Sedona Tours & Activities

Plan your trip to Sedona, Arizona — handpicked tours and activities, the best time to visit, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and a sample itinerary.

Top things to do in Sedona

• Cathedral Rock. Sedona's most-photographed sandstone butte rises to 4,965 feet and offers a short but steep 1.1-mile scramble to a saddle with 360-degree views of the red rock landscape. Arrive before sunrise to beat the crowds — the parking lot fills before 6 a.m. on peak days, and Thursday through Sunday the trailhead is…
• Chapel of the Holy Cross. A Roman Catholic chapel completed in 1956, dramatically cantilevered directly into a red rock butte and anchored by a 90-foot iron cross — nearly one million visitors come each year. From the patio you can take in Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte all at once, and admission is free.
• Sedona Energy Vortexes. Four main sites — Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, and Boynton Canyon — are believed by many to emit concentrated earth energy, drawing seekers of spiritual renewal from around the world. Airport Mesa is the most accessible first vortex; Boynton Canyon is the most serene and roughly half a mile from its…
• Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive. Highway 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff cuts through a dramatic gorge of pine, red rock, and creek, designated a National Forest Scenic Byway. The drive takes about an hour one way, with the Oak Creek Vista Overlook at the top offering free parking, restrooms, and Native American craft vendors April through November.
• Slide Rock State Park. Set in a 43-acre historic apple orchard six miles north of Sedona, Slide Rock's 80-foot algae-slick sandstone chute into Oak Creek is one of Arizona's most beloved natural water attractions. Note: verify current open/closed status before visiting as closures can occur after wildfires affect water quality.
• Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village. Open since 1973, this cobblestoned outdoor village modeled on a traditional Mexican market hosts more than 50 specialty galleries and boutiques beneath ancient sycamores on the banks of Oak Creek. It is regarded as the Southwest's most distinctive fine-art shopping experience, with sculpture, ceramics, blown glass,…
• Pink Jeep Tours — Broken Arrow Trail. Pink Adventure Tours has run off-road Jeep excursions in Sedona since 1960 and holds the only US Forest Service permit to operate on the Broken Arrow trail, taking guests over dramatic red-rock ledges inaccessible on foot. Tours depart from Uptown Sedona and sell out well in advance during peak season.
• Verde Canyon Railroad. A four-hour, 40-mile round-trip rail journey from Clarkdale through a pristine riparian canyon accessible only by train, crossing vintage trestles, a 734-foot tunnel, and past ancient ruins along the Verde River. Climate-controlled cars with panoramic windows and full bar service make it a relaxed, all-ages experience.

Best time to visit Sedona

Mid-September through October, or March through April. WeatherSpark identifies the third week of September as the single best week in Sedona's year for outdoor travel — blue skies, low humidity, daytime highs around 85°F and cooling evenings. Spring (March–April) is the second-best window with highs in the mid-60s to low-70s and wildflower blooms. Both windows avoid summer monsoon thunderstorms and winter cold snaps, and coincide with the Sedona Plein Air Festival (October) and Film Festival (February–March) for cultural depth

Sedona weather by month

Getting to Sedona

A free Sedona Shuttle runs Thursday through Sunday from three park-and-ride lots to five popular trailheads including Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass. An on-demand Sedona Shuttle Connect covers West Sedona and Uptown for $2 per ride. On busy spring and fall weekends, major trailhead parking lots fill before 7 a.m. — use the shuttle or arrive before sunrise.

• PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport — 115 min drive
• FLG Flagstaff Pulliam Airport — 45 min drive
• PRC Ernest A. Love Field (Prescott Regional Airport) — 60 min drive

Where to stay in Sedona

Where to base yourself, by neighborhood.

• Uptown Sedona. The vibrant, walkable core of Sedona with the highest concentration of galleries, restaurants, and shops. It is the busiest and most convenient base, with immediate access to trolley tours, Pink Jeep departures, and several short trailheads — though it is… Good for: First-time visitors, shoppers, couples who want to be in the heart of the action.
• West Sedona. A more residential stretch along Highway 89A with a local, less-commercialized feel. Proximity to trailheads for Soldiers Pass, Fay Canyon, and Doe Mountain make it popular with hikers, and the quieter atmosphere suits those who prefer to retreat after… Good for: Hikers, repeat visitors, families seeking a calmer base with good dining access.
• Village of Oak Creek. A small, peaceful community about 6 miles south of Uptown, offering lower prices than central Sedona without sacrificing scenery. Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock trailheads are practically in the backyard, and several highly-rated restaurants — including Cucina… Good for: Budget-conscious travelers, hikers targeting the southern trail corridor, longer stays.
• Oak Creek Canyon. The lush, pine-forested canyon floor north of Uptown Sedona along Highway 89A, threaded by Oak Creek and dotted with creekside resorts and cabins. It is the most romantic and nature-immersive lodging setting in the area — cool in summer, brilliant with fall… Good for: Romantic getaways, nature lovers, visitors prioritizing scenery over urban convenience.
• Cottonwood and Verde Valley. A genuine small town about 20 minutes from Sedona, Cottonwood serves budget-minded travelers and wine enthusiasts well. It is the gateway to the Verde Valley Wine Trail's densest cluster of tasting rooms in Clarkdale and Cottonwood proper, and accommodation… Good for: Wine trail visitors, budget travelers, those catching the Verde Canyon Railroad.

