Sedona is the most beautiful town in the American Southwest. That is a bold statement, but I believe it to be true. The bright blue skies serve as the ideal backdrop to the red rock formations and green shrubbery in the foreground. You will have sensory overload with the variety of vivid colors in this Arizona small town. The stunning scenery serves as the perfect background while you are seeing the best Sedona things to do.
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Free 3 Days in Sedona Itinerary
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How to Get Here
The closest airport to Sedona is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport and is located approximately 45 minutes north of Sedona. The next closest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and is an approximate 2-hour drive to Sedona up Highway 17. Las Vegas’s McCarron International Airport is the next closest major airport and will take you over 4 hours to make this drive. If you are flying into any of these airports, you will need to rent a car for getting to and driving around Sedona.
Where to Stay
The Sedona area has several hotel and Airbnb options in and around town. We chose to stay near the uptown area so the shops and restaurants were within walking distance. The upscale motel, Cedar Resort Sedona, was the most reasonably priced place I found to follow my Sedona 3-day itinerary. The room had a balcony with gorgeous views of red rocks.
When to Visit
Spring and Fall months have the most ideal warm weather and blue skies. However, these perfect-weather months are also the times when Sedona is the busiest, and the prices are the highest. I visited Memorial Day weekend and experienced full parking lots at popular hikes by 6:00 am. The summer heat is almost unbearable, so I would not recommend hiking during this time unless you go super early in the morning. Winter months have colder temperatures, especially at night, but they also see the lowest number of crowds.
What to Pack
Listed below are things I highly recommend you pack while you are seeing the Sedona things to do.
- Water!! Whether you use a hydration backpack or carry bottled water, make sure to pack plenty of water when outdoors!
- Sunscreen – Protect your skin from the sun, and do not forget to reapply.
- Hat – More sun protection to block the sun from your face
- Hiking shoes/boots – Some of the hikes are on steep, slick rock, and people wearing regular tennis shoes struggled to keep their footing. Here are the men‘s version of the hiking shoes I love.
- Hiking socks – The best way to prevent blisters is by keeping your feet dry. Moisture-wicking socks are the best way to do that.
- Microfiber Beach Towel – I packed my microfiber beach towel to take to the swimming holes. I didn’t want to bring the hotel towels, and the microfiber towels fold up to practically nothing.
- Water Shoes – The creek bottoms were very slick which made my water shoes a must-have.
- Swimsuits – For pool or swimming hole time, you will need a swimsuit. Men’s Women’s
- Backpack – A backpack is a necessity when hiking to carry your water, snacks, sunscreen, etc. that you may need on your longer hikes.
- Cute sundress – A cute sundress is just the thing you need for wine tasting, shopping, and getting those perfect Instagram photos. Check out this one here and another one here.
- Flip Flops – I live in flip flops, so having a good pair of arch-supporting flip flops is a necessity. Men’s Women’s
- Printed Maps/Directions – Cell service is spotty when you are not inside Sedona city limits, so I recommend you print maps/directions to all hiking trails, wineries, and swimming holes you plan to visit with your Sedona things to do list.
Do You Need a Pass for Hiking?
Yes. Most hikes require a Red Rock Pass which can be purchased online or in-person at many gas stations and grocery stores. Because this area is part of the Coconino National Forest, your America the Beautiful U.S. Park Pass is also applicable for most hikes. Just make sure to display the pass on your dash or hang from your rearview mirror. The West Fork Trail entry is not included with your Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass, so you will need to pay that fee upon arrival.
The Best Sedona Things to Do
1. Take a Hike
The Coconino National Forest that surrounds Sedona has miles and miles of hiking trails for you to explore. I have visited Sedona on two separate trips and have barely scratched the surface on hikes to do. Hiking is one of the most popular Sedona things to do, and trails can get very crowded. Here are the five most iconic Sedona hikes to do.
Devil’s Bridge
When I think of Sedona landmarks, Devil’s Bridge is what comes to mind. This trail is 4.2 miles roundtrip with the first mile being fairly easy and the second mile more difficult with some vertical rock scrambling. There are two ways to hike this trail: one that is more popular and one that is more scenic. For detailed directions on how to hike the more scenic way, read How to Hike to Devil’s Bridge.
West Fork Trail
West Fork Trail is located just north of Sedona and is an easy but long hike at 6.5 miles round trip. This hike walks along Oak Creek surrounded by red canyon walls. Be careful to not get your feet wet with the 13 creek crossings.
Cathedral Rock
Even though this hike is a short 1.2-mile trek, it is a difficult one as the climb is steep. This hike offers stunning views of red rock country. I have not yet tackled this hike, but it is on my list for my next Sedona things to do list.
Soldier Pass
Soldier Pass is another must-do hike that offers many sights along the 4.5-mile roundtrip trail. First you will see Devil’s Kitchen, which is a sinkhole that formed with the collapse of underground caverns. You will also cross Seven Sacred pools and can take a detour to the Soldier Pass Cave.
Boynton Canyon
Boynton Canyon is another walk between canyon walls that offers beautiful views. This hike also has an off-trail detour that takes you to the Subway Cave and cliffside Sinagua ruins. The hike also features a vortex, which is one of the most popular vortices in Sedona. The Boynton Canyon plus Subway Cave detour makes this hike approximately 7.1 miles roundtrip.
