101 Things To Do in Sedona
Nestled amidst Arizona's stunning red rock formations, Sedona beckons with a magnetic energy that captivates the soul. Beyond its iconic landscapes lies a world of adventure, spirituality, artistry, and natural wonder waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, wellness enthusiast, foodie, or cultural explorer, Sedona offers something magical for everyone. Here's your definitive guide to 101 extraordinary experiences in this desert paradise.
Known as "Red Rock Country," Sedona has been drawing visitors for generations with its otherworldly beauty and reputation as a place of healing and transformation. The towering vermilion cliffs, twisted juniper trees, and vast blue skies create a landscape that feels both ancient and alive. Native Americans have long considered this land sacred, and today, millions of visitors come to experience the area's famous vortex sites—swirling centers of energy believed to facilitate meditation, healing, and spiritual awakening.
But Sedona is far more than just its spiritual reputation. This vibrant community of around 10,000 residents supports a thriving arts scene, world-class dining establishments, luxury resorts, and countless outdoor adventure opportunities. From mountain biking across slickrock trails to wine tasting in nearby Verde Valley, from stargazing under some of the darkest skies in America to shopping for local artwork, Sedona offers an astonishing diversity of experiences. Whether you have an afternoon, a weekend, or a lifetime to explore, these 101 activities will help you discover the many facets of this remarkable destination.
Nature & Outdoor Adventures
1. Hike Cathedral Rock Trail - Experience one of Sedona's most photographed landmarks up close with this moderate hike offering panoramic vistas.
2. Visit Bell Rock - Explore this massive bell-shaped formation, believed to be a powerful energy vortex.
3. Trek Devil's Bridge - Capture that iconic photo on Arizona's largest natural sandstone arch.
4. Explore Boynton Canyon - Discover ancient cliff dwellings while hiking through this sacred canyon.
5. Slide through Slide Rock State Park - Cool off in Oak Creek's natural water slides within the smooth red rock formations.
6. Hike to Seven Sacred Pools - Find these natural pools along the Soldier Pass Trail, often considered spiritually significant.
7. Chase waterfalls at Fossil Creek - Take a day trip to this stunning spring-fed waterfall system (permit required).
8. Splash in Oak Creek Canyon - Swim in the refreshing waters and picnic amidst towering canyon walls.
9. Stargaze at the Sedona Star Party - Join astronomers at monthly stargazing events with professional telescopes.
10. Take a full moon hike - Experience Sedona's landscapes transformed by moonlight with a guided evening trek.
11. Spot wildlife at Red Rock State Park - Look for javelinas, mule deer, coyotes, and hundreds of bird species.
12. Meditate at Buddha Beach - Find this secluded spot along Oak Creek known for its cairn stone stacks and peaceful energy.
13. Hike Airport Mesa Loop - Circle one of Sedona's famous vortex sites for breathtaking 360° views.
14. Find the Subway Cave - Discover this hidden cave formation along the Boynton Canyon Trail.
15. Take the Sedona View Trail - Capture postcard-perfect vistas of the entire valley on this accessible hike.
Adventure & Thrills
16. Soar in a hot air balloon - Float above red rock country at sunrise for an unforgettable perspective.
17. Take a Pink Jeep Tour - Bounce along rugged trails in these iconic pink vehicles for views inaccessible to regular cars.
18. Zip through the trees - Experience the thrill of zip-lining across canyons at Out of Africa Wildlife Park.
19. Go mountain biking on Bell Rock Pathway - Tackle the slickrock trails perfect for intermediate riders.
20. Take a helicopter tour - Get a bird's-eye view of Secret Mountain Wilderness and other stunning formations.
21. Try canyoneering - Rappel down waterfalls and navigate slot canyons with expert guides.
22. Go rock climbing - Scale the red sandstone with guided climbing adventures for all skill levels.
23. Ride horseback through red rock country - Experience the Old West tradition of seeing Sedona from horseback.
24. Off-road in a rented ATV - Navigate backcountry trails for remote scenic vistas.
25. Try stand-up paddleboarding on Oak Creek - Find tranquility paddling through the canyon's calm stretches.
26. Fly fish in Oak Creek - Cast for trout in one of Arizona's most scenic waterways.
27. Take a full-day Grand Canyon adventure - Visit the South Rim, just two hours from Sedona.
28. Go kayaking at Verde River - Paddle gentle rapids surrounded by lush riparian habitat.
29. Experience Broken Arrow Trail - Take this famous 4x4 trail with its heart-stopping "Road of No Return."
30. Trek to Secret Canyon - Hike this less-visited trail for solitude among towering rock walls.
Spiritual & Wellness Experiences
31. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross - Marvel at this architectural wonder built into the red rocks.
32. Experience a vortex meditation session - Join a guided spiritual journey at one of Sedona's energy centers.
33. Take a sound healing bath - Experience the vibrational therapy of crystal bowls in a red rock setting.
34. Join a guided medicine wheel ceremony - Participate in this Native American spiritual tradition.
35. Get an aura photograph - See your energy field captured in a specialized photograph.
36. Practice yoga at sunrise - Join a class on red rock platforms as dawn breaks over the landscape.
37. Receive an intuitive reading - Consult with one of Sedona's many psychics or spiritual counselors.
38. Walk a labyrinth - Find peace at the labyrinth at the Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park.
39. Take a crystal workshop - Learn about the healing properties of stones from local experts.
40. Experience a Native American sweat lodge - Participate in this traditional purification ceremony.
41. Visit Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park - Meditate at this Buddhist sacred site.
42. Try forest bathing - Practice the Japanese art of shinrin-yoku among the junipers and pines.
43. Take a mindfulness hike - Join a guided silent hike focused on present-moment awareness.
44. Receive a chakra balancing treatment - Experience energy work at one of Sedona's healing centers.
45. Practice Tai Chi among the red rocks - Join morning sessions in scenic locations.
Arts, Culture & History
46. Explore Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village - Wander this Spanish-style village filled with galleries and boutiques.
