When it comes to amazing small towns in Arizona, there is a handful that typically comes to mind - Flagstaff usually first and foremost - but there’s only one town that combines natural wonders, amazing shopping, world-class art galleries, excellent dining, and jaw-droppingly beautiful views all in one utterly incredible package: Sedona. There is an absurd number of things to do in Sedona, and it makes for an amazing day trip, weekend trip, or longer; I practically live in this amazing town, and there are so many things to see that I recommend at LEAST a whole weekend – but the longer, the better! Let’s explore this amazing town (as well as various must-do activities in Sedona) and all it has to offer.

If you’re planning to visit and need to know what to do in Sedona, consider this your ultimate Sedona travel guide. Let’s go!

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History of Sedona

The land that is now called Sedona has had many iterations and stories told throughout the years, and many people have called it home. About 1,000 years ago, the Sinagua people occupied the region and thrived by trading as well as farming; by the late 1800s/early 1900s, homesteading had begun, and over a dozen families lived in the area. When it came time to name this burgeoning new town, it was suggested that the founder simply named it after his wife for Post Office brevity’s sake; her name was Sedona, and thus, the town was born.

Following the official founding of Sedona, agriculture thrived in the area. Oak Creek provided plentiful water for farming and livestock, and orchards were a very common sight in many yards and on many properties, both for private use and commercial use. Today, you can still visit remnants of some of these orchards on hikes like the West Fork Trail. Descendants of those original trees still thrive down there! Shooting Western films took off in Sedona in the early 1920s; the town was the site of many a famous old Western starring John Wayne himself.

Is Sedona Worth Visiting?

Firstly, what is Sedona known for? Those VIEWS! To simply claim “Sedona is worth visiting” would be to enormously understate things. This place repeatedly makes lists of the most beautiful towns in the USA, and for good reason – it's breathtakingly gorgeous, and the shopping and dining are second to none. This is, simply put, the perfect weekend getaway destination; downtown Sedona is worthy of one day of exploration alone... and so is the rest of it!

How To Get To Sedona

Reaching Sedona is super easy no matter where you’re coming from. Taking the I-40 in northern Arizona from either direction? Exit for the I-17 to Flagstaff and then follow the signs south; you can exit at Exit 179 for an incredible red rock extravaganza on your way into town, or you can take the 89A south from Flagstaff to Sedona for one of the most ridiculously scenic drives in the country. From Phoenix, simply take the I-17 north until you reach Exit 179. From Tucson, take the I-10 up to Phoenix, hop on the I-17, and go. It’s about 30 miles from downtown Flagstaff to downtown Sedona.

Getting Around Sedona

Sedona is a remarkably walkable little town. Downtown, you’ll usually find that parking is packed unless you get lucky (or park on one of the many lots just off the main road). Parking is paid; the first 15 minutes are free, and after that, the first through third hours are $2 per hour, four hours is another $4, and five hours is another $6 (for a total of $16). You can pay by license plate or on the handy Passport Parking app. Alternatively, the VERDE Shuttle is very affordable ($2 per trip) and can take you as far as Cottonwood if you so desire. Walking around downtown is a blast and a half! Uptown Sedona offers plenty of free parking (and more shops).

Best Time To Visit Sedona

I’ll tell you right now: there’s simply no such thing as a “bad” time to visit Sedona. The sheer number of Sedona attractions ensures that there’s plenty to do, see, and experience year-round. That being said, summer tends to be incredibly busy thanks to mild temperatures and the town’s legendary status as THE place to be in northern Arizona. My favorite times to visit are late spring into early summer – think mid-to-late-May into early June – and late autumn – we're talking mid-October into early November. These seasons are my favorites for a few reasons; in late spring, the blooming flowers on every tree in town are simply breathtaking. In the late autumn, the colors in town and down in the canyon between Sedona and Flag are absolutely MAGICAL. Come during the week for the least crowding.

