As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may have Amazon and/or other affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information. Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!
Sedona Arizona Sacred Red Rock Country
If you are planning a day trip to Sedona Arizona and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting, you are in the right place. Sedona Arizona is well known for its gorgeous red rock formations and energy vortexes. You will find red sandstone cliffs, 400+ hiking trails, swimming holes, a natural waterslide, healing vortexes, crystal shops, amazing artwork, spas, turquoise jewelry, and prickly pear margaritas. Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Sedona bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Sedona day trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Red Rock Country is sacred to Native Americans, loved by photographers, revered by artists, and adored by the new age culture. Be sure to add a day trip to Sedona during your Arizona road trip to see why and enjoy your time out of the office!
READ 13 Incredible Day Trips from Flagstaff Arizona
How to Have a Perfect Day in Sedona Arizona
How to Get to Sedona Arizona
Sedona is located between Phoenix and Flagstaff. Fly into the Phoenix airport and rent a car to easily explore all the area has to offer. Take Interstate 17 North to Highway 179 and exit to Sedona. The drive from Phoenix to Sedona is 2 hours through desert landscapes.
Sedona is an easy 45-minute drive from Flagstaff. Take Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. This was Arizona’s first scenic route and is gorgeous. Be sure to stop at the Oak Creek Overlook in Coconino National Forest.
When to Visit Sedona Arizona
Sedona enjoys 300+ days of sunshine annually. Summer temperatures can reach 100+ degrees and winters can be cold at 30 degrees. The best time to visit is in March or April when the temperature is mild and the desert is in bloom.
Things to Do in and Around Sedona Arizona
Photograph Chapel of the Holy Cross at sunrise
Take a scenic Sedona trolley ride
Browse Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Center
Watch the sunset from Airport Mesa
Go for a swim at Grasshopper Point
Browse the art galleries on Main Street
Enjoy a spa day
Take a backcountry jeep tour
Visit the Metaphysical Center and get a photo taken of your aura
Photograph the rock stacks at Buddha Beach
Enjoy a picnic at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site
Go mountain biking
Drink a prickly pear margarita
Get an energy recharge on a Sherpa led vortex tour
Photograph the valley from Lover’s Knoll or Rachel’s Knoll
Join a stargazing or UFO sighting tour
Learn about Sedona’s history at the Sedona Heritage Museum
Go fishing in Oak Creek Canyon
Glide above the red rock formations in a hot air balloon
Take a few minutes to reflect at Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
Go horseback riding at Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Enjoy a cowboy cookout at M Diamond Ranch
Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway (State Route 179)
Cool off on the natural waterslide at Slide Rock State Park
Go wine tasting in the Verde Valley
Visit Montezuma Castle National Monument
See the petroglyphs at V-Bar-V Heritage Site
Check out the ruins and cave paintings at the Palatki Heritage Site
Explore the Tuzigoot National Monument
Enjoy dinner and a show at Blazin M Ranch
Feed a lion at Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Explore the old town of Cottonwood
Take a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad
Spend a day in the Grand Canyon
Check out Oatman or Jerome’s ghost town
Be sure to check the Sedona Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Best Hiking Trails in Sedona Arizona
Cathedral Rock Trail 1.2-mile hike for panoramic views
Devil’s Bridge 4.2 miles hike to the natural arch
The 3.6-mile Bell Rock Pathway to the base of Bell Rock
Fay Canyon 2.4-mile hike for a panoramic view
Broken Arrow Trail 3.2-mile loop hike to Submarine Rock
4-mile Soldier’s Pass Trail to the Seven Sacred Pools
Boynton Canyon Trail 6.1-mile hike past cliffs to a box canyon overlook
Tip: parking lots trailheads charge, save money by purchasing a Red Rock Pass
Sedona Arizona Most Popular Red Rock Formations
Coffee Pot Rock
Steamboat Rock
Chimney Rock
Snoopy Rock
Cathedral Rock
Bell Rock
Courthouse Rock
Sedona Arizona Famous Vortexes
Cathedral Rock
Bell Rock
Boynton Canyon
Airport Mesa
Restaurants with a View in Sedona Arizona
Elote, Mexican food, and prickly pear margaritas
Javelina Cantina, Southwestern food, happy hour 3-6
Creekside American Bistro, overlooks Oak Creek Canyon
Hideaway House, Italian food, a great spot for sunset
Mariposa, fine dining on a scenic cliff
Bookmark and Pin Sedona Arizona Day Trip
Plan your Day Trip to Sedona Arizona
Sedona Arizona Travel Guide
Pick up an Arizona Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation in Sedona Arizona Now
Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!
Sedona Arizona Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.
Have a great vacation!