What to do and see in Sedona, Arizona (AZ): The Best Things to do

August 21, 2021 Nobuko Falco

Sedona is a true oasis, a vacationer’s paradise in the middle of the Arizona desert. Here, you’ll find resorts and spas, canyons and red rock formations. Bell Rock and Oak Creek Canyon are great hiking spots, and the dramatic architecture of the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a religious experience itself. When the sun dips down below the horizon it introduces the best show in Sedona: the night sky.
Restaurants in Sedona

1. Cathedral Rock

Yavapai County, Sedona, AZ 86351 +1 928-203-7500 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55264
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 5,917 reviews

Cathedral Rock

Towering red rock formation, part of the Cathedral Rock Trail.

Reviewed By Cristine4412 - Pittsburgh, United States

It's a relatively easy hike to the base of Cathedral Rock, and from there you can choose the more challenging hike up the rock, or take the flat Templeton trail around the base.

2. Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179)

8375 Az-179 Red Rock Visitor Center and Ranger Station, Sedona, AZ 86351 +1 928-203-2900 http://redrockscenicbyway.com
Excellent
85%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
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5.0 based on 4,151 reviews

Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179)

The Red Rock Scenic Byway is your Gateway to the world-famous Red Rock Country of Sedona, Arizona … just 110 miles north of Phoenix, about 40 miles south of Flagstaff, and only a few hours south of the Grand Canyon.

Reviewed By kathyfI6813BE - Big Water, United States

Beautiful drive in the red rocks..we stopped several times to take photos and do a bit of browsing at several arts and craft shows.

3. Broken Arrow Trail

Morgan Road, Sedona, AZ +1 928-527-3600 http://www.sedonahikingtrails.com/broken-arrow-trail.htm
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
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1%
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5.0 based on 1,400 reviews

Broken Arrow Trail

Reviewed By geridicola - Chicago, United States

We took the Broken Arrow trail to the High on the Hog, Hog Heaven to Hog Wash back to Broken Arrow it was about a four mile Hike that was absolutely amazing. bring water and a snack so you can stop and soak it all in.

4. Slide Rock State Park

6871 N. Highway 89A Parking may be reduced. Limited day use will be allowed., Sedona, AZ 86336 +1 928-282-3034 http://azstateparks.com/slide-rock/
Excellent
62%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
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4.5 based on 2,337 reviews

Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park, originally the Pendley Homestead, is a 43-acre historic apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon. Frank L. Pendley, having arrived in the canyon in 1907, formally acquired the land under the Homestead Act in 1910. Due to his pioneering innovation, he succeeded where others failed by establishing a unique irrigation system still in use by the park today. This allowed Pendley to plant his first apple orchard in 1912, beginning the pattern of agricultural development that has dominated the site since that time. Pendley also grew garden produce and kept some livestock. As one of the few homesteads left intact in the canyon today, Slide Rock State Park is a fine example of early agricultural development in Central Arizona. The site was also instrumental to the development of the tourism industry in Oak Creek Canyon. The completion of the canyon road in 1914 and the paving of the roadway in 1938 were strong influences in encouraging recreational use of the canyon. Hence, Pendley followed suit and in 1933, built rustic cabins to cater to vacationers and sightseers. Todays visitors can still enjoy the fruits of Pendley's labor. Historic cabins are available for viewing, and the creek offers the park's namesake slide for adventures seekers and those looking for a place to cool off.

Reviewed By SinAguayo - San Bernardino, United States

$20 for parking and that is the only fee you are going to have to pay. About 15 minutes from Sedona, the scenic view to slide rock it's a treat of it's own. Pay attention though because it is a one way highway with plenty of hikers. Depending on what time you get there, you may have to wait due to the parking lot being full. We had to wait approximately 45 minutes. And there is no phone service. So... get to talking with your family or friends. The park has a small shop with all the necessities, for example: you can buy water shoes ($15), snacks, food, umbrellas, souvenirs, shirts, ice cream, and much more. They have lockers which you can rent in order to safeguard items you don't want to take with you. All we took was two backpacks with snacks and towels. The actual walk to the creek is about 15 minutes. Enjoy the walk because it has great view. The massive red rock in the distance is breathtaking. You will go down some steps that will lead you to the creek. Once at the bottom you can pick a spot to settle. BE AWARE. The rocks in the water are very very slippery. The water is cold..but once you acclimate, you will be fine. Peaceful, and enjoyable. Not very packed. Plenty of room of everyone. I highly recommend it. Follow me and my adventures fb: Sin Aguayo ig:@SinAguayo

5. Oak Creek Canyon

Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 83149 +1 928-282-4119 http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/oak-creek-scenic.shtml
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
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Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,381 reviews

Oak Creek Canyon

Breathtaking in its red rock beauty, the Canyon is a spectacular 16-mile gorge with streams and waterfalls between sheer rock walls.

