The Top Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona

Explore the endless things to do in Sedona, Arizona, and look to this stunning town as a gateway to exploring the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon. Just a few hours south of the Grand Canyon, many travelers make a point of stopping off at this town to take in some of the area’s natural beauty, but also prepare themselves for a journey into the Grand Canyon.

Sedona remains a stunning travel destination on its own, remaining just a stone’s throw away from incredible outdoor travel opportunities, including hiking, mountainbiking, and swimming. The area maintains a reputation for its incredible natural beauty, where visitors can stroll the streets along a backdrop of stunning red rock formations. Explore all that Sedona has to offer and use this information to book your next trip!

Key Points From This Article

Learn about the contents of this guide with this quick summary.

• Learn about the top natural wonders and scenic spots in Sedona.
• Explore outdoor travel activities and where visitors should consider visiting.
• Learn more about the incredible art and culture scene in Sedona.
• Take in details about the food, dining, and nightlife scene in Sedona.

Health and Wellness in Sedona

Sedona is unique in that it is known as a “spiritual vortex” of energy found within the earth. The desert landscapes have a reputation for helping visitors connect with their spiritual self, where wellness and yoga retreats can help tourists rest and unwind. Vortex tours are also common offerings, where travelers can visit sites like Cathedral Rock or Boynton Canyon to experience the many energy vortexes in the area. Some sites are known to have ancient and different energies, helping visitors release stress or find spiritual balance.

Taking in The Natural Beauty of Sedona

The surrounding outdoor scenery of Sedona remains famous for its red rock, where natural rock landscapes make for picturesque moments that are entirely unique to the area. Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Bell Rock are all incredibly well-known natural monuments, drawing in visitors from around the world, and are especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset. These areas often require some light walking, but remain accessible to most visitors.

Many tourists also consider visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a church constructed directly into the area’s bedrock. Further, the natural basis found in the Coconino National Forest, called the Seven Sacred Pools, is a popular natural tourist destination, while also remaining close to other caves that are primed for exploration.

Outdoor Adventure in Sedona

Sedona remains a hotspot for adventure travel in its own right. There are so many incredible activities available for those who love to spend their time being active in the great outdoors here. Appreciating the stunning skylines of Sedona and the surrounding areas is often best completed on a great hike or forest tour.

With hundreds of miles of available hiking trails, it can be difficult to decide where to begin. Destinations like Coffee Pot Rock and Snoopy Rock are suitable for those who love hiking, calling on visitors to traverse the landscapes in search of that perfect photo. Further, Cathedral Rock Trail, Devil’s Bridge. Bell Rock, West Fork Trail, and Bear Mountain all offer their own hiking challenges, each with varying difficulties.

Many Jeep and ATV tours remain available, ready to be booked on behalf of tour operators stationed in the city. Consider booking a Jeep or ATV tour of Broken Arrow Trail, Soldier Pass Road,  Schnebly Hill Road, or Dry Creek Road. Some tours may require a permit or require travelers to be part of a larger group to take part in such adventures. 

Mountain biking remains incredibly popular here as well, with world-class trails remaining just a short drive out of the main city. Consider Bell Rock Pathway, Templeton Trails, and Mescal Trail as your first choice for exceptional mountain biking trails.

For those who want to cool off, swimming is another option widely available in Sedona. Sedona is home to incredibly beautiful and cold-water swimming holes that are popular amongst tourists and locals. Slide Rock State Park is home to a natural waterslide, while Grasshopper Point and Crescent Moon Ranch are available for a relaxing dip after a long day.

Shopping in Sedona

Sedona remains a unique and charming town to visit simply by strolling through the streets. The Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village and Uptown Sedona are charming and worthwhile stops for shopping, where visitors can visit one-of-a-kind boutiques set along cobblestone streets. 

Explore gift shops, take home unique souvenirs from local art galleries, and take in a cafe set alongside the red rock landscape. Make a point of stopping along the Oak Creek Overlook for indigenous-made crafts and clothing.

Taking in Art, Culture, and History Throughout Sedona

Aside from its incredible outdoor adventure opportunities, the town of Sedona is also a destination well known for its arts, culture, and history scene. There are well over 80 art galleries scattered throughout Sedona that include indigenous sculptures, jewelry, and paintings. The city is well known for its arts and film festivals, along with arts and crafts shows that showcase local and indigenous talent.

Visitors also have the chance to connect with indigenous communities, including the Sinagua cliff dwelling. 

Plan a trip to Palatki Heritage Site, Honanki Heritage Site, and Montezuma Castle National Monument to learn more about the cultures indigenous to the area. Many tour operators include stops at these kinds of destinations to help you better appreciate the culture of the area. Ancient rock carvings from thousands of years ago stand today at many sacred sites, including the Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site and Palatki Heritage Site. Visiting these sites alongside a tour guide can help visitors gain a deep appreciation of the indigenous cultures that paved the way for modern life in Sedona.

Sedona Food, Drink, and Nightlife

Worth noting is the food and dining scene in Sedona, where many pubs and restaurants offer locally sourced beer and wine. Travelers can expect a mix of midwestern and Mediterranean foods, along with casual dining options suitable for families and children. However, don’t expect too many late-night dance clubs in Sedona, but instead stargazing and UFO sighting tours that stand as the most popular after-dark option.

Group Versus Solo Travel in Sedona

It should be no secret that between Sedona and the Grand Canyon, there are truly an overwhelming number of things to see and do. Those who love outdoor adventure and history will find themselves attempting to navigate what to visit and experience first. Solo travel can sometimes miss out on some of the historical significance of certain landmarks, while tour guides can help provide insight and knowledge about the area.

For first-time travelers to the area, group travel is an amazing way of experiencing this destination without ever missing out on an important detail. Look to a travel group provider who can point you in the right direction and help you experience the best this travel destination can offer. Further, group travel offers extended safety for those who may be concerned, ensuring you remain part of a group focused and dedicated to the enjoyment of your trip.

Explore Sedona and The Grand Canyon Alongside Caravan

Caravan is proud to offer fully-guided tours of the Grand Canyon that include a stop in Sedona. This charming town is best experienced alongside a local guide who can help you appreciate every detail of your trip. Stroll through this town and appreciate its incredible natural beauty with a travel group dedicated to ensuring you appreciate every detail along the way.

Private travel groups take away the challenges of booking an elaborate trip in Sedona and the Grand Canyon, where each detail is taken care of by the team at Caravan. Never worry about accommodations, food, or transportation, and instead, let a guide show you the way through the beauty of Sedona and the Grand Canyon. 

Grand Canyon group tours offer a mix of exceptional sightseeing, culture, and outdoor adventure into one simple travel experience, with curated travel experiences that support local businesses and ensure your ongoing comfort. Take in everything that Sedona has to offer and enjoy this destination with those who are experienced and dedicated to ensuring your safety and enjoyment.

Visit the Caravan website to learn more about our long list of group travel offerings. Call us directly to inquire about available bookings for this upcoming travel season. Many of our group tours fill up quickly, so don’t delay. Call us directly at 1 (312)-321-9800 or 1-800-CARAVAN and speak with one of our agents.

We remain as excited as you are about traveling to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Contact us now to learn more. Adventure awaits you! Let Caravan guide the way!