27 Things To Do In Sedona, Arizona: Complete Sedona Travel Guide

So, you’re planning a trip to Sedona, Arizona and want to know the absolute best things to do in Sedona? I’ve packed it all into this Sedona travel guide — from jaw-dropping red rock hikes and vortex viewpoints to where to eat after a long day on the trails. I still remember my first time in Sedona: golden light hitting Cathedral Rock, dusty boots, and that quiet, surreal feeling you only get in the desert.

Whether you have a long weekend, 5 days, or a full week to explore, this guide covers everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip. We’re talking iconic hikes, scenic drives, hidden gems, spiritual spots, and magical sunset moments. I’ve pulled together the very best things to do in Sedona, based on my real experiences and itineraries that focus on what makes this place so special. Got questions? Need Sedona travel tips, like when is the best time to visit to dodge the crowds and save money? Keep reading—I’ve got you covered with practical tips, places to visit, restaurants, places to stay, and insider notes. Ready? Let’s climb this adventure together!

General Info About Visiting Sedona

Sedona is a small desert town in northern Arizona known for its towering red rock formations, scenic hiking trails, and laid-back yet adventurous atmosphere. Surrounded by Coconino National Forest, the landscape here feels dramatic and otherworldly, with vibrant red cliffs, mesas, and spires that change color throughout the day. While Sedona is often associated with spirituality and vortex sites, it’s equally loved for its outdoor activities, art scene, and incredible access to nature just minutes from town.

One of the most important things to know about visiting Sedona is that it’s a year-round destination, but each season offers a very different experience. Spring and fall are the most popular times to visit thanks to mild temperatures and ideal hiking conditions, while summer brings intense heat and monsoon storms in the afternoons. Winter is quieter and cooler, with fewer crowds and occasional snow dusting the red rocks, making it a beautiful time to explore if you don’t mind colder mornings.

Sedona is easy to navigate but requires some planning, especially during peak seasons. Parking at trailheads is limited, and the town can feel busy during weekends and holidays, so early starts are key. Many visitors choose to stay in West Sedona or Uptown for easy access to restaurants, shops, and trailheads, while others prefer quieter areas like Oak Creek Canyon. No matter how you visit, Sedona rewards those who slow down, plan ahead, and take time to soak in the scenery.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about visiting Sedona.

When is a Good Time to Visit Sedona?

There is not “bad” time to visit Sedona. That being said, I’d highly recommend going to Sedona in the off-season or shoulder seasons to make hiking life much more comfortable as it gets quite hot. Also, because Sedona is one of the busiest tourist cities in Arizona (even in the off-season), visiting in the off-season is a great idea for easier access to activities and lower costs.

After speaking with a few locals (and having visited in December myself), here are some guidelines:

January – Off Season

Quietest time of year. Cold mornings, light snow possible. Lowest crowds and prices.

February – Shoulder Season

Still cool, but tourism begins to pick up — especially around Valentine’s Day and weekends.

March – Peak Season

Spring break begins and wildflower season starts. One of Sedona’s busiest months.

April – Peak Season

Perfect weather; trails, hotels, and restaurants are very busy.

May – Peak Season

Still ideal weather and high visitor volume before summer heat arrives.

June – Shoulder Season

Hot days reduce crowds; still busy on weekends but not peak.

July – Off Season

Very hot with monsoon humidity; lowest tourism levels of the year.

August – Off Season

Still hot, still quiet. Afternoon monsoon storms common.

September – Shoulder Season

Cooling down, visitors return, but not as busy as fall peak yet.

October – Peak Season

One of Sedona’s absolute busiest months. Ideal weather + fall foliage days.

November – Shoulder Season

Moderate crowds; busy Thanksgiving week, quieter before and after.

December – Off Season (early), Shoulder (late)

Early December is slow. Holidays (mid-late Dec) bring a temporary bump in visitors — not peak, but busier.

I visited in December and it was lovely during the day, around 60 degrees in the day, and somewhat chilly in the 30s and 40s at night. I had mostly sun on my trip, but a few hours of rain here and there.

Where to Fly In

Sedona doesn’t have a commercial airport, so most visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about a 2-hour drive south. Another option is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), roughly 45 minutes north, which is convenient if you’re planning to explore northern Arizona or want a smaller, less busy airport. From either airport, renting a car is essential to reach Sedona and get around the area.

