Ready to embark on endless outdoor adventures in Sedona? This whole town is surrounded by breathtaking vistas at every turn and offers a wide array of captivating experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of hiking through rugged terrain, traversing off-road trails, or soaring high above in a hot-air balloon, Sedona offers an endless playground of excitement.
For nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and seekers of awe-inspiring landscapes, Sedona stands as an unparalleled destination. Its natural splendor captured our hearts from the moment we arrived, leading us to dive deeper into its wonders. We like to say it is as naturally beautiful as a National Park, but you can actually live here.
With an abundance of trails to explore, each offering its own unique charm, selecting the ultimate hike becomes a delightful challenge. Yet, beyond outdoor activities, Sedona also has a plethora of great restaurants to choose from or relaxing spiritual experiences.
To help you navigate this beautiful area, we’ve curated a guide featuring our top 25 favorite things to do in Sedona, AZ.
This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure policy.
Hike Devil’s Bridge:
Devil’s Bridge trail is probably the most popular hike in Sedona. With the gorgeous, free-standing red arch and the stunning views in the background, I can understand why.
Devil’s Bridge hike is 4.3 miles with 564ft elevation change. Or if you have an off-road vehicle, then you can drive up to the second trailhead and cut the hike in half.
Expect to find crowds of people if you hike to the arch. Oftentimes, people will have to wait in a long line to snap a photo on the arch.
If you are looking to get away from the crowds, try hiking at off-peak times (such as sunrise or sunset) or check out underneath the arch for a different perspective.
Do note: Most hikes in Sedona require a Red Rock Pass or America The Beautiful Pass. Red Rock passes are available at the trailheads for hikes that require one.
Jeep Tour:
Another option for fun things to do in Sedona is to go off-roading on a jeep tour. There are TONS of great OHV roads that you can venture throughout the canyons.
If you have your own overland vehicle, then adventure on. Some popular off-road trails are Broken Arrow, Devil’s Bridge, Schnebly Hill, The Hog Wash, etc.
Choose From These Epic Jeep Tours in Sedona:
Climb Cathedral Rock:
If you are up for a steep climb, Cathedral Rock Trail will reward you with a stunning panoramic view. The rock formations that line the top are incredible.
Cathedral Rock is known to be one of the energy vortex sites in Sedona, AZ.
If you are afraid of heights, then maybe sit this one out. There are sections along this hike that are very steep and require some scrambling. But, the hike is safe if you take your time and watch your footing.
Cathedral Rock hike is 1.2mi with 744ft elevation change.
Note: There is a secret path to a different viewpoint from the top.
Slide Rock State Park:
Slide Rock State Park is a popular destination up Oak Creek Canyon.
During the hot summer months, it’s a popular place to sunbathe, slide down the rocks, and swim.
But if you are just there to enjoy the view, winter is the best time to avoid crowds. You can easily access the rocks, just a short walk from the parking lot.
Prepare for company on the rocks during the warmer months, because this is one of the most popular things to do in Sedona.
Sunset At Airport Mesa:
Airport Mesa offers beautiful panoramic views of Sedona and the beautiful rock formations.
We highly suggest getting up early for sunrise here or taking in the spectacular views at sunset.
There are many different hikes you can venture off on, and some that you can easily just drive up to without much hiking involved.
But the view sure won’t upset, especially if you enjoy the beautiful sunrise or sunset!
Plus it is a great place for a photoshoot! A friend of ours took these stunning photos of us at Airport Mesa. If you are ever in the area looking for a photographer, hit up Annie May Corum!
Find The Secret Cave At Soldiers Pass:
One of the best hike trails in Sedona is Solider’s Pass. There are many great picturesque stops along this hike such as Devil’s Kitchen, Seven Sacred Pools and the Cave.
Not to mention the amazing views of the surrounding area. Soldier’s Pass hike is 4.1 miles with 620ft elevation change. Be sure to check out our post: Soldiers Pass: How To Find The Secret Cave | Sedona, AZ
Hike The Slot Canyon At West Fork Trail:
West Fork Trail is one of our favorite hikes in Sedona, AZ. The trail meanders through tall canyons, crosses Oak Creek a handful of times, and offers absolutely stunning views. If you’re looking for a more wild adventure, then definitely check out West Fork Trail.
