29 Awesome Things to Do in Sedona Besides Hiking 2024

Resources for Planning Your Trip to Sedona

🏜️ Looking to make the most of your time in Sedona? Take a look at my article, “4 Day Sedona Itinerary for an Epic Weekend Getaway.” And for a shorter stay this article, “The Ideal Sedona Day Trip Itinerary + The Best Highlights.”

🏨 I’ve already picked out the Best Hotels in Sedona with a View, making your accommodation choice a breeze. If you want to save on your hotel, go ahead and book through Hotels.com or VRBO and start racking up that One Key Cash!

🛩️ Just a heads up – score extra One Key Cash by booking your flights and car rental through Expedia. Use it for more travel adventures and discounts down the road!

🚁 Book your amazing activities and tours with GetYourGuide or Viator. Plus, enjoy the peace of mind that you’ll get a full refund if plans take an unexpected turn.

🧳 Make sure you don’t forget anything with this complete Sedona Packing List.

3. Wineries Of The Verde Valley Wine Trail

Calling all wine lovers! You simply cannot miss out on the Verde Valley Wine Trail.

The Verde Valley Wine Trail connects the dots between four wineries: Alcantara Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards, and Javelina Leap Vineyards. It’s all about mixing together history, gorgeous scenery, and some seriously tasty Arizona wines.

So, grab a glass of your favorite wine, take in the stunning views, and enjoy the journey along the Verde Valley Wine Trail.

Remember: There will be plenty of tastings along the way, so please drink responsibly and arrange for a designated driver. Better yet, schedule a guided vineyard tour!

Here are the best Sedona Wine Tours:

4. Take A Scenic Drive on the Red Rock Scenic Byway or the Red Rock Loop Road

The Red Rock Scenic Byway, also known as State Route 179, is a 7.5-mile stretch renowned for its breathtaking views of Sedona’s unique rock formations.

On the other hand, the Red Rock Loop Road is a scenic drive that forms a loop around the Sedona area. It’s a longer route and offers additional perspectives of the stunning landscape.

While these two stunning drives do overlap in some areas, they provide different experiences and vantage points of Sedona’s natural beauty.

Any season is perfect for a scenic drive, offering breathtaking beauty and otherworldly scenery. With numerous viewpoints and hiking spots, it feels like you’re entering another world.

Bonus—it’s FREE!

5. Slide Rock State Park

Picture yourself reliving carefree childhood joy as you slide down an exhilarating 80-foot-long natural rock slide.

Nestled in Oak Creek Canyon, Slide Rock State Park offers more than just a mere spot to visit. Here, you’ll discover a natural water slide, a 43-acre historic apple farm, cozy rustic cabins, winding hiking trails, and plenty of hidden fishing spots.

Don’t miss out on this incredible fun – guaranteed to put a big smile on your face!

Fees range from $10 to $30 during peak season and holidays but trust me, it’s absolutely worth it, especially to escape the desert heat when visiting Sedona.

6. Visit Sedona Arts Center

Whether you’re an art aficionado like me or just craving inspiration, let me tell you, the Sedona Arts Center is THE spot to bask in all that creative goodness.

Visit the Arts Center Gallery for local art ranging from fine art to jewelry and photos, perfect for unique Sedona souvenirs.

And don’t forget about events like the Sedona Plein Air Festival, where local and international artists create amazing outdoor masterpieces, celebrating creativity and community vibes!

It’s FREE to visit the Sedona Arts Center. Enjoy!!

7. Ride the Grand Canyon Railway

All aboard!

The Grand Canyon is a must-see on any Arizona vacation bucket list. But why not make the journey by taking a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona? Just an hour outside of Sedona.

Get ready for an epic train adventure featuring a variety of car classes, from the timeless 1923 Pullman style to modern ones with panoramic views.

But first, you’ll witness a staged old-time Wild West shootout before boarding the train.

As you chug along, each train car has its own attendant, bringing its unique flair of entertainment to the journey.

8. Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Rides

Consider booking a sunrise hot air balloon ride with one of Sedona’s many reputable companies for an unforgettable experience.

The serenity of the early morning combined with the bird’s-eye view creates a magical ambiance, making it one of the best ways to start your day in Sedona.

Hot air ballooning is motionless and peaceful, letting you soak in Sedona’s beauty effortlessly. You can end your adventure with a chic champagne brunch.

