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Published on July 3, 2024. Last Updated on March 14, 2026.
Sedona is a place where vibrant red rocks meet clear blue skies and spiritual energy flows through every corner. If you only have one day to spend in this magical town, fear not! After a short trip to Sedona, we curated a list of must-do activities that will make your short visit unforgettable. Here are 9 must-do activities in one day in Sedona.
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Why only one day in Sedona?
Buddy and I visited Sedona, Arizona in late June to escape the crippling heat of our home in Southern Arizona. And while yes, it is hot in Sedona in June, the temperatures are still a lot cooler than the heat of our home in Tucson.
But why such a short trip?
Both Buddy and I were touring for our performing arts jobs on and off all summer. So rather than a larger family vacation, we did two mother and son trips between our tours. First, we did a camping trip to visit the Gila National Monument in New Mexico, and then a trip to Sedona. We had to sandwich in the trip to Sedona between tour dates. In fact, Buddy had 24 hours between returning home from Sedona before heading off to San Diego on his next tour!
We know, one day(ish) is not enough time to explore Sedona. But if you are visiting Arizona for the first time and want to visit Sedona after some time at the Grand Canyon, we are sharing the things we did and loved, as well as things that we missed. This is a very doable Sedona itinerary if you are visiting and have limited time.
One day in Sedona: 9 Interesting Things To Do
1. Take a sunrise hike
Start your day with a sunrise hike in Sedona’s stunning red rock country. There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from, but some popular options include Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Airport Mesa. Watching the sun rise over the red rocks is truly a breathtaking experience and a perfect way to start your day in Sedona.
Given that we visited Sedona in the heat of June, and that we definitely wanted to do some hiking, a sunrise hike was a top priority. After driving up from Tucson the night before, we woke up at 4am to hit the trails. We hiked to Devil’s Bridge and were back in Sedona in time for breakfast by 7:30am. It was a great way to start the day!
Pro Tip: Before parking, check to see if the lot you are using requires a Red Rock Pass. Passes can be purchased online or at various locations in and around the Sedona area.
Buddy says, “The sunrise hike had stunning views and interesting sights along the way. Devil’s Bridge is slightly narrow, so if you do decide to walk on it. Be Very Careful. Other than that, just make sure you get there early enough to have the bridge to yourself for a bit. (which is what we did.)”
Great for: Hikers, early risers.
Our blog post on Devil’s Bridge has everything you need to know about the hike.
Pro Tip: The Sedona Shuttle is a great way to access the hiking trails without having to drive.
2. Visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is a charming village-style outdoor shopping center filled with art galleries, specialty shops, and restaurants. What makes Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village unique? The buildings are modeled off of traditional Spanish-style architecture. In addition to the food, shopping, and galleries, the Village has Flamenco in the Courtyard Spring through Fall. Check the calendar for upcoming events.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is located at 336 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86336. And there is free onsite parking. Don’t forget to (safely) cross the street to take in more shops and sites. The Village extends across Arizona Highway 179.
After breakfast and a quick nap, Buddy and I set off to explore Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. We had a fun time popping into stores and exploring some galleries. I bought some jewelry while Buddy had fun listening to the music boxes at Sedona Music Boxes & More.
Buddy says “Explore all the stores! There are record stores, toy stores, and even restaurants to choose from. Just be careful turning into the village from AZ-179, it’s a bit of a tight urn, and the entrance is kind of hidden.”
Great for: Shoppers, art lovers, foodies, families of all ages.
3. Do some energy healing
No visit to Sedona would be complete without experiencing some form of energy healing. Whether you’re interested in reiki sessions, sound healing ceremonies, or crystal therapy sessions, there are plenty of practitioners in town who can help you tap into Sedona’s powerful energy vortexes.
Unfortunately, there was no time for reiki, massages, our sound baths for me and Buddy on this trip. As we were short on time, we kept our energy healing to window shopping crystals and candles at Center for the New Age, buying Vortex Blend Sedona Red Rock Coffee, and visiting a few vortexes (vortices?).
