24 Things To Do In Sedona (Besides Hiking!)
Sedona is beloved for breathtaking red rock landscapes, ample outdoor activities, a vibrant art scene, and spiritual sites.
While it’s also quite famous for hiking, and understandably so, there’s much more to this desert city. From museums and Native American sites to fun tours and adventurous outings, there’s an incredible amount to do here.
If you’re planning an extended trip and want to break up the hiking or simply want to avoid the trails all together, these are some of the best things to do in Sedona besides hiking.
Top Things To Do In Sedona Besides Hiking
Sedona Heritage Museum
This museum is an ode to the city, displaying artifacts from post-Civil War Arizona to present day.
There are 3 unique buildings that make up the museum, each with its own relics from the past. These include: restored movie sets, historic photos, farm equipment, and pioneering tools. Additionally, weekly events take place from woodcarving to quilting.
The wide variety of exhibits and stunning location make this a great place to learn the history of Sedona.
ATV Tour
A fun way to see the beautiful landscapes of Sedona (and simultaneously get an adrenaline rush!) is by ATV tour.
The desert landscape is very fragile here, so it’s important to stay on designated trails. To ensure this, a tour is a great way to go. Not to mention, it’s also a unique way to learn about Sedona’s landscape and history from an experienced guide. Check out guided tours with Arizona ATV Adventures.
There are rental options in town as well, if you prefer to go on your own. Just be sure to carefully research where ATVs are allowed.
Sedona Trolley
The Sedona Trolley is a narrated, driving tour providing stunning views and a chance to visit several incredible attractions in the span of a few hours. This is a popular way to see the highlights of Sedona and learn about the city, all within the comfortable confines of a trolley!
Tours go out daily and can be booked either individually or as a package deal at Sedona Trolley, with West or South Sedona tour options offered.
Reservations should be made well advance due to popularity at peak times.
Vineyards & Wine Tastings
While visiting Sedona, enjoying the wine region is a must consideration.
Verde Valley is a dry, high elevation desert with cold mornings and hot afternoons… a perfect environment for growing grapes.
There are almost 20 vineyards in the area bottling reds, whites, sparkling, and blends.
DA Ranch, Page Springs, and Chateau Tumbleweed are among the most beloved vineyards, but there are tons of great options, to see them all check out the Verde Valley Wine Trail.
The vineyards are all located outside of Sedona, requiring a car. If you don’t have a designated driver, there are ample shuttle options plus group and private wine tours available.
Tip: If you’re not able to visit a vineyard during your stay, stop by The Art of Wine for an Arizona wine tasting, the wine bar is a great place to learn about local wines right in Uptown.
Chapel Of The Holy Cross
One of the most unique structures in Arizona, this chapel juts straight out the red rock formations and provides unbelievable views, particularly at sunset. The architectural masterpiece combined with a spiritual aura makes this place a must visit.
Gaze upon the chapel artwork, light a candle for a loved one, or stay for a full church service. Or, simply drive by and admire this exceptional chapel from outside.
No matter, you don’t want to miss one of the most unique cathedrals in the United States.
Verde Canyon Railroad
The Verde Canyon Railroad is a historic train ride following the Verde River as it winds through the area’s famous red rock landscapes.
The 4-hour scenic ride offers stunning views of otherwise inaccessible landscapes, with comfortable indoor seating and open-air viewing cars to take in the scenery. It’s a really fun and unique way to see Sedona!
The train runs year-round with traditional rides, plus special events such as their Christmas ride, fall colors tour, stargazing events, wine routes, and more.
Check out ticket options at Verde Canyon Railroad.
Tuzigoot National Monument
This national monument protects the remains of a Native American village from 1100 AD. The Sinagua Indigenous people who built this hilltop pueblo were a large, influential tribe in the Western part of the United States.
Seeing the pueblo, which archaeologists believe at one point had 100 rooms, does require following some trails, although the main trails are short and easy.
On-site there’s also a museum where you’ll find all sorts of important tools and objects found during the excavation process.
