-20 degrees cooler than Phoenix. It isn’t usually the temperature that will get to you in Sedona it is the sun’s intensity and lack of shade. If visiting in the summer, hike early in the morning. Plan the hike so you’re done by 9 or 10 am and/or choose shaded hikes.
Scenic Drives
Explore Sedona’s prettiest drives including Oak Creek Canyon & Red Rock Byway
Scenic Drives
Swimming Holes
Cool off in one of Sedona’s swimming holes. Find out which one you want to visit.
Swimming Holes
Oak Creek Canyon
One of the most scenic areas in Sedona, red rocks, trees, and a cool creek.
Oak CreekNot a Hiker? Here’s What I’d Do Instead
You don’t have to hike to see the sights in Sedona. If you’re not interested in hiking but still want to experience Sedona, I’ve put together some guides that don’t require hiking. Find out which Sedona scenic drives is worth your time,
You can wear your flip-flops here.
Scenic Drives
Explore Sedona’s prettiest drives including Oak Creek Canyon & Red Rock Byway
Scenic DrivesI Want Something Different
I’m always looking for the something different category when visiting a new place. If you are interested in Sedona’s history, cliff dwellings, hiking a Sedona vortex trail or spending a weekend focused on wellness these guides are for you.
Sedona’s History
⏱ Sedona’s Historic Sites
Sedona’s History. Learn about Sedona’s history: Ancient petroglyphs, cliff dwellings, and apple orchards. How Sedona started.
Day Trips from Sedona
Have extra time? Have extra time? Explore historic towns, ancient sites, wineries, and other Arizona destinations within a couple of hours of Sedona.
Sedona Hike Planner
⏱ Sedona’s Quick Hike Planner
Sedona Hikes: Choose a trail by Difficulty, Scenery and Time
Whether you’re looking for an easy Sedona hike or a more challenging one you can choose the best trail for you.Sedona FAQ
What is Sedona famous for? Red rock formations.
Is Sedona worth visiting? Yes, Sedona is the town we take all out of town visitors to. It is a unique town in Arizona.
How many days do you need? Most visitors need 2-3 days to see Sedona. There are enough hikes and other places to explore in the Verde Valley to keep you coming back every year. If you live within driving distance it’s easy to visit every month and still not repeat the same activities.
Is Sedona walkable? Uptown Sedona is walkable and the area around Tlaquepaque Shopping Village is walkable.
Do you need a Red Rock Pass? Probably. If you plan to hike you will most likely need a Red Rock pass.
Can you visit without hiking? Yes, there is plenty to do in Sedona even if you don’t want to hike.
Which Sedona Experiences are Worth Taking a Tour?
- I would recommend a jeep tour if you want to see the backcountry scenery without hiking.
- Choose a Guided hike if you want local knowledge, you would rather not hike alone or aren’t comfortable choosing trails yourself.
- If you want to see the most popular rock formations without worrying about the logistics of driving, take a scenic tour.
- Are you interested in the spiritual side of Sedona? If so you may enjoy a guided vortex tour.
Adventurer At Heart
Amber is the writer behind Adventurer At Heart, sharing practical travel advice based on more than 25 years of exploring Arizona and traveling beyond it. She looks for places with a story, from desert trails and historic sites to scenic drives and towns worth your limited vacation time. When she’s not traveling, she’s gardening.
