25 Fun Things To Do In Sedona, AZ

Sedona feels like a National Park but you can actually live in it. There are stunning views that surround you everywhere in this town. And honestly there is an endless list of fun things to do in Sedona. From hiking, off-roading, hot-air balloon rides, tasty restaurants, etc.

Sedona is one of the best places to visit if you love nature, outdoor recreation, and incredible views.

This stunning area quickly stole our hearts with its natural beauty and we ended up exploring it on a much deeper level. There are so many great hikes to choose from, ultimately making it hard to choose which one is the best. And there’s endless other fun activities and entertainment. 

Below, we created a guide for our favorite 25 fun things to do in Sedona, AZ.

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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. Often times, 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.

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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.

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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, with 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 fun things to do in Sedona.

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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!

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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 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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Bell Rock:

Located in Village of Oak Creek, is Bell Rock. This is yet another very popular spot in Sedona, and 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!

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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!”

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Robbers Roost:

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.

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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.

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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! 

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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!

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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.

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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 biking. 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 our favorite fun things to do in Sedona and like to make it a loop with Twin Buttes, and Broken Arrow Trail.

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Firecreek Coffee:

The best coffee in Sedona is by far Firecreek Coffee. Emily might be biased, because she worked there for a couple months, but the customers all raved about it as well! They use all organic milks and their coffee is all 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. It’s pretty high on the list of best breakfast sandwiches we’ve ever eaten! 

They also have many fresh pastries with an assortment of gluten free and vegan options.

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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 if you are 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 you.

We are budget travelers, so of course we hit up their “Happy Hour” which has 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 go to if you are looking for a delicious place to eat out while visiting Sedona. 

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Butterfly Burger

If you are looking for a delicious burger, look no further, because Butterfly Burger has a delicious option for everyone. There menu has a wide spread of unique burger options as well as a huge cocktail list.

The price may be on the higher side, 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 incredible!

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Village Yoga:

Sedona is known for it’s 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!

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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.

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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.

But there are also a few different jeep tours you can choose from to take you on a fun outdoor adventure. Such as Pink Jeep Tours, Red Rock Western Jeep Tour, Safari Jeep Tour, A Day In The Wet Tour, etc.

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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! 

Some great companies to choose from are Sedona Air Tours, Sedona Helicopter Tours, etc.

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Hot Air Balloon:

A fun and unique idea to view Sedona is by hot air balloon! Its one of the most fund 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 

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Visit Ancient Ruins:

If you are a history buff, visiting ancient ruins can be a super fun thing to do in Sedona.

Montezuma Castle National Monument is about 30 minutes South from main city center of Sedona. There are 20-rooms built into a limestone cliff. It is really a unique site to see.

This area is a great way to dive into Native American Culture and see how indigenous people once lived and survived in the harsh desert climate. 

If you enjoyed this area, then head up to Tuzigoot National Monument. There are 110 rooms built into a limestone and sandstone ridge.

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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.

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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.

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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.

We hope you find a few things on our list of 25 Fun Things To Do In Sedona, AZ that look enjoyable to you!

Also, be sure to check out our post: 15 Breathtaking Hikes In Sedona, AZ