How to Get There and Around

So what’s the best way to get around Sedona? Unlike big cities where public transportation does the heavy lifting, Sedona is all about wide-open desert landscapes, scenic highways, and trailheads scattered well outside the main town areas. Getting to the best hikes, viewpoints, and hidden gems usually requires a bit of planning — here’s how to do it.

Car Rental

Renting a car is, by far, the easiest and most flexible way to explore Sedona. Many of the best hikes, sunrise spots, and scenic overlooks are spread out, and having your own car lets you start early, chase sunsets, and explore at your own pace. The roads around Sedona are well-maintained, easy to navigate, and some — like Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179) or the drive through Oak Creek Canyon — are experiences in themselves.

I highly recommend renting a car, which is what I did. Driving out here is super easy.

Shuttles and Limited Public Transportation

Sedona does offer a shuttle system to popular trailheads during peak seasons, which can be a great, stress-free option if you’re hiking Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, or Devil’s Bridge. These shuttles are eco-friendly and help reduce traffic in high-traffic areas.

Downside: Shuttles and limited public transit won’t get you everywhere, and they don’t always run early enough for sunrise hikes or late enough for sunset adventures. If you want maximum freedom — especially for off-the-beaten-path hikes, early starts, or spontaneous plans — renting a car is still your best bet.

Where to stay in the Sedona Area?

If you go in the off-season, you should have no problem finding a hotel close to the center of Sedona. I stayed at Sugar Loaf Lodge motel, which was an overall great experience at a super affordable price. It is perfectly located in the heart of Sedona, and has relatively high reviews across Google and other hotel booking sites.

But there are a bunch of hotels in Sedona with high ratings.

Book a Stay at Sugar Loaf Lodge

Places to Eat in Sedona

Like hotels, there is no shortage of great restaurants and yummy eats across Sedona. Having said that, I’ll only speak to the restaurants and eats I personally visited during my 5 night stay in Sedona:

1. Pisa Lisa

Pisa Lisa was the first place I ate at in Sedona for dinner. I ordered the Da Bambini pizza with pepperoni and took it back to my hotel after a long day out. Simple, comforting, and really solid — exactly what I wanted that night, and I’d happily order it again.

View their menu here

2. Gerardo’s Pizzaria

Gerardo’s is one of the more well-known pizza spots in Sedona, so I had high expectations. I went with a deep-dish Sicilian-style pizza (La Classica), and overall, it was very good. The only thing I didn’t love was the fancy pepperoni, but even with that, it was still a strong pizza and worth trying.

View their menu here

3. Mariposa Restaurant Sedona

A friend highly recommended Mariposa, so I decided to splurge and check it out. It’s by far the most expensive restaurant I visited in Sedona, with a beautiful setting and incredible views. I had the ribeye steak, mac and cheese, and the Caesar de la Casa — everything was good, but honestly, it didn’t quite live up to the price tag for me.

View their menu here

4. Hilltop Deli Sedona

Hilltop Deli was a great find and totally lived up to its reviews. The menu has a ton of options, which made it hard to choose, but I went with a roast beef and jack sub and really enjoyed it. It’s a solid, no-frills spot that hits the spot when you want something filling and casual.

View their menu here (scroll down, there’s a few images)

5. Coffee Pot Restaurant

Coffee Pot was a perfect post-hike breakfast stop. I went with a new friend I met on the trail, and it was exactly what we needed after a long morning out. The menu is huge — almost overwhelming — but the standout for me was the blueberry pancakes, which were absolutely delicious.

View their menu here

6. Sedonuts Donut & Coffee Shop of Sedona

Sedonuts was my final stop in Sedona, and it ended my trip on a high note. I grabbed two Boston cream donuts and a maple bacon donut, and they were honestly some of the best donuts I’ve had in a long time. If you have a sweet tooth, this place is a must.

View their menu here

Note: These are not ranked in order of how great they are. No one paid me to endorse any of these restaurants.

Things to Do and See In Sedona

Here’s the heart of it: 25 unmissable experiences, from ridgeline wanders to lakeside chills. They’re not ranked—just a mix of must-hikes, scenic drives, and low-key wanders to build your perfect itinerary. Each packs descriptions, durations, difficulties, and tips.

1. Hike to Sugar Loaf Loop Summit

Sugar Loaf Loop is a short but rewarding hike that packs in big views without a huge time commitment. The summit offers wide-open panoramas of Sedona’s red rock landscape and is especially great if you want something scenic without a long climb.

2. Hike Cathedral Rock Trail

Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s most iconic hikes and for good reason. It’s short but steep, with a fun scramble at the end that rewards you with one of the best views in the entire area, especially at sunset.

