I’ll always remember the primary time I visited Sedona. My first sight of the purple rocks set in opposition to the brilliant blue sky took my breath away. In addition to being one of many most stunning locations in the US, there are additionally limitless issues to do in Sedona which makes it the proper trip spot.
Tasty eating places, distinctive procuring, outside adventures, and breathtaking surroundings are only a few issues that the town has to supply. Whether or not you’re in search of a spot to go to for a romantic getaway, a visit with mates, or a household trip, Sedona is the place for you. This is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Arizona!
After my first go to to Sedona, I by no means thought I’d dwell simply 2 hours away from it. Now I escape to the purple rocks, blue sky, and mountain climbing 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.
Greatest Issues To Do in Sedona
You possibly can’t go improper by choosing any one in all these 15 actions in Sedona. Whether or not you need an out of doors journey, a day full of 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 strategy to discover the long-lasting Crimson Rocks, I extremely suggest 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 would possibly simply be the most effective factor to do in Sedona.
Alongside the way in which, be ready to study from the information concerning the well-known purple rock and soak up a shocking sundown from the backroads. That is an incredible factor to do in Sedona for households, mates, or anybody trying to get off the crushed path. Discover out extra right here.
Deal with: 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 searching the window to see the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The beautiful structure mixed with the purple rocks is bound to depart you fairly speechless, simply because it left me.
The Roman Catholic Chapel, accomplished in 1956, is one in all Sedona’s prime sights 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 concerning the historical past and when to go to.
Deal with: 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 prime of your listing. House to a number of pure rock waterslides, this state park is the proper place to chill off and hang around among the many beautiful desert panorama.
My favourite time to go to slide rock is late within the afternoon after I’ve completed an extended hike within the space. There’s nothing extra refreshing than sliding down into the cool water.
Slide Rock is cherished by many individuals so be ready for it to be busy – particularly in the summertime months. The park hours and entry price info is offered on their web site. You should definitely test that out earlier than you go to.
Deal with: Arizona 86336. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Sights, Historical past, and Purchasing
One among my favourite issues about Sedona is that it is filled with historical past, thriller, and sweetness. If you wish to soak up all of those components, this sights, historical past, and procuring tour is ideal for you.
Over 5.5 hours, you’ll cease at 6 iconic spots in Sedona and luxuriate in scrumptious meals, distinctive procuring, and wealthy history-all whereas touring round in an open-air car. For those who’re questioning what to see in Sedona, guide this tour and also you’ll get to immerse your self in lots of the greatest issues to see in simply half a day. Discover out extra right here.
Deal with: 2370 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336. Click on right here for instructions.
5. Guided ATV Tour
An ATV tour is the easiest way to really 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 way in which, your information will level out areas which have been featured in over 40 Hollywood movies.
Based mostly on the age and talent stage of your group, the information will customise the path to greatest swimsuit everybody. Be ready with water, sun shades, your digicam, lengthy pants, and closed-toe sneakers.
I’ve been to Sedona numerous instances, however once I took this tour, I acquired an entire new perspective on the panorama and sweetness that I’d by no means had earlier than. Count on an exciting journey that you simply received’t neglect! Study extra right here.
Deal with: 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 stay up for 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 due to its spinach and artichoke dip and the outside patio that gives among the greatest views of Sedona.
Scrumptious home made pizza in a tree-house-like restaurant. What extra may you need? Make time to go to the Hideaway Home to take pleasure in this distinctive expertise.
Deal with: 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 way in which, you’ll see historical cliff dwellings, historic mining websites, and the Verde River. This exercise is right for folks of all ages and is very nice for households.
What higher approach to soak up the great thing about Verde Canyon than from the railroad? Click on right here to seek out out extra and guide your journey.
Deal with: 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324. Click on right here for instructions.
8. Vortex Yoga Climbing
Sedona is understood to be a very religious place and a few even consider it’s house to many alternative vortexes. If this sounds intriguing to you, contemplate spending 3.5 hours on this vortex yoga mountain climbing tour; stress-free and unwinding in one of the vital stunning locations within the nation.
The tour consists of mountain climbing within the vortex areas, yoga, and guided meditation. Come ready with water, a digicam, sunscreen, and an open coronary heart and thoughts. This is without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Sedona. Click on right here for particulars.
Deal with: The assembly location is finalized upon reserving the tour.
9. Go on a Hike
My favourite strategy to discover Sedona is by foot on any of the numerous mountain climbing 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 possibility for these in search of free issues to do in Sedona.
For probably the most iconic vacation spot and excellent 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 acquire and views over your entire valley, climb up Wilson Mountain. And eventually, for a sizzling summer time day, hike West Fork Path and benefit from the creek your entire approach.
I’ve lived in Arizona for 3 years and my favourite trails within the state are all positioned in Sedona. Be ready with loads of water and good sneakers to traverse the purple rocks. Click on right here to see extra hikes in Sedona on All Trails.
Deal with: Satan’s Bridge Trailhead – Cathedral Rock Trailhead – Wilson Mountain Trailhead – West Fork Path Trailhead
10. Be part of a Vineyard Tour
It might shock you to know that Sedona and its surrounding space are house to many stunning wineries. On this tour, you may 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 individuals 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 house. Discover out extra and guide your wine tour right here.
Deal with: 100 Verde Valley College 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 lots to discover within the surrounding space. In your subsequent go to to Sedona, it’s a should that you simply guide this tour and take an intimate day journey to the Grand Canyon. I promise you, watching the sundown sweep throughout the expansive and exquisite canyon will likely be one thing you’ll bear in mind ceaselessly.
This tour has a lot to supply: a educated information who narrates historical past and data alongside the way in which, 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.
