I’ll always remember the primary time I visited Sedona. My first sight of the purple rocks set towards the brilliant blue sky took my breath away. In addition to being one of the crucial stunning locations in the US, there are additionally countless issues to do in Sedona which makes it the proper trip spot.
Tasty eating places, distinctive purchasing, outside adventures, and breathtaking surroundings are only a few issues that town has to supply. Whether or not you’re in search of a spot to go to for a romantic getaway, a visit with associates, or a household trip, Sedona is the place for you. This is among the finest locations to go to in Arizona!
After my first go to to Sedona, I by no means thought I’d reside simply 2 hours away from it. Now I escape to the purple rocks, blue sky, and mountaineering trails anytime I can. Each time I go to I discover one thing new to take action I promise you received’t run out of the enjoyable issues to do in Sedona.
Finest Issues To Do in Sedona
You’ll be able to’t go mistaken by choosing any considered one of these 15 actions in Sedona. Whether or not you need an out of doors journey, a day stuffed with stunning views, or scrumptious meals and wine, Sedona will certainly have one thing for you.
1. Take a Jeep Tour
For those who’re in search of the proper method to discover the enduring Crimson Rocks, I extremely advocate you head out on this jeep tour. The two-hour expertise begins proper in Sedona and heads out towards Dry Creek Basin. An off-road jeep tour may simply be the most effective factor to do in Sedona.
Alongside the best way, be ready to study from the information in regards to the well-known purple rock and soak up a surprising sundown from the backroads. That is a tremendous factor to do in Sedona for households, associates, or anybody trying to get off the overwhelmed path. Discover out extra right here.
Tackle: 35 Southwest Dr, Sedona, AZ 86336. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Chapel of the Holy Cross
I’ll always remember driving into Sedona the very first time and looking the window to see the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The gorgeous structure mixed with the purple rocks is bound to go away you fairly speechless, simply because it left me.
The Roman Catholic Chapel, accomplished in 1956, is considered one of Sedona’s high points of interest and is a religious and peaceable place to go to. Visiting the chapel is free and it’s open from 9 am – 5 pm seven days every week. Try their web site to study extra in regards to the historical past and when to go to.
Tackle: 780 Chapel Rd., Sedona, AZ 86336. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Spend the Day at Slide Rock State Park
For those who’re in search of issues to do in Sedona in the summertime, put Slide Rock State Park on the high of your record. House to a number of pure rock waterslides, this state park is the proper place to chill off and hang around among the many gorgeous desert panorama.
My favourite time to go to slide rock is late within the afternoon after I’ve completed a protracted hike within the space. There’s nothing extra refreshing than sliding down into the cool water.
Slide Rock is beloved by many individuals so be ready for it to be busy – particularly in the summertime months. The park hours and entry payment info is offered on their web site. You should definitely verify that out earlier than you go to.
Tackle: Arizona 86336. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Sights, Historical past, and Procuring
One among my favourite issues about Sedona is that it is stuffed with historical past, thriller, and wonder. If you wish to soak up all of those components, this sights, historical past, and purchasing tour is ideal for you.
Over 5.5 hours, you’ll cease at 6 iconic spots in Sedona and luxuriate in scrumptious meals, distinctive purchasing, and wealthy history-all whereas touring round in an open-air car. For those who’re questioning what to see in Sedona, e-book this tour and also you’ll get to immerse your self in most of the finest issues to see in simply half a day. Discover out extra right here.
Tackle: 2370 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336. Click on right here for instructions.
5. Guided ATV Tour
An ATV tour is one of the best ways to actually expertise the rugged purple rocks of Sedona. Spend three hours exploring 30 miles of western Sedona – together with climbing up Skeleton Bone Mountain. Alongside the best way, your information will level out areas which were featured in over 40 Hollywood movies.
Based mostly on the age and ability stage of your group, the information will customise the path to finest go well with everybody. Be ready with water, sun shades, your digital camera, lengthy pants, and closed-toe footwear.
