15 unique things to do in Sedona

Explore 15 unique things to do in Sedona, Arizona—from unbelievable outdoor adventures to delicious food and otherworldly spiritual experiences.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of arriving in Sedona. You’re instantly surrounded by the stunning beauty of red rocks and beams of light stretching endlessly in every direction.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fourteenth, each trip feels special and magical in its own way. Sedona is one of those places where, no matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to discover.

Here are 15 unique things to do on your next (or first!) trip to Sedona.

Outdoor adventures

Kayak your way through a wine-tasting

What’s better than a wine tasting in one of the most beautiful places in the U.S.? How about combining it with a kayak adventure down the Verde River? Verde Adventures has partnered with Alcantara Vineyards to offer the “Water to Wine” experience. This unique tour perfectly balances adventure and relaxation, blending natural beauty with sophistication. It begins at the stunning Alcantara Vineyards, where you’ll set off on a paddle down the Verde River to a serene sandy beach. From there, enjoy a short, scenic walk back to the vineyard to start your wine tasting.

Soar high on a hot air balloon 

Soaring over Sedona’s stunning Red Rock Country in a hot air balloon is nothing short of magical—and with Red Rock Balloon Adventures, you can experience it for yourself. This unforgettable journey is perfect for early risers, as takeoff happens well before sunrise. As you ascend into the air, you’ll watch the sun rise, casting a golden glow over Sedona’s iconic red rocks and gorgeous landscapes. Along the way, you may spot unique wildlife, including eagles, mule deer, jackrabbits, and more. After returning to the ground, you’ll celebrate with a toast alongside your crew.

Travel back more than 1,000 years in time

Over 1,000 years ago, the Sinagua people established a thriving agricultural community along the Verde River. Tuzigoot, along with other ancestral pueblos, served as home to these indigenous peoples for centuries. Today, this restored site stands as a tribute to the once-vital trade route. After exploring the reconstructed pueblo, take some time to visit the museum and dive deeper into the Sinagua way of life. You’ll discover an array of fascinating artifacts, including pottery, textiles, and tools. Be sure to wander the winding trails in and around the pueblo for even more to see!

Tuzigoot Monument in Clarksdale, Ariz., October 25, 2014. (Ken Lund/Flickr).

Embark on a celestial adventure 

3, 2, 1… Blast off! Experience Sedona’s star-filled skies with a personalized astronomy tour. With Sedona Stargazing, you’ll explore the wonders of the universe alongside a professional astronomer. Expect to spot at least six celestial marvels, such as star clusters, planets, galaxies, double stars, shooting stars, red supergiant stars, and much more. Along the way, you’ll learn stories about how ancient civilizations named the constellations and the meanings behind their names. By the end of the tour, you won’t just leave with unforgettable stargazing memories—you’ll also have some cosmic knowledge to share with your friends back home.

Stars light up the night sky above the red rocks in Sedona, Ariz., April 10, 2020. (Sedona Stargazing Tours/Facebook).

Go for a hike 

A trip to Sedona isn’t complete without a hike! While Sedona offers countless activities, its stunning natural beauty and incredible hiking trails are absolute musts. With trails scattered throughout the area, here are five essential hikes you won’t want to miss. Keep in mind that parking can be tricky at some of the more popular trailheads. To save time and avoid the hassle, consider using the free shuttle services to popular trailheads.

Devil’s Bridge 

Devil’s Bridge is a 4-mile out-and-back hike leading to the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area of the Coconino National Forest. Chances are, you’ve seen photos of this iconic spot—it’s one of Sedona’s most popular hikes. The trail is moderately challenging but entirely worth the effort. The hike features a steady incline, with a steeper, more technical climb and stairs near the end. Once you arrive at Devil’s Bridge, you’ll have the opportunity to walk across the arch and snap an unforgettable photo. Be prepared, though; there’s usually a line at the top. 

Hiker stands at the end of Devil’s Bridge, a natural rock formation, in Sedona, Ariz., April 22, 2009. (Kat Stan/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Cathedral Rock 

Cathedral Rock is another must-see hike in Sedona. This short but challenging 1.2-mile trail takes you up to unique natural rock formations. While parking is available near the area, the trailhead itself is only accessible by shuttle. For those looking to extend the adventure, you can start at the Baldwin or Templeton trails, which connect to the Cathedral Rock trail. Keep in mind that even though the hike is brief, Sedona’s temperatures can climb quickly—be sure to bring water and snacks to stay prepared!

