Things to do in Sedona
One of the most incredible landscapes you’ll find in Arizona is Sedona! This small town boasts of red-rock views that take your breath away. It’s one of my favorite places to visit in my state. Sedona is perfect for hiking, antique shopping, and relaxation. Here are some of the best things to do in Sedona.
Things to do in Sedona
1. Hit the Hiking Trails
In Sedona, you’ll want to spend the majority of your time outdoors admiring the views. There are tons of hiking trails that range from easy to complex. So whether you only want to walk one mile or ten, you’ll find one that’s right for you.
I’ve been to Sedona a few times, and I try different trails when I visit. Some of my favorites include Devil’s Bridge, Courthouse Loop Trail, and Bell Rock.
2. Do Some Antique Shopping & Visit Art Galleries
One of the best things to do in Sedona is to visit the art galleries and small shops. Some items you’ll find are home decor, local stones, handmade jewelry, clothes, and antiques. The most popular spot for shopping is Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village. It has many art galleries, restaurants, and small-owned shops.
3. Have An Adventure with Jeep Tours
Something you’ll notice a lot in Sedona is the promotion of the famous Pink Jeep Tours. They have various packages for trails they take you on. It can be quite pricey, but this is a fun activity for adventure lovers. Aside from Jeep Tours, you can also do ATV rentals and tours.
4. Admire the Landscape Views
If you don’t want to do any hiking but still want to enjoy some great views of this gorgeous town, you can head to Airport Mesa or the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Airport Mesa is my favorite, and you can take some lovely landscape photography. The view is breathtaking. Therefore, I recommend you visit during sunset for the best view.
5. Enjoy Restaurants and Coffee Shops
The town is not that big, so most tourism activities involve hiking outdoors or enjoying delicious food and coffee shops. There are all types of cuisines, but I recommend trying Mexican food because you’re in Arizona. The following coffee shop had the cutest pastries. It is called Cake Couture Coffee & Dessert and is in the Tlaquepaque shops.
6. Explore Montezuma Castle National Monument
Just an hour away in Camp Verde is Montezuma Castle. It’s a well-preserved ancient dwelling you can visit to learn more about Arizona. The castle is impressive to see because the structure is built into a limestone cliff about 70ft above. It was made by the Sinagua people around the 13th century and was later abandoned by them. Now, it’s quite a fantastic place to see.
7. Go Camping
If you prefer to stay outdoors, there are a lot of camping areas around Sedona. There are both places to put up a tent or hook up an RV. Two popular ones are Manzanita Campground and Pine Flat Campground.
8. Have Fun at Slide Rock
Only 16 minutes from downtown Sedona is one of the most popular spots to visit, especially for families. Slide Rock is exactly that, a rock that you can slide down along with the Oak Creek water. Arizonan’s head down here to cool off from the desert heat. It’s the perfect place to have some fun.
9. Take Time to Relax
Like I mentioned earlier, some people come to Sedona to relax. The town has many hotels dedicated to retreats. Many of them offer great views, spas, and delicious restaurants. Sedona has a lot of yoga studios, spas, salons, and massage places. The town is also famous for Vortexes, and they even have tours for that if that’s your thing.
10. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is an excellent place to visit. There’s no missing it when you’re driving because it sits upon a hill. If you go inside, you can enjoy its beauty. From the chapel, you can also enjoy some fantastic views of Sedona.
Where to Stay
Sedona is not a cheap getaway unless you go camping. There are many beautiful resorts with incredible views. Those will be the most expensive. There are some small hotels and motels in the town for a lower price and nearby everything. I recommend booking with time to get better deals on them. No matter where you stay, you will most likely need a car to get around.
I liked Sedona Village Lodge, where I stayed because I could walk to one of my hiked trails. But again, you can stay anywhere.
Red Rock Pass
You’ll need to purchase a Red Rock Pass for parking and access to the trails. They are $5 per day, $15 for the week, or $20 for the year. You can buy them at the trailheads, visitor centers, businesses, and some hotels. I purchased mine at the Circle K next to Bell Rock Trailhead.
Best Time to Visit
The best time and enjoy great weather is March through May or September through May. During the summer, it’s extremely hot, and the winters are pretty cold. Don’t let that discourage you from visiting during the other months, though.
I went in February, and though it was cold in the mornings, I enjoyed some perfectly cool weather during the day. Room rates are also cheaper during the winter months. Though You can visit Sedona year-round and you’ll still be able to enjoy it without the weather putting a hold on your activities.