I’ve been to Sedona numerous occasions, however once I took this tour, I obtained an entire new perspective on the panorama and wonder that I’d by no means had earlier than. Count on an exciting journey that you simply received’t neglect! Study extra right here.
Tackle: 3075 AZ-89A #3075, Sedona, AZ 86336. Click on right here for instructions.
6. Discover the Meals Scene
Sedona could also be most well-known for its purple rock panorama however don’t make the error of overlooking its scrumptious meals scene. Every time I go to I look ahead to testing a brand new restaurant.
For meals impressed by Oaxaca, Veracruz, Puebla, and Arizona, go to Elote Cafe. Ensure to benefit from the Mexican chocolate pie.
For scrumptious American meals go to The Hudson. This one is my private favourite because of its spinach and artichoke dip and the outside patio that gives a few of the finest views of Sedona.
Scrumptious selfmade pizza in a tree-house-like restaurant. What extra might you need? Make time to go to the Hideaway Home to take pleasure in this distinctive expertise.
Tackle: Elote Cafe: 350 Jordan Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336. The Hudson: 671 AZ-179 ste d, Sedona, AZ 86336. Hideaway Home: 231 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86336.
7. Verde Canyon Railroad Journey
For those who’re in search of issues to do close to Sedona, this Verde Canyon Railroad Journey is the proper exercise so as to add to your journey itinerary. Spend 4 hours driving in a classic or open-air automobile and wind by the wilderness of Southwest America.
Alongside the best way, you’ll see historic cliff dwellings, historic mining websites, and the Verde River. This exercise is right for individuals of all ages and is particularly nice for households.
What higher means to soak up the great thing about Verde Canyon than from the railroad? Click on right here to seek out out extra and e-book your journey.
Tackle: 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324. Click on right here for instructions.
8. Vortex Yoga Mountain climbing
Sedona is thought to be a very religious place and a few even consider it’s dwelling to many alternative vortexes. If this sounds intriguing to you, think about spending 3.5 hours on this vortex yoga mountaineering tour; enjoyable and unwinding in one of the crucial stunning locations within the nation.
The tour contains mountaineering within the vortex areas, yoga, and guided meditation. Come ready with water, a digital camera, sunscreen, and an open coronary heart and thoughts. This is among the extra distinctive issues to do in Sedona. Click on right here for particulars.
Tackle: The assembly location is finalized upon reserving the tour.
9. Go on a Hike
My favourite method to discover Sedona is by foot on any of the numerous mountaineering trails. Whether or not you’re in search of a 1-mile hike or a 10-mile hike, Sedona has one thing to supply. Plus, this can be a nice choice for these in search of free issues to do in Sedona.
For probably the most iconic vacation spot and ideal image alternatives, hike to Satan’s Bridge. For sweeping views and a fast climb, scramble up Cathedral Rock. For those who’re in search of a problem with a number of elevation achieve and views over the complete valley, climb up Wilson Mountain. And eventually, for a scorching summer season day, hike West Fork Path and benefit from the creek the complete means.
I’ve lived in Arizona for 3 years and my favourite trails within the state are all situated in Sedona. Be ready with loads of water and good footwear to traverse the purple rocks. Click on right here to see extra hikes in Sedona on All Trails.
Tackle: Satan’s Bridge Trailhead – Cathedral Rock Trailhead – Wilson Mountain Trailhead – West Fork Path Trailhead
10. Be part of a Vineyard Tour
It could shock you to know that Sedona and its surrounding space are dwelling to many stunning wineries. On this tour, you’ll be able to spend the day visiting as much as 4 completely different wineries together with Dancing Apache, Javelina Leap, and Oak Creek Winery.
This highly-reviewed tour is ideal for many who wish to see stunning vineyards and style scrumptious wine with out having to seek out the locations alone and drive in between. A personalised charcuterie board for lunch is included within the tour, in addition to some reductions on tastings and bottles of wine to take dwelling. Discover out extra and e-book your wine tour right here.