9. Take a Helicopter Tour

Discover Sedona from another incredible bird eye view, but this time with a whole lot more of a rush.

Coming from a helicopter pilot’s wife, take it from me, this experience is a must-do! Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure or a romantic rendezvous, you won’t regret this decision.

Remember that although helicopter rides can be a memorable experience, they do come at a cost. Choose the one that fits your budget and enjoy the breathtaking views! I highly recommend this helicopter tour!

10. Night Sky Tour (Stars and UFO tour)

Step into the Twilight Zone!

If you’re intrigued by the concept of extraterrestrial life, then this night tour is perfect for you.

You will be shown the difference between regular objects in the night sky like planes, satellites, etc. and UFO/UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena).

Whether you’re a dedicated believer or just up for some stargazing fun, get ready for a mind-bending journey that’ll totally shift your outlook on the world!

11. Kayak the Verde River

If you have a bucket list, you just might want to put this on it!

With an average of 275 sunny days per year in Sedona, kayaking on the Verde River is one of the top outdoor adventures for the area. Have fun paddling down this river, where you will encounter beautiful scenery and both tranquil stretches and exhilarating rapids along the way.

The cities of Camp Verde, Clarkdale, and Cottonwood are the main population centers along the river.

12. Visit The Vortexes (tours)

If you are craving uplifting vibes and energy, then Sedona vortexes are the honeypot for just that!

The Visit Sedona website describes the vortexes as “swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration.” It adds that the vortex sites “are places where the earth seems especially alive with energy.”

Sedona has four main vortex locations: Boynton Canyon, Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, and Cathedral Rock.

Among them, the Airport Mesa vortex is known for requiring the least amount of hiking. If you’re not keen on a strenuous hike but still want to tap into the vortex energy, Airport Mesa is a great choice. You can enjoy the serene atmosphere and captivating views without an extensive trek.

Opting for a vortex tour is an excellent decision if you want guidance and insights into these mystical energy points.

13. Participate in Desert Yoga

The calm and beauty of the Sedona desert make it a perfect spot for yogis of all levels, from beginners to seasoned practitioners. Personally, I’ve discovered few places as peaceful as Sedona for a yoga session.

What’s even more special is the option to join yoga tours that take you amidst the red rocks. These tours not only guide you through your practice but also allow you to connect with Sedona’s stunning scenery.

14. Have a Spa Day

Treating yourself to a spa day in Sedona is one of the best things to do besides hiking when visiting Sedona. It’s also one of the top spa destinations.

Sedona’s spas provide a holistic wellness experience with diverse treatments to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit. Many also feature Native American-inspired rituals to deepen your cultural connection.

Whether you’re going solo, marking a special occasion, or just enjoying a romantic getaway, a spa day is something we can all enjoy and deserve.

15. Shop at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village

Whoa, that’s a mouthful.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (pronounced T-lockey-pockey) is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

Nestled along Oak Creek, Tlaquepaque is the top shopping spot in the Southwest, offering 45+ unique specialty shops with stylish women’s clothing, art galleries, jewelry, home décor, handcrafted rugs, and more.

Tlaquepaque is a vibrant gathering spot designed to resemble a traditional Mexican village. Here, you can experience traditional fiestas from Mexico’s past and present.

16. Mountain Biking

Perhaps it’s the vortexes, but lots of people swear by the awesome vibes they feel when mountain biking in Sedona’s desert. So, if you’re into hitting the trails, this is your spot!

Emerging as a popular bike haven, Sedona has approximately 250 trails to discover. It stands out as an exhilarating destination for both seasoned bikers and beginners alike.

Don’t fret – whether you’re a novice or somewhere in between, there are plenty of trails tailored to your skill level.

17. Horseback Riding

This is definitely on my bucket list of things to do in Sedona. I can’t think of a better way to explore this red-rock country.

This might be an option for you, too.

Horseback riding is a much more peaceful and less invasive way to appreciate the natural beauty that lies all around this remarkable region.

You can also find good stables in nearby cities like Prescott and Flagstaff within an hour’s drive. If you’re mindful of your budget, costs can range anywhere between $80 to $375 per person.

18. Watch A Sunset at Airport Mesa Overlook

Airport Mesa is renowned as the prime sunset viewing location in Sedona and is highly recommended after sunset for its night views.

This spot is also one of Sedona’s amazing vortex sites!