Go For A Scenic Drive
A great way to enjoy Sedona’s red rock landscapes and diverse desert terrain is to go for a scenic drive.
The views in this area are excellent, so just about any drive will turn scenic, but Red Rock Scenic Byway, a 7.5 mile paved route, is definitely the most famous. Offering views of the famous red rock landscape, the Holy Cross, and Bell Rock, it’s easy to understand why so many love it.
Oak Creek Canyon Drive, Schnebly Hill Road, and Red Rock Loop are also good options.
Pink Jeep Tours Sedona
When visiting Sedona you must go for a Jeep tour in the jaw-dropping red rock backcountry.
Pink Jeep Tours, in business since 1960, is one of the most popular Jeep companies out here thanks to their unwavering reputation.
The company has a huge variety of tours to chose from. I’ve done Broken Arrow at sunset, which I highly recommend.
The tour included a two hour off-road adventure and two stops with stunning 360-degree views. Our guide, who had been with the company for 10 years, was very fun and provided us with a ton of information about Sedona, its history, and the surrounding landscape.
You can book your tour here: Pink Jeep Tours — I recommend booking this in advance, the popular tours sell out quickly.
Kayak The Verde River
Want to spend a day on the river? Head about 20 minutes south of Sedona and kayak the Verde River. Here the river is flat and calm in most places, making it perfect for an afternoon of kayaking.
You can ride by yourself, but there are no buses or ride services to transport kayakers, so you’ll need to have two vehicles, one at the drop off spot, one at the pick up spot.
There are, however, lots of kayak tours. These companies shuttle you to the starting point where they have inflatable kayaks waiting for you, you then float down the river by yourself before they collect you at the pre-determined ending point. It makes for a really easy and fun outing on the river.
There are various guides available, most of which offering kayaking, but there’s also tubing and even wine-kayaking tours, too.
Tip: This section of the river is located near Cottonwood, where you’ll also find the area’s most popular vineyards. It’s common to kayak and visit a winery in one trip.
Walk Around Uptown Sedona
The main hub of Sedona is Uptown.
Lining Arizona 89A you’ll find a long row of open air shopping plazas housing souvenir shops, boutique stores, crystal shops, and galleries, with restaurants and cafes mixed in.
It’s fun area to walk around, although be warned, it does get quite crowded during peak times. My favorite stores were the crystal shops just a block off the main shopping area, whether or not you have an interest in purchasing, the shops are really cool to walk around.
Visit A Spa
Whether you seek recovery from outdoor activities or simply want to pamper yourself, Sedona’s spas are the place to go.
Spend a relaxing afternoon (or full day) pampering yourself with a deep tissue massage, full body wrap, facial, or some quiet sauna time.
There are many great spas to choose from in Sedona, a few popular options include:
- The Wilde Haven Hotel Spa
- Sedona’s New Day Spa
- Gateway Cottage Wellness Center
- The Spa of Sedona
Visit A Brewery
A cold beer on a patio is another fine way to unwind after a day of activities in Sedona.
Oak Creek Brewery and Sedona Beer Company both offer a lineup of beers, from light pilsners to hoppy IPA’s, alongside a delicious food menu. I especially love Sedona Beer Company’s outdoor courtyard area.
No matter which you choose, this is a perfect way to wrap up your day in Sedona.
Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park
Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park is a Buddhist constructed park, but also a spiritual destination for any and all faiths.
Prayer and meditation are encouraged while visiting this historic site. Alternatively, visitors can simply take comfort in the quiet serenity of this beautiful West Sedona landmark.
Mountain Biking
Sedona mountain bikers have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of terrain, technical challenges, and endless scenic overlooks.
There is a massive network of trails in Sedona which range in difficulty (although, they lean more so on the challenging side), making this an excellent destination for biking.
Need to rent a bike? Thunder Mountain Bikes is a good option near Uptown and Absolute Bikes Sedona is a good option in the Village of Oak Creek.
Want to go with a guide? Check out Sedona Mountain Bike Academy.