Where To Stay In Sedona

This gorgeous hilltop hotel offers amazing views of the red rocks as a backdrop and big, comfy beds to fall asleep in following a day of adventuring. Located close to just about everything – six minutes from the Red Rock Scenic Byway and 20 minutes from West Sedona and the Uptown shops – this affordable-but-luxurious escape from the real world is perfect for a solo getaway or a couples’ vacation. My room was spacious and very comfortable, with a huge shower and a kitchenette. I also enjoyed having a vending machine so close to my room, which eliminated the need to go get bottles of water and other drinks elsewhere. The pool was crisp, clear, clean, and cold, and I had some time to laze in the sun before a summer thunderstorm rolled through. Overall, I definitely recommend this stay in Sedona. Sedona Hilton Summit is a fabulous place to stay – it's an experience!

To say this unique, affordable yurt getaway in Sedona is amazing is to understate things just a smidge; this absolutely awe-inspiring Airbnb is the perfect way to get acquainted with Sedona’s incredible red rocks, the beauty of Oak Creek, and so much more. With a cozy king-sized bed and all the amenities you need for the ultimate glamping experience, this is one of those amazing escapes from the real world that you’ll never forget.

Sedona Sights & Landmarks

This is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, and for good reason; it’s not terribly difficult, and the views are absolutely jaw-droppingly incredible. In fact, it’s one of the most popular trails in Arizona – so arrive early and expect to run into lots of folks at various points in the adventure. This out-and-back hike is just under four miles long and thanks to the extreme heat (it was an impressive 104 degrees, which is well above average for Sedona in July) I decided to skip doing the hike myself. Check out the official Devil’s Bridge AllTrails listing for all the info you’ll need to plan your next great adventure!

In 1932, a local woman by the name of Marguerite Brunswig Staude had a vision: she wanted to create a stunningly beautiful church inspired by the architecture of the Empire State Building. Long story short, the locations she’d originally hoped for didn’t pan out, so she decided to build it here in Sedona. Today, this absolutely gorgeous church is the perfect complement to the red rocks of the surrounding cliffs. Completed in 1956, Chapel of the Holy Cross is an incredible testament to the human spirit and is a popular tourist destination among the religious and non-religious alike thanks to its truly unique beauty. I’ve photographed it many times, and each time, it’s as if I’m seeing it in a whole new way. This time around, I watched lots of awed spectators take photos of their own before taking a couple for this article. It’s a very special place, and it’s always an honor to visit.

Interested in scenic drives? There just so happens to be two in and from Sedona to enjoy! One of them is the Red Rock Scenic Byway, which is an easy drive from the Sedona exit on the I-17 (Exit 298) straight into town. Simply exit the I-17 at that specific ramp and drive – it leads you straight through some of Arizona’s most legendary views and awe-inspiring geography. Along the way you’ll be treated to incredible views of Sedona’s most iconic rock formations, including Bell Rock, as well as all sorts of iconic cultural stops. You’ll definitely want the camera for this one! I’ve photographed this stretch of road numerous times, and every time is wonderful. This time around, I made sure to stop at each scenic view to admire this incredible Arizona countryside. If you come early in the morning, you might get a few to yourself – avoid arriving on Saturdays or Sundays if you’re not hoping for a bit of a crowd.

If you’re anything like me, you’re oddly fascinated by bridges, and if this is the case, well, you’re in luck: there just so happens to be a jaw-droppingly awesome bridge on SR-89A coming out of Sedona on the way north toward Flagstaff with a pretty fun name – Midgely Bridge. One time, someone put a sticker on the sign to make it read MIDGELY BRIDGELY and to this day I still call it that; it’s a gorgeous example of the jaw-dropping sights you can expect to see in stunning Sedona, and it’s one of my favorite features on the 89A drive. I’ve photographed it many times, and I think you will, too. Wanna see what’s way down there? The bridge is also a trailhead, so keep your eyes peeled! It’s one of my favorite hikes in the entire state. Stopping to photograph it is never a bad time.