Buddy says, “If energy healing is your thing, well Sedona is the place to find it! Nearly everywhere you go you can find a location to get one. Even if you don’t participate, at least check out some items from nearby shops.”
Great for: Anyone interested in energy healing, travelers looking to relax or unwind.
4. Visit a vortex
No Sedona experience would be complete without visiting a famous Sedona vortex. These swirling centers of energy are believed to be conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration. Some vortexes include Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Cathedral Rock, to name a few. Whether you’re a believer or just curious, visiting a vortex site is sure to be an enlightening experience.
As we were pressed for time, Buddy and I decided to take a short two hour tour of Sedona that would include a famous vortex. The tour took us to Boynton Canyon Vortex, where we got a few photos. We also visited Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout as well.
This is the tour we took in case you are interested!
Buddy says, “Hike around the vortexes, and see if you feel the energy of the vortex and the land.”‘
Great for: Vortex seekers, nature lovers, travelers of all ages.
5. Visit the Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park
Visit Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park for some peace and tranquility amidst the red rocks. This sacred Buddhist site offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and provides a serene setting for quiet reflection. The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is located at 2650 Pueblo Dr, Sedona, AZ 86336 and is open every day during daylight hours. The site is free and it is highly recommended that you learn about the Amitabha Stupa before you visit. You can do that here.
We visited the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park as a part of our tour. And I am glad that we did because our guide gave us lots of information about the history and significance of the site. Our tour only allowed for 30 minutes and I wish that we had more time at the Amitabha Stupa. Perhaps next time.
Pro Tip: Use the restroom before you come as there is only one porta potty at the entrance.
Buddy says, “ As a place of active worship, please be quiet and respectful while you are there.”
Great for: Spiritual seekers, travelers of all ages, pets are also welcome.
6. Take a sunset hike
If you are not too tired after a day full of adventure, lace up those boots again and hit the trails for the second hike of the day, a sunset hike at one of Sedona’s picturesque trails. Watching the sun set over the red rocks is an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling grateful for having spent a day exploring this magical town.
When we visited Sedona, we did a sunset hike to the Birthing Cave. Unfortunately, this evening hike did not have beautiful sunset vistas but we planned it that way! Because we were visiting in the heat of the summer, we opted to hike Birthing Cave when the majority of the trails were in the shade of nearby mountains. The setting sun cast a shadow that kept us a bit cooler and projected us from the sun. It was a perfect way to end the day. (Well, sort of. We had one more stop).
Our blog post on the Birthing Cave has everything you need to know about the hike.
Pro Tip: Wear hiking shoes with good grip. The red rocks are slippery.
Buddy says, “When you enter the cave, make sure to not fall. The rocks are Super Slippery. But the hike is worth it, as the views were astonishing.”
Great for: Hikers, travelers who want to see a sunset over red rocks.
7. Grab a bite to eat
There are plenty of delicious dining options to fill you up after a busy day of sightseeing in Sedona. From casual cafes to upscale restaurants with stunning views of the red rocks, there is something for every palate.
After a very busy day consisting of two hikes, a tour, and some sightseeing, Buddy and I dined at my favorite restaurant in Sedona – Picazzos. Why is this my favorite restaurant in Sedona? Because they have the best gluten-free pizza and gluten-free pasta! Buddy and I shared a salad and ordered some pasta. It was delicious.
Buddy says, “I personally recommend Picazzos. I had linguine and meatballs. Next time, I will try their pizza as well.”
Great for: Foodies. Travelers of all ages.
For our other meals, Buddy and I took advantage of the hotel kitchen and bought some small things from Whole Foods to eat in our room.
8. Stroll through Uptown
Before you head off on your next adventure, take a leisurely walk through Uptown Sedona. This bustling area is filled with shops, cafes, and art galleries where you can pick up souvenirs or grab a bite to eat. Perhaps breakfast or coffee on your way out of town. Uptown Sedona Shops are located at the intersection of Arizona Highway 179 and Arizona Highway 89A.
Pro Tip: Uptown Sedona has four all-day free parking lots in the area. Just follow the “P” signs to the nearest parking lot.
