Top 15 Things to Do in Sedona Besides Hiking (2026)
It's no secret that I love to plan a trip around epic hikes and outdoor adventures and Sedona is one of those places that is an easy 'yes' for an active vacation. The red rock formations rising out of the Arizona desert are jaw-dropping, and yes, the hiking here is some of the best in the United States. But here's the thing: Sedona has so much more to offer. Whether hiking isn't your thing, your knees have filed a formal complaint, or you've simply already logged the miles and want something new — this guide is for you.
From off-road jeep tours and hot air balloon rides over stunning red rock formations to wine tasting along the Verde Valley Wine Trail and psychic readings in Uptown Sedona, there are plenty of unforgettable experiences waiting that don't require a single hiking boot. Here's my top 15 things to do in Sedona besides hiking.
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1. Chapel of the Holy Cross
If I had to pick one stop in Sedona for someone who wasn't hiking, this would be it. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a stunning architectural landmark built directly into the red rock hillside — a 90-foot cross anchors the structure between two towering buttes, and the panoramic views from the chapel are breathtaking. It's been recognized as one of the most beautiful churches in the world, and standing in front of it, you'll understand why. Even as someone who isn't super religious, I found this spot to be awe inspiring.
The chapel is open to visitors of all faiths and admission is free, though a short walk from the parking area is required. It's also a great jumping-off point for a scenic drive through the surrounding landscape.
→ Book a sight seeing tour including Chapel of the Holy Cross
2. Pink Jeep Tours
One of the best ways to experience Sedona's red rock backcountry without lacing up trail runners is aboard one of the iconic Pink Jeep Tours. These guided, off-road adventures take you through desert canyons and arroyos, past dramatic red rock formations and into areas you can't see from the highway.
Select tours visit Honanki Heritage Site, a Native American historic site dating back over 700 years, while others roll through the mysterious Diamondback Gulch.
3. Hot Air Balloon Ride & Helicopter Tours
For the most dramatic views of Sedona's landscape — arguably better than any panoramic views you'd get from a trail — take to the sky. A hot air balloon ride at sunrise is one of those bucket-list experiences that lives up to the hype. Floating over the red rock country as the early light hits the formations below is one of the most stunning things you can witness in Arizona. Red Rock Balloons is a well-known local operator worth looking into.
If balloons or early alarm clocks aren't your speed, helicopter tours offer a faster-paced but equally breathtaking alternative, covering a lot of ground in a short amount of time.
4. Scenic Drives
You don't need to get out of the car to be moved by Sedona's landscape — and a well-planned scenic drive is proof of that. There are three routes worth knowing about:
Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR-179) is my personal favorite. This 7.5-mile route connects to Highway 17 to the south and winds through red rocks, pine forests, and high desert landscape. It's visually diverse and easy to drive at a relaxed pace.
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Road (SR-89A) connects Sedona to Flagstaff and is likely your route if you're coming from Page or the Grand Canyon. The views across the canyon are breathtaking — this is the kind of drive where you'll want to stop at every overlook and pull off to take in the views. I'm pretty sure that it took us twice as long as Google Maps predicted to drive this stretch of road with all of our stops.
Red Rock Loop Road is a short, accessible route that offers some of the best views of Cathedral Rock without any hiking required.
Pack some snacks, throw on a good playlist, and take your time with these.
5. Verde Canyon Railroad
All aboard — this one is a hidden gem. The Verde Canyon Railroad runs along the Verde River through a remote canyon that is otherwise inaccessible, making this one of the most unique ways to see Northern Arizona's landscape. The route passes through Coconino National Forest, across historic trestles, and through a 680-foot tunnel, with narration on the history and ecology of the area throughout.
This is a great option for a half-day outing, and a particularly lovely experience in fall when the cottonwoods along the Verde River turn gold.
6. Wine Tasting Along the Verde Valley Wine Trail
Surprise — Arizona is wine country, and the Verde Valley Wine Trail is one of the best-kept secrets in the Southwest. The trail connects four wineries: Alcantara Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards, and Javelina Leap Vineyards. Together, they make for a really lovely afternoon of tasting rooms, sweeping high desert views, and the kind of relaxed vibe that feels a world away from Uptown Sedona.
I'd recommend designating a driver or booking a guided vineyard tour so everyone in the group can fully enjoy the experience.
7. Wellness & Spa
Sedona has a well-earned reputation as a wellness destination, and if you're here for rest and renewal, lean into it fully. The combination of the serene atmosphere, the surrounding natural beauty, and the area's spiritual energy makes this one of the best places in the United States to unplug and reset. We loved our massage experience at The Wilde but you will find an abundance of options here. Many of the top resorts — including Enchantment Resort and Amara Resort & Spa — offer world-class, award-winning spa facilities and wellness programming. If you're not staying at a resort, day spa options are plentiful throughout the area.
8. Shopping
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Sedona's shopping scene is a lot more interesting than your average tourist strip. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is a beautifully designed, Spanish colonial-style shopping village filled with fine art galleries, handcrafted jewelry, and unique boutiques — we spent several hours here just browsing and window shopping. The architecture alone makes it a great place to wander.
Uptown Sedona
Uptown Sedona offers a different, more bustling energy — think a lot of unique experiences (aura readings are plentiful), crystal shops, local art, and plenty of spots to grab coffee or a bite while you walk.
→ Book a Sedona sight seeing tour featuring Tlaquepaque & Uptown Sedona
9. Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park sits just a short drive north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon. The natural rock water slide formed by Oak Creek has been drawing visitors for generations —one of those classic Arizona swimming holes — perfect for cooling off in summer heat. It was too chilly for a swim on our last trip, but this one is at the top of my list for my next visit. Outside of swim season, the park is still a beautiful place to visit for the scenery and the canyon views.