Tackle: 100 Verde Valley Faculty Rd, Sedona, AZ 86351. Click on right here for instructions.
11. Day Journey to the Grand Canyon
Not solely are there numerous issues to do in Sedona itself, however there’s additionally loads to discover within the surrounding space. In your subsequent go to to Sedona, it’s a should that you simply e-book this tour and take an intimate day journey to the Grand Canyon. I promise you, watching the sundown sweep throughout the expansive and delightful canyon will likely be one thing you’ll keep in mind ceaselessly.
This tour has a lot to supply: a educated information who narrates historical past and knowledge alongside the best way, a cease at Cameron Buying and selling Publish to expertise Native American craftsmanship, a cease at Desert View Watchtower, a second to observe the sundown, and a complimentary dinner. Guide your journey right here.
Tackle: Decide-up location finalized after reserving.
12. Go Mountain Biking
There are such a lot of methods to discover the great thing about Sedona; by foot, in an ATV, in a jeep, or on a mountain bike. Mountain biking in Sedona is exclusive as a result of there aren’t many different locations on the earth that may examine to the panorama.
Even for those who don’t personal your personal mountain bike, otherwise you flew in with out your bike, don’t fear. You’ll be able to hire bikes from Thunder Mountain Bikes and select to discover one of many 5 fundamental mountain biking areas: Village of Oak Creek, Dry Creek, Adobe Jack, Damaged Arrow, or Carroll Canyon.
Earlier than you head out, know that the majority trails are multi-use; that means you’ll probably encounter individuals mountaineering the identical trails. Be aware of your ability stage as most trails vary from intermediate to professional.
Tackle: 1695 W. State Route 89A Sedona, AZ 86336. Click on right here for instructions.
13. Fish in Oak Creek Canyon
Seize your fly rod and head to Oak Creek Canyon to try to catch some brown trout, Gila trout, or rainbow trout. That is considered one of my absolute favourite issues to do in Sedona.
Oak Creek is a superb fishing location for those who’re in search of a small stream. This sort of water requires some finesse fishing and provides the chance to follow some completely different abilities and techniques.
Ensure to buy a fishing license forward of time and persist with the catch and launch part. This space is between the Hwy 89A Bridge crossing at Slide Rock State Park and upstream to the AGFD Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery property boundary.
Tackle: N State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336. Click on right here for instructions.
14. UFO and Stargazing Tour
For those who’re in search of unforgettable methods to spend a night in Sedona, this UFO and stargazing tour is the proper factor to do in Sedona at night time. Spend an hour observing the night time sky in a means you by no means have earlier than. Your educated information will assist level out secrets and techniques overhead, and clarify issues to you as you monitor unidentified objects up above.
This tour is nice for these within the night time sky and open to studying new issues. Be ready with heat garments, snacks, and drinks. Discover out extra and e-book right here.
Tackle: The assembly location is finalized as soon as the tour is booked.
15. Be part of an E-bike tour
For those who’re eager to see lots of Sedona’s points of interest at your personal tempo, this self-guided e-bike tour is ideal for you. A employees particular person will get you fitted with the proper bike and equipment, and then you definately’re free to discover the purple rocks and purchasing of Sedona at leisure.
The tour takes you to a few of the most iconic spots; reminiscent of Bell Rocks, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Cathedral Rock, and the Tlaquepaque Arts & Procuring Village. Among the finest elements of exploring town on an e-bike is that you simply don’t should battle for parking within the extra well-liked areas.
Benefit from the comfort and the great thing about exploring Sedona by e-bike. Click on right here to e-book this highly-rated e-bike journey.
Tackle: 235 N State Rte 89A 235 n, Sedona, AZ 86336. Click on right here for instructions.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Sedona
Whether or not you solely have sooner or later or seven in Sedona, there are many methods you’ll be able to replenish your time to see as a lot as doable. Listed below are a number of options of how one can finest plan your subsequent journey:
1 Day in Sedona Itinerary
To start out the day, head out on an 8 am Crimson Rock Jeep Tour. That is the proper method to get out and discover the purple rock as quickly because the day begins. After your jeep tour, drive quarter-hour to the south aspect of city to the Chapel of the Holy Cross to loosen up and take within the majestic magnificence earlier than you.
