7 Cool Ways to Experience Sedona

For our first trip to Sedona, we arrived as an early stop on a three-month driving adventure a few summers ago. There was so much to take in and so much we wanted to do! For our next trip, we started thinking outside of the box about how we can really experience this amazing red rock country, that is totally different and unique.

Here we have compiled a list of cool ways to experience Sedona. I’ve linked some great touring and rental companies below for each experience, should any of these get you curious about what’s out there!

See Sedona’s rugged terrain by going on an off-roading tour

This might be my favorite cool way to experience Sedona. The surrounding area is so beautiful. The best way to experience it is to get out there and see it. Rather than risk the tires and suspension of your car and the possibility of getting lost, try a tour instead.

There are multiple off-roading tour companies in Sedona. Below are just three that offer unique experiences:
Pink Jeep Tours/Pink Adventure Tours – This company offers multiple off-road touring options in their jeeps, as well as regular tours on pavement that are climate controlled. Trips to ancient ruins and Grand Canyon are also available. You visit their site by clicking here.

Safari Jeep Tours – These guys are pretty cool offering many different off-road experiences, as well as specific tours like wildlife and vortex experiences. Private tours are also available. You can learn more by clicking here.

Sedona Off-road Adventures – With these guys you have the option to go on different off-road tours in a hummer tour. The Colorado Plateau tour is their most popular. Private tours are also available. You can learn more here.

Go for a hot air balloon ride

This is truly a unique experience! Both companies listed below lift off just before sunrise, provide transportation to and from your hotel and have a complimentary picnic afterwards. Total duration is about 3-4 hours and total time in flight is 60 to 90 minutes.

Try a helicopter or airplane tour

There are two companies in the area that are fantastic choices for air tours.

Guidance Air offers great helicopter tours, as well as combos that are heli trips and razor rentals to go off-roading in. They also offer trips to Grand Canyon and over Prescott. If you are a photographer and want to capture some great sites, they offer charter flights. These charter flights can also be taken anywhere in the surrounding area – painted desert, meteor crater, phoenix.  You can check them out here.

Sedona Air Tours provides trips in helicopters and airplanes, as well as air trips to Grand Canyon. They have group and combo tours, as well as private tours. You can learn more about them here.

Do a trolley tour

Sedona Trolley provides a great tour experience that is affordable. On this vintage trolley tour, you will learn about Sedona’s history, geology and geography. They have two tours, Tour A and Tour B. On Tour A you will visit South Sedona and Chapel of the Holy Cross. On Tour B, you will experience West Sedona and Boynton Canyon. Can’t decide which one to take? Take a combo tour and see both for a reduced rate. Note that Sedona Trolley also has sunset tours that can fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot if you want to go at sunset. You can learn more about this tour by clicking here.

Rent an off-roading vehicle and enjoy the terrain

There is an abundance of ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) and UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) rentals in Sedona. This is a fun option getting in the driver’s seat and exploring the landscape on your own.  Great places to consider a rental are

If you are interested in also renting slingshots by the hour for on-road adventures, these ATV/UTV rental companies also have that option:

See Sedona’s night sky

Sedona is an International Dark Sky Community, a designation given to only 20 Dark Sky Communities in the world. Here you will see stars you didn’t even know where there because the light pollution is so low. Skies are clear most nights, except during Monsoon season (July through September).

We have a full post all about different options for stargazing, including self-guided tours, as well as tours led by professionals that are out of this world. You can find the full post here.

Sample Sedona’s amazing culture and cuisine

When we visited Sedona for the first time in 2016, we were amazed by variety and quality of things to do and places to eat. a vibrant food scene and unique cultural attractions. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best spots in town:

Cultural Attractions:

1. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village – Explore art galleries and unique shops in a Spanish-style village.
2. Chapel of the Holy Cross – Visit this iconic chapel built into the red rocks.
3. Sedona Heritage Museum – Dive into the area’s rich history and cowboy culture.

Restaurants:

1. Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill – Enjoy panoramic views and Latin-fusion cuisine.
2. Elote Cafe – Savor innovative Southwestern dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
3. Cress on Oak Creek – Experience fine dining with a creekside view at L’Auberge de Sedona.
4. Hideaway House – Indulge in Italian comfort food on a scenic patio.

Cafes:

1. Indian Gardens Cafe & Market – A charming spot for coffee and light bites.
2. Creekside Coffee – Grab a cup of locally roasted coffee with red rock views.
3. The Chai Spot – Located inside the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, this little stop is ideal for amazing teas and treats.

Sedona’s blend of natural beauty, culinary delights, and cultural experiences make it a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast or foodie. We have more in-depth articles for both things to do and places to eat.

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