Best Things To Do in Sedona

Sedona is located in Arizona's green valley and is a town best known for its red rocks. The best way to see it from end to end is to take a tour bus. While touring this desert town, you can stop by an old Mexican hacienda or an arts and crafts village.

Among the best things to do are ATV rides through Antelope Canyon, as well as guided tours to see starry nights. There are other activities you can take advantage of, such as hiking, venturing out on Sedona's best tours, visiting Cathedral Rock, exploring local vineyards, climbing iconic pinnacles and more - here's a full list of options to enjoy your visit!

Sedona's vibes are second to none, in fact many spiritual rituals are practiced in the city. Indeed, at certain times of the year, vortexes or energy portals are believed to open. Because there is little pollution, testimonies abound of people claiming to have seen UFOs flying over the area.

A star tour is a unique experience, ideal if you're looking for things to do in Sedona at night. It's an adventure that usually lasts around one hour and forty-five minutes and costs from 127 euros. You'll usually need to have a car as the guide will just point you in the right direction.

You'll be able to see the brightest stars at Cultural Park Place, although you'll need night vision goggles. If you're planning this activity as one of the things to do in Sedona in winter, I recommend you dress warmly as the temperatures are often very hot. Some of the rock formations and places you can visit include:

• Fay Canyon: this is an easy hike, suitable if you are planning to visit Sedona with children. It is full of geological areas and at night there is no light pollution, making it easy to stargaze.
• Red Rock is open until late afternoon, but with a professional guide you can access it overnight. Every month there are different activities, for example to celebrate the full moon or star showers.
• Crystal Magic: is a souvenir shop, where they sell crystals and gems that are manufactured in the city. It is an essential stop during this type of excursion.

The most convenient way to get around town is by opting for one of Sedona's best tours. For example, you can venture out on guided sightseeing bus experiences, an ideal activity for all ages. This way, you'll get panoramic views of the red pinnacles that characterise this Arizona valley.

The tour usually lasts about five and a half hours, so it's ideal if you plan to visit Sedona in 3 days or more to learn about the geological history of the region. Note that the approximate cost is 97 euros, but it's totally worth it. This type of tour can take you to see:

• The Chapel of Santa Cruz: this is a chapel built on one of the most beautiful hills in Sedona. You will definitely get unparalleled views of the city and the best pictures.
• Villa de las Artes de Tlaquepaque: it is an old town, very important in the region. Here you will find a market, which is worth a visit if you are planning things to do in Sedona at Christmas. Take the opportunity to explore the craft shops, restaurants with regional food, art galleries and more.
• Peace Park and Amitabha Stupa: is a spiritual oasis containing an important Buddhist stupa or statue. It is worth relaxing in the gardens and wandering through the labyrinths. These types of experiences usually offer approximately 30 minutes of free time.
• Sedona Airport Overlook: If you want to see the sunset and the red sandstone hills, this is the place to be.
• Seven Canyons: A natural spectacle, ideal for exploring nature or hiking. There are 4WD tours if you want to take a closer look.

Entrance is usually included in such tour packages, but I recommend checking with your travel provider. While wandering around the city, you'll have the opportunity to ride along iconic trails such as Thunder Mountain where bike rentals are available. You can also find a variety of rock formations, such as Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Red Rock Road.

The Sedona Grand Canyon is a spectacular site that attracts thousands of tourists from all over the country. Located in the Grand Canyon National Park, the rock formations in this area are huge, so you need to choose the right vehicle to explore them. An ATV is an all-terrain vehicle capable of taking you on such adventures. Grand Canyon tours often include a guide and helpful tips for using the vehicle.

If you're planning things to do in Sedona in September, you're in luck! Specifically, from September to November you'll be able to take advantage of cooler weather and fewer tourists. It's a fun activity not to be missed, usually lasts four hours and prices start at 214 euros per person.

Some of the sites you'll see include Skeleton Bone Mountain, one of the highest points in Arizona's meandering red desert, ideal for panoramic views of the area. Nearby you may encounter javelinas, a family of elk, deer and wild boar - be careful if you're on your own! There are coyotes, snakes and crows.

Antelope Canyon is one of the most iconic sites near Sedona and is noted for its colourful rock formations. It's a place that receives thousands of tourists every day captivated by its natural wonders and where you can find many guided experiences. It's the best option if it's your first time in the city, you can find packages from 267 euros per person.

In autumn, the antelope colours are truly gorgeous, so plan things to do in Sedona in October. Some of the places you can get to visit are:

• Oak Creek Canyon: this is an area with a variety of activities, ideal for fishing, hiking, pre-notification camping or spending the day with the family. It is surrounded by forests and mountains, so it is ideal even during the humid heat of summer.
• Horseshoe Bend: ideal if you want to sit for a while in front of the flowing Colorado River, where you can see red cliffs.
• Glen Canyon Dam: it is a very beautiful and quiet place, where you can see Lake Powell and the Colorado Canyon.
• Antelope Canyon bottom: this is probably one of the areas you will enjoy the most, as you can clearly appreciate the diversity of colours in the canyon. If you opt for a guided experience, you will probably walk along the rim accompanied by a professional.

