Looking for the best things to do in Sedona? Sedona is surrounded by red-rock buttes, canyons and trails, known for hiking, jeep tours, spas and spiritual retreats. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for American travellers.
Best things to do in Sedona
1. Cathedral Rock
A short, steep scramble to iconic views. Book tickets online to skip the line.
2. Devil’s Bridge
The largest natural sandstone arch in the area. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
3. Bell Rock
Easy trails around a bell-shaped butte. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
4. Chapel of the Holy Cross
Built into the red rocks. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
5. Oak Creek Canyon
A scenic drive and Slide Rock State Park. Book tickets online to skip the line.
6. Airport Mesa
A sunset viewpoint. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
Tech that makes the trip easier
- Cameras for landscape photography BuyrSkip
Canyons, coastlines and city skylines reward a camera with great dynamic range. - Best action cameras for adventure travel BuyrSkip
Film snorkelling, ziplines and mountain biking hands-free.
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7. Tlaquepaque
Arts and crafts village. It is great value for families.
8. Jeep tours
Off-road trails through the red rocks. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
9. Hiking
One of the most popular ways to experience Sedona; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
10. Jeep tours
One of the most popular ways to experience Sedona; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Check opening hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
11. Spa days
One of the most popular ways to experience Sedona; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Bring a refillable water bottle.
12. Stargazing
One of the most popular ways to experience Sedona; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
13. Wine tasting in the Verde Valley
One of the most popular ways to experience Sedona; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Sunset is a particularly good time.
14. Take a day trip to Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is a mile-deep, 277-mile-long gorge carved by the Colorado River, one of the most awe-inspiring sights on Earth. Read our Grand Canyon National Park travel guide. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
15. Take a day trip to Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a sunny desert resort city near Phoenix, known for golf, spas, Old Town nightlife and Sonoran Desert hikes. Read our Scottsdale travel guide. Sunset is a particularly good time.
16. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try Southwestern cuisine, prickly pear margaritas and Mexican food. Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
When to go
The best time to visit is March to May and September to November.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–May | Ideal: warm days, cool nights, wildflowers. |
| Summer | June–August | Very hot, often above 100°F at low elevations; hike only at dawn. |
| Fall | September–November | Excellent hiking weather and clear skies. |
| Winter | December–February | Mild days and cold nights; snow possible at higher elevations. |
Where to stay
- Uptown: Walkable shops.
- West Sedona: Better value.
- Oak Creek: Creekside resorts.
- Village of Oak Creek: Near Bell Rock.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $150–250 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | $260–450 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | $500–1,200 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our Sedona travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- Trailhead parking fills early; use the free Sedona Shuttle in season.
- A Red Rock Pass is needed at some trailheads.
- Carry plenty of water.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Visiting only on peak weekends, when parking and restaurants are packed.
- Not booking accommodation early enough in high season.
- Skipping the quieter trails and viewpoints just outside town.
- Driving tired after a long day outdoors.
- Forgetting that some shops and restaurants keep short seasonal hours.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | $780–$1,350 |
| Food and drink | $540–$864 |
| Activities and entry fees | $140–$280 |
| Local transport or car | $180–$270 |
| Total | $1,640–$2,764 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for Sedona
- Breathable clothing and a sun hat
- High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- Sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- A light rain jacket for afternoon storms
- Insect repellent
For a complete checklist, see our road trip packing list.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Our travel gear picks
- Travel backpacks for weekend trips BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Best power banks for travel BuyrSkip
Navigation, photos and cold weather drain phones fast; a 20,000 mAh bank keeps you going. - Travel gear picks BuyrSkip
Packing cubes, neck pillows and organisers that make travel days easier.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Sedona?
For most first-time visitors it is Cathedral Rock: a short, steep scramble to iconic views.
How many days do you need in Sedona?
Plan 2–3 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Sedona?
March to May and September to November.
Is Sedona good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and Sedona is popular with hikers, couples and wellness seekers.
What should I eat in Sedona?
Try Southwestern cuisine, prickly pear margaritas and Mexican food.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Sedona Travel Guide: Red Rock Hikes and Vortex Sites
- Grand Canyon Travel Guide: South Rim, Hikes and Planning Tips
- Scottsdale Travel Guide: Golf, Spas and Desert Hikes