15 Unique Things To Do in Sedona, Arizona

There are so many interesting, must-see places in Sedona, Arizona. For art lovers, nature lovers, and adrenaline junkies alike, Sedona’s attractions don’t disappoint! A creative and aesthetically pleasing environment, Sedona is a real treat. Here are 15 unique things to do in Sedona, AZ for any visitor.

15 Unique Things To Do in Sedona, Arizona That You Can’t Miss!

Sedona is the kind of place that I think everyone should see at least once.

It is a peaceful small town in central Arizona, awash with vibrant red rocks and a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Phoenix or Tucson. With a population of around only 10,000 people, it’s a great place to take things slow.

Sedona is well known for its nature. Breathtaking and colorful landscapes surround the hiking trails, and mountain biking is a popular sport here. in fact, Sedona’s outdoorsy side is one of its main draws.

But, Sedona is also known for its art and culture, and for its health and wellness-vibe. Energy vortexes, art galleries, and spiritual experiences abound.

All of these options feel extra peaceful due to the incredible panorama surrounding you.

Here are all of the must see places, can’t-miss attractions, and unique things to do in Sedona, Arizona!

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1) Go off-roading on a Jeep tour.

Sedona’s iconic red rocks are nothing short of unforgettable.

One of the best ways to experience the natural wonders of Sedona is to take the famous Red Rock West Jeep Tour. It is one of the most unique ways to see the colorful rocks and valleys up close.

On this 2-hour jeep tour, your professional guide will drive off-road through seven hard-to-access canyons in Sedona. You’ll learn about the history of the area, from early settlers to wild cowboys.

One of the most interesting parts for me is learning the geology of the wildly shaped rock formations. Round trip transport is provided.

I can’t recommend this tour enough! It is the best way to truly explore Sedona’s unique landscape and things to do if you don’t have your own 4WD vehicle.

2) Hit the Sedona hiking trails.

Undeniably, Sedona’s natural beauty is profound.

The red rock behemoths jutting out from the floor are mesmerizing. While there is a never-ending plethora of trail options to choose from, here are a few of my favorites.

Pro Tip: Don’t hike in the desert without proper preparation! I highly recommend wearing a wide-brim hat, a quality hydration pack, and these lightweight trekking sandals. I own each of these and they go with me to basically any desert.

For anyone craving and easy Sedona hike with an epic view, check out Secret Slick Rock Trail. If you visit in the summer, this trail is not too strenuous and provides such a great view of Cathedral Rock in the distance. Get more info on hiking this trail here.

Alternately, Devil’s Bridge is a huge natural sandstone arch within the Coconino National Forest. The trail is a 3.9 mile moderate out and back hike, with one steep climb toward the end.

The early portion of the trail travels through washes filled with juniper and prickly pear cacti throughout the year. Photos don’t do it justice! But be forewarned, this one is popular and gets quite crowded.

Another great option is the short 2 mile Birthing Cave hike. This moderate out and back trail is heavily trafficked and quite popular!

This cave is a sacred site so please pack in and pack out any trash or water bottles you may be carrying. The reward of this hike is a panoramic view from a shaded cave.

Hiking in this area is one of the most unique things to do in Sedona due to how iconic the rocks are here. You can’t miss them.

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3) Do some sunrise yoga and meditation in nature.

If disconnecting with your busy life and reconnecting to nature sounds good to you, consider taking this Sunrise Yoga, Hiking and Meditation Tour.

Your guide will begin by leading a brief breathing exercise, visualization, or meditation before your guided hike. After finding the perfect spot, your group will have one full hour of yoga taught on the rocks, to your level.

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you stretch. Then, try a walking chocolate meditation as you unwind and return to town at the end of the tour.

This is such a unique tour for anyone who appreciates Sedona’s spiritual side! Don’t worry if you have never tried yoga or meditation before – newbies are more than welcome.

4) Go Wine Tasting in the Verde Valley.

Would you believe that there are vineyards in Arizona? Verde Valley is located just outside of Sedona and is host to some surprisingly tasty wineries.

Burning Tree Cellars specializes in small and unique batches and does not distribute to third-party outlets. So, the only way to taste their wine is to visit their tasting room. You can come taste these artfully crafter wines in the town of Cottonwood.

Passion Cellars is another well-known winery in the area, and is family-run. Passion Cellars has won awards for producing deliciously complex wines. The winery is located in the quirky town of Jerome.

Prefer to take a tour? That’s a great way to both learn more about the wines of Sedona and avoid driving after wine tasting.

This 5.5 hour Verde Valley Vineyards Private Wine Tasting Tour visits four different wineries in the Verde Valley for a tasting. Then, enjoy a picnic lunch complete with vineyard views. Roundtrip transportation to and from Sedona is included.

5) Take a nighttime UFO & stargazing tour.