Sedona Activities & Attractions

Hidden away in Oak Creek Canyon is a fisher’s paradise: the legendary Rainbow Trout Farm, where one can go to catch the most incredibly delicious trout (and then cook ‘em on the spot). It’s a unique experience that’s wonderful for the entire family, and best of all, there’s no gear needed – the farm supplies it all. Here, trout are hatched from eggs and lovingly raised to a respectable supper size before being stocked in the spring pools at the base of Wilson Mountain. For the most up-to-date hours, pricing, and more, be sure to check out the official Sedona Rainbow Trout Farm website. When I was a kid, I loved coming here with my family – I think you will, too.

Did you know that you don’t need to visit Napa Valley to experience wine country? Nope, right here in Arizona, we’ve got several incredible wineries and breweries that simply hit different. Arizona wines are delicious, and our wine culture is vibrant; one of the best experiences you can have as an introduction to Arizona Wine Country is with Wine Tours of Sedona. They offer complimentary pick-up from anywhere in Sedona, for one, and tasting is included in the tour fee so there are no surprises. Tours are private, so you won’t be saddled up with strangers. It’s just you, your party, and Arizona’s most amazing wineries. This one’s a must-do for wine lovers of all degrees!

I promise that’s typed correctly; these vortexes are not ‘vortices’. They are vortexes, defined as enhanced energy sites that facilitate prayer, healing, and creativity, and they’re fun to try at least once or twice. They sound a bit frou-frou, but tens of thousands of folks swear on their strange power year after year on countless retreats and destination vacations. There are four major ones: Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon, and another handful of smaller ones dotted throughout the area (check out the What Is A Vortex? pamphlet for a handy-dandy map).

An article about must-do Sedona adventures would never, ever be complete without mentioning the legendary Pink Jeep Tours – which are exactly what they sound like. When I say this is the ultimate Sedona tour, I mean it’s the ULTIMATE Sedona tour company, showcasing incredible canyon views, rugged rides over red rocks showing off iconic sights, landmarks and famous vistas, and even some get-on-your-feet moments, too. Simply pick the tour that most appeals to you – they range from an hour and a half to 11-12 hours, depending on the adventure. As a local, I cannot recommend Pink Jeep Tours enough!

Shops & Boutiques In Sedona

Tlaquepaque (pronounced Te-la-keh-pah-keh) is an amalgamation of shops, galleries, and eats set in a stunningly beautiful Spanish villa setting that’s sure to take your breath away.

This is by far one of my favorite places in all of Sedona; it’s not just a collection of high-end galleries and shops, it’s a true destination, and once you get here, you’ll see why. I truly, deeply enjoy spending a whole Sunday morning meandering around Tlaquepaque and that’s what I did on this trip, and to my great pleasure, a soft afternoon thunderstorm rolled through as I did. The gentle rain and soft light complemented the Plaza beautifully. Just Tlaquepaque alone is day trip worthy! And be sure to stay until sunset – sometimes, there’s live music, which adds an amazingly fresh sense of magic to the whole affair.

There are hundreds of notable and truly unique shops and businesses in Sedona, but none are more iconic – at least to me – as Mexidona. In true Tardis fashion, it’s significantly bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside, with numerous gorgeous, fully-furnished and decorated rooms filled top-to-bottom with absolutely beautiful, truly unique home decor with a distinctively southwestern flair. Good luck walking away from this one without both arms full of amazing finds you just can’t be without (same... sometimes you just need a metal quail sculpture, okay? Don’t judge).

Sedona’s downtown shops are world-famous for many reasons; there’s an array of shops from rock and mineral stops to spiritual and holistic shops, apparel, souvenirs, and TONS of amazing restaurants – most of which you’ll never find anywhere else. Some of the best notable shops and restaurants in downtown Sedona include 89Agave Cantina, Elote Cafe, and the Outlaw Grille, as well as Discount Gem & Mineral (my personal favorite), Matterhorn Shoppes, and Earthbound Trading Company (another of my favorites). I enjoy wandering the shops and galleries on Main Street – which is technically the 89A – and perusing some truly awesome places, like shops that have fossils and even dinosaur bones for sale. Trust me: the Downtown Shoppes are an experience and a half. I spent several hours wandering the shops on this particular adventure... which is far from outside the norm for me!

