The best things to do in Sedona are hiking Devil’s Bridge at sunrise, driving the Red Rock Scenic Byway, visiting one of the town’s energy vortex sites, and riding a Pink Jeep Tour through the backcountry.
Sedona packs a lot into one small town. Red rock towers, quiet canyons, art galleries, and some of the darkest night skies in the country all sit within a few miles of each other. In fact, Sedona is an official Dark Sky Community, so stargazing here is a real bucket-list activity, not just a bonus.
Before you plan a single hike, know this. Most trailheads require a Red Rock Pass. It costs $5 for a day, $15 for a week, or $20 for a year. New shuttle rules also changed how parking works at some of the busiest spots this year, so a little planning goes a long way
Top 10 Things to Do in Sedona
Ready for the top 10 things to do in Sedona? Here are the must-see stops, plus the exact logistics you need so you don’t waste a morning circling for parking.
Hike Devil’s Bridge
This is Sedona’s most photographed spot: a natural sandstone arch with sweeping valley views. Go at sunrise if you can. By mid-morning, you may wait in a long line just to snap one photo.
How you get there changes your hike length. Here is the breakdown.
| Access Route | Round-Trip Distance | Vehicle Needed |
| Dry Creek Rd (walking) | About 4.6 miles | Any vehicle, park farther back |
| Mescal Trailhead | About 4.2 miles | Any vehicle |
| Direct to trailhead | About 2 miles | High-clearance 4×4 only |
If you don’t have a 4×4, plan on the longer walk from Dry Creek Rd or the Mescal Trailhead.
Hike Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is short but steep, with a rock scramble near the top. Here’s the key thing to know for 2026: the Cathedral Rock trailhead is closed to private vehicles on shuttle operating days, which run Thursday through Sunday, and seven days a week during spring break. On those days, you park at a shuttle lot and ride in.
Visit Bell Rock
Bell Rock is an easier, family-friendly climb and one of Sedona’s best-known vortex sites. It’s a great pick if Cathedral Rock feels too crowded or too steep.
Take in a Vortex Experience
Sedona is famous for its energy vortex sites, places believed to hold a special kind of natural energy. Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, and Boynton Canyon are the most visited. You don’t need to believe in the energy to enjoy the view.
Walk the Chapel Trail to the Chapel of the Holy Cross
This church is built right into the red rock and is one of the few must-sees that requires almost no hiking at all. It’s a great stop if your group has mixed fitness levels or just wants a break from trails.
Hike Soldier Pass Trail
Soldier Pass is another top hike, but it comes with a shuttle catch of its own. The Soldier Pass shuttle route is capped at 300 passengers a day, so it runs less often than the other routes. Check the schedule before you head out, or you may find the trailhead parking closed with no shuttle running yet.
Ride a Pink Jeep Tour
If you want the views without the climb, a Pink Jeep Tour takes you into the backcountry on guided off-road routes. It’s a solid option for anyone skipping the tougher hikes.
Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway
This scenic drive lets you see towering red rock formations from the comfort of your car, with pullouts along the way for photos.
Explore Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village
For a slower pace, this arts village offers galleries, shops, and a break from the desert sun.
Stargaze as Part of a Dark Sky Community
Since Sedona is a designated Dark Sky Community, an evening of stargazing belongs on this list right alongside the hikes.
The Shuttle Rule Everyone Needs to Know
Here’s the logistics update that changes how you plan your whole trip. The Sedona Shuttle is completely free and serves five trailheads: Cathedral Rock, Little Horse, Soldier Pass, Dry Creek Vista, and Mescal. You do not need a Red Rock Pass to ride it.
Quick shuttle facts:
- Runs Thursday through Sunday, and seven days a week during spring break
- Free to ride, no reservation needed
- Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass trailhead lots are closed to private vehicles while the shuttle is running
- The Soldier Pass route is capped at 300 riders per day, so it runs on a more limited schedule
Before you head to Cathedral Rock or Soldier Pass on a Thursday through Sunday, check the current shuttle schedule at sedonashuttle.com so you’re not caught planning around a closed lot.
Unique Things to Do in Sedona Without Hiking
If your knees, your schedule, or the summer heat say no to hiking, there are still plenty of unique things to do in Sedona without hiking at all. You can see the same red rocks and get the same sense of wonder, just without the trail.
Ride Instead of Walk: Pink Jeep Tours
A Pink Jeep Tour is the easiest swap for a hard hike. A driver takes you deep into the backcountry over rough terrain, so you get the views and the adventure while staying seated. It’s a smart pick for older travelers, families with young kids, or anyone visiting in the peak summer heat.
Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway
State Route 179, known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway, lets you take in Sedona’s famous rock formations from your car. There are pullouts along the way, so you can stop, take photos, and keep moving at your own pace. No trail shoes required.