For the remainder of the afternoon, head throughout the street from the Chapel of the Holy Cross to hike as much as Cathedral Rock. Subsequent, head 25 minutes north to Slide Rock State Park to chill off and unwind in Oak Creek Canyon. End the time without work again within the heart of city and luxuriate in dinner at The Hudson.
2-3 Days in Sedona Itinerary
Day 1: Day one within the metropolis is for adventuring and taking within the purple rocks. Spend the morning on a guided ATV tour of the Sedona trails. After exploring the paths, clean up and head into city to buy within the Tlaquepaque Arts & Procuring Village. After a day of purchasing, have your reservation able to take pleasure in dinner at Elote Cafe (eating is by reservation solely).
Day 2: Day two will begin with an early morning hike to Satan’s Bridge – this manner you’ll beat the warmth and the crowds. After your trek, get again into city and provides your legs a relaxation throughout a day on the Verde Canyon Railroad Journey.
Day 3: Your remaining day in Sedona will begin by touring native vineyards and wineries on the Sedona vineyard tour. After the tour, spend the remainder of the day enjoyable by Oak Creek, fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout.
1 Week in Sedona Itinerary
In your first day in Sedona, take it straightforward by merely having fun with the numerous sights and sounds. For those who’re in search of a calming method to begin the journey, e-book the Vortex yoga mountaineering tour and spend 3.5 hours appreciating your environment. Days two and three are for outside adventures. Spend the second day exploring by taking the Crimson Rock West Jeep Tour. Be happy to step it up a notch and discover the purple rocks on ATVs in your third day of exercise.
Days 4 and 5 are for exploring the encircling space. First, take a day journey to the Grand Canyon for brand spanking new stunning sights and a spectacular sundown dinner. On day 5, hop on the Verde Canyon Railroad to discover the great thing about Verde Canyon.
On day six, keep native to Sedona and hit the most important landmarks such because the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Cathedral Rock on a self-guided e-bike tour. That night time, take pleasure in a slice of Sedona and a few selfmade pizza on the Hideaway Home.
Use day seven to both spend the morning mountain biking or exploring the paths on foot-like mountaineering to Satan’s Bridge. Within the afternoon of your remaining day, cool off by hanging out at Slide Rock State Park.
The place to Keep in Sedona
These are a number of of the most effective neighborhoods in Sedona for vacationers:
Uptown Sedona – Finest for NightLife
Uptown Sedona is finest for many who are desirous to be near the city’s exercise, retailers, and eating places. This space is tremendous walkable and infrequently busy within the excessive seasons so it has a high-energy vibe. Past the numerous retailers and eating places, Uptown can be dwelling to the Sedona Heritage Museum.
Click on right here for extra info on a Finest Western Plus situated within the Uptown Sedona space.
West Sedona – Finest for First-Time Guests
Though West Sedona is just 3 miles from Uptown, it provides a unique vibe because of its many native breweries, espresso retailers, farmers’ markets, and artwork galleries. I recommend this space for first-time guests since you’ll nonetheless be near town’s exercise, however can take pleasure in a extra artsy and distinctive vitality.
Click on right here to e-book the Wilde Resort and Spa in West Sedona.
Oak Creek – Finest for Households
Oak Creek is situated 7 miles south of Sedona and is a peaceable and rejuvenating space overflowing with magnificence. If you wish to expertise being out in nature, I extremely recommend basing your self right here as the world is near the entire exercise of Sedona, but surrounded by the distinctive parks and eating places of Oak Creek.
Click on right here to seek out out about Factor Sedona within the Village of Oak Creek.
Finest Eating places in Sedona
Not solely is Sedona identified for its magnificence and outside adventures, however it’s additionally dwelling to many beautiful eating places.
