11 Best Things to Do in Sedona

Are you looking for the perfect location for your vacation? If so, Sedona should be at the top of your list. This small town in the Verde Valley is known for its stunning red rocks, artist communities, and outdoor activities. 

If you’re curious whether a woman over 50 like you will have a good time here, check out this blog showcasing some of the best things you can do in Sedona.

Best Things To Do In Sedona

Sedona has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled getaway. It’s the perfect spot to go to with your friends and family, or when you simply want to enjoy a few days or weeks by yourself.

1. Visiting the Red Rock Scenic Byway

When you plan to travel by car, the Red Rock Scenic Byway is a beautiful drive as you pass by Highway 179. However, it does not stop there. Inside Red Rock Scenic Byway are different tourist spots and outdoor activities you can enjoy with your family. 

Red Rock Scenic Byway, famously known as the museum without walls, includes different outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, biking, and golfing. You can also check out Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, two vortexes located in Oak Creek Village inside. There are also several delicious restaurants and boutique shops. 

When you visit this place, don’t forget to stop by Coconino National Forest, which features beautiful wildlife and scenic spots perfect for taking pictures. 

2. Taking A Tour at Red Rock State Park

A trip to Sedona, Arizona, would not be complete without visiting Red Rock State Park to see Cathedral Rock. The state park is located southwest of Y along Oak Creek and showcases stunning views of Sedona’s famous red rock formations. 

You can clearly see the Cathedral Rock even when you drive from Oak Creek to Sedona. However, it is most stunning when viewed from Crescent Moon Picnic Site in Red Rock Crossing Park. 

Red Rock State Park instantly became a tourist favorite because it offers different hiking trails with varying difficulty levels perfect for all ages. A Junior Ranger Program is perfect for ages 6 to 12 interested in hiking if you have kids to bring. 

The visitor center in this state park is also a spot you should not miss, as it’s where you can learn all about the park’s history, moonlit hikes, and nature walks. 

3. Relaxing at The Chapel of the Holy Cross

Known as one of the world’s seven wonders in 2007, the Chapel of the Holy Cross has also been a crowd favorite. This tourist spot is a cultural site where you can breathe in and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. The best time to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross is in the morning for a more relaxed experience because of fewer crowds and less noise. 

Visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a nice detour from Red Rock Scenic Byway as it’s only located north of the byway. 

You also have to note that there is limited parking space, so it’s better to visit early in the morning. The chapel is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm with no entrance fee. 

4. Enjoy A Scenic Drive at Oak Creek Canyon

Traveling by car gives you a chance to take a scenic drive and see Oak Creek Canyon. The drive starts from Uptown Sedona to Highway 89, turning right through Oak Creek Canyon. Don’t forget to have your cameras ready as you also pass through West Fork Hiking Trail and Slide Rock State Park before arriving at Oak Creek Vista. 

For safety purposes, it’s better to drive at Oak Creek Canyon during the day because of steep hills and sharp turns. You will also have the chance to see the beautiful sunset when you take a drive around 5 to 6 pm. 

5. Choose from A Hundred Different Hiking Trails

Sedona boasts different hiking trails with varying difficulty to match any age. Each trail provides you a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with several spots perfect for taking photos. One of the most popular hiking trails is Cathedral Rock Trail which features amazing views of the red rock formations. 

The ideal trail will be the Airport Mesa Loop near Sedona Airport if you are new to hiking. This easy hiking trail also gives you amazing views similar to the Cathedral Rock Trail. Other popular hiking trails include the following:

• Devil’s Bridge Trail
• Bell Rock Pathway
• Boynton Canyon
• Palatki Ruins

Stop by at the Hike House when you’re on your way to the trailhead, where you can speak with its staff members to help you choose which hiking trail is most suitable for you. The Hike House also features a cafe with healthy treats and a hiking gear shop. You can also book guided hikes if you’re a beginner. 

6. Take A Tour in Jeeps

BOOK HERE: Viator Sedona Vortex Tour by Jeep

After a full day of hiking, continue enjoying the amazing landscapes in Sedona by booking a jeep tour. In Sedona, jeep tours allow tourists to see beautiful areas unpassable by road vehicles. 

One of the famous jeep tours is Broken Arrow Jeep Tour, a two-hour-long adventure where you’ll see rugged terrains and landmark rock formations in Sedona. The jeeps are open-air, and the ride is certainly bumpy but fun! Jeep tours are also considered educational, as the drivers are very open to sharing Sedona’s local geology and history. 

Another famous jeep tour for history-lovers and historians is the Ancient Ruins Tour by Pink Jeep Tours. You will get to visit Honanki Heritage Site, a popular historical spot in Sedona. On the other hand, try out Soldiers Pass Trail by the Red Rock Western Jeep Tours if you want a private tour with fewer people. 

If you wish to try out driving the jeep yourself, some companies like Barlow Adventures allow tourists to rent jeeps and take a tour of the red rocks alone without a tourist guide. 

7. Appreciating Beauty at the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village

If you love shopping, don’t miss out on Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village along the intersection of routes 179 and 89A. It’s a spacious outdoor shopping center designed like a Mexican village. This arts and crafts village was built on a previously sycamore grove, making its architecture unique and providing appropriate shade to shops and customers. 

Visiting this village gives you a chance to enjoy its stucco walls with art galleries. You can also visit New Age shops selling glassware, modern art, and locally handmade jewelry. However, if you are on a tight budget, you can always visit the restaurants instead. 

8. Enjoy The Sedona Vortexes

Vortexes are unique attractions you’ll enjoy in Sedona. They are centers of energy that promote healing, spirituality, and self-awareness. You’ll often find these vortexes represented by giant and irregularly shaped rock formations. 

There are four primary vortexes in Sedona, and these are the following:

• The Airport Vortex
• Cathedral Rock Vortex
• Boynton Canyon Vortex
• Bell Rock Vortex

Among the four primary vortexes, the easiest locations to visit and reach are Airport Vortex and Boynton Canyon Vortex.

Here are some of the tours that offer services to explore Sedona Vortex. 

• Viator Sedona Vortex Tour by Jeep
• GetYourGuide Sedona Vortex Tours

9. Wine Tasting at Verde Valley Wine Trail

The Verde Valley Wine Trail is perfect for wine lovers. It’s a self-guided tour that takes you to Sedona’s famous wineries: Alcantara Vineyards, Oak Creek Vineyards, Page Spring Cellars, and Javelina Leap Vineyard. Most tourists enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere in these vineyards and the diverse selection of wines you can choose from. 

10. Visit Art Galleries on the First Friday of Each Month

If your stay in Sedona reaches the first Friday of the month, you should certainly not miss out on the art galleries in Sedona. These art galleries open from 5 pm to 8 pm and are free. They also offer free snacks and beverages. 

During this time of the month, the art galleries also allow you to meet local artists and other tourists. The most famous art galleries are the galleries located in Tlaquepaque, Hillside Sedona, and Uptown Sedona.

11. Cap The Night Off at Sedona Spas

Sedona, best known as the city of spiritual healing, also has some of the best spas in the world. You can enjoy basic massages coupled with additional local treatments. Some of the famous spas you should try out include the following:

• Mii Amo Spa at Enchantment Resort
• A Spa For You
• Inner Journeys
• Sedona’s New Day Spa

Make The Most Out Of Your Sedona Adventure

Sedona is the perfect place to be for all your bucket list adventures. Whether you are traveling alone or with your family, this amazing city offers unique and once-in-a-lifetime activities, making your trip a memorable one indeed! We hope our list of the best things to do in Sedona convinces you to visit. Have a good one!

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