Sedona is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. You can come here time after time and never run out of things to do in Sedona. This unique city, located about two hours north of Phoenix, is best known for its stunning landscapes of red rocks, sweeping ponderosa pine forests, and water-carved canyons.
While Sedona isn’t a secret, it is still worth a visit especially for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Here you will find hiking, fishing, camping, Jeep trails, world-class dining, shopping, and craft breweries. Sedona has it all.
If this is your first visit to Sedona, know that getting around looks a lot different in 2026 once parking fills up. To actually enjoy your trip without the headache, plan hikes early, book popular dinners well ahead of time, and be ready to use Sedona’s shuttle options when lots are full.
Whether you visit for a day or a month, you are sure to find something new. This list covers 9 of my favorite activities, plus the tips you need to enjoy the city stress-free
What to know about Sedona Shuttles in 2026
Sedona’s transit options are easy to mix up because they use similar names. Here is the simple breakdown:
1. Sedona Shuttle (Trailhead Shuttles)
- Cost: Free
- Function: Fixed-route shuttles (Route 11, etc.) that run from Park & Ride lots to popular trailheads to reduce congestion.
- Use this when: You are hiking a major trail and the lots are full (Devil’s Bridge access points, Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, and others).
2. Sedona Shuttle Connect (On-Demand Microtransit)
- Cost: $2 per rider (senior fare is $1). Fares and discounts can change, so verify in the app.
- Function: App-based, on-demand rides around town. Great for restaurants, shops, and popular non-hike stops where parking is painful.
- Use this when: You want to get to dinner or the Chapel of the Holy Cross without circling for parking.
Insider Tip: Sedona’s trailhead shuttles use TransLoc for real-time arrivals, and the City also uses TransLoc for Shuttle Connect booking and tracking. Download it before you lose service, and use the official site for current app links and instructions.
Sedona Shuttle real-time info
Here is a list of 9 of the best things to do in Sedona.
1 – Hike to Devil’s Bridge
You probably have seen photos of people standing on top of a tall, narrow stone arch with only red rocks and forests in the distance. This is Devil’s Bridge, one of the most popular sights in Sedona. If you only have time for one hike in Sedona, then this is it.
If you want to reach Devil’s Bridge, you will need to hike. Most routes are roughly 4 to 6 miles round trip depending on your starting point. There is also a much shorter option if you are able to reach the upper trailhead area via the rough road (high-clearance vehicles only). Most hikers approach from the Dry Creek area. Other than a few steep, rocky steps near the end, the hike is very doable for most visitors who start early and bring enough water.
As this is one of the most popular trails in Sedona, it can get extremely busy. It is not surprising to see heavy foot traffic by 10:00 AM. When you reach the arch, expect a wait for that iconic photo. If you want the best experience, go as early as possible.
You can read my guide to hiking Devil’s Bridge here.
Getting Here
Parking in the Dry Creek area fills fast. If you want to park at a trailhead, arrive very early. If lots are full, use the City’s free Route 11 trailhead shuttle from the West SR 89A Park & Ride to reach the Dry Creek area access points (when trailhead shuttle service is operating).
Insider Tip: In extreme heat, Sedona may switch to a safety schedule that reduces outbound service to trailheads. For example, in 2025 a summer safety schedule ran July 31 through Sept 1 and the last outbound Route 11 trip to the Dry Creek area trailheads was 12:00 PM (noon), with return trips continuing later in the day. Regular service resumed Sept 4, 2025. Always check SedonaShuttle.com for the current schedule before planning an afternoon hike.
2 – Slide and Swim at Slide Rock State Park
Located just north of downtown Sedona is Slide Rock State Park, one of the most popular recreation spots in town. No visit to Sedona is complete without a visit to this park located in Oak Creek Canyon.
The main reason for visiting Slide Rock State Park is to swim in the cool waters of Oak Creek, a popular activity on hot summer days. While the swimming area extends for a half mile along Oak Creek, most visitors focus their attention on Slide Rock.