Do you have an interest in the universe and unexplained phenomena like UFOs and aliens? If so, there is no place better than Sedona for this unique one of a kind tour. The skies are so dark that the stars seem to stretch for miles!

When you book the Nighttime UFO and Stargazing Tour, a UFO guide will teach you how to track Sedona’s nocturnal activity in the sky. This tour will challenge your perceptions of the world!

With Sedona’s unpolluted night sky, you’ll go beyond what you can see with your naked eye with military-grade night vision goggles.

6) Visit Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park.

Having just recently visited Nepal, this site is of new interest to me!

Sedona’s Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is such a peaceful spot for those seeking the more spiritual side of Sedona.

The Buddhist Amitabha Stupa is a quiet venue for prayer, meditation, and spiritual renewal for people of all faiths. And, it happens to be outdoors, meaning you can feel connected to Sedona’s gorgeous natural surroundings.

In the park, there are not only two Buddhist stupas to rotate clockwise around, but also icons and elements of other faiths, too. It is a superb place for quiet meditation and peaceful contemplation.

Pro Tip: Want to experience a guided meditation at Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park? Consider booking a tour through the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park before a guided meditation in a shady area on site. Book your meditation tour here!

To be transparent, I did not fully appreciate this site prior to my visit to Nepal. But now, it hits me on a deeper level!

Amitabha Peace Park is open daily and your visit is free of charge. The park is found here, nearby Chimney Rock and Sugarloaf Mountain.

7) Take a dip at Slide Rock State Park.

Nestled in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon sits Slide Rock State Park – a scenic natural area full of rugged land and rushing water.

While hiking is a popular activity here year round, I would personally recommend Slide Rock State Park as a good summertime respite from the heat. Visitors can swim in the creek to cool down and play in the sun.

Slide Rock is a great spot for swimming and fishing, and wildlife like rainbow trout, white-tailed deer and eagles are regularly spotted here.

The park’s name comes from the popular “Slide Rock”, which is an 80-foot stretch of slick orange creekbed that forms a natural water slide straight into the creek. Super fun!

If you’re here in summer, don’t miss it!

Pro Tip: Snag my favorite chic bathing suit and a quick dry packable towel. Don’t forget some cheap, lightweight sunglasses!

8) Explore the Palatki Heritage Site.

The Palatki Heritage Site is an archaeological site within the Coconino National Forest. In the Hopi language, Palatki means ‘red house’, and undoubtedly refers to the red cliff dwellings that date back to between 12th and 14th century.

This site reminds me of a mix between Montezuma’s Castle, which you might be lucky enough to visit while in Arizona, and the stone structures built inside of Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada.

There are three easy trails at Palatki Heritage Site. The first takes you up to the Sinagua cliff dwellings. The second leads you to an impressive viewpoint of the dwellings. And, the third leads to the alcoves that house early pictographs from not just one but every native culture to ever occupy the Verde Valley.

Fascinating!

11) Visit the Sedona Heritage Museum.

Whether or not you’re into history, the Sedona Heritage Museum has a lot to offer.

Visitors will learn about the regional history of Sedona, nd have the opportunity to attend events and educational exhibitions. All of this takes place inside of a historic, preserved family farmstead.

The Museum is focused on the lifestyles and works of the people who pioneered this community, from 1876 to the present. Learning about both rugged ranchers and Hollywood cowboys under one roof is a treat.

I have to admit, in a less-theatric way, the Heritage Museum reminded me a bit of Tombstone – a historic city in southern Arizona outside of Tucson.

12) Check out Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village

As a creative person myself, I love exploring these small arts and craft villages in many of the towns and countries I visit. A walk through Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is a great way to spend an afternoon in Sedona!

Galleries and independent shops line the cobblestone streets, and there are plenty of unique souvenirs available. Oftentimes, you can watch artists create their works on site, which always adds to the experience

And, the ambience is calm and bright, with lots of greenery and plant life surrounding you. Historic churches and rustic architecture adds to the appeal.

If you have any holidays or birthdays coming up, consider shopping here for some one-of-a-kind handmade gifts! The Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is a very unique and fun place to visit in Sedona.

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13) Experience a Sedona Energy Vortex.

One of the most unique things to do in Sedona is to experience one of its famous an energy vortexes.

People travel from far and wide to seek out the mysterious cosmic forces that are believed to emanate from the red rocks themselves. The four best known Sedona vortexes are found at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon
 
A Vortex is thought to be swirling center of energy that allows for healing, meditation and growth; where the air seems especially alive and electric. Many people feel uplifted and recharged after visiting a vortex.  

Expect to see yoga, meditation, and all forms of self-movement happening at these sites.

Easily accessible, each vortex can be found on a map available at the respective visitor center. Show up with an open mind and let me know how you feel when leaving!

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14) Visit the Chapel Of The Holy Cross.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a popular Sedona attraction and in my opinion is one of the top must-see places. Religious or not, this chapel is a sight to see as it stands proudly among the surrounding rock formations.