47. Visit the Sedona Heritage Museum - Learn about the area's pioneering past and film history.
48. Tour ancient cliff dwellings at Palatki Heritage Site - See 1,000-year-old pictographs and dwellings (reservation required).
49. Attend the Sedona International Film Festival - Catch this renowned annual event each February.
50. Explore Sedona Arts Center - Visit changing exhibitions of local and regional artists.
51. Discover Honanki Heritage Site - View ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings with remarkable preservation.
52. Take a pottery class - Create your own red clay masterpiece with local artisans.
53. Hunt for petroglyphs at V Bar V Heritage Site - See the largest and best-preserved petroglyph site in the region.
54. Shop at Sedona Art Market - Find unique handcrafted items at this outdoor market.
55. Visit Exposures International Gallery - Explore one of the largest fine art galleries in the Southwest.
56. Take a watercolor workshop - Paint Sedona's landscapes with expert instruction.
57. Attend a Native American flute performance - Experience the haunting music in a canyon setting.
58. Visit Tuzigoot National Monument - Explore this well-preserved pueblo ruin nearby.
59. Take a photography workshop - Learn to capture Sedona's beauty with professional photographers.
60. Explore Jerome Ghost Town - Visit this nearby historic mining town perched on Cleopatra Hill.
Culinary & Libation Experiences
61. Dine cliffside at Mariposa - Enjoy Latin-inspired cuisine with panoramic views.
62. Take a Sedona wine tour - Visit tasting rooms in the Verde Valley Wine Country.
63. Enjoy farm-to-table dining at ChocolaTree - Experience this organic oasis with garden seating.
64. Sample prickly pear specialties - Try cactus-infused foods from ice cream to margaritas.
65. Take a cooking class featuring Southwestern cuisine - Learn to prepare regional specialties.
66. Have brunch at L'Auberge de Sedona - Dine creekside at this luxury resort.
67. Visit Oak Creek Brewery - Sample craft beers at this local institution.
68. Take a food tour of uptown Sedona - Taste your way through multiple restaurants.
69. Picnic at Airport Mesa - Pack a sunset dinner with spectacular views.
70. Visit the Chai Spot - Experience authentic Pakistani tea in a colorful setting.
71. Dine at Elote Cafe - Savor chef Jeff Smedstad's celebrated Mexican cuisine.
72. Visit Page Springs Cellars - Tour this working vineyard and winery.
73. Sample olive oils at Tlaquepaque - Taste locally-produced oils and vinegars.
74. Experience coffee with a view at Creekside Coffee - Enjoy artisan brews overlooking Oak Creek.
75. Attend a wine dinner at a local resort - Experience multi-course meals paired with regional wines.
Hidden Gems & Local Secrets
76. Find the Sedona Library labyrinth - Discover this peaceful spot behind the local library.
77. Visit the Sedona Hummingbird Festival - Experience this unique annual event each July.
78. Explore Sycamore Canyon - Discover Arizona's second largest canyon, less crowded than Oak Creek.
79. Find the Energy Vortex Tree - Seek out this juniper with dramatically twisted branches near Airport Mesa.
80. Visit the Sedona Mago Retreat - Experience this 163-acre spiritual retreat center.
81. Discover the Birthing Cave - Hike to this hidden cave formation with stunning views.
82. Walk the Baldwin Trail - Enjoy this less-traveled path with spectacular Cathedral Rock views.
83. Visit the Sedona Wineries Back Road - Take the scenic route between Page Springs wineries.
84. Find Newspaper Rock - Discover ancient petroglyphs at this hidden archaeological site.
85. Visit the Medicine Wheel at Rachel's Knoll - Seek out this local spiritual site.
86. Explore Grasshopper Point - Swim in this secluded natural pool away from crowds.
87. Find the Sedona Peace Park - Discover this quiet meditation space with prayer wheels.
88. Visit the Chai Palace Secret Garden - Relax in this hidden oasis behind the tea shop.
89. Discover Fay Canyon Arch - Hike to this massive arch formation often missed by visitors.
90. Find the hidden back entrance to Boynton Canyon - Access spectacular views with fewer crowds.
Seasonal & Special Experiences
91. Witness the Red Rock Balloon Rally - See dozens of hot air balloons float among the formations.
92. Experience fall colors in Oak Creek Canyon - Drive the scenic byway when autumn transforms the landscape.
93. Attend the Sedona Plein Air Festival - Watch artists paint Sedona's landscapes live each October.
94. Experience the Festival of Lights - See thousands of luminarias during this December celebration.
95. Visit during wildflower season - See cacti and desert plants bloom March through May.
96. Attend the Sedona Yoga Festival - Join yogis from around the world at this annual gathering.
97. Experience the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival - Join riders testing the latest gear on red rock trails.
98. See the Christmas lights at Tlaquepaque - Experience the magic of the holiday season in the arts village.
99. Attend the Sedona Native American Arts Festival - Meet indigenous artists and see their work.
100. Experience monsoon season - Witness dramatic storm clouds forming over the red rocks (July-September).
101. View the Milky Way during a new moon - Experience some of the darkest skies in the country when conditions align perfectly.
With these 101 extraordinary experiences, you'll discover the multifaceted magic that makes Sedona one of the world's most captivating destinations. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to soul-stirring spiritual encounters, culinary delights to cultural immersion, Sedona offers a lifetime of memories waiting to be made. The red rocks are calling—how will you answer?