The Birthing Cave

The Birthing Cave is a short but stunning hike that offers both natural beauty and a glimpse into history. The trail leads you through a significant archaeological site steeped in legend and tradition. According to local lore, this cave was a sacred retreat where women from various tribes, including the Hopi and Yavapai, would go during childbirth, receiving support from their community. Today, it’s a popular hiking destination, but it maintains its sacred status. The trail has a steady incline that becomes much steeper toward the end, so be prepared for the final push. Once you reach the cave, you’ll find welcome shade and views from this unique spot.

Seven Sacred Pools

Seven Sacred Pools is easily one of the most beautiful hikes in Sedona. Depending on your preferred distance, you can start from several trailheads, though the most popular option begins at Soldier Pass Trail. This short 1.1-mile hike leads you to a series of stunning blue pools nestled among Sedona’s iconic red rocks. Because this trail is highly popular, parking can be difficult, so taking the free shuttle service to the trailhead is your best bet!

Food and drink

Treat your pup to lunch at Creekside American Bistro

Creekside American Bistro takes “pup cups” to a whole new level—you can treat your dog to a five-star meal! The pup-friendly menu features options like a cheddar and beef jerky omelet, steak tartare, venison stew, or simpler treats like dry food or a jerky cookie. Every pup is also served complimentary filtered water.

While the doggie menu is a standout, Chef Mercer Mohr ensures the human offerings are just as impressive. Creekside’s seasonal breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections include everything from homemade chorizo breakfast burritos to gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, high-country shrimp and grits, roasted beet salads, and more. With its wide variety of dishes, including plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, Creekside has something to satisfy every palate—whether you’re dining with furry companions or friends with specific dietary needs.

Have a drink in the Wild West 

When you’re heading to the Southwest, you gotta be ready for some cowboy chaos. Slip on your cowboy boots and check out “The Cowboy Club,” a family-owned restaurant and bar that’s been a Sedona staple since 1946. Back in the day, during the golden age of Western films, it was the spot for Hollywood legends like John Wayne, James Stewart, Donna Reed, and even Elvis to hang out after shooting. Fun fact: this is also where the “Cowboy Artists of America” was founded.

In 1993, the place got a fresh look and a new name, changing from “Oak Creek Tavern” to “The Cowboy Club.” Today, it’s a lively must-visit destination that’s kept its unique charm. While you’re there, try the popular “Trail Boss Sampler” and get adventurous with rattlesnake sausage. Pair it with a “Famous Cowboy” cocktail or a local Arizona brew—or keep it simple with one of their tasty mocktails. The Cowboy Club is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a bite of the Wild West or just want to soak up some high-desert vibes. 

“The Cowboy Club,” a popular western restaurant and bar in Sedona, Ariz., July 1, 2023. (The Cowboy Club/Facebook).

Order a “Seven Dwarves Sampler” 

There’s nothing like a cold beer after a long day of hiking, and Oak Creek Brewery and Grill delivers just that. This spot brews its beer on-site, offering seven options on tap, plus their popular “Seven Dwarves Sampler,” which lets you try all seven in adorable 4oz steins. Not into beer? No problem—they’ve got wine, cocktails, soft drinks, and spirits to keep everyone happy. Of course, after all that hiking, you’ll need to refuel, too.

Oak Creek’s menu has you covered with a range of classic bar bites and meals. Share some appetizers like hot wings or pretzels, then dig into a sandwich, pizza, soup, or salad. Just like their beer, their food menu is hard to beat! 

Ground yourself with a “Love Tonic” 

As The Beatles famously said, “All you need is love.” And in Sedona, you might just find that love in a glass at Synergy, an organic coffee house, elixir bar, and wellness store. Their signature love tonics take inspiration from the sentiment, offering a unique twist on Italian soda. Made with sparkling water, coconut almond cream, and a grounding libido-boosting herbal blend, these tonics are as intriguing as they are refreshing. Choose from the classic “Apollo Chaga Love Tonic,” the floral and indulgent “Aphrodite Rose Vanilla Love Tonic,” or, for a caffeinated kick, the “Zeus Love Tonic with Cold Brew.”

Beyond their popular tonics, Synergy serves up a creative menu of coffee drinks, herbal elixirs, raw organic chocolate, small bites, CBD, Kratom, and boutique wellness products. True to Sedona’s vibe, everything they offer is cane sugar-free, plant-based, and organic.

Try a Navajo pizza

You haven’t truly lived until you’ve tried a Navajo pizza from El Rincon, a one-of-a-kind restaurant blending the best of Mexican and Navajo cuisine. Nestled in Sedona’s popular Tlaquepaque Village, El Rincon is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of shopping and enjoying the village’s charm.