If you want to know how to get to Antelope Canyon from Sedona, all you have to do is take US-89 N/N 89 by car, which takes about two hours. It's the fastest and cheapest way, as buses and trains take more than eight hours.

Sedona offers a variety of activities as an area with few intervening buildings and skyscrapers. As a result, existing homes often have facades inspired by picturesque haciendas. The Mexican influence has inspired spaces such as Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, located in the small town of Tlaquepaque. Currently used as a shopping mall, outside is an old market with exhibits of all kinds.

Additionally, in this desert city the days are long and hot, which creates the perfect atmosphere to appreciate its landscapes. So, if you have 2 days to visit Sedona, you can take advantage of a stroll through this colonial home as well as explore the surrounding area. During morning strolls, it is common to come across cultural events or weddings being held here. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures, as it's a preserved building dating back to 1970.

Sedona is an area whose main attraction is the rock formations and their dazzling colours. However, you can find a small museum on Jordan Road. This is the Sedona Heritage Museum, and I recommend spending about an hour there.

Here you can delve into the history of the city and learn more about the process of rock formation, colouring and more. There are very educational permanent exhibits, ideal if you are visiting the region with children. Additionally, it's a space where events are often held that are open to the public. If you're looking for things to do in Sedona in November, you may want to take advantage of this activity as the off-season begins.

Sedona offers many fun and challenging experiences. Here you can take advantage of more than 70 hiking trails. There are different options, suitable for all ages. Keep in mind that this is a wildlife-rich area, so be aware that there are animals roaming in their natural habitat. Some of the best places to go hiking are:

• Soldier Pass Trail is a moderately strenuous trail with flat areas and few ascents or descents. It's a great option if you're looking for things to do in Sedona in June, as the sunny weather makes it an easy hike.
• Cathedral Rock Trail: This is a long and difficult trail, not recommended for beginners. There are rest stops and restrooms nearby. If you are planning things to do in Sedona in April, you can schedule this route and take advantage of the good weather conditions in spring.

If you're planning to visit Sedona in 3 days, you can take advantage of the spiritual energy of the area and visit its main chapel. Many people gather here to give thanks, and regardless of religion many people book this destination because of its privileged views.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is built on a hill, it is a unique experience not to be missed. To get there you can drive down AZ-179 S, which takes about eight minutes. You can also take a bicycle route of less than twenty minutes.

Access is free, but the chapel is usually closed on public holidays. If you're planning things to do in Sedona in December, take advantage of the chapel's special holiday celebrations and events.

For a good wine tasting in Arizona, I recommend setting aside a day to check out the best vineyards or wineries in town. If you're planning things to do in Sedona in winter, this can be a great way to warm up. In fact, many flea markets offer a selection of the season's best.

To take advantage of outdoor activities, I suggest planning things to do in Sedona in March as spring begins. Some of the best vineyards around Sedona are:

• Alcantara Vineyards: a small winery that operates with eco-friendly policies, private or group tastings are organised every day. The best Sedona tours often offer guided tours, which are the best way to soak up the experience. It's a 30-minute drive from downtown on W Arizona 89a.
• Cove Mesa: is a winery where you can taste wines and food typical of the Sedona region. To make a visit it is important to make a reservation in advance. It is located twenty-five minutes from downtown by car, taking W Arizona 89a and N Page Springs Rd.
• DA Ranch: one of the best vineyards in the area, it is a quiet place ideal for a family outing. It has natural springs, close to the tasting areas.

Camping is a fun activity for the whole family and is a must-do. Sedona' s best tours can take you on this experience, safely and securely. Year-round camping is also available from 40 euros. The price may vary depending on what is included.

• Camp Avalon is an ideal camp for a spiritual retreat, a great option if you're looking to unplug and explore the pinnacles of Sedona. It's a fifteen minute drive from downtown via W Arizona 89a and Upper Red Rock Loop Rd.
• Rancho Sedona RV Park: This is an RV park where you can spend the night in Sedona. It is a large area where you will enjoy peace and privacy, ideal for a romantic getaway. It is located three minutes drive from downtown, just take N State Rte 89A and AZ-179 S.
• Cave Springs Campground: A cabin in the middle of nowhere, many people visit to relax and camp in a safe area. However, be aware that it is located in a high elevation area where the weather is quite cold. You can get there by car in less than twenty minutes, taking AZ-89A N/N State Rte 89A.

• Bring mosquito repellent and watch out for animals in the area, such as snakes, crows and more. Some experiences are best taken with a professional guide, who will direct you to areas where you can walk without encroaching on the space of other species.
• The best time to visit the city is early in the year, so make sure to take advantage of the low tourist traffic in January.
• If you're planning things to do in Sedona in July, keep in mind that this is the hottest time of year. Summers in this part of Arizona are notorious for being humid and sunny. Stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
• For a romantic getaway, the best option is to plan things to do in Sedona in February, as it's Love and Friendship Day.