Verde Valley Archeology Center
This archaeology center is a historic representation and celebration of the Hopi and Yavapai-Apache nations. Featured local artwork or special exhibits, such as real meteorites, make this attraction fun for everyone.
Peruse the museum and experience the ancestral textiles, ceramics, and sculptures of the state’s Indigenous past. Additionally, guests can explore the serene outdoor space in the Heritage Garden.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Located just south of Sedona’s main drag, Uptown, you’ll find Tlaquepaque Shopping Village. The outdoor shopping center is home to boutique shops, cafes, live music, and tons of photo-worthy spots.
This is a great place to find unique gifts, cute trinkets, or a special souvenir during your trip to Sedona.
Sedona Arts Center
The Sedona Art Center is a haven for all things creative.
Peruse the vast array of local and regional artwork in the gallery, filled with pieces of all different forms. From photography and paintings to jewelry, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Additionally, they feature a new themed exhibit every month, which should not be missed.
Best of all, Sedona Arts Center is centrally located in Uptown making it easy to check out while exploring the shops and restaurants around town.
Palatki Heritage Site
Located about 30 minutes from Sedona in the Coconino National Forest is the archeological area, Palatki Heritage Site.
The site is famous for cliff dwellings and rock art dating back to roughly 1100-1400 AD, when the area was occupied by the previously mentioned Sinagua people.
To see the archeological sites, you’ll have to join a tour. The hour-long tours are ran by the US Forest Service and only cost a few dollars. Tours are offered throughout the day, check out available times at Guided Tour of the Palatki Heritage Site.
While this does involve walking along trails, they are fairly easy and you’ll be learning about the historic site throughout the tour.
Note: If you’d rather skip the tour, check out the nearby Honanki Heritage Site instead. No tour is required, however you will navigate a difficult dirt road to get here, high clearance and 4WD are required.
Sedona Farmers Market
Support local vendors and find fresh produce at Sedona’s Farmers Market. In addition to produce, you’ll often find local handmade items, skincare and home goods, plus hot food, caffeine, and live music in a charming open-air setting.
The market is held on Sundays and located just west of Uptown. Check their website for hours and schedule, which varies based on season: Sedona Community Farmers Market.
Energy Vortex
Energy vortexes are believed to be concentrated areas of spiritual or earth energy that enhance meditation, healing, and self-reflection, and Sedona happens to be quite famous for them.
Popular vortex spots in Sedona, like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, attract visitors seeking rejuvenation and spiritual connection.
Whether or not you believe in the vortex powers, these locations are undoubtably beautiful and serene. And since there are so many of them in Sedona, it’s likely you’ll end up visiting one at some point or another.
Chocolate Tour
Those looking for a unique tour option in Sedona should check out a Raw Chocolate Tour. Unlike candies, raw chocolate is healthy for you, but unfortunately, most people know very little about these health benefits.
During a tour, you can learn all about the superfood that is raw chocolate and try various kinds.
There are a handful of tour options available, including wine paring options, check out tours at Raw Chocolate Tours.
Hot Air Balloon
Morning person or not, a sunrise hot air balloon ride is a must consideration in Sedona.
The towering red rocks and lush canyons that make up this region are extra special from above, and the bird’s-eye view allow riders to appreciate the scale of this huge, stunning desert.
Hot air balloons launch before sunrise and rides are typically 1 – 1.5 hours. There are a handful of guides here, all of which are reputable and run year-round.
Go For A Day Trip
Sedona is surrounded by fantastic day trip opportunities. If you have the time, consider visiting nearby towns and attractions such as:
- Jerome
- Flagstaff
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Cottonwood
- Antelope Canyon & Page
- Petrified Forest National Park
As you can see, there are so many wonderful things to do in Sedona aside from hiking. I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your trip and have the best time!
Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Sedona and Arizona guides!
More Information For Your Sedona Vacation:
- 2-Day Weekend Sedona Itinerary
- Iconic Things To Do In Sedona, AZ
- Best Hotels In Sedona, AZ
- Day Trip To Sedona, Arizona (Easy One Day Guide!)
More Information For Your Arizona Vacation:
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