The Cathedral Rock Trail hike was one of my absolute favorites. The hype is well-worth it.

3. Hike to Birthing Cave

The Birthing Cave is a relatively short hike with a powerful, tucked-away feel. Inside the cave, a large opening frames Sedona’s red rocks perfectly, making it a popular spot for reflection, photos, and quiet moments.

The Birthing Cave hike is certainly interesting, but not one of my favorites in Sedona. I still think it’s worth checking out as a nice short filler hike.

4. Hike West Fork Oak Creek Trail #108

West Fork is one of the most scenic hikes near Sedona, especially in fall when the leaves change. The trail follows Oak Creek through towering canyon walls, with gentle creek crossings and a completely different feel from Sedona’s desert hikes.

I really enjoyed this one, it’s totally different than other hikes in Sedona. Read my full guide to hiking West Fork Oak Creek Trail #108.

5. Sunset at Cathedral Rock

Watching the sunset from Cathedral Rock feels almost unreal. As the light fades, the red rocks shift through layers of color, and the energy up top feels calm and expansive — just be sure to bring a headlamp for the hike down.

My Cathedral Rock sunset was by far the best spot I did a sunset at in Sedona.

6. Sunset at Airport Scenic Lookout

Airport Scenic Lookout is one of the easiest and most popular sunset spots in Sedona. You get sweeping views of Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, and the surrounding red rocks as they glow deep orange and red at golden hour.

In my opinion, this is an overrated spot. They charge you money to park and it’s very busy. However, it’s super easy to get to and available for the whole family to enjoy.

7. Sunrise Hike to Devil’s Bridge

Devil’s Bridge is Sedona’s most famous natural arch, and sunrise is the best time to experience it. Starting early helps you beat the crowds and catch soft morning light spilling across the red rocks as you step out onto the bridge.

I highly recommend hiking to Devil’s Ridge for a sunrise. I literally had it to myself for 30 minutes.

8. Sunrise at Lover’s Knoll

Lover’s Knoll is an easy-access viewpoint with incredible sunrise views of Cathedral Rock. It’s a great option if you want stunning light without committing to a full hike early in the morning.

Lover’s Knoll was the first sunrise I experienced in Sedona. It’s super easy to get to and close by. Overall, a beautiful quiet spot.

9. Hike to Seven Sacred Pools and Soldier Pass Cave

This hike combines several Sedona highlights into one route. You’ll pass the Seven Sacred Pools before climbing up to Soldier Pass Cave, a massive cave with incredible views and a quieter feel than some of Sedona’s busier spots.

This is one of the more popular hikes (in addition to Cathedral Rock). I thought Solder Pass Cave was very cool!

10. Hike Hangover Trail

Hangover Trail is for experienced hikers looking for exposure and adventure. The narrow ledges and dramatic drop-offs make it one of Sedona’s most thrilling hikes, with nonstop views the entire way.

Hangover Trail is one of my favorite hikes in Sedona and it barely gets any love. I highly recommend carving out a morning or afternoon for this one. This would be an amazing sunset spot, but you’d be hiking back in the dark.

11. Hike Boynton Canyon Trail to Subway Cave

Boynton Canyon is one of Sedona’s vortex areas and has a peaceful, grounding feel. The hike to Subway Cave is moderately challenging and ends at a wide cave opening that looks out over the canyon — perfect for a rest and photos.

The hike itself is blah, but Subway Cave is very cool and a must-see!

Here are a few hikes that I didn’t get to do but I was recommended from friends and locals:

12. Hike Bell Rock Trail

Bell Rock is one of Sedona’s most recognizable formations and a known vortex site. You can hike around it or scramble partway up for sweeping views with minimal effort.

13. Hike Doe Mountain Trail

Doe Mountain is short, steep, and incredibly rewarding. The flat mesa top gives you 360-degree views, making it one of the best bang-for-your-buck hikes in Sedona.

14. Hike Courthouse Butte Loop

This easy loop circles Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, offering constant scenery without intense elevation gain. It’s perfect for a relaxed hike or sunrise walk.

15. Hike Fay Canyon Trail

This easy, flat trail leads through a beautiful canyon to a hidden arch and seasonal waterfall, offering serene red rock scenery and minimal elevation gain. It’s less crowded and perfect for a relaxing walk. The end features a magical, shaded alcove.