Deal with: 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 evaluate to the panorama.
Even when you don’t personal your individual mountain bike, otherwise you flew in with out your bike, don’t fear. You possibly can lease bikes from Thunder Mountain Bikes and select to discover one of many 5 major mountain biking areas: Village of Oak Creek, Dry Creek, Adobe Jack, Damaged Arrow, or Carroll Canyon.
Earlier than you head out, know that almost all trails are multi-use; that means you’ll seemingly encounter folks mountain climbing the identical trails. Be conscious of your talent stage as most trails vary from intermediate to knowledgeable.
Deal with: 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 attempt to catch some brown trout, Gila trout, or rainbow trout. That is one in all my absolute favourite issues to do in Sedona.
Oak Creek is a good fishing location when you’re in search of a small stream. This sort of water requires some finesse fishing and gives the chance to apply some completely different expertise and methods.
Ensure to buy a fishing license forward of time and keep on 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.
Deal with: 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 approach 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 observe 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 guide right here.
Deal with: 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 a lot of Sedona’s sights at your individual tempo, this self-guided e-bike tour is ideal for you. A workers particular person will get you fitted with the correct bike and kit, and then you definately’re free to discover the purple rocks and procuring of Sedona at leisure.
The tour takes you to among the most iconic spots; equivalent to Bell Rocks, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Cathedral Rock, and the Tlaquepaque Arts & Purchasing Village. Among the best elements of exploring the town on an e-bike is that you simply don’t need to battle for parking within the extra common areas.
Benefit from the comfort and the great thing about exploring Sedona by e-bike. Click on right here to guide this highly-rated e-bike journey.
Deal with: 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 may replenish your time to see as a lot as doable. Listed here are just a few recommendations of how one can greatest 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 strategy to get out and discover the purple rock as quickly because the day begins. After your jeep tour, drive quarter-hour to the south facet of city to the Chapel of the Holy Cross to calm down 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 & Purchasing Village. After a day of procuring, 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 fashion 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 ultimate 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 stress-free 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 soothing strategy to begin the journey, guide the Vortex yoga mountain climbing 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 at liberty to step it up a notch and discover the purple rocks on ATVs to your third day of exercise.
Days 4 and 5 are for exploring the encompassing 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 main 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 home made pizza on the Hideaway Home.
Use day seven to both spend the morning mountain biking or exploring the paths on foot-like mountain climbing to Satan’s Bridge. Within the afternoon of your ultimate day, cool off by hanging out at Slide Rock State Park.
The place to Keep in Sedona
These are just a few of the most effective neighborhoods in Sedona for vacationers:
Uptown Sedona – Greatest for NightLife
Uptown Sedona is greatest for individuals who are eager to be near the city’s exercise, retailers, and eating places. This space is tremendous walkable and sometimes busy within the excessive seasons so it has a high-energy vibe. Past the numerous retailers and eating places, Uptown can also be house to the Sedona Heritage Museum.
Click on right here for extra info on a Greatest Western Plus positioned within the Uptown Sedona space.
West Sedona – Greatest for First-Time Guests
Though West Sedona is barely 3 miles from Uptown, it gives a unique vibe due to 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 the town’s exercise, however can take pleasure in a extra artsy and distinctive vitality.
Click on right here to guide the Wilde Resort and Spa in West Sedona.
Oak Creek – Greatest for Households
Oak Creek is positioned 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 realm 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 Component Sedona within the Village of Oak Creek.
Greatest Eating places in Sedona
Not solely is Sedona recognized for its magnificence and outside adventures, but it surely’s additionally house 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 upfront. To start out, order their signature avenue 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 cherished by locals and guests alike. Not solely does this restaurant have scrumptious pizza, but it surely 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 kind 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 positioned within the Amara Resort and Spa and is the proper place to flee for glad hour drinks and appetizers. Don’t go away with out tasting one in all their signature margaritas, roasted corn dip, or brief 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 start out 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 take a seat outdoor on their patio that overlooks Sedona.
Click on right here for instructions.
Pump Home Station City Eatery and Market
In order for you tasty meals in a fantastic location, Pump Home Station should make it onto your listing. 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 home made sandwiches for lunch.
Click on right here for instructions.
Attending to Sedona
One of the simplest ways to get to Sedona is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, lease a automobile, and drive 2 hours north to Sedona. Alternatively, there’s a small airport in Flagstaff, AZ which is barely 40 minutes from Sedona however is prone to have fewer flight choices.
For those who choose to journey by prepare, the Amtrak passes by Flagstaff, AZ. From there, you can lease a automobile and make the 40-minute drive right down to Sedona.
One of the simplest ways to get round Sedona itself is by automobile. There’s an area shuttle that gives rides to and from the favored mountain climbing trails. The downtown space can also be very walkable.
Nonetheless, when you’re eager 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 automobiles in Sedona.
Issues To Do in Sedona: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Sedona:
Sedona is understood for its iconic purple rocks and the outside adventures that include the panorama. It’s additionally recognized for its religious vitality.
The very 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 also be a good time to go to.
Sedona is completely value visiting. There’s quite a lot of issues to take action it’s good for romantic couple getaways, household holidays, or good friend journeys.
So as to get the entire expertise of Sedona, it’s best to spend at the least 3 days there.
Sedona is understood to be a really secure place to go to and stroll round in. Nonetheless, take the same old precautions and use frequent sense as you’d when touring to every other vacation spot.
The most well-liked 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 quite a lot of issues to do – from ATV rides, to wine tasting, to a day journey to the Grand Canyon – you may’t go improper with including Sedona to your bucket listing of locations to go to within the USA.