Stop at Airport Mesa
Airport Mesa is one of the few vortex sites you can enjoy without hiking a single step. You simply park and walk a short distance from the lot to the viewpoint. It’s especially popular at sunset, when the whole valley lights up in orange and pink.
Wander Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village
For a slower, shaded morning or afternoon, Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village is full of galleries, small shops, and courtyards. It’s a good way to build in a break between activities, especially if the sun is getting intense.
Step Inside the Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is built directly into the red rock and is open daily from 9am to 4:45pm. You can drive up, walk a short path, and step inside without any real hiking. It works well for visitors who want a quiet moment and a great photo without breaking a sweat.
Take a Half-Day Trip to Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot
For a change of pace, plan a half-day trip to Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments. Both sites feature short, paved, self-guided paths, not hiking trails. Here’s what it costs:
| Site | Fee | Notes |
| Montezuma Castle | $10 per adult (16+) | Ticket also covers Tuzigoot for 7 days |
| Tuzigoot | $10 per adult (16+) | Ticket also covers Montezuma Castle for 7 days |
| Montezuma Well | Free | No entrance fee at all |
| Children 15 and under | Free | At both monuments |
That single $10 ticket covers both monuments for a full week, so if you’re staying in the area a few days, you can visit one, then swing by the other later without paying twice. Montezuma Well, a separate site with a natural limestone sinkhole, doesn’t charge an entrance fee at all.
You can check current hours and any closures on the National Park Service’s official Montezuma Castle site before you go.
Between the scenic byway, the jeep tour, the chapel, and the national monuments, you can easily fill two or three full days in Sedona without ever setting foot on a hiking trail.
Slide Rock State Park: What to Know in 2026
If Slide Rock is on your list for a swim, stop and read this first. The swim area at Slide Rock State Park is closed through the end of September 2026. Heavy rains washed ash and debris from the Pocket Fire burn scar into Oak Creek, and the ongoing risk of flash floods during monsoon season means it isn’t safe to reopen yet. The park itself is still open for hiking and picnics, so it’s not a total loss, but don’t plan your trip around jumping into the water this year.
There’s also a new parking rule you need to know before you drive up. As of May 1, 2026, cars can no longer line up and wait along Highway 89A for a spot to open. In the past, visitors would wait in the turn lane for hours under a one-out-one-in system. Now, once the lot fills up, it simply closes completely until enough space clears out. That can take anywhere from a short wait to the rest of the day.
Here’s what else to know before you go:
- Entry fee (May through September): $30 per vehicle, covering 1 to 4 people
- Hours: 8am to 6pm daily
- No walk-ins, drop-offs, or bikes allowed at any time
- Last entry is one hour before closing
Because of the new closure rule, your best bet is to arrive early, right at opening, and have a backup activity ready in case the lot is already full. Checking the official Arizona State Parks page for Slide Rock before you leave your hotel can save you a wasted trip.
Romantic and Relaxing: Sedona for Couples
If you’re searching for things to do in Sedona for couples, or things to do in Sedona for adults looking for a slower pace, this town shifts easily from adventure to romance once the sun starts to set. Sedona isn’t just about hikes and jeep tours. It’s also a top spot for spa days, quiet dinners, and evenings under some of the clearest skies in the country.
Book a Spa Day
After a morning of exploring, a spa afternoon feels like the perfect reset. Both The Wilde Resort and Kimpton Amara Resort and Spa offer wellness treatments designed around Sedona’s natural setting, from massages to quiet soaking pools. This is an easy way to slow down together and let your body recover from the desert heat.
Stay Somewhere Built for Romance
Where you stay can shape the entire trip. Enchantment Resort and L’Auberge de Sedona are two of the most romantic choices in the area, known for tucked-away settings, red rock views right outside your room, and a quiet, adults-friendly atmosphere. Both are well suited to an anniversary trip or a honeymoon, especially if you want to relax between activities instead of rushing from one stop to the next.
Watch the Stars Together
One of the best adult evening activities in Sedona doesn’t cost anything at all. Because Sedona is a strictly regulated Dark Sky Community, light pollution here is kept low on purpose, which means the night sky is unusually clear. Grab a blanket, find a quiet spot outside your resort, and watch the stars come out. It’s a simple, low-key way to end a day that started with a hike or a jeep tour.
Slow Down During the Day, Too
Couples don’t need to fill every hour with hiking. A relaxed morning at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, a scenic drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, or a quiet stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross all pair well with a slower, more romantic pace. None of these require trail shoes, and all of them leave plenty of energy for dinner and a spa treatment later on.