Where to eat in Sedona

A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.

Local favorites & classics

• Elote Cafe. SR-179 corridor · Modern Mexican — Sedona's most acclaimed restaurant for well over a decade, helmed by Chef Jeff Smedstad. The fire-roasted elote appetizer (corn with chile, lime, and cotija) is…
• Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill. West Sedona · Latin American (Argentine/Chilean) — Chef Lisa Dahl's showpiece restaurant features 23-foot floor-to-ceiling windows framing red-rock panoramas. Signatures include mushroom empanadas…
• The Hudson. Hillside / Uptown · Contemporary American — Chef-driven comfort food served with the most striking dining-room red-rock panoramas in Sedona. Consistently ranked among the city's top restaurants for…
• Cowboy Club. Uptown Sedona · Western American / Steakhouse — Sedona's historic Western dining institution, featuring mesquite-grilled steaks, game meats, and a warm, lodge-style interior. A landmark since the…
• Javelina Cantina. Hillside / Uptown · Sonoran Mexican — Voted Sedona's best margaritas and tacos, with a dog-friendly patio. Sizzling fajitas and Cadillac margaritas are the crowd favorites; arrives with great views…
• El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano. Tlaquepaque Village · Arizona-style Mexican — Family-owned since 1976 and credited as the originator of 'Arizona-style' Mexican cuisine. Famous for the Navajo Pizza, hand-rolled chimichangas, and…
• Open Range Grill & Tavern. 320 N State Rte 89A · 4.5★ (5,639 reviews)
• Hideaway House. 231 AZ-179 Ste b · 4.5★ (4,467 reviews)

Cafés, bakeries & casual

• Dahl and DiLuca Ristorante Italiano. West Sedona · Italian — A Tuscan-villa atmosphere with organic homemade pasta, fresh-caught fish, and a Wine Spectator Award-winning cellar. 'Resort casual' dress code enforced — no shorts or…
• Oak Creek Brewery and Grill. Tlaquepaque / West Sedona · Brewpub / American — Sedona's original craft brewery since 1995, with two locations. Wood-fired pizza, a shaded beer garden, and a rotating tap list of flagship and…
• Coffee Pot Restaurant. West Sedona · American Breakfast / Diner — An iconic Sedona institution since 1955, famous for its menu of 101 different omelets. Affordable, casual, and filling — the standard pre-hike breakfast…
• ChocolaTree Organic Eatery. 1595 AZ-89A · 4.5★ (2,875 reviews)
• Sedonuts Donut & Coffee Shop of Sedona, AZ. 2370 W State Rte 89A #6 · 4.8★ (1,619 reviews)
• Pump House Station Urban Eatery and Market. 313 AZ-179 D10 · 4.6★ (2,110 reviews)
• The Secret Garden Cafe. 336 AZ-179 f101 · 4.3★ (2,240 reviews)
• Indian Gardens Cafe & Market. 3951 AZ-89A · 4.7★ (912 reviews)

Fine dining & Michelin

• Cucina Rustica. Village of Oak Creek · Tuscan-Mediterranean Italian — Four working fireplaces, a starlit terrace, and a menu of house-made pastas and wood-fired dishes make this a top romantic-dinner choice south…
• Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano. 2321 AZ-89A · 4.5★ (1,916 reviews)
• Broome & Orchard. 101 N State Rte 89A · 4.5★ (489 reviews)
• Che Ah Chi. 525 Boynton Canyon Rd · 4.2★ (274 reviews)
• Forty1. 900 W State Rte 89A · 4.5★ (132 reviews)
• Costa by Madrid – Elevated Latin Cuisine. 150 AZ-179 Ste 9 · 4.7★ (100 reviews)
• Tii Gavo. 525 Boynton Canyon Road Tii Gavo · 4.0★ (192 reviews)

