Sedona isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you feel. It’s where desert magic meets artsy vibes, and where red rocks glow like fire under the sun. I’ve been lucky enough to explore a lot of amazing places, but Sedona? This one sticks with you. If you’re planning a trip and looking for unforgettable things to do in Sedona Arizona, you’re in for a treat. From jaw-dropping views and powerful energy vortexes to quirky shops and even a detour into a giant meteor crater, Sedona offers a little something for every kind of traveler.

Chapel of the Holy Cross: Spiritual Meets Spectacular

Perched dramatically on the red rocks, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is equal parts architectural marvel and spiritual retreat. It’s quiet up there. Peaceful. You can feel the stillness, even with a few other visitors around. The views from the chapel are reason enough to come, but it’s the way it makes you pause that stays with you. Whether you’re religious or just into stunning viewpoints, don’t skip this one.

Sedona Airport Overlook – Sunset’s VIP Lounge

Okay, I’ll admit it—when someone first told me the Sedona Airport had a scenic overlook, I expected maybe a decent view and the smell of jet fuel. What I got instead? A front-row seat to a sky that looked like it had been painted with molten gold. The Sedona Airport Overlook is the place to catch sunset, and apparently, everyone in town knows it.

Yes, it gets a little crowded, but the 360-degree views of red rock formations lit up by golden hour are worth every bit of it. Get there at least 30 minutes before sunset to grab a good spot and let the landscape work its magic. Don’t forget your camera—or better yet, just soak it in.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village: Boho Heaven

I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with a shopping village, but here we are. Tlaquepaque (good luck pronouncing that on your first try) is a cobblestone dream. Art galleries, jewelry, handcrafted pottery—everything feels curated and authentic. There’s live music drifting through the air, the occasional scent of fresh tamales, and shady courtyards where time slows down. It’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park – Instant Zen

Need a breather from hiking boots and trail dust? The Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park is like a big, calming exhale. Nestled in the red rocks, this peaceful sanctuary is home to a 36-foot stupa—a spiritual monument said to radiate peace and healing energy. Whether or not you’re into that kind of thing, there’s no denying the serene vibe here.

People come to meditate, pray, or just sit and listen to the wind in the junipers. I wandered in out of curiosity and ended up staying way longer than planned. Bring water, walk slowly, and leave a little lighter than you came in.

👉 Want to hit peaceful spots like this without doing all the driving (or map-checking)? Book an Open-Air Van Tour with a local guide

Bell Rock: Easy to Love, Hard to Stop Photographing

Bell Rock is one of those places where you pull over to “just take a quick picture” and end up staying for an hour. It’s super accessible and the trails range from quick walks to more adventurous scrambles. Great for all levels. Also, locals say it’s a vortex spot, and honestly, whether or not you believe in that kind of thing, the energy here is definitely something.

Cathedral Rock: Iconic and Worth Every Step

Bring water. And your sense of adventure. The Cathedral Rock trail isn’t long, but it is steep in places—hands-and-feet climbing kind of steep. Totally worth it. When you get to the saddle between the spires, the view is unreal. Sunset up there? Mind-blowing. Bonus: another vortex site. Coincidence? Maybe. Or maybe Sedona really is vibing on a higher frequency. Want to experience the energy of Cathedral Rock and cover more ground without breaking too much of a sweat? Try the Cathedral Rock Vortex E-Bike Tour

Devil’s Bridge: Crowded, Dusty, and Totally Worth It

Okay, I know — Devil’s Bridge shows up in every Sedona guide, every influencer’s reel, and probably your cousin’s honeymoon album. But hear me out: it’s popular for a reason, and skipping it would be like going to Paris and ignoring the Eiffel Tower because it’s iconic.

The hike itself is pretty friendly, depending on where you start. The real fun starts when you reach the bridge. From below, it looks massive — this naturally formed sandstone arch stretching across space like something out of an old western movie. But it’s when you walk out onto it that your knees get a little wobbly, not from the height (okay, maybe a little) but from how ridiculously unreal the view is. Standing on Devil’s Bridge with the red rocks sprawling out like a painter’s palette behind you? Yeah, it’s a core memory moment.

