Best Things to Do in Sedona: Complete Travel & Driving Guide
Best Things to Do in Sedona: Complete Travel & Driving Guide
Plan Your Trip
Surrounded by crimson sandstone formations, high-desert vegetation, winding canyons, and the vast landscapes of Coconino National Forest, Sedona is one of Arizona's most visually spectacular destinations. Travelers come for the scenery, but the variety of things to do in Sedona extends far beyond simply photographing the famous red rocks.
Sedona combines outdoor adventure, Southwestern culture, art, spirituality, architecture, and an unusually rich Hollywood history. The community takes its name from Sedona Arabella Miller Schnebly. Her husband, T.C. Schnebly, proposed her first name when establishing a local post office in the early 1900s, and the name eventually became attached to the growing settlement.
Today, Sedona is particularly famous for hiking. Visitors can choose among hundreds of miles of trails in the surrounding landscape, ranging from gentle viewpoints to strenuous sandstone scrambles. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Broken Arrow, Little Horse, and numerous lesser-known routes make Sedona hikes one of the biggest reasons to stay several days.
Sedona is also ideal for a self-guided driving tour. State Route 179 passes several signature formations, trailheads, cultural attractions, and scenic overlooks, allowing travelers to combine driving, short walks, photography, shopping, history, and longer hikes into one flexible adventure.
Top Things to Do
Choosing the best things to do in Sedona depends on whether you prefer hiking, photography, architecture, shopping, spirituality, or scenic driving. Fortunately, many of Sedona's most memorable attractions lie relatively close together, making it possible to experience several in one day.
Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona's defining landmarks and one of its most popular hiking destinations. The trail climbs steeply toward a saddle between the sandstone towers and includes sections where hikers use their hands for scrambling. From higher elevations, hikers are rewarded with expansive views toward Oak Creek, Bell Rock, the Verde Valley, and surrounding formations. The tour material also identifies Cathedral Rock as one of Sedona's best-known vortex locations.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Built dramatically into Sedona's red-rock landscape, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is both an architectural landmark and a spiritual destination. The chapel was completed in 1956 from the vision of Marguerite Brunswig Staude, and its modern design is dominated by a monumental cross integrated into the structure. The Sedona Chamber describes it as a must-see attraction for visitors of all faiths.
Bell Rock
Rising prominently beside SR 179, Bell Rock is recognizable by its distinctive bell-shaped profile. Visitors can admire it from nearby viewpoints or explore the Bell Rock Pathway and connecting trails. The formation also became associated with Sedona's vortex culture, making it popular with hikers, photographers, spiritual travelers, and first-time visitors alike.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
For a break from the trails, wander through Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Inspired by Spanish colonial and Mexican architecture, the village features cobblestone walkways, fountains, courtyards, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and mature sycamore trees. The tour explains that developer Abe Miller conceived the complex after visiting Tlaquepaque near Guadalajara, Mexico, and the Sedona village opened in 1973.
Broken Arrow Trail
Broken Arrow is among the most adventurous Sedona hikes, combining slickrock, open desert scenery, and memorable geological features. Stops include Submarine Rock and Chicken Point, while the route also passes near Devil's Dining Room, a natural sinkhole. The area's name connects to the 1950 Western Broken Arrow, part of Sedona's long relationship with Hollywood filmmaking.
Little Horse Trail
Little Horse is an excellent choice for travelers seeking classic red-rock scenery without tackling Cathedral Rock's steeper scramble. Trails in this area lead through open desert toward viewpoints near Chicken Point, with views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and the surrounding formations.
Courthouse Butte
Courthouse Butte rises dramatically above the desert near Bell Rock and forms one of the most recognizable scenes along the Red Rock Scenic Byway. The Courthouse Butte Loop offers a longer hiking option, while nearby pullouts provide excellent opportunities for travelers who prefer photography or shorter walks.
Yavapai Vista
Yavapai Vista offers an accessible way to experience the scenery without committing to one of the longer Sedona hikes. A short walk leads toward broad slickrock and panoramic views, making it particularly useful for families, photographers, and visitors with limited time.
Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center
Finish your exploration at the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center south of the Village of Oak Creek. Exhibits cover geology, cultural history, and trip planning, while outdoor areas include native plants and a viewpoint toward Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
Explore Sedona's legendary red-rock country without being tied to a tour bus, departure time, or large group. This GPS-enabled self-driving experience begins near the Sedona Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center and guides travelers toward SR 179 and the Village of Oak Creek, combining major attractions with optional hiking stops.
The audio automatically plays as you reach story locations, turning the drive into a narrated journey through Sedona's geology, architecture, Hollywood heritage, hiking culture, and spiritual traditions.
It is particularly useful for road trippers, couples, families, photographers, history lovers, and travelers who want to combine sightseeing with Sedona hikes. Instead of simply driving past the formations, you'll learn why places such as Broken Arrow, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross became important parts of Sedona's identity.
