Sedona, Arizona is one of the most beautiful places in the American Southwest. Towering red rock formations rise straight out of the desert. Easy trails put jaw-dropping views within reach of almost anyone. And the town itself is packed with great food, art, and family-friendly activities. This guide covers the best things to do in Sedona, whether you have one day or a full week.
See the Red Rock Formations
The red rock formations are the reason people come to Sedona. The most famous are Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and the spires near the airport. You do not need to hike to enjoy them. Many of the best views are a short walk, or even a quick drive, from a parking lot.
For the classic Sedona sunset, drive up to the Airport Mesa overlook. It is a two-minute walk from the car, and the rocks light up on fire as the sun drops. Arrive 45 minutes early for parking.
Hike the Trails (Easy to Hard)
Sedona has trails for every level. Easy, flat options like Bell Rock Pathway and Fay Canyon are short enough for little legs. Bigger challenges like Devil's Bridge and the Cathedral Rock summit reward strong hikers with unforgettable views. For a full breakdown of the gentlest routes with the biggest payoff, see our guide to the best easy hikes in Sedona.
A few favorites: Bell Rock Pathway (wide, mostly flat, stroller-friendly at the start), Cathedral Rock to the viewpoint (the iconic photo with no hard climbing), and the shaded creek trails at Red Rock State Park.
Take a Jeep Tour
An open-air jeep tour is the most fun you can have on four wheels in Sedona. Guides take you bouncing up and over the red rocks on routes you cannot reach in a regular car, like the famous Broken Arrow trail. Tours are a hit with kids and adults alike. Compare your options in our Sedona jeep tours guide, including which operators are best for families.
Splash Down Slide Rock
Slide Rock State Park is an 80-foot natural rock water slide carved into Oak Creek. Kids slide down the smooth chute into shallow pools below. It is one of the most beloved family activities in Sedona. Arrive before 10am, the lot fills and the park closes when full, and pack water shoes. The water is ice-cold mountain runoff year-round, so brace for a chilly splash.
Wander Tlaquepaque Arts Village
When you need a break from the sun, Tlaquepaque is a shady, Spanish-style courtyard full of fountains, galleries, sculptures, and ice cream. It is stroller-friendly and a perfect low-energy afternoon after a hike or jeep tour.
Things to Do in Sedona With Kids
Sedona is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Southwest. The scenery wows kids, the trails are short, and most of the best views are a five-minute walk from the car. We built a complete, day-by-day plan that strings together Slide Rock, a family jeep tour, easy red-rock trails, and a Junior Ranger program, with pool time and ice cream built in. See the full things to do in Sedona with kids itinerary, with where to stay and a drag-and-drop planner you can make your own.
Where to Stay in Sedona
Sedona has everything from luxury resorts to affordable, pool-equipped hotels. With kids, staying in one place for your whole trip beats hotel-hopping, you unpack once and make it home. West Sedona is central and more affordable; Uptown puts you closest to the shops and trailheads. Book early, because Sedona rooms sell out in spring and fall.
Best Time to Visit Sedona
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) are the sweet spots. Days are warm but not scorching, evenings are cool, and the crowds are thinner than summer. Summer can top 100°F, so plan hikes for early morning. Winter is quiet and mild, with the occasional dusting of snow on the red rocks.
Plan the Perfect Trip
Sedona is easy to fall in love with and easy to plan. Start with our Sedona family itinerary, layer in the easy hikes and a jeep tour, and you have an unforgettable Arizona trip ready to go.
Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona: The Complete Guide FAQs
The must-dos are seeing the red rock formations (Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa sunset), hiking an easy red-rock trail, taking an open-air jeep tour, splashing down Slide Rock State Park, and wandering Tlaquepaque Arts Village. With kids, our day-by-day Sedona family itinerary ties them all together.
Two to four days is ideal. Two days covers the highlights (a hike, a jeep tour, and a sunset). Four days lets you add Slide Rock, Red Rock State Park, Tlaquepaque, and a relaxed pace, which is perfect with kids.
Yes. Sedona is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Southwest. Trails are short, viewpoints are close to parking, and activities like Slide Rock and jeep tours are kid favorites. See our complete things to do in Sedona with kids itinerary for a ready-made plan.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) offer the best weather, warm days, cool evenings, and thinner crowds. Summer is hot, so hike early. Winter is quiet and mild.
Most red-rock trailheads require a Red Rock Pass ($5/day or $15/week), available online or at the visitor center. State parks like Slide Rock and Red Rock State Park charge their own separate entry fee instead.