Red Rock State Park: Nature Break with a Side of Zen

Need a break from the rock scrambles? Red Rock State Park is more mellow, with wide, well-marked trails and lots of greenery. It’s the kind of place you can wander for hours without really having a destination—perfect if you’re in recharge mode. The visitor center is worth popping into, especially if you’re curious about the geology or wildlife.

Red Rock Scenic Byway: Windows Down, Views Up

Don’t just rush from one hike to the next—take your time on the Red Rock Scenic Byway. This drive is a visual feast. Every twist and turn reveals another view more absurdly beautiful than the last. Roll the windows down, turn up the music, and just cruise.

Vortex Spots: Woo-Woo or Whoa?

So, let’s talk vortexes. Sedona is known for these mysterious energy centers, and while I don’t know if they aligned my chakras or rebalanced my aura, I do know I felt calm, clear, and kind of energized after visiting them. Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon are the big ones. Even if you’re a skeptic, the beauty alone is worth it.

Awesome Day Trips From Sedona

Sedona is surrounded by so many jaw-dropping places that it’d be a crime not to wander a little farther afield.

Meteor Crater

Yes, it’s a giant hole in the desert—but not just any hole. Meteor Crater is nearly a mile wide and was formed by an asteroid impact 50,000 years ago. Standing at the rim feels a little like standing on another planet. The visitor center has some cool exhibits (and air conditioning), and it’s only about an hour and a half from Sedona.

Grand Canyon (South Rim)

Let’s be real: you have to see the Grand Canyon at least once in your life. From Sedona, the South Rim is about a two-hour drive, and the views are just… colossal. You’ll understand why words and pictures never do it justice. If you’re short on time, hit up Mather Point and the Rim Trail. If you’re lucky, catch the sunset—nature’s grand finale.

Don’t feel like driving? Book a guided Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Sedona. It’s a full-day adventure without the hassle of planning or navigating. You’ll get expert commentary, comfy transportation, and plenty of jaw-dropping stops along the way.

Page

If the Earth ever had a gallery opening, Page would be the headline act. Tucked up in Northern Arizona, this little town punches way above its weight in the natural wonder department—and two of its greatest hits are just minutes apart.

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon straight out of a dream—sunlight streams through narrow sandstone walls, lighting up waves of color. You’ll need to book a guided tour (it’s on Navajo land), but it’s 100% worth it—especially around midday when those famous light beams show up.

Just a quick drive away is Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River curves into a perfect U-shape below a jaw-dropping cliffside. The 15-minute walk is easy but hot—bring water, and prepare to be blown away at the edge.

👉 Looking for more tips on Page ? Read the full Page travel guide.

Flagstaff

Need a break from the desert? Head north to Flagstaff, where pine trees replace red rocks and the air smells like Christmas. It’s a cool little mountain town with craft breweries, coffee shops, and laid-back locals. In the winter, there’s snow; in the summer, it’s 20 degrees cooler than Sedona. Sometimes you just need trees, you know?

Slide Rock State Park

Want to cool off in style? Slide Rock is a natural water slide worn into the red rock by centuries of rushing water. It’s slick, cold, and surprisingly fast—basically nature’s amusement park. Families love it, but honestly, it’s fun at any age. Bring a towel, water shoes, and your courage.

Final Thoughts

Sedona isn’t just a destination. It’s waking up to sun-drenched red rocks, sipping coffee while coyotes yip in the distance, and standing in awe under a sky that doesn’t need a filter. Whether you’re here to hike until your legs give out, vibe with the vortex energy, or just wander art galleries and eat tacos in the shade of a sycamore, Sedona delivers.

What I love most? It’s the balance. Rugged but peaceful. Wild but welcoming. A little mystical without taking itself too seriously. You can spend one day scrambling up Cathedral Rock and the next drifting through Tlaquepaque with a margarita in hand—and both feel right.

And those day trips? They’re just the icing on the already very scenic cake.

If you’re thinking about going—go. And if you’re already planning a return trip before you even leave? Welcome to the club. Pin this guide for your next Sedona adventure—you’ll be glad you did.

Catch you in the red rocks.