West Fork Trail is 7.2mi with 820ft elevation change. It’s a great hike to beat the hot Arizona heat with the trail offering an abundance of shade. There is an $11 fee for parking at the trailhead, but we found it to be well worth it. This hike is one of the most fun things to do in Sedona if you crave an epic canyon hike. For more details on this hike check out our post: West Fork Trail: Sedona, AZ
Drive Through Oak Creek Canyon:
For a beautiful scenic drive, head up Oak Creek Canyon. It is the connection between Sedona and Flagstaff.
The landscape quickly changes from desert to lush pine forests. At the highest point of the canyon, you can look down over Sedona!
The drive is steep but beautiful as you wind along the canyon and eventually climb up the tall canyon walls on steep switchbacks. This is one of the best fun things to do in Sedona if you want to avoid hiking and do some sightseeing from your vehicle.
Be sure to stop at Crescent Moon Picnic Site for a nice lunch spot.
Drive The Red Rock Scenic Byway:
Once you finish through the stunning canyon, there is another amazing scenic drive called the Red Rock Scenic Byway (aka Hwy179).
It’s one of the fun things to do in Sedona that will simply make your jaw drop.
Driving through Village of Oak Creek, passing by Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Broken Arrow, etc.
Hike Into Fay Canyon:
The hike to Fay Canyon took us by surprise. The end of the hike is definitely stunning and worth venturing too.
Right after the “End Of Maintained Trail” sign, adventurous hikers are allowed to venture further into the canyon. But be sure to tread on durable surfaces to minimize your impacts on the environment.
If you follow the left fork in the canyon, there is a little “trail” that leads up to this magnificent carved out “subway-like” wall.
We sat and enjoyed the view from there, and got some fun photos.
Also if you follow the riverbed to the right after the “End Of Maintained Trail” sign there is an ancient ruin/ heritage site. We ventured over this way a bit, but this site was hard to find, and we didn’t end up locating it.
There is also a turn off to the right about .5mi into the hike where you can venture up toward a beautiful arch. If you follow the GPS tracker on AllTrails, it will show you where to turn off to head toward the cave.
Climb Around Bell Rock:
Located in the Village of Oak Creek, is Bell Rock. This is yet another very popular spot in Sedona, and is known as an energy vortex site.
The parking area can fill up quite early here. Luckily there are 2 different lots that can lead you around this epic hiking spot. But, definitely plan to come early to snag a spot and avoid the heat of the day.
The main Bell Rock hike is 1.1mi with 318ft elevation change making it a very easy hike for all ability levels. There are many spur trails, if you don’t want to climb up the Bell Rock, and stay grounded to take in the views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
But to get stunning views from up above, then you might need to climb up some steep rock walls. Be extra cautious because falling will not be fun and there is plenty of cactus to avoid.
Big Park Loop is also a great trail for exploring the area which wraps around Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
Explore Uptown:
Uptown Sedona is a very touristy area, so if you love shopping, check out some of the unique shops Sedona has to offer!
The main street is packed with all kinds of shops and restaurants, which are fun to explore even if you aren’t looking to buy anything. There are tons of different art galleries, clothing shops and just unique crafts that are perfect as a souvenir.
Uptown Sedona has a wide assortment of restaurants, clothing stores, chocolate shops, tour operators, etc. But what you will find unique about Sedona is it’s energy crystal shops, tarot card readings and other alternative medicines.
Definitely continue down the sidewalk to check out Tlaquepaque Arts. Here you will find a few more shops and restaurants.
Hike Up Into The Birthing Cave:
One easy hike in Sedona that offers a stunning cave destination is Birthing Cave.
The hike is 2mi with 291ft elevation change. When approaching the cave from afar it will look like a heart. You can climb into the cave and get a great view of the valley.
We will let you figure out why it is called “birthing cave!”
Find The Robbers Roost Cave:
If you enjoyed Birthing Cave, then you might also enjoy Robbers Roost. Plus this hike provides even more solitude, because it’s hard to get to.
It’s about an hour drive down a long dirt road, but the hike is easy and worth the views. Robbers Roost is 3mi with 462ft elevation change.
If you have a 4×4 high clearance vehicle, then you can drive much closer and make this about a .5mi hike instead.
Sedona Caves:
Sedona Caves hike is a very easy hike. The hike is .5mi with 55ft elevation change. The parking lot for this hike is right off the highway and only allows maybe 3-4 cars to park in at once. But it is very neat to roam around the network of caves carved into the rock face. Not recommended for kids or dogs, unless you keep close watch of them.
