Could you use some good vibes? Whether you visit the famous vortexes, explore the red rocks, or simply enjoy a hike through nature, there are plenty of things to do in Sedona, Arizona, that will send those positive vibrations your way.
This town is awash in history, natural beauty, and spiritually rich experiences. Plus there are great arts, shopping, and dining. Here, learn about the 10 best things to do in Sedona, Arizona, and how to plan your trip to make the most of your time in the Southwest.
Best Times to Go to Sedona
Sedona can get hot for summer travel, so consider planning your trip for April, May, October, or November when it’s cooler. Bonus: There are flowers to enjoy.
Here are some annual events in Sedona you might want to plan your trip around:
• April: Sedona Yoga Festival
• May: Piano on the Rocks International Festival
• July: Sedona Hummingbird Festival
• September/October: Red Rocks Music Festival
• October: Annual Sedona Rock, Gem & Jewelry Show
• November: Sedona Food Truck Festival
• December: The Festival of Lights
Bad Times to Go to Sedona
Summer can get pretty brutal in Sedona, with temperatures in the high 90s and even 100s June through August. If you’re traveling with pets, consider how the weather will impact them, especially if you go on a long hike in the dry air and high altitude.
Also, early July is monsoon season, so if you’re planning outdoor activities, there’s a chance you won’t be able to enjoy them during this period.
Average Cost of a Sedona Vacation
If you’re planning a weeklong vacation for two in Sedona, you’ll want to budget for renting a car and paying for a hotel room, activities, and food. On average, you can expect to spend about $3,614 a week for a couple or $2,012 for a solo traveler.
Hotels typically cost between $92 and $421, while vacation rentals often run from $260 to $600 per night, but you may be able to bring the whole gang or family.
Many of the best things to do in Sedona are free, so you won’t break the bank finding activities, but you do have to calculate how much it will cost you to get to and from Arizona. If a plane ticket will be involved, this could be a good moment to sign up for an airline credit card and earn some rewards or discounts.
Also think about whether you’d like to buy trip insurance. You may be covered by credit card travel insurance, or you may want to buy a separate premium to protect your investment in your vacation.
10 Fun Must-Dos in Sedona
If you’re saving your travel fund and thinking about your Arizona adventure, here are the top 10 things to do in Sedona based on recommendations from those who have recently visited, as well as top-rated attractions from travel review sites. There’s something for everyone, whether you are spiritual, sporty, or live to shop.
1. Take a Vortex Tour
Sedona is known for being a vortex hotspot. A vortex is considered to be a concentration of earth energy that you can feel in certain spots and may enhance meditation and self-knowledge. There are hikes like the Airport Mesa Vortex where you can try to feel the vortexes yourself, or you can take a tour.
There are many companies that offer vortex tours, including Sedona Spirit Journeys & Vortex Tours. The advantage of taking a tour with a guide is that they have permission to visit certain sacred sites that you won’t be able to access on your own, and they’re very knowledgeable about the vortexes. A three-hour tour for two people costs $194 each. You can use your plastic and earn some credit card rewards when paying. spiritjourneysofsedona.com/tour-journeys
2. Visit Tlaquepaque Art & Shopping Village
After your vortex tour, get your retail therapy on at the adorable Tlaquepaque Art & Shopping Village. This village is reminiscent of Old Mexico and houses art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. You might linger till nighttime and enjoy a romantic dinner at René, an upscale French restaurant. tlaq.com/
3. Follow a Wine Trail
A fun thing for couples or groups to do in Sedona (or more precisely, just outside of Sedona) is wine tasting in Verde Valley. Cool off in the shaded patio of Javelina Leap Winery with a tasting flight, or watch Oak Creek gurgle by at Page Springs Cellars over a bottle of New Mexico Pinot Gris and a picnic. visitcottonwoodaz.org/wine-trail.html
4. Go for a Hike
Sedona is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. A fun activity is to hike to see the many uniquely-shaped red rocks, like Snoopy Rock, Cathedral Rock, or Coffee Pot Rock, which looks just like what its name implies.
This amazing landscape will leave you with loads of memories, whether you hike for an hour or a full day. Plus, hiking is a free thing to do in Sedona, which can be a way that families afford to travel.
5. Book a Jeep Tour
Not in the mood to hike? One of the local Jeep tours, like the 60+-year-old Pink Adventure Tours (pinkadventuretours.com/), can get you out into the natural beauty of Sedona that you might not otherwise see. From one of these rugged vehicles, you can better appreciate the cliffs and ravines while (depending on which tour you take) learning about the lives of the indigenous Sinagua people or seeing where Hollywood Westerns were filmed. Prices start at around $79 for adults for a 90-minute tour.
6. Explore a Wild West Town
Just outside of Sedona is the not-to-be-missed Wild West town of Jerome. How can you not visit a place that was called “The Wickedest Town in the West”?
Jerome, perched on the side of a hill, boomed in the late 1800s, thanks to its copper mines, and was a hub for the best and the worst of life back then. Today, you’ll find a historic downtown with cute boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Start your morning with an indulgent breakfast at The Clinkscale, followed by a few hours of shopping and exploring. The first Saturday of each month, from 5 pm to 8 pm, there’s the Jerome Art & Wine Walk. jeromechamber.com/
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7. Spiritual Reading
Take advantage of Sedona’s plethora of spiritual practitioners by having a tarot card or palm reading, going on a shamanic journey, or having your aura read. You can also have a reiki healing, a sound bath, or learn about transformational breathwork. If you’ve ever been curious about such pursuits, Sedona can be a great place to explore and experience them.
8. Meditate at Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
Step out of Sedona and into Asia at the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park. This beautiful park welcomes people of all faiths and is a wonderful place to walk, meditate, or pray. The Stupa, a dome-shaped structure, is 36 feet high and is said to bring visitors happiness and protection. tara.org/amitabha-stupa/
9. Have a Spa Day
A Sedona vacation, by its very nature, demands relaxation. What better way to slow down than to book an individual or couple’s massage at one of Sedona’s many spas?
Or you might try something different by experiencing a sweat lodge at Sedona’s New Day Spa, or pick the Time for Two package at Amara Spa.
10. Get Arty
Sedona draws (pun intended) artists from all around the world, who yearn to capture its famous red rocks and endless vistas. See exhibits at the Sedona Arts Center, which features 100 local and regional artists. You can also purchase jewelry, art, and photography made by the artists, and, if you’re an artist yourself, there are workshops and classes you can participate in. sedonaartscenter.org/
The Takeaway
Sedona offers nature, healing, and spirituality, as well as the chance to unwind from your busy life. The problem is: You won’t want to return home! Whether you are looking for an active getaway or something more relaxing, you’ll find it among the beautiful red rocks, along with great cultural attractions, shopping, and dining.
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FAQ
How long should I spend in Sedona?
You can see and do a lot in just three to five days in Sedona, including hiking to the famous red rocks, getting a massage or spiritual reading, shopping, and enjoying great cuisine.
What are some hikes in Sedona?
There are hikes for every level of expertise, including the Airport Mesa Vortex, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock Climb, and Fay Canyon.
Can I find a vortex by myself in Sedona?
There are trails that you can hike to find vortexes in Sedona like the Airport Mesa Vortex, though taking a guided tour may help you discover vortexes in protected areas you can’t visit on your own.
Photo credit: iStock/bboserup
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