I’ll always remember the primary time I visited Sedona. My first sight of the crimson rocks set towards the intense blue sky took my breath away. In addition to being one of many most beautiful places in the United States, there are additionally countless issues to do in Sedona which makes it the right trip spot.
Tasty eating places, distinctive procuring, outside adventures, and breathtaking surroundings are only a few issues that town has to supply. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for 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 among the best places to visit 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 crimson rocks, blue sky, and hiking 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 may’t go unsuitable by choosing any certainly one of these 15 actions in Sedona. Whether or not you need an out of doors journey, a day crammed with stunning views, or scrumptious meals and wine, Sedona will certainly have one thing for you.
1. Take a Jeep Tour
In case you’re on the lookout for the right method 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 may simply be the very best factor to do in Sedona.
Alongside the best way, be ready to study from the information in regards to the well-known crimson rock and soak up a surprising 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. Find out more here.
Handle: 35 Southwest Dr, Sedona, AZ 86336. Click here for directions.
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 crimson rocks is certain to go away you fairly speechless, simply because it left me.
The Roman Catholic Chapel, completed in 1956, is certainly one of 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 per week. Take a look at their website to study extra in regards to the historical past and when to go to.
Handle: 780 Chapel Rd., Sedona, AZ 86336. Click here for directions.
3. Spend the Day at Slide Rock State Park
In case you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Sedona in the summertime, put Slide Rock State Park on the prime of your checklist. House to a number of pure rock waterslides, this state park is the right 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 an extended hike within the space. There’s nothing extra refreshing than sliding down into the cool water.
Slide Rock is liked 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 website. Make sure you verify that out earlier than you go to.
Handle: Arizona 86336. Click here for directions.
4. Sights, Historical past, and Buying
Certainly one of my favourite issues about Sedona is that it is filled with historical past, thriller, and wonder. If you wish to soak up all of those components, this sights, history, and shopping tour is ideal for you.
Over 5.5 hours, you’ll cease at 6 iconic spots in Sedona and revel in scrumptious meals, distinctive procuring, and wealthy history-all whereas touring round in an open-air car. In case you’re questioning what to see in Sedona, guide this tour and also you’ll get to immerse your self in lots of the finest issues to see in simply half a day. Find out more here.
Handle: 2370 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336. Click here for directions.
5. Guided ATV Tour
An ATV tour is one of the best ways to actually expertise the rugged crimson 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 talent stage of your group, the information will customise the path to finest swimsuit everybody. Be ready with water, sun shades, your digital camera, lengthy pants, and closed-toe sneakers.
I’ve been to Sedona numerous occasions, however once I took this tour, I acquired an entire new perspective on the panorama and wonder that I’d by no means had earlier than. Anticipate an exciting journey that you simply received’t overlook! Learn more here.
Handle: 3075 AZ-89A #3075, Sedona, AZ 86336. Click here for directions.
6. Discover the Meals Scene
Sedona could also be most well-known for its crimson rock panorama however don’t make the error of overlooking its scrumptious meals scene. Every time I go to I stay up for trying out a brand new restaurant.
For meals impressed by Oaxaca, Veracruz, Puebla, and Arizona, go to Elote Cafe. Ensure that 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 among the finest views of Sedona.
Scrumptious do-it-yourself pizza in a tree-house-like restaurant. What extra might you need? Make time to go to the Hideaway House to take pleasure in this distinctive expertise.
Handle: 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
In case you’re on the lookout for issues to do close to Sedona, this Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure is the right exercise so as to add to your journey itinerary. Spend 4 hours driving in a classic or open-air automotive 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 very nice for households.
What higher manner to soak up the great thing about Verde Canyon than from the railroad? Click here to seek out out extra and guide your journey.
Handle: 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324. Click here for directions.
8. Vortex Yoga Climbing
Sedona is understood to be a very religious place and a few even imagine it’s house to many alternative vortexes. If this sounds intriguing to you, contemplate spending 3.5 hours on this vortex yoga hiking tour; enjoyable and unwinding in one of the crucial stunning locations within the nation.
The tour consists of 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 here for details.
Handle: The assembly location is finalized upon booking 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 on the lookout for a 1-mile hike or a 10-mile hike, Sedona has one thing to supply. Plus, it is a nice possibility for these on the lookout for free issues to do in Sedona.
For probably the most iconic vacation spot and excellent image alternatives, hike to Devil’s Bridge. For sweeping views and a fast climb, scramble up Cathedral Rock. In case you’re on the lookout for a problem with a number of elevation achieve and views over your entire valley, climb up Wilson Mountain. And at last, for a sizzling summer season day, hike West Fork Trail and benefit from the creek your entire manner.
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 sneakers to traverse the crimson rocks. Click here to see extra hikes in Sedona on All Trails.
Handle: Devil’s Bridge Trailhead – Cathedral Rock Trailhead – Wilson Mountain Trailhead – West Fork Trail 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 totally 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 house. Discover out extra and guide your wine tour here.
Handle: 100 Verde Valley Faculty Rd, Sedona, AZ 86351. Click here for directions.
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 book 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 probably be one thing you’ll bear in mind without end.
This tour has a lot to supply: a educated information who narrates historical past and data alongside the best way, a cease at Cameron Buying and selling Put up to expertise Native American craftsmanship, a cease at Desert View Watchtower, a second to look at the sundown, and a complimentary dinner. Book your trip here.
Handle: Choose-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 planet that may examine to the panorama.
Even for those who don’t personal your individual mountain bike, otherwise you flew in with out your bike, don’t fear. You may hire bikes from Thunder Mountain Bikes and select to discover one of many 5 important 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 doubtless encounter individuals mountaineering the identical trails. Be aware of your talent stage as most trails vary from intermediate to skilled.