Elote Cafe
Elote Cafe is an upscale Mexican restaurant that’s a must-visit for any foodie when in Sedona. Ensure to plan forward because it’s eating is by reservation solely and is commonly booked up a month prematurely. To start out, order their signature road corn-inspired dip, “Elote”, and observe it up with braised brisket enchiladas. For dessert don’t miss out on Mexican Chocolate Pie.
Click on right here for instructions.
The Hideaway Home
The Hideaway Home is beloved by locals and guests alike. Not solely does this restaurant have scrumptious pizza, however it additionally has three outside patios that overlook the purple rocks of Sedona. Ensure to order their roasted peach, caramelized onion, and pancetta pizza. The restaurant is sort of inexpensive contemplating the extent of food-with entrees costing round $25-$30.
Click on right here for instructions.
SaltRock Kitchen
The SaltRock Kitchen is situated within the Amara Resort and Spa and is the proper place to flee for comfortable hour drinks and appetizers. Don’t go away with out tasting considered one of their signature margaritas, roasted corn dip, or quick rib tacos. The meals and drinks are completely accompanied by views of the purple rocks of Sedons from their outside patio.
Click on right here for instructions.
The Hudson
If I had to decide on my favourite restaurant in Sedona, it must be The Hudson. This restaurant is a basic American eatery with a Southwestern flare. Ensure to begin dinner with the spinach and artichoke dip, or bruschetta, and observe it up with the mushroom burger or BBQ braised pork tacos. The eating room has an open and enjoyable vibe and also you even have the choice to sit down open air on their patio that overlooks Sedona.
Click on right here for instructions.
Pump Home Station City Eatery and Market
If you need tasty meals in a stupendous location, Pump Home Station should make it onto your record. This rustic A-frame restaurant surrounded by timber and set on the creek, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They’re most well-known for his or her city burrito and smoked salmon benedict for breakfast, and their heat selfmade sandwiches for lunch.
Click on right here for instructions.
Attending to Sedona
One of the best ways to get to Sedona is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, hire a automobile, and drive 2 hours north to Sedona. Alternatively, there’s a small airport in Flagstaff, AZ which is just 40 minutes from Sedona however is more likely to have fewer flight choices.
For those who want to journey by prepare, the Amtrak passes by Flagstaff, AZ. From there, you possibly can hire a automobile and make the 40-minute drive right down to Sedona.
One of the best ways to get round Sedona itself is by automobile. There’s an area shuttle that gives rides to and from the favored mountaineering trails. The downtown space can be very walkable.
Nevertheless, for those who’re desirous to get to Sedona to and from the airport, and intend to take day journeys to locations close by, I recommend renting a automobile. Click on right here to seek for the most effective offers on rental vehicles in Sedona.
Issues To Do in Sedona: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Sedona:
Sedona is thought for its iconic purple rocks and the outside adventures that include the panorama. It’s additionally identified for its religious vitality.
One of the best time to go to Sedona is March by Might when the flowers are blooming and the temperatures are decrease. Between September and November can be a good time to go to.
Sedona is completely price visiting. There’s a wide range of issues to take action it’s good for romantic couple getaways, household holidays, or buddy journeys.
So as to get the entire expertise of Sedona, you must spend not less than 3 days there.
Sedona is thought to be a really protected place to go to and stroll round in. Nevertheless, take the standard precautions and use widespread sense as you’ll when touring to some other vacation spot.
The preferred factor to do in Sedona is the hike as much as Cathedral Rock.
It’s best to attempt the pizza at Hideaway Home, the lamb adobo at Elote Cafe, and Spinach and Artichoke Dip on the Hudson.
In Closing
In abstract, there are numerous issues to do and locations to go to in Sedona. I by no means remorse any time I spend in Sedona and I at all times go away feeling refreshed and impressed. With a wide range of issues to do – from ATV rides, to wine tasting, to a day journey to the Grand Canyon – you’ll be able to’t go mistaken with including Sedona to your bucket record of locations to go to within the USA.