Restaurants In Sedona

Sedona is home to world-class restaurants and eateries – so many that it might be tough to decide which one(s) to hit first (and second... and third). When it comes to breakfast, however, it doesn’t get much better than Miley’s Cafe. Open at 6:30 a.m. six days a week (closed on Sundays), this amazing little establishment has been a staple of Sedona breakfast favorites since it opened. Offering up to-die-for Mexican/American delights, this place is also great for lunch, but it’s breakfast time that truly shines.

There’s good Mexican food, and there’s great Mexican food - and Fiesta Mexicana is certainly great. Today, I had an old favorite – a ground beef burrito “enchilada style” - with red sauce and cheese on top. The ground beef is deliciously flavorful, and it quickly became a favorite following the removal of red chile Colorado (which was AMAZING – I wish you could have had some!) from the menu. The first basket of chips and salsa is complementary, and it’s DELICIOUS. I make sure to clean the bowl out every time – and this time was no different! Service is fast, efficient and friendly, and the food is definitely delicious enough to keep coming back.

If you’re looking for the best Italian food in Sedona, Arizona, you’re going to want to visit Hideaway House, where you’re sure to find it. It’s a small place, and oftentimes there’s a wait – but I promise, every minute is worth it! The menu is big and offers lots of options, and the wines are perfect for pairing with pasta. I had the chicken parmesan, which was served with spaghetti and assorted veggies, all of which were delicious. Next time, I might have the baked salmon or the filet mignon skewers... if I can resist the delicious temptation of the chicken parm, that is. For dessert, I had a lava cake – which was incredible.

I’m going to be real here for a second and I’ll confess: I like gelato more than ice cream. I’m not even sure why; there’s just something about this frozen, creamy, delicious dessert that I can’t get enough of, and Pussycat Gelato has some of the best in the state (and definitely the best in town). I couldn’t decide between dark chocolate sorbet and cookies and cream... so I got both. I was not disappointed by either – quite the opposite! I’ll forever love Pussycat Gelato; it’s one of my favorite stops in all of Northern Arizona.

Nature In And Around Sedona

Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre state park that contains some of Arizona’s most iconic landscapes and geological wonders. With an environmental education center, utterly awesome trails with truly incredible views, access to the pristine beauty of Oak Creek, and so much more, you could turn this Arizona state park into a day trip on its own (I’m seeing a pattern here). The park often holds events and classes, and there’s always something going on. It’s one of my favorite places in the entire state, and it’s definitely one of the most magical places in Sedona.

There are a number of famous rock formations in Sedona, the most famous of which is probably Bell Rock (which is said to be the site of a vortex!). Notable formations include Cathedral Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, and even Snoopy Rock. These gorgeous, rust-red formations are unique to Sedona and draw crowds every year.

Oak Creek Canyon is nothing short of utterly incredible. To say it’s one of the best drives in the country is NOT an understatement; simply follow the AZ-89A North from Sedona to Flagstaff and enjoy – it goes right through the canyon. There are many stopping points along the way, many of which offer creek access and some of the best natural swimming (and fishing!) in Arizona. I spent a few hours on this trip coming and going from my favorite little “secret spot” on the creek; I love putting my feet in the water and enjoying the feel of the crisp coldness as it streams past.

Truly, when I say that Sedona is a magical place, I mean it both literally and figuratively. From out-of-this-world UFO tours to mysterious vortexes, awe-inspiring red rock views, outrageously scenic hikes, and so much more, there are just so many activities in Sedona that I truly can’t recommend a trip shorter than at least one day – but the more the merrier! No matter what, though, there’s always an amazing number of things to do in Sedona and this list is just a start – I couldn’t even get into ALL the amazing places here that I love.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever visited Sedona? What were your favorite trails, shops, and galleries? Let me know in the comments!