Here are some other things to do in Sedona beyond hiking that I did not get a chance to do, but I had researched and put as options on my agenda:

16. The Night Sky Star Story, Galaxy, and Sedona Story Tour

This guided night tour combines stargazing with Sedona history and storytelling. You’ll learn about constellations, galaxies, and the cultural stories tied to the night sky while enjoying Sedona’s famously dark skies.

17. Grand Canyon Complete Tour from Sedona

This full-day tour takes you from Sedona to the Grand Canyon, covering major viewpoints and key landmarks. It’s a great option if you want to see the Grand Canyon without worrying about planning or driving yourself.

18. Sedona Vortex Odyssey: A Spiritual and Scientific Adventure

This tour explores Sedona’s vortex sites through both a spiritual and scientific lens. Guides explain the geology, energy theories, and history behind Sedona’s most talked-about locations.

19. Private Sedona Jeep Tour – Lil’ Rattler Off-Road

This off-road jeep tour takes you deep into Sedona’s rugged backcountry. It’s fast-paced, fun, and perfect if you want adventure without hiking.

20. Sedona Outlaw Trail 4×4 Tour

This 4×4 tour explores western Sedona’s canyons and wildlife areas. You’ll learn about the region’s history while bouncing along scenic desert trails with big views.

21. The Ultimate eBike Tour of Sedona

An eBike tour is a great way to cover more ground without exhausting yourself. You’ll cruise through scenic routes while learning about Sedona’s geology and landmarks.

22. Guided ATV Tour of Western Sedona

This guided ATV experience is all about adrenaline and exploration. You’ll ride through rugged terrain, red rock trails, and wide-open desert landscapes.

23. Kayak Tour on the Verde River

For something completely different, kayaking the Verde River offers a peaceful escape from the red rocks. Expect calm water, wildlife sightings, and a refreshing change of scenery.

24. Sedona Helicopter Tour – Desert Thunder

This helicopter tour gives you a bird’s-eye view of Sedona’s red rocks, canyons, and formations. It’s short but unforgettable and perfect for seeing the landscape from a completely new perspective.

25. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

A hot air balloon ride over Sedona is a bucket-list experience. Floating above the red rocks at sunrise is peaceful, surreal, and one of the most unique ways to see the area.

The highest rated Hot Air Balloon ride I saw in Sedona is Red Rock Balloons.

26. Visit 4 Wineries in Limo Party Bus – Includes Charcuterie Lunch!

This fun, all-inclusive wine tour takes you from Sedona to the scenic Verde Valley vineyards in a luxurious party bus or limo, visiting four top-rated wineries for tastings and behind-the-scenes insights. It features a delicious charcuterie lunch (with meats, cheeses, fruits, and more) to enjoy.

27. Visit Art Galleries and Shops in Tlaquepaque Arts Village

Tlaquepaque Arts Village is one of Sedona’s most charming spots, with cobblestone walkways, vine-covered courtyards, and an irresistible collection of galleries and boutiques. You’ll find everything from original art and handcrafted jewelry to unique home goods and local pottery.

Here is their shop directory

Sedona Travel Tips After the Fact

Here are some Sedona travel tips after having visited:

1. Early December is an awesome time to visit – It’s cheaper with less people, yet most if not all the hikes are available. I highly recommend visiting in December or other non-peak visiting times.
2. For some of the most famous hikes (i.e. Cathedral Rock or Seven Sacred Pools), I recommend going on a Monday through Wednesday to avoid having to take a bus in.
3. Make sure to bring sunscreen: A lot of the hikes are very exposed.
4. Don’t always fall for the hype. Airport Scenic Lookout is not all that great (but it is easy to get to).

Overall Review of Sedona, Arizona

If you’re still on the fence about visiting Sedona, don’t be. It’s a beautifully unique place with lots to do and lots of places to eat. Surprisingly, it was very inexpensive trip for me, mainly because I booked a hotel at Sugar Loaf Lodge. There’s no shortage of beautiful hikes, most of which are not that difficult. I had heard good things from friends, but I was pleasantly surprised to love Sedona myself. I don’t know when I’ll visit Sedona next, but I could definitely see myself saying hello again soon.

My overall score of visiting Sedona is 9.4 / 10.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Sedona

Thank you for joining me on my adventure visiting Sedona in Arizona! I hope this guide with the best things to do in Sedona was helpful for you. This was a super memorable trip, and I think whether you do it solo, with your lover, or with a group of friends, Sedona is a unique place in the United States that’s definitely a must-visit. Everything is super close together and the views of the red rocks are truly special. If you need a quick long-weekend trip, Sedona is a fantastic option.

Happy wandering!