A Simple Day Plan for Couples
| Time of Day | Activity |
| Morning | Scenic drive or a short vortex viewpoint stop |
| Afternoon | Spa treatment at The Wilde or Kimpton Amara |
| Evening | Dinner, then stargazing back at your resort |
Sedona works well for couples because it never forces you to choose between adventure and rest. You can have both in the same day, and often in the same afternoon.
Where to Eat: Best Sedona Restaurants
When looking for things to do in Sedona, restaurants and culinary experiences should be at the top of your list. The food here matches the scenery, with several spots built specifically to pair a great meal with a great view.
For Sunset Views: Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
Mariposa is known for its dramatic red rock views, making it a favorite for sunset dinners. The menu leans into bold Latin-inspired dishes, so it works well if you want a meal that feels like an event, not just a stop for food.
For Romance: Cress on Oak Creek
Cress on Oak Creek, located at L’Auberge de Sedona, is the pick for a quiet, romantic dinner. Tables sit close to the creek, giving the whole meal a calm, intimate feel. This is a strong choice for an anniversary dinner or a special night out after a day of exploring.
For Casual Italian: Hideaway House
If you want something more relaxed, Hideaway House serves casual Italian food with patio seating. It’s an easy, comfortable option if you’re worn out from a hike and don’t want anything too formal.
For Easy, Central Meals: Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits and Oaxaca Restaurant
Both Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits and Oaxaca Restaurant sit centrally in town, making them simple choices when you don’t want to plan far ahead. Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits offers a laid-back, Southwestern menu, while Oaxaca Restaurant is a solid pick if you’re in the mood for Mexican food with a view.
Quick Guide: Which Restaurant Fits Your Plan
| Restaurant | Best For |
| Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill | Sunset dinner with a view |
| Cress on Oak Creek | Romantic, special-occasion dinner |
| Hideaway House | Casual meal with patio seating |
| Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits | Easy, centrally located dinner |
| Oaxaca Restaurant | Mexican food, central location |
With options ranging from casual patios to sunset fine dining, Sedona’s restaurant scene gives you a reason to slow down and enjoy the evening, no matter how packed your day of hiking or sightseeing was.
Unusual Things to Do in Sedona (And What to Avoid)
Looking for something a little different? Some of the most unusual things to do in Sedona have nothing to do with hiking a marked trail at all. Hunting for vortex energy is a strange and memorable way to spend an afternoon, whether or not you believe in it. Standing at a spot like Bell Rock or Airport Mesa and simply sitting with the quiet is its own kind of unusual activity, especially for a first-time visitor expecting only hikes and jeep tours.
But here’s an important 2026 warning before you go looking for the next “hidden gem” you saw on social media. Two spots that show up constantly online, the Subway Cave and the Birthing Cave, are not official Forest Service trails. They’re unsanctioned social trails, meaning they were never built or approved for public foot traffic.
That matters for two reasons. First, these paths aren’t marked or maintained, so it’s easier to get lost or hurt without a clear route. Second, and more importantly, the growing foot traffic to these sites is actively damaging fragile archaeological areas that date back to the 1200s CE. Every extra visitor adds more wear to land that was never meant to handle it.
If you care about keeping Sedona’s ancient sites intact for the next visitor, skip these two spots entirely, no matter how many times they show up in your feed. Stick to marked, official trails instead. You’ll still get incredible views, and you won’t be part of the problem.
FAQs & Trip Planning
Still have questions before you go? Here are quick, straight answers to the things people ask most.
What should I not miss in Sedona?
Focus on Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral Rock, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Then round out your trip with a meal at one of Sedona’s top restaurants. These four things give you the best mix of adventure, views, and relaxation in a short amount of time.
What to do in Sedona if not hiking?
You have plenty of options. Take a Pink Jeep Tour, drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway, spend time at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, or stop at the Airport Mesa viewpoint. None of these require a real hike, just a short walk from your car at most.
Is 3 days in Sedona enough?
Yes, if you’re focused on the main highlights. Three days is enough time to hit the top hikes, visit the Chapel, explore Tlaquepaque, and enjoy a couple of great dinners. It’s not enough, though, if you also want to add day trips like the Grand Canyon. In that case, plan for more time or save those extra stops for a future visit.
What is Sedona best known for?
Sedona is best known for its red sandstone rock formations, its reputation for energy vortexes, and its status as a Dark Sky Community, which makes stargazing here especially good.
Why are yellow signs prohibited in Sedona?
The city has a sign ordinance that requires businesses to use earth tones instead of bright, clashing colors, so signage blends with the red rock landscape rather than standing out against it. This rule is exactly why Sedona’s local McDonald’s has turquoise arches instead of the usual golden yellow.
What’s the best month to go to Sedona?
Spring and fall are the best seasons overall, thanks to milder temperatures. If you want to dodge the biggest crowds while still getting good weather, aim for late September to early October. That window is the sweet spot between comfortable temperatures and thinner crowds.