Summit Bear Mountain:
This hike is not for the faint of heart. You have to be ready for a true adventure on this one. Bear Mountain is 4.9mi with 1,975ft elevation change. But the views from the top are unreal! You definitely feel like you are on top of a mountain.
Find Refreshing Water At Bell Trail:
Bell Trail is one hike that might not be as busy as some of the other hikes in town because it’s a little ways away. But it’s one of the fun things to do in Sedona where you might avoid crowds.
This hike is 6.9mi with 587ft elevation change. The beginning of the hike is not quite as scenic as other hikes in the area, but about ¾ into the hike, you will climb along canyon walls looking down to the creek.
The end destination provides a great spot to swim during those hotter summer months. But the hike is very exposed so bring a lot of water!
Chapel Of The Holy Cross:
There is an easy 1.3mi hike with 144ft elevation change around Chapel Of The Holy Cross. Or you can just park and explore around the church and even go inside to get a great view of the area. We visited on a rainy day and it made it even more stunning.
But be aware that the Chapel is only open for visitation during limited hours.
High On The Hog:
High On The Hog is just the name of one hike back in this area, but there’s a network of many awesome trails in this area. This trail is open to hikers, off-road vehicles, and mountain bikers.
We often ventured back here to just relax and get some solitude, although it is often busy with off-road vehicle noise. But the views from anywhere along this hike are sure to take your breath away.
This is one of our favorite fun things to do in Sedona and we like to make it a loop with Twin Buttes, and Broken Arrow Trail.
Grab A Latte From Firecreek Coffee:
The best coffee in Sedona is by far Firecreek Coffee. Emily might be biased because she worked here for a couple of months, but the customers all raved about it as well.
They use all organic milk and their coffee is micro-roasted at their Flagstaff location. So they keep it real fresh.
If you are looking for a delicious breakfast sandwich in the area, try their Copland Sandwich. The sandwich is made to order on a fresh baked croissant or local bagel, and comes with hand-crafted tomato jam and chimichurri.
They also have many fresh pastries with an assortment of gluten-free and vegan options.
Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen:
We celebrated here for our 4-year anniversary dinner and we were really impressed. They basically have two whole menus. One is dedicated to gluten-free and vegan options. And the other menu has traditional fare. So whether you want to eat GF/vegan or a meat lovers pizza chock full of gluten, the menu can accommodate both.
We are budget travelers, so of course we hit up their “Happy Hour” which had incredible deals. You can score a delicious cocktail for $7, house-wine for $6 or craft brew for $4. And their appetizers are a whopping $6.
We tried the baked brie with apple and fig jam and it was beyond incredible. Then for the main meal we split a pizza and a pasta dish, and they were both fantastic!
This place is a must-do in Sedona if you like to try new restaurants.
Grab a Juicy Burger From Butterfly Burger:
If you are looking for a delicious burger, look no further, because Butterfly Burger has a delicious option for everyone. Their menu has a wide spread of unique burger options as well as a huge cocktail list.
The price may be on the upper end, but it’s worth the splurge if you are looking for a great place to catch a bite.
And make sure to leave room for dessert. We shared a boozy grasshopper shake, creme brule, and chocolate cake. And lets just say, they were all incredible!
Village Yoga:
Sedona is known for its energy healing. So match that with yoga and you have a perfect combination of fitness and relaxation. There is a beautiful yoga studio called Village Yoga and we think you might enjoy it.
They also do guided hiking tours. So if you are unfamiliar with the area or just want to hike with some new friends, then check into one of their tours!
Verde Canyon Railroad:
Explore the Verde Canyon and vast desert landscapes aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad. You can choose between a vintage train car or open-air viewing car. Tours typically last around 4 hours long. The tour parallels the Verde River and passes by old cliff dwellings built by the Native American Sinagua people and old historic mining sites.
Helicopter Tour:
If you love getting airborne, a helicopter tour is for you. The views of Sedona from up above are unreal. You can even see the snowy peaks of nearby Flagstaff. So if budget isn’t an issue, book your tours now!
Here are some great helicopter tours in Sedona:
Hot Air Balloon:
A fun and unique idea to view Sedona is by hot air balloon! It’s one of the most fun things to do in Sedona if you aren’t afraid of heights.
