Best Things to Do in Sedona: An Insider-Coded Local Guide

If you Google “best things to do in Sedona,” you’ll get the same list copy-pasted 400 times. This is the version you actually want: the iconic stuff that’s worth it, plus local-style choices that help you skip the chaos and still get the wow.

Whether you’re planning a Sedona weekend trip, a longer Sedona itinerary, or you’re just trying to figure out what’s actually worth your time, here are the best things to do in Sedona, Arizona—with practical tips, crowd strategies, and a few “if you know, you know” moments.

Skip the fluff and see the WOW of Sedona, Arizona! Selfie by Sedona local and blog author, Shannon Roberts.

Local truth: Sedona rewards early mornings and chill afternoons. Plan hikes and viewpoints early, then save shopping/spa/food for midday.

Here's the quick “choose your vibe” list:

• If you have 1 day in Sedona: viewpoints + one short hike + sunset + dinner

• If you have 2 days in Sedona: one iconic hike + one experience day (jeep tour/spa/shopping)

• If you have 3+ days: add vortex stops, scenic drives, stargazing, and a Verde Valley day trip

• (See my Sedona Itinerary: 1–6 Days)

The best viewpoints in Sedona (big payoff, minimal effort)

These are the stops that make people say, “Wait… we didn’t even hike yet?”

• Airport Mesa Viewpoint (sunrise/sunset classic)

This is one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Sedona with a short walk-to-wow factor.

Insider tip: sunrise = quieter, easier parking, softer light.

(Coming Soon: Best Sunrise Spots in Sedona)

• Red Rock Scenic Overlooks (drive-up beauty)

Sedona has multiple roadside pulls and viewpoints where you can hop out for photos without committing to a trail.

Insider tip: do these in the middle of the day when trails feel crowded/hot.

Choose your sunrise or sunset viewpoint wisely. There are many to choose from. Photo by Shannon Roberts.

The best hikes in Sedona (iconic + actually worth it)

Yes, hiking is a top Sedona activity for a reason. Here are the hikes people mean when they say “we did Sedona.”

• Devil’s Bridge (the famous photo spot)

  • If you want the iconic Sedona photo, this is it.

  • Local strategy: go early. Like “start hiking at sunrise” early.

  • (Coming soon: Devil’s Bridge Trail Guide)

• Cathedral Rock (short, steep, unreal views)

  • One of the most popular hikes in Sedona—shorter distance, bigger effort, huge payoff.

  • Local strategy: avoid mid-day heat and plan for slick rock sections.

  • (Coming Soon: Cathedral Rock Trail Guide)

• An easy “views per minute” hike

  • Sedona’s secret sauce is that you don’t need a long hike to get epic views.

  • Insider tip: if you’re not a hiker (or you’re with parents/kids), choose a short trail with a viewpoint payoff and call it a win.

  • The Best Hikes in Sedona

A drone shot of Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona. Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona's top-rated hikes. Photo by Shannon Roberts.

Sedona vortex sites (what to do, what to expect)

Even if you’re not “vortex-y,” vortex spots are often… just really pretty places.

• Visit a vortex site (even skeptics enjoy it)

  • Think of vortex sites as: scenic locations people visit for views, quiet, and a little “main character energy.”

  • Insider tip: go early or go near sunset, and treat it like a mindful viewpoint stop, not a theme park.

  • (Coming Soon: Sedona Vortex Guide)

The best Sedona experiences (beyond hiking)

If you want variety (or your knees are staging a coup), these are top-tier Sedona activities.

• Jeep tour (Broken Arrow-style red rock adventure)

  • A Sedona jeep tour is one of the easiest ways to see dramatic terrain fast—without planning trail logistics.

  • Insider tip: do this on a day when you want to give your legs a break.

  • (Coming Soon: Sedona Jeep Tours: Which One Is Best?)

• Chapel of the Holy Cross (quick stop, iconic views)

  • A must-do if it’s your first visit. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Sedona.

  • Insider tip: go earlier in the day to avoid the busiest window.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona is an architectural wonder.

• Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (the “walkaround + vibes” spot)

  • Shops, galleries, courtyards—this is one of the best non-hiking things to do in Sedona.

  • Insider tip: perfect for midday when parking at trailheads is at its worst.

  
  

• Book a spa day (Sedona is built for this)

  • A spa day is the move if you’re doing a Sedona weekend getaway and want balance.

  • Insider tip: schedule spa time mid-afternoon, then do sunset afterward.

  • (Coming Soon: Sedona Spa + Wellness Weekend Itinerary)

Friends participate in a blending session at L'Apothecary Spa at L'Auberge de Sedona, one of Sedona's top spas.

Best things to do in Sedona for couples (romantic, but not cheesy)

• Sunset viewpoint + dinner reservation

  • This combo is undefeated.Insider tip: pick a sunset spot close to where you want to eat—Sedona traffic can be sneaky.

  • (Coming Soon: Sedona Restaurants With a View)

• Sunrise + coffee + a short hike

  • You’ll get the best light, the calmest trails, and the smug satisfaction of being done by 10am.

  
  

The best scenic drives in Sedona (and nearby)

• Red Rock Scenic Byway / classic Sedona drives

  • If you want “Sedona views” with minimal effort, scenic drives deliver.

  • (Coming Soon: Sedona Scenic Drives)

• Oak Creek Canyon drive (Sedona to Flagstaff)

  • This is one of the most beautiful drives in Arizona.

  • Insider tip: it’s also the best “reset” activity if Sedona feels crowded—go drive and breathe.

  • (Coming Soon: Day Trips From Sedona)

Best food + drink things to do in Sedona

A Sedona trip without good food is just… hiking with extra steps.

• Do a “best restaurants” hit list

  • Plan at least one nicer dinner and one casual patio meal.

  • Insider tip: weekends require reservations for popular spots.

  • Best Affordable Dinner Spots In Sedona

• Verde Valley wine day (Cottonwood + Jerome vibe)

  • If you want a break from hiking, a winery day nearby is an easy win—especially for bachelorettes and couples.

  • Sedona: The Ultimate Bachelorette Destination

The Hudson is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Sedona. Not pictured: the incredible views from the outside patio.

Stargazing in Sedona (highly underrated)

• Stargazing or night photography

  • Sedona’s night sky is a whole different world from the daytime crowds.

  • Insider tip: bring a blanket, a warm layer, and go somewhere quiet with a wide view of the sky.

  • (Coming Soon: Stargazing in Sedona, Sedona Astrophotography Guide)

If there is one thing you have to do when visiting Sedona, it's stargazing! Photo by Shannon Roberts.

Family-friendly things to do in Sedona (and low-stress options)

• Easy trails + viewpoints + treats

  • With kids, the best strategy is short hikes + big payoffs + snack rewards.

  • (Coming Soon: Sedona With Kids)

Practical planning tips (local-coded)

• Parking + passes

  • Some trailheads and recreation areas require a day-use fee/pass, and parking can fill quickly.

  • Insider tip: plan your top trailheads for early morning, and keep “drive-up viewpoints + shopping” as your midday backup plan.

  • (Coming Soon: Red Rock Pass + Parking in Sedona)

  • Best time of day

    • Sunrise: best light, best parking, best vibes

    • Midday: shops, spa, lunch, scenic drives

    • Sunset: viewpoints, short trails, dinner

    • Night: stargazing

FAQs

Is Sedona worth visiting if you don’t hike? Yes. Viewpoints, scenic drives, shopping, food, spas, jeep tours, and stargazing make Sedona a top Arizona destination even without hiking.

What are the top 3 must-do things in Sedona? A viewpoint (sunrise or sunset), one iconic hike (Devil’s Bridge or Cathedral Rock), and one non-hiking experience (jeep tour, spa, Tlaquepaque, or stargazing).

How many days do you need in Sedona? 2–3 days is the sweet spot for first-timers. More days lets you slow down and add experiences.