Top 10 Best Things to Do in Sedona Arizona

Sedona, Arizona, is a desert oasis surrounded by jaw-dropping red rock mountain formations. Known for its multiple energy vortexes, which are said to be powerful sources of healing, Sedona’s healing and spiritual energy has a worldwide appeal. Sedona is the perfect place for a vacation filled with spa treatments and relaxation or an active trip full of hiking in the beautiful red rocks. If you’re planning a trip, here is a list of the top 10 best things to do in Sedona, Arizona.

Also, use my Sedona Packing List to ensure you come prepared for Sedona’s climate and terrain.

Best Things to Do In Sedona Arizona

• Admire Iconic Cathedral Rock
• Treat Yourself to a Healing Experience
• Hike to a Vortex
• Watch the Sunset at Airport Mesa
• Walk on Devil’s Bridge
• Have a meal with a view
• Chapel of Holy Cross
• Jeep Tour of Sedona
• Get a Mystical Reading
• Browse Art Galleries and Shops

Admire Iconic Cathedral Rock

Cathedral Rock is the centerpiece of Sedona. This infamous mountain is visible from all over town. Or, by climbing a 1.2-mile trek to the top. While the hike to the top is short, it’s more strenuous because of multiple rock scrambles.

Because I was in Sedona with my dog, I chose to admire Cathedral Rock from the base of the trail as it didn’t seem like an appropriate trail to take my dog on. If you make it to the top, there’s said to be an energy vortex at the summit of Cathedral Rock.

If you are also traveling to Sedona with a dog and want to read more about dog-friendly experiences, check out this post: Dog-Friendly Sedona: The Ultimate Guide to Sedona With Your Pup.

Treat Yourself to a Healing Experience 

Sedona’s healing energy makes it a place to relax and release trauma. Many healing therapies are available in Sedona, from massages to reiki and sound bowls. Determine what is calling to you and book a session. If you’re staying at a resort hotel, there may be a spa on your property with services.

My go-to treatment in Sedona is myofascial therapy. This technique uses light pressure to release the top fascia layer of tissue in your muscle. Myofascial treatment helps to treat chronic pain and increase muscle range of motion. It was developed by physical therapists in Sedona and is taught and practiced by many practitioners in town. Lori, known as “The Mother of Myofascial Therapy” at Advanced Release Therapy, worked magic on my body during our session in Sedona. 

Hike to a Vortex

There are four major energy vortexes in Sedona, each with its own unique energy:

• Airport Mesa
• Cathedral Rock
• Bell Rock
• Boynton Canyon

If you’re a novice hiker, Airport Mesa, in my opinion, is the most accessible hike to reach the energy vortexes. All of the hikes are extremely popular and crowded. Plan and hike early or late to avoid crowds and the exposed sun. Utilize the Sedona Shuttle to avoid finding a parking space at the overcrowded lots. 

Watch the Sunset at Airport Mesa Viewpoint

The sunset over the desert is a magical experience you don’t want to miss. The airport overlook is a great location to experience the sunset, and you don’t have to hike the entire 3.2-mile airport loop trail to get there.

There’s also a decent-sized parking lot for this trail, which a lot of other trails in Sedona lack. From the large parking lot next to the airport, you can take the Sedona View Trail, which is 0.7 miles long, to the overlook, and is perfect for sunset viewing.

Walk on Devil’s Bridge

Devil’s Bridge is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona. The hike culminates in a bridge rock formation, where you can walk out onto the bridge. Due to its worldwide popularity, the hike is exceptionally crowded.

I recommend getting there before sunrise, if possible, first thing in the morning to secure a spot in the parking lot. Also, the sun comes out blazing within a few hours of rising, and there is not a lot of shade on the trail, so the earlier, the better. 

Enjoy Local Cuisine With a View

Sedona has dining options that share the region’s local Southwest flavors. Many restaurants have patios that overlook red rock vistas, which add sparkle to the culinary experience. Secure reservations at these restaurants in advance for dinner time. They book up quickly. Some popular restaurants include:

• The Hudson
• Mariposa
• Javelina Cantina

Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is an architectural award-winning chapel built into Sedona’s signature red rock cliff formations. It ranks as one of the best attractions in Sedona, and you don’t want to miss it on your trip.

Many consider the energy at the Chapel of the Holy Cross a fifth energy vortex in Sedona. It won’t take long to view the chapel, perhaps an hour at the most.

Jeep Tour of Sedona

Sedona is home to many open-air Jeep tours that get you off the beaten paths and to the uncharted desert vistas in Sedona’s mountains. There are multiple companies and types of tours that you can join, including rides to the energy vortexes.

Jeep tours relieve the pressure of hiking out to nature physically and help you avoid the dreaded trailhead parking lots in Sedona. They go to some unique places and are worth a ride.

Get A Mystical Reading 

Sedona’s powerful energy attracts spiritual practitioners to live and practice there. It is home to numerous psychics, mediums, tarot card readers, astrologers, aura readers, and pet communicators. If you’ve ever wanted to connect with the spiritual world, this is the place to do it. 

Browse the Art Galleries and Shops

Sedona has a vibrant local community of artists and many art galleries to explore all over town. The Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is considered the center for art galleries and shopping in Sedona. Shopping at Tlaquepaque is an experience of its own. The village’s architecture and live music act as artistic expressions on their own. Inside the stores, you’ll find a mixture of Southwestern art, jewelry, paintings, ceramics, glass, clothing, and more. 

There are also multiple metaphysical and new-age stores to shop for crystals, handcrafted crystal jewelry, divination tools, and more.

Final Thoughts on The Best Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona, is a Southwest town surrounded by unique red rocks, spirituality, and energy. It’s a transformative place full of healing and adventure. I hope you enjoy your time in Sedona.