Okay, so we are cheating a bit here because technically, we visited Uptown Sedona on day 1.25 of our trip. This was our second to last stop on our way out of town. We walked Uptown and bought some keychains at one of the many souvenir shops before visiting Sedona Arts Center.
Full disclosure, we visited Sedona Arts Center because I had a meeting for my performing arts job (yes working on vacation). But I fully recommend that you visit during your trip to Sedona. The gift shop alone is amazing or you can visit an exhibition or take an art class. It is a great way to experience the vibrant local arts scene.
Buddy says” Walk around, there are many small vortex-themed shops to explore. Just cross the street safely, as it’s a busy highway!”
Great for: Shoppers, art lovers, travelers of all ages.
9. Drive the Red Rock Scenic Highway
Driving the Red Rock Scenic Highway in Sedona, Arizona is an absolute must for any road trip enthusiast. This iconic route, also known as Arizona State Route 179, offers one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the United States. Winding through the heart of Sedona’s breathtaking red rock formations, the highway provides stunning vistas at every turn. And, if you start at Uptown Sedona, you begin driving the highway at the very beginning of the road.
As we were near the beginning of the scenic drive, Buddy and I decided to head down the 179 towards I-17 to begin our journey back to Tucson. Unfortunately, we were in a time crunch so we did not have a chance to stop at the scenic lookouts or do any hikes whose trailhead we passed. We did, however, stop in the Village of Oak Creek to gas up and grab a coffee.
Buddy says,“AZ 179 has great views and a winding path. It is a must for roadtrippers. Like my mom said, visit the scenic pullouts and hike the trails if you have time.”
Great for: Road trip enthusiasts, nature lovers.
Pro Tip: Visit Montezuma’s Castle after driving the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
What we missed during our one day in Sedona
Because exploring Sedona in one(ish) day is nearly impossible, there was not enough time to take in everything. Our one full day in Sedona left us with so many things on our list of things to see. Here are some notable places that we missed on this trip. We are hopeful to return to Northern Arizona soon!
- Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Subway Cave
- Slide Rock State Park – We were bummed to miss this!
- Red Rock State Park
- Oak Creek Canyon
- Sedona Heritage Museum
- Many Vortexes
- And Sedona’s energy healing
What to bring for your one day in Sedona
Below are some suggestions for what to bring to spend one day in Sedona. The packing list will vary depending on the season that you visit an the activities that you do. Make sure to add to the list as you see fit.
- A jacket for winter, light sweater for fall, or a light jacket with UPF to protect from the sun if you are visiting the summer months.
- Sunscreen, a hat, lip balm.
- Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip if you plan on hiking.
- A refillable water bottle.
Where to stay in Sedona AZ
There are many places to stay in and around the Sedona area including Uptown, West Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, or the Village of Oak Creek.
During our trip to Sedona, Buddy and I stayed in West Sedona, mostly because this is where we found the least expensive hotel. I also visited Sedona for work conferences and stayed in and around Uptown and the Tlaquepaque area. There can be more traffic in that area. But, no matter where you stay, with the Shuttle, or your car, Sedona is easy to navigate.
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Final Thoughts on One Day in Sedona
In just one day in Sedona, you can immerse yourself in nature’s beauty, explore art, indulge in delicious cuisine, tap into spiritual energies at vortex sites, experience healing practices firsthand, and hike at the red rock landscapes at sunrise and sunset. So if you find yourself with limited time in this enchanting town – fear not! With our guide on what to do in Sedona in one day, you’ll be able to make the most out of your short visit and create lasting memories that will stay with you long after you’ve left this magical place.
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Have you visited Sedona? Did you feel the energy of the vortexes? Let us know in the comments below!
Do you have questions about family travel or traveling with teens? Feel free to reach out! We are happy to chat and share our experiences and look forward to connecting with you.
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If you enjoyed reading this, check out these blog posts!
- Travel Made Easy: Tips for Visiting Montezuma Castle
- 3 Simple Tips for Hiking Beautiful Devil’s Bridge in Sedona
- 5 Simple Tips for Hiking the Birthing Cave in Sedona
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