My name is Matt T. Welcome to my blog on the best things to do in Sedona. I grew up just outside of Philadelphia, New Jersey. I was fortunate to travel many places throughout the world when I was younger but didn’t truly have the passion for travel and photography until three years ago.
What started as a camping trip with a GoPro led to a lot of camera gear and plane ticket purchases! Fortunately, I have a mother-in-law who is a travel expert. So I was fortunate to tag along on a few of her trips to see new places in addition to the adventures my wife and I go on together.
Sedona was a destination I visited once prior at the start of my photography journey. I wanted to come back here armed with all my new knowledge and gear to capture and experience the amazing landscape all around this part of Arizona. Being cooped up in our apartment – my wife, puppy and I were eager to get outside and enjoy some nature and fresh air.
We visited for a long weekend and were able to see some of the old hikes we did the first time – like the Devil’s Bridge Trail and Soldier Pass Trail – and also enjoy some new views and hikes like the amazing Birthing Cave. Next time we come back we are going to bring or rent mountain bikes to experience the trails of Sedona from a different perspective.
Why Sedona should be on your Bucket List
Sedona is a truly magical place that offers so much for so many different types of experiences. The town itself is a quiet little place nested deep between beautiful stone mountains and cliffs. It’s the perfect location for enjoying the outdoors – hiking, mountain biking, stargazing and more!
They also have amazing resorts like the Enchantment Resort and Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock where I like to wind down and relax after a day of outdoor adventures. The small town is very artsy and has fantastic dining and shopping options. One of my favorite activities was renting a 4×4 ATV and driving off-road, adventuring through the breathtaking scenery.
My Favorite Place in Sedona: The Devil’s Bridge
One of the most spectacular places in Sedona is the Devil’s Bridge. The iconic stone structure, in addition to the beautiful backdrop, makes for the perfect scene and photo. But with that comes popularity and crowds – so you should try to enjoy the bridge early in the morning or on a weekday.
This is a special place to me as it was the first travel location I went to with my wife (my then girlfriend). It was great to come back as husband and wife to reflect on everything we have experienced in the last few years and make new memories in a beautiful place. We also brought our rescue puppy this past visit and took him on his first ever hike which he loved.
7 Best Things To Do in Sedona
- Hike the Devil’s Bridge. This has to be the number one experience. The hike isn’t too bad and you will enjoy great views throughout the trail.
- Discover the Birthing Cave. Another favorite experience of mine with the most incredible view. The hike is relatively easy except for the last stretch where you are gaining some good elevation. But this is a unique location because it puts you in a natural frame for the perfect photo!
- Go stargazing. I love astrophotography and Sedona is in a remote area away from major cities and light pollution. Come during a new moon and you will see some amazing dark skies filled with tons of stars.
- Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This is easily one of the most beautiful churches I have ever come across on my travels.
- Stay at the Enchantment Resort. You will find luxury and wellness at its finest in this accommodation. Go swimming in a pool surrounded by the beautiful red rock – another bucket-list experience in Sedona!
- Rent an ATV and go off-roading. Taking adventures and exploring the terrain is so much fun! Not only is this a source of entertainment but you can see so much of the beautiful city and landscapes this way.
- Enjoy the peace and fresh air. There is nothing better than being outside and hearing wildlife in the quiet. This is a peaceful experience that everyone should try to do multiple times a year.
Need to Know Before you Go
When it comes to accommodation, by far the nicest resort is the Enchantment. Another great hotel which is more affordable is the Hilton at Bell Rock. I love these resorts and highly recommend both! If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, you can find some great Airbnb options.
The best time of year to visit Sedona is obviously in the Spring and Fall when the weather is more comfortable and ideal for enjoying the outdoors. All the great Sedona insights I have can be found on my travel blog here. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy visiting the beautiful Sedona!