2. Get Recharged at a Vortex
One of the most holistic Sedona things to do is to visit one of the many vortices in the area. A vortex is a whirlpool of energy that is known to have healing and spiritual properties. Find a vortex to recharge and uplift your soul. Some of the most popular vortices to discover are the Boynton Canyon, Sedona Scenic Airport Lookout (pictured above), and Bell Rock Vortices. If you do not want to explore the vortices on your own, take a tour.
3. Relax at the Spa
People flock to Sedona from all over to heal mentally and spiritually. If spending time at the vortices are not enough to completely heal your body and soul, then try one of the many spas around town. These spas offer packages that include massages, facials, and meditation.
4. Stroll Through Sedona Uptown
The Sedona Uptown area offers hours of entertainment with its unique shops and stunning art galleries. Shops include typical souvenirs as well as one-of-a-kind, local products like handmade candles, exclusive jewelry, and healing crystals. Be sure to look at the rock formations to the east of town for a good view of the Snoopy Rock.
5. Sample the Wine
Who does not love a good wine tasting? I certainly do. Winery 1912, Javelina Leap Vineyards, and Page Springs Cellars are just three of the many wineries we visited on our Sedona things to do list. Winery 1912 is located in Uptown Sedona, so you do not even need to drive there if staying nearby. Operating days and times vary from winery to winery, so we scheduled our tastings around our other plans.
6. Savor Southwestern Cuisines
There are so many delicious restaurants in Sedona for you to try. Make sure to make reservations days or even weeks before your arrival as the restaurants get crowded, especially during the busy season. Mesa Grill Sedona, Casa Sedona, Creekside American Bistro, and The Hudson are just some of the many amazing eateries. Many of the most popular restaurants offer outdoor seating so you get a view of red rocks with your meal.
7. Cool off in Nature’s Swimming Holes
If you want to cool off with a swim or sunbathe, you could always take a dip in your hotel pool. But what fun is that when some of the best Sedona things to do is visit local swimming holes. Even if you are visiting in cooler months, these swimming areas are very scenic and worth exploring.
Sliding Rock State Park – This swimming area boasts a natural waterslide and is a very popular place to sunbathe atop the red rocks. Entrance fees vary from $10-$30 per vehicle depending on the time of year.
Grasshopper Point – The Grasshopper Point Swimming Area is known for cliff jumping into the water below. This spot has limited capacity and costs $8 per vehicle or $2 per person who arrive on foot or by bicycle.
Red Rock Crossing at Crescent Moon Picnic Site – Keep cool in this flowing creek while marveling at views of Cathedral Rock upstream. Entry into the Crescent Moon Picnic Site is $10 per vehicle or $2 per person to walk or bike in.
8. Pray at Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross was built into the natural sandstone cliffs in Sedona in 1957. Inside the chapel is a 90-foot tall iron cross at the altar. Parking here is very limited, and you may have to park in the neighborhood and walk up a steep hill.
9. Take a Scenic Drive
Every road in Sedona is a scenic drive, but there are two notable drives you can take for spectacular views. One is Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive and the other is Red Rock Scenic Byway.
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive – This road is a 14-mile scenic drive on Highway 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff. The road climbs 4,500 feet with windy roads and hairpin turns.
Red Rock Scenic Byway – This 7.5-mile scenic drive starts south of Sedona on Highway 179 with views of Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and other prominent red rock formations.
10. Go Off-Roading
If you own and have experience driving a 4×4, there are many off-roading excursions you can explore. Some of these trails include Soldier Pass Trail (permit required), Dry Creek Road, and Outlaw Trail. You can rent a Jeep by the day from Make Your Expedition.
If you prefer to go on a Jeep tour excursion, there are several touring options. The most popular company is Pink Adventure Tours which are recognizable by their pink jeeps. The Pink Jeep Tours are also the only company allowed on the Broken Arrow Trail.
11. Explore Ancient Ruins
The Ancient Ruins of Palatki, a World Heritage Site, and Montezuma Castle National Monument are two sites on the Sedona things to do list. These sites are managed by the U.S. National Park Service who is dedicated to preserving Native American culture in the area. In addition to these sites, you can find ancient ruins all over the Sedona area.
12. See Sedona from the Sky
Sedona’s landscape boasts expansive views of red rock buttes, canyons, and winding creeks. The best way to see these scenic views is from the sky. Take a joy ride in a hot balloon with Red Rock Balloons or in a helicopter with Sedona Air Tours, which include rides over the Grand Canyon.
13. Drive to the Grand Canyon
Speaking of the Grand Canyon, plan a day trip to this magnificent natural wonder. Located a little more than a 2-hour drive from Sedona, this national park is worth the trek. Take a scenic drive along the south rim called the Desert View Drive. Look around the visitor center before taking a stroll on the South Rim Trail.
14. Take a Day Trip to Page, Arizona
Another can’t-miss day trip is the small town of Page, Arizona. After you drive the nearly 3 hours to get here, you will not have to drive very far to see multiple Southwest landmarks. Horseshoe Bend is the famous near-360 degree turn in the Colorado River where the Grand Canyon begins. This landmark will cost you $10 per passenger vehicle to enter. Glen Canyon Dam holds the famous Lake Powell and can be seen from an overlook. Antelope Canyon is one of the most wonderfully colorful slot canyons in America. Reservations are required to walk this epic slot canyon.
With so many wonderful Sedona things to do, I keep coming back to this Southwest destination over and over again. Whether you are into outdoor activities or urban adventures, Sedona is the prime location for your next vacation!
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