A 7-Day Sedona Plan

1. Day 1 — Red Rock First Impressions. Arrive and settle in, then drive the Airport Mesa loop for sweeping panoramic views of the red rock landscape — a gentle introduction to Sedona's dramatic scenery. Pick up a Red Rock Pass at any local shop or visitor center before heading out. Visit the iconic Chapel of the Holy…
2. Day 2 — Vortexes, Energy & Spirit. Begin at the Airport Mesa vortex at sunrise for the full mystical atmosphere with minimal crowds — bring a mat and spend quiet time meditating or simply absorbing the views. Pick up a vortex map from the Sedona Chamber of Commerce visitor center to orient yourself. Head to the Bell…
3. Day 3 — Cathedral Rock & Oak Creek. Tackle the Cathedral Rock trail early — this 1.2-mile out-and-back is short but steep, rewarding hikers with one of the most iconic summit views in Arizona. Bring plenty of water and start before 8 a.m. to beat both heat and crowds. Drive north on AZ-89A through Oak Creek Canyon,…
4. Day 4 — Adventure on the Broken Arrow Trail. Join a Pink Jeep Tours Broken Arrow Trail excursion — the guides are superb and the route traverses terrain impossible to reach by standard vehicle, including slickrock climbs and scenic overlooks above Chicken Point. Book in advance as tours sell out, especially in peak…
5. Day 5 — Verde Canyon Railroad & Valley Wines. Drive 45 minutes to Clarkdale for the Verde Canyon Railroad, a four-hour narrated train excursion through a remote wilderness canyon inaccessible by road — watch for nesting bald eagles, great blue herons, and ancient cliff dwellings along the Verde River. Depart on the…
6. Day 6 — Wilderness Hikes & Hidden Trails. Set out early on the Boynton Canyon trail, a 6.2-mile out-and-back that passes the Kachina Woman vortex site and winds through a lush canyon with towering red walls — one of the most beautiful and less-crowded hikes near Sedona. Bring layers as the canyon stays cool in the…
7. Day 7 — Stargazing Under Dark Skies. Spend a slow final morning at one of Sedona's wellness resorts — L'Auberge de Sedona's creekside yoga session or a sound bath at the Center for the New Age are ideal ways to close a week of red rock immersion. This is a morning for lingering over a good breakfast at The Hudson in…

Events & festivals in Sedona

• Sedona International Film Festival (Late February – early March (e.g., Feb 21 – Mar 1, 2026)). Annual 8–9 day festival; one of the '25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World' (MovieMaker magazine, 2023). Features film screenings, workshops, and filmmaker Q&As.
• RunSedona (Half Marathon, 10K, 5K) (February (e.g., February 7, 2026 — 21st annual)). Annual running event through Sedona's red rock landscape. Named 'One of the 15 Most Scenic Half Marathons in the United States and Canada' by Runner's World. 2027 event will be the 22nd annual.
• Sedona Mountain Bike Festival (March (annual; 2026 dates TBA per official site)). Three-day celebration of mountain biking featuring bike demos, shuttled rides, a beer garden, live music, food trucks, and skills clinics. Draws riders from across the country.
• Sedona Hummingbird Festival (Late July (e.g., July 24–26, 2026 — 12th annual)). Multi-day festival presented by the International Hummingbird Society. Features speaker presentations, garden tours, banding demonstrations, and birding field trips. Up to 8 hummingbird species visible in the Sedona…
• Sedona Plein Air Festival (October (typically third week; e.g., Oct 16–24, 2026)). One of the oldest continuously running plein air festivals in the western United States. Master artists from across the country paint outdoors against Sedona's red rock backdrop. Presented by the Sedona Arts Center…
• Sedona Arts Festival (October (second weekend; e.g., Oct 10–11, 2026)). Oldest and largest arts festival in Sedona and the greater Verde Valley. Features 125+ juried artists and live music at Sedona Red Rock High School. Sole fundraiser for arts education in the Sedona area.
• Sedona Yoga Festival (October (e.g., October 1–4, 2026)). Immersive multi-day yoga conference and wellness gathering set among the red rock formations. Described as 'a transformational space for the deep seeker of yoga.'
• Día de los Muertos Celebration (November 1–2). Annual Day of the Dead celebration at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village featuring large-scale installations, altars, and cultural performances.

Top-rated tours & activities in Sedona

• Private Luxury Wine Tour $469 per group, up to 5, $749 up to 12 — 5.0★ (56 reviews)
• Sedona Sunset Vortex Tour — 5.0★ (55 reviews)
• Private Grand Canyon Sunset Tour — 5.0★ (49 reviews)
• Private 4-Hour Tour of Sedona with pickup/drop-off — 5.0★ (50 reviews)
• Private Custom Tours in Sedona — 5.0★ (46 reviews)
• Private Grand Canyon Ultimate Day Tour — 5.0★ (37 reviews)
• Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour from Sedona — 5.0★ (49 reviews)
• Make your own Glass Beads in Sedona — 5.0★ (38 reviews)

Sedona travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Sedona?

Mid-September through October, or March through April.

What are the top things to do in Sedona?

Top experiences include Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona Energy Vortexes, Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, Slide Rock State Park.

Which airport is closest to Sedona?

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is the nearest, about 45 minutes away.

Where should I stay in Sedona?

Popular areas to base yourself include Uptown Sedona, West Sedona, Village of Oak Creek, Oak Creek Canyon.

How do I get around Sedona?

A free Sedona Shuttle runs Thursday through Sunday from three park-and-ride lots to five popular trailheads including Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass.