Sedona is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. You can come here time after time and never run out of things to do in Sedona. This unique city, located two hours north of Phoenix, is best known for its stunning landscapes of red rocks, sweeping ponderosa pine forests, and water carved canyons.
While Sedona isn’t a secret, it’s still worth a visit especially for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Here you will find hiking, fishing, camping, Jeep trails, world-class dining, shopping, and craft breweries. Sedona has it all.
If this is your first visit to Sedona, you can’t go wrong with what you choose to add to your itinerary. Whether you visit for a day or a month, you are bound to discover something new. This includes a new restaurant, a trail to a viewpoint with sweeping views of the city, or a hidden swimming hole.
This list includes some of my favorite activities in Sedona and will give you a better understanding of this city like no other. No matter what you choose to do, make sure to bring your camera along. You will be using it a lot.
Here is a list of 9 of the best things to do in Sedona.
Table of Contents
1 – Hike to Devil’s Bridge
You probably have seen photos of people standing on top of a tall, narrow stone arch with only red rocks and forests in the distance. This is Devil’s Bridge, one of the most popular sights in Sedona. If you only have time for one hike in Sedona, then this is it.
If you want to reach Devil’s Bridge, you will need to hike. Depending on where you start, the hike to Devil’s Bridge will vary in distance from 1.6 miles to 5.8 miles roundtrip. Most hikers use Dry Creek Road (Forest Road 152). Other than a few steep, rocky steps near Devil’s Bridge, the trail is quite easy, especially for novice hikers.
As this is one of the most popular trails in Sedona, the trail can get extremely busy. When I say busy, I mean busy. It’s not surprising to see hundreds of people walking along the trail by 10:00AM. Also, when you do reach Devil’s Bridge, you can expect a wait for that iconic photo on top of the arch. So, if you want to beat the crowds, go as early as possible.
You can read my guide to hiking Devil’s Bridge here.
Getting Here
Park at the Dry Creek Vista Trailhead Parking Lot (GPS: 34.890147, -111.820569)
2 – Slide and Swim at Slide Rock State Park
Located just north of downtown Sedona is Slide Rock State Park, one of the most popular recreation spots in town. No visit to Sedona is complete without a visit to this park located in Oak Creek Canyon.
The main reason for visiting Slide Rock State Park is to swim in the cool waters of Oak Creek, a popular activity on hot summer days. While the swimming area extends for a half mile along Oak Creek, most visitors focus their attention on Slide Rock.
Slide Rock, for which the park is named after, is an 80-foot long natural rock slide covered in slippery algae. You can’t leave the park without sliding down the slide. It’s fun for both children and adults. Other than swimming, visitors to Slide Rock State Park can picnic, hike along trails with views of red rocks, fish for trout, and simply relax.
Just as with Devil’s Bridge, Slide Rock State Park can get extremely busy on warm days, even midweek. If you want to beat the crowds, go early.
Getting Here
6871 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336 (GPS: 34.943229, -111.753074)
Parking is $20 per vehicle
3 – Traverse Teacup Trail to Coffee Pot Rock
Located in the hills of western Sedona is Coffee Pot Rock, a towering red rock which resembles a percolator coffee pot. A quick hike along Teacup Trail will bring you to Coffee Pot Rock. From the top, you will be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of Sedona below.
There are two reasons why hiking Teacup Trail to Coffee Pot Rock should be on anyone’s list of must do things in Sedona. First, the trail can be done quickly when you don’t want to spend all day hiking. Second, while popular, this trail isn’t as busy as Devil’s Bridge Trail or West Fork Trail.
On paper, this trail measures in at 2.9 miles roundtrip with the trail beginning at the Sugar Loaf Trailhead Parking Lot. Sugarloaf Trail also begins here. Depending on which way you go and how far you hike, you could end up hiking less than or more than 2.9 miles.
There are a lot of trails in this area, so you might want to use a map or get lost and explore. Either way you will have a great time with great views.
Getting Here
Park at the Sugar Loaf Trailhead Parking Lot (GPS: 34.874362, -111.796445)
4 – Eat breakfast at the Coffee Pot Restaurant
If you are looking for breakfast in Sedona that won’t break the bank, then Coffee Pot Restaurant is a great option. The restaurant gets its name from nearby Coffee Pot Rock. This institution of Sedona, operating for over 30 years, is well known for their extensive menu. Their claim to fame are their 101 different omelettes.
Not a fan of omelettes? No problem. You also have eggs, waffles, pancakes, burgers, sandwiches, and authentic Mexican dishes. There is something for everyone on the menu.
Due to its popularity with both locals and tourists, you can expect up to an hour wait on weekends. With affordable prices, big portions, and hearty dishes, the wait is worth it. This is especially true in a city as expensive as Sedona.
If the weather isn’t too bad, be sure to ask for a table on their beautiful shaded redwood patio which features a peaceful water fountain.
You can read my full review of the Coffee Pot Restaurant here.
Getting Here
2050 W State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336 (GPS: 34.864277, -111.796670)
5 – Crescent Moon Picnic Site
Photographers flock to Crescent Moon Picnic Site for the chance to photograph towering Cathedral Rock, one of the most famous rock formations in Sedona. If you come at the right hour when the light is just right, you can get a photo of Cathedral Rock reflected in the waters of Oak Creek. If you come at any other time, the view is still great.
Not a photographer? No problem. There are plenty of activities at Crescent Moon Picnic Site to keep you busy. This includes swimming, hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Swimming in Oak Creek at the picnic site is popular, so come early in the morning or midweek if you can.
If you explore some of the trails parallel to Oak Creek, away from the parking lot area, you can find less busy swimming holes.
Getting Here
333 Red Rock Crossing Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336 (GPS: 34.826526, -111.808698)
Parking is $11 per vehicle or $2.00 for walk-in
6 – Hike Bell Rock
One of the most recognizable rock formations in all of Sedona is Bell Rock, located south of downtown. If you are driving between Phoenix and Sedona on SR 179, you can’t miss this dome-like landmark soaring into the sky.
There are a number of trails surrounding Bell Rock. If this is your first time, I recommend starting at the Courthouse Vista Parking Lot on the north side of Bell Rock.
From here, you can hike up Bell Rock. The trail starts off easy and becomes more steep and difficult as you make your way up. Go as far as you feel comfortable with.
If you aren’t planning on hiking, you can still get a great view of Bell Rock from the parking lot.
Getting Here
Park at the Courthouse Vista Parking Lot (GPS: 34.805857, -111.766497)
Parking is $5
7 – Marvel at Chapel of the Holy Cross
Located a few miles south of downtown Sedona is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This Roman Catholic chapel is best known for its stunning location built right into Sedona’s red rocks. This is one of the most iconic man-made structures in Sedona.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross was commissioned by a local rancher and sculptor known as Marguerite Brunswig Staude. Staude built the church after she witnessed the construction of the Empire State Building in New York City. After failing to build a church in Budapest, Hungary during World War II, Staude decided to build the church in Arizona.
With the help of architects Richard Hein and August K. Strotz, construction on the Chapel of the Holy Cross completed in 1956 after 18 months. The highlight of the chapel is the 90 foot iron cross located on its southwestern wall.
In 2007, the chapel became one of the Seven Man-Made Wonders of Arizona.
Getting Here
780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336 (GPS: 34.832011, -111.766771)
8 – Sunset at Airport Scenic Lookout/Airport Mesa Vortex
One of the best places to watch sunset in Sedona is at the Airport Scenic Lookout located on a hill next to Sedona Airport. What makes this lookout so great is that no hiking is required. You can park at the lot across the road and walk over to the lookout without breaking a sweat. From here, you will be rewarded with 180-degree panoramic views of Sedona below. The view of the sun setting across Sedona’s red rocks is stunning. Due to its location and ease of access, it’s not surprising that the Airport Scenic Lookout is often crowded at sunset. The view will still be amazing but you will have to share the experience with many people.
While this isn’t a secret, there is a better location for watching sunset nearby. A quick hike along Sedona View Trail will bring you to the viewpoint. The trail, which begins at the parking lot, follows Airport Rd.
After 0.6 miles one-way, you will arrive at Airport Mesa Vortex. From here, climb to the top of the rounded rock for stunning 360-degree views of Sedona.
This is my favorite viewpoint in Sedona and it never seems too crowded, even at sunset. If you are wondering, vortexes are intense centers of energy popular for those looking to meditate or self-heal. There are four vortexes in Sedona, each with its own energy. The four are Airport Mesa Vortex, Bell Rock Vortex, Cathedral Rock Vortex, and Boynton Canyon Vortex.
Getting Here
Park at the large Upper Parking Vista lot at the top of Airport Rd (GPS: 34.852906, -111.789366)
Parking is $3 per vehicle
9 – Eat, Eat, Eat
The last thing on my list of 9 of the best things to do in Sedona is to eat. Sedona is full of wonderful restaurants, cafes, craft breweries, gastropubs, and fast casual restaurants. The endless food options will keep you busy eating for days on end.
If you only have time for one restaurant on your visit to Sedona, I would recommend Elote Cafe. This award winning café serves some of the best Mexican & Southwestern dishes using locally-grown ingredients.
While the wait can be long, it is worth it. If you are looking for breakfast, be sure to check out Creekside American Bistro and Coffee Pot Restaurant which serves 101 different omelettes.
Last Updated on November 16, 2024
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