Sedona, Arizona is a unique city that can feel downright magical. If you love hiking or wellness, you’ll love visiting Sedona. Being a small town, it might seem tricky to figure out what to do or where to get information if it’s your first visit. But don’t worry! We’ve compiled a fun and exciting list of the best things to do in Sedona this year just for you.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it before your trip to Sedona. Wondering where to stay? Check out our list of best places to stay in Sedona, Arizona!
Is a Visit to Sedona Worth it?
Short answer: Absolutely! It’s a paradise for hikers and wellness enthusiasts.
Around a 2 hour drive from Phoenix, beautiful Sedona is considered a haven for wellness and spirituality. What’s more, many people believe that there are several powerful energy vortexes in Sedona. It is said that being around the vortexes is useful to your personal growth. Whether or not this is true, there’s no doubt that Sedona is a beautiful place to visit!
The BEST Activities To Do In Sedona
Surrounded by gorgeous red rock formations and famous hiking trails, Sedona is a top hiking destination for people all over the world. In addition, Sedona is also a vibrant arts community, known for its shops and art galleries. In short, there’s something for everyone in Sedona. Read on for our picks of the best things to do while visiting this famous town.
1. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
Because Sedona is a top wellness destination, there’s many spas to be found. However, these aren’t just any spas. Because Arizona is a desert, lots of the local spas use resources from the surrounding desert in their spa packages. This means that hitting a spa in Sedona is a unique experience and definitely a must-do!
Uptown Massage is one of our favorite places to get a massage in Sedona. This is because of the relaxing atmosphere and excellent staff. The highly-rated spa uses plants and organic materials in their treatments, making for a one-of-a-kind experience if you need to unwind while you’re in Sedona.
Address: Uptown Massage
2. Check Out Sedona’s Vortexes – And Take In Some Beautiful Landscapes
Remember we mentioned the vortexes earlier? These alleged energy vortexes are a big reason people visit Sedona. People say the strongest vortexes can be felt at several popular hiking spots around the area, such as Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Boynton Canyon. The vortex at each landmark is said to be different. People say the vortex can be felt the strongest at Cathedral Rock (pictured).
We definitely recommend checking out all four of these hiking spots when in Sedona. Please note that hiking Cathedral Rock is a bit challenging, so beginner hikers might have trouble with this hike. However, it’s worth it for more experienced hikers. Please note that according to AZ Central, Cathedral Rock is temporarily closed this spring.
Don’t believe in energy vortexes? We suggest visiting Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Boynton Canyon anyway for great views. If you’re into rock formations, these are some of the prettiest in the world.
3. Tour the Grand Canyon and Sedona From Phoenix
Are you staying in Phoenix, but still want to experience the majestic beauty of Sedona? Do you also want to check out the Grand Canyon? No problem! On this guided tour, we will pick you up in your hotel in Phoenix, and head to Sedona to view Native American artwork and take photos against Sedona’s amazing scenery.
Then, we’ll drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim, which is around a two hour drive from Sedona. We know you’re used to having to plan every step of your trips, but on this tour, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery while your guide tells you all about the fascinating history of the area. In addition, we’ll also provide lunch at the Grand Canyon. Talk about a meal with a view!
Not ready to book a tour? Learn about what not to miss at the Grand Canyon!
4. Stay in a Secluded Fairytale Hotel
L’Auberge De Sedona looks like something straight out of a fairytale! Just look at that photo. Secluded from the rest of the city and set in a beautiful nature setting, we think this 5 star property is perfect for a honeymoon. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but it’s definitely worth it. You’ll stay in upscale cabins, some of which have amazing views of the surrounding mountains. In addition, the hotel’s attentive staff provides a bathrobe and slippers in the rooms for maximum comfort.
What’s more, the property features a spa on-site as well as an outdoor pool. You can also relax on the hotel’s terrace after a long day. In addition, the hotel is conveniently located around 10 minutes by car from the Sedona Airport.
Address: 301 L’Auberge Ln, Sedona
5. Visit the Sedona Arts Center
The Sedona Arts Center is the pulse of the vibrant art community in Sedona. Located in the trendy Uptown Sedona area, the Sedona Arts Center displays work from local artists, including paintings, jewelry, photography and more. Set against a beautiful mountain backdrop, the center also offers art classes. Because of its location in scenic Sedona, this is definitely an art center like no other, and is sure to have something to entertain everyone in your group.
Founded in the 1950s, the center has no set admission price, as it relies on donations. If you’re hoping to take some art home with you from your trip to Sedona, the center features art for sale as well.
Address: Sedona Arts Center
6. Step Back in Time at the Sedona Heritage Museum
We’re willing to bet that the Sedona Heritage Museum is different than most museums you’ve visited before. For starters, the museum is set in a preserved family farmstead and fruit orchard. The informative museum guides will tell you all about the history of the family, as well as historic tales of Sedona.
In addition, there are old buildings on the property filled with historic farming equipment, and the museum features original artifacts from Sedona in the 1800s. All in all, visiting this educational museum may make you feel like you stepped back in time. Also, like many other places in Sedona, this museum is surrounded by the beautiful red rock formations Sedona is known for, providing a spectacular view as well.
Address: Sedona Heritage Museum
7. Check Out an Outdoor Market in Beautiful Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque is a picturesque arts village in Sedona, modeled after a village in Mexico with the same name. Pronounced “Tla-keh-pah-keh,” the village’s name translates to “the best of everything” in English, and we can see why! The village includes lots of art galleries and many places to shop for souvenirs, including the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, a popular outdoor market. Including more than 50 shops and galleries, the outdoor market is located alongside the scenic Oak Creek, providing amazing views while you shop.
After you’re done shopping, make sure to walk around the Tlaquepaque area in general to check out its cobble-stone walkways and vine-covered walls. We told you it was picturesque!
Address: Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
8. Enjoy Dinner with a View at Hideaway House
Located in Uptown Sedona, the Italian restaurant Hideaway House boasts stunning views of the nearby creek and mountains.This restaurant is great for date night, and people love their pizza. Rated 4.5 stars, Hideaway House is also loved for their accommodating staff. We really can’t stress how amazing the views are from the restaurant! Especially if you are in Sedona celebrating something or on a couples’ trip, we highly recommend this restaurant for dinner.
Address: Hideaway House
Where to Stay in Sedona
Discover some of the most iconic and best places to stay in Sedona to make this trip the most memorable of all your trips
Leave a Comment