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Sedona, a small desert town encircled by majestic red rock canyons, looks like an old Western movie set. But don’t be fooled: Sedona offers more than just retro good looks. The city’s extensive art community, funky shops, and outdoor beauty provide some of the best things to do in Sedona for visitors. Bikers and off-road adventurers love Broken Arrow Trail and nearby Boynton Canyon Trail, while other types of outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the beauty of Red Rock State Park—home to an energy vortex (or two)—and Chapel of the Holy Cross.
March–May is the most popular time to visit Sedona, when the days are bright and the desert blooms with cactus flowers. If you’re brave enough to tackle winter’s occasional snowfall, you’ll find fewer crowds in the offseason. Just don’t come in midsummer if you want to stargaze—one of the most popular things to do in Sedona. July and August can bring heavy rainfall, clouding its famously clear skies.
Sedona’s picturesque Main Street—filled with art galleries, restaurants, and local boutiques—is perfect for navigating on foot. You likely won’t need a car until you start staring longingly at the craggy peaks in the distance.
To reach the buttes, canyons, and mesas that draw hikers from around the world, you’ll need transportation or a rental vehicle. You could also opt for a guided Jeep excursion. All the standard ride sharing apps are available, but they typically operate only within city limits.
There’s a reason Sedona attracts so many mystics and meditators. Some believe the city to be a vortex, a location identified as radiating a powerful healing energy. Within that system, the city contains four precise points—Boynton Canyon, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, and Bell Rock—where believers say the energy is particularly intense. You can download vortex maps online and follow the energy trail yourself, or take a tour with a guide for an assisted yoga or meditation session.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone MST (UTC -7) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 19 | Tours 305 | Reviews 30,416 |
Sedona is an oasis in the middle of the Arizona desert in Verde Valley. The town is a popular outdoor destination surrounded by red rock formations, evergreen pine forests, and trail-laced rivers and canyons. In Uptown Sedona, you’ll find New Age shops and galleries mixing with traces of cowboy and American Indian cultures.
...MoreFirst, explore the New Age shops and galleries in Uptown. Stop for lunch at the Wild West throwback Cowboy Club, a local favorite serving cactus fries and rattlesnake sausages. In the afternoon, visit the Chapel of Holy Cross and Red Rock State Park. Finish with a stargazing excursion at night.
...MoreYes. There’s plenty to do in Sedona besides hiking, from wine tasting to shopping and resort stays. Explore the surrounding canyons on Jeep excursions or mountain biking and kayaking trips. Other options include checking out the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Verde Canyon heritage railroad, or New Age “vortex” tours.
...MoreVisit during spring from March to May, or fall from September to November. These months offer the weather for outdoor activities and skip the summer monsoon season. Although Sedona has a relatively mild climate, the dry summer heat can reach the 90s°F (30s°C) and be uncomfortable for those unaccustomed to it.
...MoreFour days is ideal for visiting the major sights and checking off the popular things to do in Sedona. The town and surrounding canyons and parks can be seen easily in 2–3 days. After that, you’ll have time for the Verde Canyon heritage railroad, Northern Arizona Wine Country, and even day trips to Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon National Park, and Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon.
...MoreYes, Sedona is worth visiting. Surrounded by red rock formations, it’s one of the most spectacular places in the American Southwest. For some, the Chapel of the Holy Cross or Red Rock State Park offers a spiritual experience. The town boasts luxury resorts, art galleries, and a mild desert climate.
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