Worth noting: parking fills up fast in warmer months, so an early arrival or a weekday visit is a smart move.
→ If you are looking for more like this, check out my top 8 hikes in Sedona
10. Psychic Readings
Sedona is one of the most well-known vortex sites in the world, and with that comes a thriving community of healers, psychics, and spiritual practitioners. Even if you're a skeptic, getting a reading here is at minimum an entertaining and uniquely Sedona experience — and for many visitors, it ends up being something a lot more meaningful than they expected. You'll find practitioners throughout Uptown Sedona and beyond.
11. Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park
Tucked away in a quieter corner of Sedona, the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a beautiful, meditative space open to visitors of all backgrounds. The park features a large white stupa — a Tibetan Buddhist monument intended to promote peace and wellbeing — set against the red rock backdrop. It's free to visit and makes for a peaceful, reflective stop. Even without a spiritual context, the setting alone is worth the short drive.
12. Stargazing & Night Sky Viewing
Sedona is one of only twenty certified Dark Sky Communities in the world. What does this mean? They have made concerted efforts to reduce light pollution, meaning no bright lights, which is better for the environment but also has the added benefit for fantastic opportunities for viewing the night sky. If you've never seen the Milky Way with your own eyes, Sedona is one of the best places to change that.
Guided stargazing tours are available and well worth it — a knowledgeable guide can point out constellations, planets, and deep sky objects that you'd otherwise miss.
13. Sedona Arts Center
The Sedona Arts Center has been a cornerstone of the local creative community since 1958, and it remains one of the best spots to experience local and regional fine art. The center hosts rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and community events throughout the year. If Tlaquepaque is where you go to buy art, the Sedona Arts Center is where you go to appreciate it — and to get a real sense of the creative identity of this place.
14. Sedona Trolley
For a relaxed way to take in Sedona's most iconic sights without the logistics of driving and parking, the Sedona Trolley Company is an excellent option. Three routes are available — one that swings through the Chapel of the Holy Cross area and two others covering West Sedona and Airport Mesa or Fay Canyon. If you want a slightly different take, the Red Rock Magic Trolley is an alternative operator with a route to Boynton Canyon.
This is especially great for visitors who prefer a guided overview of the area before deciding where to spend more time.
15. ATV Tours
If Pink Jeep Tours are the guided, sit-back-and-enjoy version of Sedona's backcountry — ATV tours are the more hands-on alternative. Get behind the wheel (or handlebars) yourself and navigate the desert terrain with a guide leading the way. Several operators in the area offer guided group tours that take you through off-road trails and wide-open desert landscape. A lot of extra fun for those who like to be in the driver's seat — literally.
Popular Day Trips from Sedona
Already checked a few items off the list and looking to venture further? Sedona's location in Northern Arizona makes it a great base for some incredible day trips.
Page, AZ
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are two of the most photographed places in the American Southwest, and both are within reach as a day trip from Sedona. The slot canyon light beams at Antelope Canyon are something else entirely. Some light walking is required to access the iconic views at these sites.
→ Book a day trip to Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
Grand Canyon National Park
One of the most iconic natural wonders in the United States, the Grand Canyon is about a 2-hour drive from Sedona. A lot of time? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.
→ Book a day trip to the Grand Canyon
Jerome, AZ
This former copper mining town turned quirky arts community is perched on Cleopatra Hill above the Verde Valley, and it's one of the most interesting short drives from Sedona. The ghost town history makes for a particularly fun evening outing. We loved the Old West charm and had an absolute blast trying our hand at ghost hunting.
Montezuma Castle
This remarkably well-preserved cliff dwelling is one of the best examples of Sinaguan architecture in Arizona and a fascinating stop for history lovers. Located about 45 minutes south of Sedona.
→ Book a private tour of Montezuma Castle
Where to Stay in Sedona
Luxury: Enchantment Resort — Set inside Boynton Canyon with sweeping red rock views, this is the gold standard for a Sedona splurge.
Mid-Range: Arabella Hotel Sedona — A solid, well-located option with a great vibe that won't break the bank.
Budget: Wildflower Inn — Comfortable and practical for those who are spending most of their time out exploring anyway.
FAQs
Can you enjoy Sedona without hiking?
Definitely. Sedona has something for everyone — outdoor adventurers, wellness seekers, food and wine lovers, history buffs, and everyone in between. Hiking is optional.
Where can I see Cathedral Rock without hiking?
A few spots offer great views of Cathedral Rock without a trail: Red Rock Crossing and Crescent Moon Picnic Site are the most accessible. The panoramic views from the top are hike-only territory, but the iconic reflection shot from the creek? Totally doable without breaking a sweat.
What is the most scenic drive in Sedona?
I'm a big fan of the Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR-179) for its range of diverse landscapes, but the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Road connecting Sedona and Flagstaff is a very close second — the canyon views are breathtaking.
What is the easiest vortex site to access in Sedona?
Airport Mesa is generally considered one of the easiest vortex sites in Sedona. You can drive up to the Airport Mesa overlook and experience the energy without committing to a full hike.
How many days do you need to enjoy Sedona without hiking?
For non-hikers, I'd recommend at least two full days — enough time to hit the must-see landmarks and layer in a few extras from this list. You could easily stretch it to three if you're planning a day trip or want to slow things down with some spa time.
Planning a bigger Arizona adventure? Check out my 7-Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary and Guide to Visiting Sedona in Winter for more.
Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