Reviewed By 51gloriab - Advance, United States

We hiked the West Fork trail and enjoyed the lush area with a well-defined trail for several miles. Our necks were stretched upward as we noted what we saw in the sandstone rock structures formed by wind over the centuries. At the start of the hike, it was a treat to learn about Mayhew Lodge that once was a retreat for politicians and movie stars. We saw squirrels, salamanders, butterflies, and hawks as they thrive in the riparian community.

6. Devil's Bridge Trail

Sedona, AZ 86336 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/ohv/recarea/?recid=55292&actid=50
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
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4.5 based on 3,524 reviews

Devil's Bridge Trail

Reviewed By DistrictBrit - Washington DC, United States

The hike to Devil’s Bridge isn’t too strenuous, it’s roughly five-miles round-trip along a dirt road that leads into a more robust trail, with parts that require a bit of rock climbing up steep sections of the mountain. The higher you get the more narrow and rocky the hike becomes, it’s a 400 ft or so elevation climb in all but there are plenty of places to stop and take a break, or viewing areas to soak in the view should you not make it to the top. But if you make it to the top it’s awe-inspiring, and the opportunity to risk your life walking across the bridge for a photo is right there. Devil’s Bridge itself is a bridge to nowhere, it’s about a 50 feet drop should you fall, so don’t do that. At it’s narrowest it’s about five feet but if you’re good with heights then you’ll be fine.

7. Red Rock State Park

4050 Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336-9109 +1 928-282-6907 [email protected] http://azstateparks.com/red-rock
Excellent
68%
Good
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Satisfactory
7%
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4.5 based on 1,542 reviews

Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park is a 286 acre nature preserve and environmental education center with stunning scenery. Trails throughout the park wind through manzanita and juniper to reach the rich banks of Oak Creek. Green meadows are framed by native vegetation and hills of red rock. The creek meanders through the park, creating a diverse riparian habitat abounding with plants and wildlife. This riparian habitat provides the setting and the opportunity for the park to offer a focus on environmental education. Red Rock offers a variety of special programs for school groups and private groups. There are a number of daily and weekly park events. The park offers a visitors center, classroom, theater, park store, ramada and hiking trails.

Reviewed By BLtrvl - Glenview, United States

Picked a perfect fall day for a hike through the park, starting at the visitor center, which was very detailed, and came equipped with a board listing recent wildlife sightings. A couple of trail segments were closed but we still got to see a lot of the park.

8. Chapel of the Holy Cross

780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336-7064 +1 928-282-4069 http://www.chapeloftheholycross.com/
Excellent
72%
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Satisfactory
5%
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4.5 based on 10,360 reviews

Chapel of the Holy Cross

This chapel, located among dramatic rock formations, offers spectacular views, especially at sunset.

Reviewed By SengaMilne - Toronto, Canada

Absolutely loved our visit; awe inspiring views and peaceful serenity. The complimentary golf cart ride (tips appreciated) is a wonderful bonus for those with mobility issues or seniors although the privilege seemed to be available to everyone. We visited around 11 am on a Monday and had no trouble finding parking. Nice gift shop with lots of religious options but also beautiful note cards and postcards. Good idea to check out the postcards for ideas/information. Without them I would have missed the eagles overlooking the chapel. The beautiful home in the foreground is for sale for a mere $28 MILLION!

9. Bell Rock

4999 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86351-8995 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55230
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
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4.5 based on 4,873 reviews

Bell Rock

Reviewed By cookpias - Los Angeles, United States

There was a fairly easy hike from the Bell Rock trailhead in between Bell Rock and the courthouse formation, completely around the rock itself which gave wonderful views and a nice way to stretch our legs and enjoy the setting.

10. Airport Mesa

Sedona, AZ +1 805-729-0515 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=71905
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,793 reviews

Airport Mesa

Reviewed By mmccubb - West Des Moines, United States

This is a must do site, particularly to watch the sun set on the mountains. But get there early. Also note that there is a small few for parking. But the view is magnificent. You get a great view of Sedona and the mountains.

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