A Navajo pizza starts with a golden, pillowy sopapilla crust, topped with refried beans, green chile, cheese, and fresh veggies. From there, you can customize it with your favorite protein or extra veggies to make it just right. If you time your visit right, you might even get to enjoy your pizza with the lively sounds of flamenco music performed by the talented Gaetano and friends.

Spiritual and extraterrestrial 

Take a Sedona UFO Tour 

Do you ever lie awake at night wondering if aliens exist? Or if that really was a UFO you spotted in that random field in the middle of nowhere? Well, you’re in luck—Sedona offers one of the best UFO tours around, led by none other than Michael, a top-notch guide. Michael is a scientist first and foremost, but he’s also a pilot, physicist, inventor, and even a first-hand contactee (back in 2001, he interacted with 8-foot beings in Phoenix—be sure to ask him about it!).

On this tour, you’ll use third-generation night vision goggles that light up the sky, letting you see everything from planes and satellites to—who knows—spaceships. You can join a public tour, capped at 20 people, or go all in with a private experience. After meeting your guide, you’ll head up to the Sedona Airport, the perfect spot for stargazing. Once there, Michael will show you how to use the night goggles and explain everything you’re seeing in the sky. One of the best parts of this tour? Every question gets answered. It’s your chance to dig into your curiosity and explore the mysteries of the universe right under Sedona’s starry skies.

Visit one of Sedona’s 4 vortexes

Sedona is famously known as a vortex. Vortexes (or, if we’re being grammatically precise, ‘vortices’) are energetically swirling centers that are thought to promote healing, meditation, and self-discovery. In other words, these are places where people feel that the earth and air around them are especially alive. While all of Sedona is considered a vortex, certain spots within the area are said to have even more pronounced and noticeable energy.

The four most popular vortex sites in Sedona (all of which require a little hiking) are Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon. The energy in these places can feel different depending on the person and location—some may sense energy rising upwards in one area and flowing downwards in another. Popular activities in these spaces include meditation, yoga, and other personal rituals. Since these spots are considered sacred, it’s important to be respectful of the peace and quiet that make these areas special when you visit.

The Amitabha Stupa, an enlightenment stupa, located at the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park in Sedona, Ariz., January 20, 2024. (Al_HikesAZ/CC BY-NC 2.0)

Book a spiritual reading

Looking to find yourself? Lucky for you, Sedona is an epicenter of spirituality, offering seemingly endless options. From spiritual readings and psychics to crystal shops, aura photography, soul retreats, and more, there’s something for every spiritual journey.

If spirituality isn’t really your thing, but you’re still craving a self-care-filled day, consider exploring Sedona’s beautiful spas and salons. 

Find peace and love

Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a beautiful outdoor spiritual destination open to people of all faiths. It’s a serene space where visitors can gather for prayer and meditation, and experience peace and love in a sacred setting. The Amitabha Stupa was founded by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo Rinpoche, the Spiritual Director of the Buddhist organization Kunzang Palyul Chöling.

Before visiting the Stupa, it’s a good idea to learn about its history and significance to enrich your experience. While at the park, you might notice visitors walking clockwise around the Stupa as a form of prayer, reciting mantras, or leaving small offerings.

Visiting the Stupa is free and open to everyone during daylight hours. As you soak up the goodness and love of this sacred space, please remember to respect the peace and other visitors sharing in the experience.

Head to Jerome for a ghost tour

Just 40 minutes outside Sedona lies the historic town of Jerome, once the world’s largest copper mining town. While Jerome was once a bustling hub of activity, it’s now famously known as a haunted ghost town.

For a glimpse into its mysterious past, check out “Jerome Ghost Tours,” which offers a variety of experiences tailored to your interests. If you’re looking for a spooky adventure, consider one of their popular ghost tours: the Jerome Ghost Walk takes you to the town’s most haunted locations, while Pandora’s Box combines ghost hunting with fascinating historical insights. If you’re a history buff, there are other great options too: The Jerome History Walk gives you a deep dive into the town’s rich history, featuring visits to key landmarks, and the Wild West Tour explores the rise and fall of Jerome and introduces you to legendary figures like Billy the Kid.

As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in Sedona. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, a spiritual seeker, or just a curious traveler, Sedona stands out as one of the most beautiful and unique destinations in the Southwest. But don’t take my word for it—go see for yourself! 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

READ MORE: Weird & wacky Arizona festivals happening in 2025