Handle: 1695 W. State Route 89A Sedona, AZ 86336. Click here for directions.
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 certainly one of my absolute favourite issues to do in Sedona.
Oak Creek is a good fishing location for those who’re on the lookout for a small stream. This type of water requires some finesse fishing and provides the chance to apply some totally different abilities and techniques.
Ensure that to buy a fishing license forward of time and follow 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.
Handle: N State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336. Click here for directions.
14. UFO and Stargazing Tour
In case you’re on the lookout for unforgettable methods to spend a night in Sedona, this UFO and stargazing tour is the right factor to do in Sedona at night time. Spend an hour observing the night time sky in a manner 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. Find out more and book here.
Handle: The assembly location is finalized as soon as the tour is booked.
15. Be part of an E-bike tour
In case you’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 employees individual will get you fitted with the precise bike and kit, and then you definitely’re free to discover the crimson rocks and procuring of Sedona at leisure.
The tour takes you to among the most iconic spots; reminiscent of Bell Rocks, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Cathedral Rock, and the Tlaquepaque Arts & Buying Village. Top-of-the-line components of exploring town on an e-bike is that you simply don’t must battle for parking within the extra in style areas.
Benefit from the comfort and the great thing about exploring Sedona by e-bike. Click here to guide this highly-rated e-bike journey.
Handle: 235 N State Rte 89A 235 n, Sedona, AZ 86336. Click here for directions.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Sedona
Whether or not you solely have sooner or later or seven in Sedona, there are many methods you may refill your time to see as a lot as attainable. Listed below are a number of recommendations 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 Red Rock Jeep Tour. That is the right method to get out and discover the crimson 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 loosen up and take within the majestic magnificence earlier than you.
For the remainder of the afternoon, head throughout the highway 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 off again within the middle of city and revel 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 crimson 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 & Shopping 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 Devil’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 Adventure.
Day 3: Your ultimate day in Sedona will begin by touring native vineyards and wineries on the Sedona winery 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 various sights and sounds. In case you’re on the lookout for a soothing method to begin the journey, guide the Vortex yoga hiking 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 Red Rock West Jeep Tour. Be at liberty to step it up a notch and discover the crimson rocks on ATVs to your third day of exercise.
Days 4 and 5 are for exploring the encompassing space. First, take a day trip to the Grand Canyon for brand 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 foremost 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 do-it-yourself pizza on the Hideaway House.
Use day seven to both spend the morning mountain biking or exploring the paths on foot-like mountaineering to Devil’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 a number of of the very best neighborhoods in Sedona for vacationers:
Uptown Sedona – Greatest for NightLife
Uptown Sedona is finest for many who are eager to be near the city’s exercise, outlets, and eating places. This space is tremendous walkable and sometimes busy within the excessive seasons so it has a high-energy vibe. Past the various outlets and eating places, Uptown can be house to the Sedona Heritage Museum.
Click here for extra info on a Best Western Plus situated within the Uptown Sedona space.
West Sedona – Greatest for First-Time Guests
Though West Sedona is just 3 miles from Uptown, it provides a distinct vibe because of its many native breweries, espresso outlets, farmers’ markets, and artwork galleries. I counsel 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 here to guide the Wilde Resort and Spa in West Sedona.
Oak Creek – Greatest 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 counsel 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 here to seek out out about Element 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 that 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 comply with it up with braised brisket enchiladas. For dessert don’t miss out on Mexican Chocolate Pie.
The Hideaway Home
The Hideaway House is liked by locals and guests alike. Not solely does this restaurant have scrumptious pizza, but it surely additionally has three outside patios that overlook the crimson rocks of Sedona. Ensure that 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.
SaltRock Kitchen
The SaltRock Kitchen is situated within the Amara Resort and Spa and is the right place to flee for completely happy hour drinks and appetizers. Don’t depart with out tasting certainly one of their signature margaritas, roasted corn dip, or quick rib tacos. The meals and drinks are completely accompanied by views of the crimson rocks of Sedons from their outside patio.
The Hudson
If I had to decide on my favourite restaurant in Sedona, it must be The Hudson. This restaurant is a traditional American eatery with a Southwestern flare. Ensure that to begin dinner with the spinach and artichoke dip, or bruschetta, and comply with 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.
Pump Home Station City Eatery and Market
If you would like tasty meals in an attractive location, Pump House Station should make it onto your checklist. This rustic A-frame restaurant surrounded by bushes 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 do-it-yourself sandwiches for lunch.
Attending to Sedona
One of the best ways to get to Sedona is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, hire a automotive, 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 prone to have fewer flight choices.
In case you want to journey by prepare, the Amtrak passes by Flagstaff, AZ. From there, you may hire a automotive and make the 40-minute drive right down to Sedona.
One of the best ways to get round Sedona itself is by automotive. 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 eager to get to Sedona to and from the airport, and intend to take day journeys to locations close by, I counsel renting a automotive. Click here to seek for the very best offers on rental automobiles in Sedona.
Issues To Do in Sedona: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Sedona:
Sedona is understood for its iconic crimson rocks and the outside adventures that include the panorama. It’s additionally recognized for its religious vitality.
One of the best time to go to Sedona is March by Could 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 good friend journeys.
With a view to get the entire expertise of Sedona, you need to spend at the least 3 days there.
Sedona is understood to be a really safe place to go to and stroll round in. Nevertheless, take the same old precautions and use widespread sense as you’d when touring to some other vacation spot.
The most well-liked factor to do in Sedona is the hike as much as Cathedral Rock.
You need to strive 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 depart 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 may’t go unsuitable with including Sedona to your bucket checklist of places to visit in the USA.