Highlights include:
- Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
- Broken Arrow Trail and Chicken Point
- Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Cathedral Rock Trailhead
- Sedona's famous vortex traditions
- Little Horse Trail
- Yavapai Vista
- Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte
- Village of Oak Creek
- Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center
Why Take a Self-Guided Tour?
- Start whenever you're ready
- No fixed group schedule
- Explore Sedona at your own pace
- Pause for hikes, meals, and photographs
- Spend longer at the attractions you enjoy
- Listen from your own device
- Combine sightseeing with hiking
- Ideal for independent travelers and road trips
Instead of racing from attraction to attraction, make the journey part of the experience. Download the Sedona Red Rock Scenic Byway Driving Tour and discover Sedona's stories while you drive.
Free Things to Do
You don't need an expensive itinerary to enjoy Sedona. Many of the area's greatest attractions are landscapes, viewpoints, trails, and public spaces that can be experienced free of charge, although some trailhead parking areas may require a Red Rock Pass or other accepted recreation pass.
Photograph Bell Rock — Stop at a designated viewpoint or trail access area and enjoy one of Sedona's most recognizable formations.
Explore Yavapai Vista — Take a short walk onto the red rocks for sweeping views without committing to a long hike.
Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross — Entry to the chapel is free, making it one of Sedona's best combinations of architecture, spirituality, and scenery.
Walk through Tlaquepaque — Exploring the courtyards, architecture, fountains, and galleries costs nothing unless shopping or dining tempts you.
Hike Bell Rock Pathway — Enjoy close-up views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte on one of the area's approachable trail systems.
Explore Little Horse Trail — Add this scenic trail to your itinerary for open views across the red-rock landscape.
Visit the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center — Browse educational exhibits, ask about current trail conditions, and enjoy the surrounding viewpoint.
Ride the Sedona Shuttle to a trailhead — Sedona's trailhead shuttle provides free parking and free transportation to several popular trailheads, including Cathedral Rock and Little Horse.
Scenic drive along SR 179 — Even without hiking, the Red Rock Scenic Byway delivers remarkable roadside views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and other formations.
Food!
After a morning exploring Sedona hikes, the city's food scene offers plenty of reasons to slow down. Southwestern and Mexican influences are prominent, but Sedona also has modern American restaurants, Italian dining, vegetarian-friendly cafes, craft beverages, and upscale restaurants designed around red-rock views. The local tourism organization lists an extensive selection ranging from casual eateries to sophisticated dining.
Try:
Elote Cafe — One of Sedona's best-known restaurants, specializing in Mexican and Southwestern flavors influenced by chef Jeff Smedstad's travels through Mexico. Reservations are highly recommended.
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill — An upscale choice known for Latin-inspired cuisine and dramatic red-rock surroundings. Excellent for celebrations and romantic dinners.
The Hudson — A relaxed American restaurant suited to lunch, cocktails, or dinner after sightseeing around SR 179.
Creekside American Bistro — Known for outdoor dining, comfort-oriented American dishes, cocktails, and red-rock views.
Coffee Pot Restaurant — A casual breakfast option ideal before an early hike.
Sedona restaurants can become busy during spring and fall weekends, so reservations are worthwhile for popular dinner destinations.
Where to Stay
Hotel prices in Sedona fluctuate dramatically by season, weekend demand, room type, and holidays. The ranges below are planning estimates rather than guaranteed rates; always check your dates before booking.
Luxury / Historic Hotels
L'Auberge de Sedona — A high-end creekside resort close to Uptown with cottages, suites, spa experiences, and upscale dining. Expect roughly $500–$1,000+ per night, depending on accommodation and season.
Enchantment Resort — A destination resort surrounded by the dramatic scenery of Boynton Canyon. Its secluded setting makes it particularly attractive to wellness travelers and couples. Often $500–$900+ per night.
Amara Resort and Spa — A stylish resort near Uptown combining convenient access with spa amenities and red-rock scenery. Typically around $350–$650+ per night.
Mid-Range Hotels
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock — Located less than a mile from Bell Rock, with spacious accommodations, pool, spa, fitness facilities, and easy access to trails. Hilton was showing rates from roughly the mid-$200s for some upcoming dates when checked, though prices vary substantially.
Courtyard by Marriott Sedona — A modern West Sedona-area option about five miles from Uptown, with a view deck, meditation area, pool, and convenient trail access. Expect approximately $200–$400 per night.
Arabella Sedona — Convenient for SR 179 attractions and travelers who want easy access to dining and sightseeing. Commonly around $200–$350 per night, depending on season.
Budget Hotels
GreenTree Inn Sedona — A practical West Sedona base for travelers who prioritize hiking and sightseeing over resort amenities. Often around $130–$250 per night.
Sedona Real Inn & Suites — A comfortable option on the western side of town with convenient access to outdoor recreation. Expect roughly $160–$300 per night.
