16 Bucket List Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona
Sedona proves you don’t need crowded cities or packed schedules to have an incredible getaway. The landscape does most of the work, offering beauty, calm, and plenty to explore at your own pace.
These top things to do in Sedona will help you build a trip that lives up to the hype.
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1. Hike Cathedral Rock Trail
Cathedral Rock Trail is one of Sedona’s most rewarding short hikes. The route is just 1.2 miles round-trip, but it squeezes some serious views into a small distance.
The path involves a bit of scrambling over red rocks, so wear shoes with good grip and bring plenty of water. Parking is available at a few trailheads, including Back O Beyond Road or Baldwin Trailhead.
Once you reach the top, you’re treated to 360-degree views of Sedona’s signature formations. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for photos and cooler temperatures.
2. Visit Bell Rock Vortex
Bell Rock is one of Sedona’s more accessible and famous energy vortex spots, drawing all sorts—spiritual types and hikers alike. This massive red rock sits just off Highway 179, so it’s easy to reach and doesn’t require advanced hiking skills.
The trails around Bell Rock go from easy strolls to moderate climbs. Arriving early or late in the day means better light and thinner crowds. Pack water and sturdy shoes, since the red dirt loves to get slippery.
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3. Explore Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park is about 6-7 miles north of town, tucked into Oak Creek Canyon. The main event is an 80-foot natural waterslide, carved right into the creek bed. You’ll zip down smooth red rocks polished by thousands of years of rushing water.
The park covers 43 acres along Oak Creek, with spots to swim, sunbathe, and chill out during those toasty Arizona summers. Bring water shoes unless you like sore feet on rocky creek beds.
4. Stroll Through Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village feels like a slice of Mexico right in Sedona. Around since the 1970s, its traditional architecture and shady courtyards lined with sycamores.
More than 50 specialty shops and galleries are tucked into the nooks and crannies here, with everything from handcrafted jewelry to southwestern art. There are a handful of restaurants for when you need a break, so it’s easy to lose track of time here.
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5. Tour Chapel of the Holy Cross
Perched 200 feet above the valley floor, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is built straight into Sedona’s red rocks. Entry is free, and you can snap photos from several viewing platforms.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the red rocks like a painting, making this one of Arizona’s most iconic photo ops. Plan for 30-45 minutes to explore the grounds and soak in the views. The short walk from the parking takes about five minutes, so it’s pretty accessible.
6. See the Sunset at Airport Mesa
Airport Mesa is the go-to sunset spot in Sedona. A quick drive from downtown puts you at the top, where there’s a big parking area and a viewing platform.
The red rocks catch fire in shades of orange and pink as the sun drops—no filter needed. If you’re staying at Sky Ranch Lodge, you can watch from their patio or take a short walk to the overlook.
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7. Go Wine Tasting at Page Springs Cellars
Head out to Page Springs Cellars, where Arizona’s wine country gets to show off. In nearby Cornville, this family-run winery sits along Oak Creek and has been turning out award-winning bottles since 2003.
The reserve tasting lets you try their best, and you can sip while taking in vineyard and red rock views. The wines here are shaped by Arizona’s unique climate and soil, so expect something a little different from the usual California lineup.
8. Take a Jeep Off-Road Tour
Sedona’s red rocks look amazing from the road, and bouncing through them in a Jeep is a bucket list moment. Your driver handles the rocky paths and steep ledges that regular cars can’t touch.
You’ll hit famous spots like Submarine Rock and Chicken Point, picking up local geology and history along the way.
Open-sided vehicles mean you’re always ready for a photo; no awkward window glares here.
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9. Relax at a Spa in Sedona
With those red rocks as a backdrop, Sedona’s spas are next level. L’Auberge de Sedona serves up spa packages that blend healing treatments with the area’s mystical energy. Hot stone massages, couples’ treatments—there’s a lot more than your basic facial here.
Other standouts like NAMTI Spa, The Wilde Haven Spa, and Sedona’s New Day Spa round out the scene. Many treatments use local ingredients and pay homage to Native American traditions, giving your visit a sense of place you won’t find just anywhere.
10. Discover Devil’s Bridge Trail
Devil’s Bridge is Sedona’s largest natural sandstone arch, and hiking there is a rite of passage. The trail is about 4 miles round-trip from common trailheads, so most people can handle it.
You’ll start on a wide old road before things get steeper and rockier. There’s a bit of scrambling, which keeps it fun. The payoff is standing atop the massive arch, red rock country stretching out all around. It’s a busy spot, so shoot for an early start if you want that solo photo on the bridge.
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11. Go Stargazing
Dark skies make Sedona one of Arizona’s best places for stargazing. Head about 20 minutes from West Sedona to the Village of Oak Creek for a guided night sky session.
You’ll get a constellation overview with a high-powered laser pointer. Then, it’s telescope time for up-close looks at planets, galaxies, and star clusters. The red rocks by starlight are a little bit magical.
12. Visit Sedona Heritage Museum
The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into what daily life looked like for early settlers in Red Rock Country. Old farming gear, vintage photos, and artifacts sit quietly on display, each with a story about Sedona’s pioneer families.
The museum itself is tucked inside a 1930s homestead, known as the Jordan Historical Park. Step through the original farmhouse and wander among authentic buildings from the early 1900s.
It’s a fast stop that adds a little depth to your Sedona trip, especially if you like seeing the roots beneath all the red rock glitz.
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13. Walk the West Fork Trail
The West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon is one of Arizona’s most gorgeous hikes. You’ll cross the creek 13 times on this 6.6-mile trail, so water-friendly shoes are a must.
Towering canyon walls and greenery make every crossing worth it. Early mornings or evenings are best for fewer people and softer light. The trail stays pretty accessible for most hikers.
14. Try Local Cuisine At The Hudson
The Hudson serves up American comfort food with those iconic red rock views in the background. Burgers, fresh salads, and all the classics show up on the menu, made with ingredients that locals keep coming back for.
The Hudson keeps it straightforward—good flavors, fair prices, and zero fuss. Whether you’re after something light or you’re starving after a hike, there’s probably something on the menu to hit the spot.
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15. Explore The Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park spreads across 286 acres of Arizona’s signature scenery; it’s a quieter spot compared to some of the area’s busier trails. The park hugs Oak Creek, putting you close to the dramatic red rock formations.
More than five miles of easy-to-follow trails twist through shady cottonwood groves and up to overlooks with sweeping views. Nature programs and exhibits in the visitor center dig into the local ecosystem, and if you’re into birds, you’ll have plenty to spot—over 150 species drop by throughout the year.
16. Go Hot Air Ballooning Over the Red Rocks
Drift above Sedona’s wild landscape in a hot air balloon, with the sunrise painting the red rocks in surreal colors. Red Rock Balloon Adventures sets up scenic flights most mornings, weather-dependent.
Early wake-up calls are part of the deal here. The whole thing, from check-in to landing, takes around three and a half to four hours, which leaves plenty of time to stare at crimson buttes and the desert stretching out below.
