50 Best Things To Do In Sedona, Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 9, 2026.

Sedona offers far more than spectacular scenery. Visitors can hike among famous red rock formations, explore Oak Creek Canyon, take Jeep and sightseeing tours, visit vortex sites, browse galleries and shops, enjoy Verde Valley wineries, discover Native American heritage sites and take memorable day trips throughout northern Arizona. Whether you prefer outdoor adventure, scenic drives, family attractions or a relaxing getaway, there are plenty of things to do in and around Sedona.

The following list highlights 50 popular Sedona experiences, from iconic hikes and red rock viewpoints to tours, cultural sites, family activities and nearby day trips. Some require advance reservations, while many scenic overlooks, trails and natural attractions can be enjoyed independently.

• Sedona Highlights
• 50 Things To Do
• Outdoor Adventures
• Tours & Sightseeing
• Planning Your Visit
• Sedona Things To Do FAQ

Sedona Highlights For First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors often begin with Sedona's signature experiences: seeing Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, driving through Oak Creek Canyon, taking a Jeep tour, visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross, hiking one of the area's famous trails and watching the sunset over the red rocks.

Travelers with more time can add Verde Valley wineries, Native American heritage sites, galleries, vortex locations and day trips to places such as Jerome, Montezuma Castle or the Grand Canyon.

50 Best Things To Do In Sedona

1. See the red rocks at sunrise or sunset
2. Hike Cathedral Rock
3. Explore Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte
4. Hike to Devil's Bridge
5. Take a Jeep tour through Red Rock Country
6. Drive scenic Oak Creek Canyon
7. Hike the West Fork of Oak Creek Trail
8. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
9. Watch the sunset from Airport Mesa
10. Visit a Sedona vortex site
11. Take a hot-air balloon ride over the red rocks
12. Fly over Sedona on a helicopter tour
13. Take a scenic airplane tour
14. Ride a Sedona trolley or sightseeing tour
15. Explore Uptown Sedona
16. Shop and dine at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
17. Browse Sedona's art galleries and studios
18. Visit Red Rock Crossing for views of Cathedral Rock
19. Swim or picnic along Oak Creek
20. Visit Slide Rock State Park
21. Hike Boynton Canyon
22. Explore the trails around Soldier Pass
23. Mountain bike Sedona's red rock trails
24. Go horseback riding in the Sedona area
25. Fish for trout in Oak Creek
26. Play golf surrounded by red rock scenery
27. Visit the Sedona Heritage Museum
28. Learn about Sedona's Native American heritage
29. Visit Palatki Heritage Site when access is available
30. See the petroglyphs at V-Bar-V Heritage Site
31. Visit Montezuma Castle National Monument
32. Explore Tuzigoot National Monument
33. Visit Montezuma Well
34. Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad
35. Explore historic Jerome
36. Tour Verde Valley wineries and tasting rooms
37. Visit Out of Africa Wildlife Park
38. Explore Dead Horse Ranch State Park
39. Kayak or paddle the Verde River
40. Visit Flagstaff by way of Oak Creek Canyon
41. Explore Walnut Canyon National Monument
42. Ride the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams
43. Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon South Rim
44. Visit Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff
45. Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway
46. Stop at Oak Creek Vista
47. Go stargazing under Sedona's dark skies
48. Enjoy a spa or wellness experience
49. Attend a Sedona festival, concert or cultural event
50. Camp among the pines in Oak Creek Canyon

Outdoor Adventures In Sedona

Hiking and mountain biking are among Sedona's signature activities, with hundreds of miles of trails crossing red rock canyons, mesas and national forest land. Popular hiking areas include Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Devil's Bridge and West Fork in Oak Creek Canyon.

Outdoor options extend well beyond hiking. Visitors can fish in Oak Creek, kayak portions of the Verde River, ride horses, play golf, picnic beside the creek or explore scenic roads and overlooks throughout Red Rock Country.

Sedona Tours & Sightseeing

Guided tours are a convenient way to explore more of Sedona, particularly for visitors with limited time. Options include Jeep and ATV tours, trolley sightseeing, helicopter and airplane flights, hot-air balloon rides, guided hikes, wine tours and vortex or spiritual tours.

See our Sedona tours and sightseeing tours guides for more ways to experience the area.

Plan Your Sedona Visit

• More Things To Do In Sedona
• Sedona Hiking Trails
• Sedona Attractions
• Sedona Tours
• Visiting Sedona During Winter
• Best Time To Visit Sedona
• Sedona Arizona Pictures

West Fork Oak Creek Trail

Things To Do In Sedona FAQ

What are the best things to do in Sedona for first-time visitors?

First-time visitors often explore Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Oak Creek Canyon, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Airport Mesa and one of Sedona's famous hiking trails. Jeep tours, trolley tours and scenic viewpoints are also popular ways to see the area.

What are the best outdoor activities in Sedona?

Popular outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, Jeep tours, horseback riding, fishing in Oak Creek, golf, photography and exploring scenic overlooks throughout Red Rock Country.

Are there things to do in Sedona besides hiking?

Yes. Visitors can explore art galleries, shop at Tlaquepaque and Uptown Sedona, visit spas and vortex sites, take sightseeing tours, enjoy Verde Valley wineries, play golf and visit nearby historic and cultural attractions.

What can families do in Sedona?

Family activities include easy scenic walks, trolley tours, Slide Rock State Park, Oak Creek picnic areas, wildlife attractions, historic sites and scenic drives. Choose trails and outdoor activities appropriate for children's ages and weather conditions.

What are good day trips from Sedona?

Popular day trips include Jerome, Montezuma Castle, Tuzigoot, Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon, the Verde Valley and the Grand Canyon South Rim.

How many days should I spend in Sedona?

Two or three days allow time for several major sights, a hike or tour and a scenic drive. A longer stay makes it easier to explore Oak Creek Canyon, nearby heritage sites, Verde Valley attractions and additional trails without rushing.

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