Dreamcatcher Inn of Sedona — A simpler lodging choice for road trippers seeking to control accommodation costs. Rates commonly fall around $120–$230 per night.
1 Day Itinerary
Two to three days is ideal for most first-time visitors. One day is enough to see several signature attractions, but hikers should allow at least two days so the itinerary doesn't become a race between trailheads.
One Day Sedona Itinerary
Morning
Start at the Sedona Visitor Center. Pick up current trail information and confirm any recreation-pass requirements before setting out.
Drive toward Broken Arrow or Chapel of the Holy Cross. If hiking Broken Arrow, start early before the exposed sandstone becomes hot.
Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Take time to appreciate both the architecture and panoramic views.
Afternoon
Explore Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Have lunch and wander through its courtyards, galleries, and shops.
Head toward Cathedral Rock. Hike if time, weather, parking, and fitness permit. When the trailhead shuttle is operating, Cathedral Rock parking is closed to general public vehicles, so check current shuttle information before driving there.
Continue along SR 179. Stop at Yavapai Vista, Courthouse Butte, or Bell Rock for photographs and short walks.
Evening
Watch the red rocks change color during golden hour from an appropriate viewpoint.
Return to Sedona for dinner at Creekside, The Hudson, Elote Cafe, or another local restaurant.
If skies are clear, finish with stargazing away from bright commercial areas.
Two Day Sedona Itinerary
Day 1 — Red Rock Scenic Byway
Morning
Begin the self-guided Sedona driving tour.
Visit Broken Arrow.
Explore Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Afternoon
Stop at Cathedral Rock.
Explore Little Horse Trail or Yavapai Vista.
Continue toward Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock.
Evening
Enjoy dinner in Sedona.
Photograph sunset over the red rocks.
Day 2 — Hiking, Art & Relaxation
Morning
Choose one of the longer Sedona hikes suited to your ability.
Cathedral Rock, Broken Arrow, Boynton Canyon, or another established trail can anchor the morning.
Afternoon
Have lunch in Uptown or West Sedona.
Explore Tlaquepaque and Sedona's galleries.
Leave time for shopping, spa treatments, or a leisurely scenic drive.
Evening
Enjoy an upscale dinner or relaxed patio meal.
Finish with sunset or stargazing.
Spring and fall generally provide especially comfortable conditions for outdoor sightseeing, while summer itineraries should move strenuous hiking to early morning because of heat exposure.
FAQ's
What are the top things to do in Sedona?
The top things to do in Sedona include hiking Cathedral Rock, exploring Bell Rock, visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross, walking through Tlaquepaque, hiking Broken Arrow, driving SR 179, visiting vortex sites, and exploring the surrounding Coconino National Forest. Sedona's official tourism site also highlights Jeep adventures, art galleries, spas, and Verde Valley experiences.
What is the best time to visit Sedona?
Spring and fall are popular because temperatures are generally more comfortable for hiking and sightseeing. These seasons can also mean heavier traffic, crowded trailheads, and higher hotel rates. Winter can be quieter and beautiful, while summer travelers should plan Sedona hikes for early morning and carry plenty of water.
How many days do you need in Sedona?
Plan at least two days for a first visit. Three days is better if hiking is a priority because it allows time for longer trails, scenic driving, restaurants, galleries, and relaxation without squeezing everything into a single day.
Do you need a car in Sedona?
A car is extremely useful for exploring the broader area and completing scenic drives, although visitors don't necessarily need to drive directly to every popular trailhead. Sedona's free trailhead shuttle serves Cathedral Rock, Little Horse, Soldier Pass, Dry Creek Vista for Devil's Bridge access, and Mescal on scheduled service days.
Is Sedona walkable?
Individual areas such as Uptown and Tlaquepaque are walkable, but Sedona's major attractions and trailheads are spread across a much larger area. A combination of driving, hiking, and shuttle transportation works best for most travelers.
What are the best Sedona hikes for first-time visitors?
Bell Rock Pathway, Yavapai Vista, Little Horse, Broken Arrow, and Cathedral Rock are excellent introductions, but difficulty varies significantly. Cathedral Rock includes steep scrambling, while Yavapai Vista provides a much easier scenic experience. Always choose a hike appropriate for your fitness level, weather, available daylight, and experience. Sedona's tourism organization recommends considering fitness and seasonal conditions when selecting a trail.
Recommended Tours
View the Sedona Red Rock Scenic Byway Driving Tour
This GPS-guided audio experience connects some of the best things to do in Sedona along the SR 179 corridor. Stops and stories cover Tlaquepaque, Broken Arrow, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Cathedral Rock, Little Horse, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and the Village of Oak Creek.
Because the narration automatically accompanies the route, travelers can focus on the scenery and stop whenever something catches their interest. It's particularly well suited to visitors who want a flexible combination of Sedona hikes, history, scenic viewpoints, photography, and road-trip exploration.
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