Slide Rock, for which the park is named after, is an 80-foot long natural rock slide covered in slippery algae. You can’t leave the park without sliding down the slide. It is fun for both children and adults. Other than swimming, visitors can picnic, hike, fish for trout, and simply relax.
Just as with Devil’s Bridge, Slide Rock can get extremely busy on warm days, even midweek. If you want to beat the crowds, go early.
Getting Here
6871 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336 (GPS: 34.943229, -111.753074)
Entry & Costs
Slide Rock uses seasonal day-use fees (typically $30 per vehicle May through September and $20 per vehicle October through April, but always confirm before you go). Unlike most Sedona sites, this is a State Park, so Red Rock Passes are not accepted.
Official Slide Rock info
Insider Tip: In summer, the lot can hit capacity early, triggering a “one in, one out” line. If you miss the morning window, try later in the afternoon when day visitors start leaving.
3 – Traverse Teacup Trail to Coffee Pot Rock
Located in the hills of western Sedona is Coffee Pot Rock, a towering red rock which resembles a percolator coffee pot. A quick hike along Teacup Trail can bring you to Coffee Pot Rock. From the top, you will be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of Sedona below.
There are two reasons why hiking Teacup Trail to Coffee Pot Rock should be on anyone’s list of must-do things in Sedona. First, the trail can be done quickly when you don’t want to spend all day hiking. Second, while popular, it isn’t usually as intense as Devil’s Bridge or West Fork.
On paper, this trail measures in at 2.9 miles round trip with the trail beginning at the Sugar Loaf Trailhead Parking Lot. Depending on which way you go and how far you explore, you could end up hiking less than or more than 2.9 miles.
Getting Here
Park at the Sugar Loaf Trailhead Parking Lot (GPS: 34.874362, -111.796445)
4 – Eat breakfast at the Coffee Pot Restaurant
If you are looking for breakfast in Sedona that won’t break the bank, then Coffee Pot Restaurant is a great option. Their claim to fame is their 101 different omelettes.
Getting Here
2050 W State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336 (GPS: 34.864277, -111.796670)
5 – Crescent Moon Picnic Site
Photographers flock to Crescent Moon Picnic Site for the chance to photograph towering Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek.
Getting Here
333 Red Rock Crossing Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336 (GPS: 34.826526, -111.808698)
Entry & Costs
Expect a day-use fee at the entrance. If you plan to use a pass, confirm details at the booth when you arrive since pass acceptance can vary by site and can change.
6 – Hike Bell Rock
Getting Here
Park at the Courthouse Vista Parking Lot (GPS: 34.805857, -111.766497)
Entry & Costs
You need a Red Rock Pass ($5 daily at the digital kiosk) or an America the Beautiful pass displayed on your dashboard.
7 – Marvel at Chapel of the Holy Cross
Getting Here
780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336 (GPS: 34.832011, -111.766771)
Insider Tip: Parking here is tough. Shuttle Connect can be a good alternative when service is available. Verify coverage and pickup and dropoff points in the official app before you go.
8 – Sunset at Airport Scenic Lookout/Airport Mesa Vortex
One of the best places to watch sunset in Sedona is at the Airport Scenic Lookout near Sedona Airport. It is popular for a reason, but it gets crowded.
Getting Here
Park near the top of Airport Rd (GPS: 34.852906, -111.789366). Expect a small posted day-use parking fee and confirm on-site in case it changes.
9 – Eat, Eat, Eat
If you only have time for one restaurant, I still recommend Elote Cafe, but be warned that reservations open well in advance and can sell out quickly.
Bonus: Events in Sedona for 2026
If you are planning your trip around local events, keep these 2026 dates in mind (and always confirm on the official event site before booking hotels):
Sedona Mountain Bike Festival: November 6-8, 2026.
Official festival site
Sedona International Film Festival: February 21-March 1, 2026.
Official film festival site
Last Updated on January 11, 2026
