Sedona is a popular year-round destination in Arizona, just a 2 hour drive away from the bustling city of Phoenix. This is the perfect getaway location for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature or relax in the quiet surroundings of the desert.
There is a ton to do here at varying levels of physical activity. Below are some of our favorite activities – unique to Sedona’s landscape and ambiance!
1. Jeep Tours
Jeep tours are an awesome way to get incredible views without all the hiking. Although some of the tours can be quite rugged, there are many different routes to choose from. We definitely recommend calling the companies (listed below) if you’d like some help deciding which tour would be the best for you and your party!
Companies: Red Rock Jeep Tours and Pink Jeep Tours (very popular for bachelorette parties)
Duration: Typically 1 ½ hours per tour
Pricing: From $89/adult
Insider Tip: Before booking, check out Groupon for discounts!
2. Hot Air Balloon Rides
There are not many places where you can get such a scenic Hot Air Balloon experience! Tickets tend to sell out quickly since space is limited in the balloon. This is based on maximum weight capacity. We also recommend booking early because these rides only happen once a day at sunrise. Bookings are done via emails so make sure you book with enough time to schedule your reservations with the company of choice!
Companies: Red Rock Balloons and Northern Light Balloon Expeditions
Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours.
Pricing: $250/adult and $225/child (12 and under)
3. Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour
If you’ve never heard of Antelope Canyon or Horseshoe Bend, you’re in for an incredible experience you won’t forget. These are two of the hottest spots to visit near Sedona. Not only will you be stunned by the beauty of nature’s creation, but it is one of the tours for photos/videos. You will be guided through the area by a Navajo.
Company: Viator
Duration: 12 hours
Price: $235.48/adult and $207.62/child
4. Seven Sacred Pools
The Seven Sacred Pools are a beautiful and photogenic gem found via the Soldiers Pass Trail. This is a short hike with an “easy” ranking on difficulty. Although it is a relatively easy hike, there are many caves and rocks you must go through before reaching the pools – approach with caution!
Hours: 8AM-6PM Daily
Duration: 30 minutes – 1.5 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Length: Approximately 1.1 miles
Insider Tip: Parking is very limited, be sure to go early!
View more info on this specific trail on All Trails.
5. Devil’s Bridge
Another one of the most insta-grammable and breathtaking spots in Sedona is Devil’s Bridge. From this high point, you will get a panoramic view of Red Rock County… plus some pretty awesome photos.
Length: 3.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Insider tip: Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash!
View more info on this specific trail on All Trails.
6. Dine at Restaurants with Views
While Sedona is not widely known for their #foodie culture, there are many incredible restaurants to dine at throughout the city. Almost all of them will have amazing views on their patio or terrace. There is a large variety of cuisine so there is definitely something for everyone. There are vegan restaurants, Italian, American, Indian, and more.
Insider Tip: Sedona is almost always busy – be sure to book reservations online a couple weeks in advance. Most of the top restaurants use OpenTable.
7. Red Rock Magic Trolley Tours
The Red Rock Magic Trolley (a.k.a. Boynton Canyon Trolley Tour) offers comfortable and scenic city tours for all ages. Choose from a 55 minute or 85 minute route. Something unique about this trolley tour is that they’re licensed by the USFS (United States Forest Service) which allows them usage of the Coconino National Forest.
Company: Red Rock Magic Trolley
Pricing: $29/adult (13+) and $15/child (12 and under)
Duration: 55-85 Minutes
Insider Tip: Try booking through Groupon to save!
8. Wine Tasting Tours
- This one’s for the girls! Wine tasting tours are extremely popular amongst the hundreds of bachelorette parties who celebrate here every year. This would be an awesome activity for anyone – especially wine-loving couples. There’s tons of options to choose from – varying from single winery tours to 4-in-1 winery adventures.Companies: Sedona Wine Tours, Arizona Winery, Viator, Elevated Sedona
Price: Varies based on company. Average is $/adult
Duration: Varies based on tour, but typically 2 hours9. Chapel of the Holy Cross
One of the most iconic landmarks in Sedona is the Chapel of the Holy Cross! This architectural icon receives millions of visitors per year – it’s open to the public all year round. Admission to the church is free; however, it costs a short hike to reach it. The hike is called the Broken Arrow Trail and it is approximately 1.5 miles long.
Price: Free Admission
Duration: Approximately 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 miles10. Tlaqueplaque Arts & Crafts Village/Shopping Center
Tlaqueplaque village and shopping center is known as “the art and soul of Sedona.” This plaza is a great place to purchase souvenirs, go for a walk, and admire the culture and art lining the street. There are over 50 galleries and shops here, so there is a lot to see. The Chapel here is also a popular venue for weddings!
Website: https://www.tlaq.com/
Duration: Varies