You can get insane views of Sedona from above. We often saw people getting ready down the road where we often camped (road 525), and it looks like a super fun way to experience this beautiful area.
You will be treated to views of the red rocks of Sedona, and even the mountains up above in Flagstaff.
Some great companies in the area are: Northern Light Balloons and Red Rock Balloons
Visit Ancient Ruins:
If you are a history buff, visiting ancient ruins can be a super fun thing to do in Sedona.
Situated roughly 30 minutes south of Sedona’s city center lies Montezuma Castle National Monument. This remarkable site has 20 rooms carved into a limestone cliff, presenting a truly distinctive spectacle.
Delving into Native American culture, this locale provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, revealing how indigenous communities once thrived amidst the unforgiving desert climate.
For those captivated by this historical journey, a visit to Tuzigoot National Monument is highly recommended. Here, 110 rooms are nestled within a ridge of limestone and sandstone, further enriching the exploration of the region’s rich heritage.
Get in 18 holes at The Various Golf Courses Around Sedona:
Sedona is home to some of the most stunning golf courses in the U.S. Luckily there are tons of great options to choose from.
A couple popular golf courses near Village of Oak Creek are Oakcreek Country Club, Canyon Mesa Country Club, Seven Canyons Golf Club, and Sedona Golf Resort.
Golfing might not be the cheapest of the fun things to do in Sedona, but it can definitely be a great way to kill time while taking in the stunning views.
Plus you can always shorten the course and do just 9 holes.
Grab A Brew From A Local Brewery:
There are two breweries located in town, Sedona Beer Company & Oak Creek Brewery. Both breweries have two locations, one in Uptown and a second location in West Sedona. Each brewery has a nice outdoor patio to enjoy the red rock views as you sip a delectable craft beer.
Visit One Of The Local Wineries (or all 5 of them):
There are a handful of local vineyards located around the town of Sedona. Book a Vineyard Tour to visit up to 4 of the vineyards with a bonus charcuterie board.
Here are the vineyards near Sedona:
- DA Ranch
- Javelina Leap Vineyard, Winery & Bistro
- Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery
- Alcantara Vineyards and Winery
- Cove Mesa Vineyard
Rent An E-Bike:
Take a fun self-guided tour of town on an E-Bike. Parking is often very limited in popular spots in Sedona, but with a bike, you can get front row spots.
Rent An ATV
If you want more of an adrenaline rush tour the beautiful red rocks by ATV. There are many different tours to choose from. You can go self-guided, but because the area is so grand, I’d suggest going with a tour to show you all the best spots.
Visit One Of The Vortexes:
The whole town of Sedona is known to be a vortex, but there are certain areas that people claim to radiate more energy. If you are visiting these vortexes on your own, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon are known as the most popular vortexes in the area.
But you can also join a tour to have a guide should you where these specific vortexes are.
Go On A Zipline Adventure:
For those seaching for more adrenaline, a fun thing to do in Sedona is zipline with epic views. But not only will you experience endless beautiful views, you will also zip line over lions, tigers, bears, zebra, giraffe, rhino, etc. There are five zipline cables, plus a rope bridge.
Camping in Sedona:
Sedona might be one of the most beautiful places to camp in the U.S. We find disconnecting from the chaos and getting in touch with nature is one of the most fun things to do in Sedona.
Along Rd 525 there are tons of great dispersed campsites to choose from that are FREE. The further you drive down the road, the better views you will be rewarded with.
Do note, there are no facilities or services, so please practice proper dispersed camping etiquette.
Otherwise, there are loads of campgrounds and RV parks around Sedona if you want to camp with facilities.
Other Accommodation In Sedona:
There are 3 different areas of Sedona: Uptown, West Sedona, and Village of Oak Creek. Here are some of our local recommendations.
- Arroyo Roble Resort (Uptown)
- Aiden by Best Western Sedona (West Sedona)
- Red Agave Resort (Village of Oak Creek) –This is where Jake and I got married!
Also, be sure to check out some great vacation rentals in Sedona. Many people have a second home here, and rent out their places for other visitors in town.
Takeaway | 25 Fun Things To Do In Sedona
If you couldn’t tell, Sedona is a must visit place to add to your bucket list. There is literally an activity for everyone here. From hiking, off-road tours, great restaurants, wine tours and more, we guarantee you will have an exceptional time.
Also, be sure to check out our post: 15 Breathtaking Hikes In Sedona, AZ
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