This impressive church, built in the 1950s, is widely visited by locals and tourists alike. The best time to go is either early morning or midday, but be aware that it can get crowded as the day goes on.

You might even get to see the mysterious fog that rolls in through the surrounding rocks during the colder months. Midday, the sun shines directly through the stained glass windows, which created a colorful palette on the walls.

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15) Stargaze under the dark sky.

It was while I lived in Arizona that I first experienced the true darkness of the desert sky. The stars were unbelievable – I could just begin to see how vast our skies really were!

And even if you opt not to book the UFO Tour mentioned above, you should still make it a point to see Sedona’s vast dark skies.

Sedona is one of only 20 certified Dark Sky Communities on the entire planet, so you know that the night sky is truly special here. Wow.

The city makes purposeful efforts to reduce light pollution, and there is a stark difference in comparison to other cities.

Pro Tip: A couple of notable spots for stargazing include the Two Trees Observing Area and the Centennial Trailhead – the latter of which will require a good headlamp to safely trek the one mile trail in the dark.

Bonus Tips for Visiting Sedona

1. Remember to prepare for the heat if you visit Sedona in the summer. The proper hiking gear is essential for your safety.
2. Public transportation is not the most abundant here, so I highly recommend booking a rental car for your visit. I always get the best prices here! And a car will give you the most flexibility for sightseeing while in Sedona. If you would rather use Uber, that is an easy option, too.
3. If I had to name just three must-have items for discovering Sedona’s outdoors, I would highly recommend:
   • a headlamp for early morning hikes or late night stargazing.
   • my favorite trekking sandals of all time, which have hiked on six continents so far.
   • a trusty CamelBak hydration pack for hands free water access.
4. Spend at least one full weekend exploring Sedona. There are just so many unique things to do in Sedona that it is very hard to cram everything into just one day!
5. Lastly, if you are planning to hike, I highly recommend getting the Red Rock Pass. This will allow you to park at the trailheads for a low cost of $5 per day (or buy a weekly pass for $15).

Where To Stay in Sedona, Arizona

There are plenty of unique places to stay in Sedona to complement all of the fun things you do on your trip! I will list them in order of my personal preference.

1. Sky Ranch Lodge

The Sky Ranch Lodge is my top recommendation because it’s stunning grounds are nestled right in between the towering orange and red rocks.

This luxurious hotel offers concierge services, non-smoking rooms, and an outdoor swimming pool where you can enjoy the views. With the Chapel of the Holy Cross and other unique attractions within easy reach, you’ll be situated in a prime location.

Bonus: After a day of hiking, you can treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the on site hot tub.

2. Arabella Hotel Sedona 

The charming Arabella Hotel Sedona in Red Rock Country and just minutes away from Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, Oak Creek Canyon, and Slide Rock State Park – all mentioned above. It’s prime location is just part of the draw.

Enjoy the seasonal outdoor pool and year-round hot tub after your busy days exploring. Stay connected with free WiFi and enjoy plentiful in-room amenities like coffee makers, ironing facilities, and hairdryers for your convenience.

The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast and fitness center.

3. Lux Verde Hotel 

If you’re traveling on a budget or simply prefer to be away from the crowds, the basic yet comfortable Lux Verde Hotel is just for you.

Less than 30 minutes outside of Sedona, this hotel is fond in Cottonwood, which is much quieter. The hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool and a hot tub, free WiFi access, and free daily breakfast.

It is also closer to the wineries, so if that is a big draw for your trip then this may be a good area for you. Note, I only recommend staying here if you have your own transportation to and from Sedona.

When is the Best Time to Visit Sedona?

Lastly, since there is a lot to see outdoors here, we should also talk about when to visit.

Arizona is a desert. This means it is going to get hot at certain times of the year.

In the summer, Sedona’s temperatures regularly climb beyond 95°F (35°C). If that sounds miserable to you, then you may want to avoid visiting from around June to September. If that doesn’t scare you off, #1) you and I are BFF’s. #2) Please be advised on the desert hiking essentials if you plan to spend time outside!

The best times to visit Sedona in terms of comfortable weather would be either Spring (March through May) or Fall (October-November). The weather will be warm, but comfortably so, and the evenings will offer a nice reprieve.

Winter in Sedona is also a great option, though the nights can get down to freezing. Daytime highs average around 57°F (14°C) but rain (and even overnight snow!) is not unheard of.

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Final Thoughts on Unique Things To Do in Sedona

I hope this article leaves your brain jam-packed with all of the most fun and most unique things to do in Sedona, Arizona! From must-see places to the fiery red rocks to a fun and artsy side, Sedona sure has a lot to offer.

Whether you are traveling with friends or as a couple or completely solo, I can guarantee that Sedona will charm you.

Let me know below – which of Sedona’s unique things to do are you most excited for?

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