Because of its popularity, this spot gets pretty jam-packed, and parking can be tough with the crowds. So head out a little earlier or try watching the sunrise views instead.

19. Oak Creek Brewery

OK, you beer connoisseurs, here is a noteworthy find. Tucked away in Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, you can’t leave Sedona without swinging by the pride and joy of Sedona.

Oak Creek Brewery offers a diverse range of brews, including pale ales, rich stouts, and seasonal specialties.

Top off your visit with delicious eats from Oak Creek’s pub, where you can fill up without emptying your wallet with most dishes priced under $20.

Oh, and definitely don’t miss out on their legendary Nut Brown Ale – it’s the brew that made them famous!

20. Visit Sedona Farmers Market

The Sedona Community Farmers Market in West Sedona is such a wonderful event!

It’s all about celebrating local farmers, promoting sustainability, and bringing the community closer together.

Operating exclusively on Sundays, the market runs from May to October during the summer, from 8:00 a.m. to noon, and from November to April during the winter, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Remember: without farms, our markets and tables would be empty.

21. Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park

What is a Amitabah Stupa you ask?

It is considered a living presence of Buddha, and there are a few stupas in the United States. This is the only one located in Arizona at the foot of Thunder Mountain.

A bit tucked away from the usual spots, this park was set up for folks wanting to connect with their spiritual side or simply find a peaceful spot to contemplate.

Everyone’s invited, regardless of religious background, and the best part? It’s FREE!

22. Get a Psychic Reading at Mystical Bazaar

This is something I am not into, but you can’t ignore the fact that Sedona is known for its immense metaphysical energy.

Mystical Bazaar provides spiritual and psychic readings from highly skilled individuals, many trained by renowned masters globally. They offer various options, including couples sessions, phone consultations, and even readings in Spanish.

This is totally a story to spice up your conversations and a memory to stash away in your brain’s “fun” folder! Price Range: $40 – $120.

24. Visit the Sedona Heritage Museum

If you are history buff like my hubby, The Sedona Heritage Museum is an interesting little gem that presents the history of the Sedona area, from post-Civil War days to the present.

Explore fascinating insights such as the origin of Sedon’s name, stories of its influential figures, engage in a museum scavenger hunt, and keep the kids entertained with “Kids Korral” dress-up activities and more!

25. Have a Picnic with a View at Crescent Moon Picnic Area

Crescent Moon, nestled under Cathedral Rock along Oak Creek, is a favorite spot in the Southwest for photography, swimming, and water adventures.

This area is constantly bustling with people. For a quieter experience, consider visiting during early mornings or for sunset.

Enjoy this tranquil setting with the best views of Cathedral Rock reflecting in the calm waters and the soothing melody of Oak Creek, perfect for a peaceful picnic.

26. Take an Open-air bus sightseeing tour

You’re going to love the 360-degree open-air bus tours with shade! They will drive to all the main highlights.

Create lasting memories with a photo opt with the iconic red rocks, experience energetic vortexes, be treated to classic sites including Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock or the Amitabha Stupa/vortex, and don’t forget the Grand Canyon. Great enjoyment for any age, including seniors.

27. Grab a unique souvenir at the Son Silver West Gallery

You MUST see this place! Son Silver Galleries is an emporium of absolutely everything.

You won’t believe it, but just when you think you’ve seen everything, there’s another room packed with even more stuff!

This intricate maze of metal, plastic, colors, and one-of-a-kind finds can easily captivate you for hours! You’ll find something for everyone here, regardless of your interests.

Whether you’re hunting for a fun souvenir or a quirky gift, you’ll have a blast exploring this eclectic shop.

28. Play a round or two of golf

If you’re a golf buff, it’s time to tee off.

Although Sedona has only a limited number of courses, it offers a diverse selection suitable for players of various skill levels. Ranging from casual 9-hole par 3 layouts to demanding 18-hole Championship courses, there’s an option to accommodate every preference.

With almost 300 days of sunshine each year and unparalleled scenery, this is a golfer’s paradise.

29. Grab a seat on a trolley tour

Another way to see Sedona’s iconic landmarks is to take a step back in time with a fun, informative tour on the Sedona Trolley. You listen to exciting little-known facts about the town and hear American Indian legends from your expert guide.

You also pass by filming locations from old Hollywood westerns and stop at some of the popular landmarks for photo ops.