Sedona is beloved for its gorgeous red rock formations, picturesque hiking trails, and its spiritual energy.
While hiking trails may dominate the conversation, there are plenty of must-dos in Sedona beyond trekking through its majestic canyons and visiting its four vortexes.
From its vibrant arts scene to its museums, shops, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, you don’t need to bother with bringing your hiking boots.
With our list of specially curated activities, be prepared for thrilling Jeep tours, hot air balloon rides with breathtaking views, holy sites, and scenic drives.
Without leaving you in any further anticipation, let’s get into the very best non-hiking things to do in Sedona.
Things to Do in Sedona Without Hiking
When hiking is not on the table, you’ll find your time filled with amazing activities suitable for any spirited traveler headed Sedona’s way.
If you love the arts, culture, history, and maybe a bit of adventure, you’ll love this list.
1. Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most Instagrammable places in Sedona and a spot definitely worth sightseeing sans the hiking. You’ll find this iconic architectural landmark built into the red rock buttes within the Coconino National Park.
Rising atop a prominent peak, the chapel offers stunning panoramic views of Sedona and provides a peaceful setting for reflection and contemplation.
Designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude and completed in 1956, the tall building hosts weekly mass and showcases religious artworks and relics.
This Catholic church is definitely worth the visit regardless of your faith. It’s open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily and is free to enter.
Tip: Read up on how to spend one day in Sedona and this three-day itinerary for ideas when planning your trip.
2. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Dubbed “the art and soul of Sedona”, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (pronounced T-la-keh-pah-keh) is definitely the place for shopping enthusiasts who love a bit of art.
Found on the banks of Oak Creek under the shade of sycamores, this landmark is fashioned after a traditional Mexican village and has been around since the 1970s.
Tlaquepaque means the “best of everything,” and that’s what you’ll get as you walk the cobblestone paths. You’ll pass over 50 unique specialty shops, art galleries, jewelry shops, and eateries.
Most shops in the village are open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with restaurants closing later in the evening.
Check out El Rincon Mexican Restaurant, open until 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
3. Book a Hot Air Balloon Ride
The best way to take in all of Sedona’s scenery from a bird’s eye view is through a hot air balloon ride.
Float above the red rock formations and get a unique perspective of the landscape as the sun rises or sets.
Not only is this a memorable and special activity to try out, but it’s also a fantastic way to see the colors and contours of the canyons, cliffs, and desert terrain.
You can easily find tours online. If you’re looking for recommendations, book with two of the most reliable tour operators in Sedona: Red Rock Balloons and Northern Lights Balloons.
Each company offers safe and friendly service and has great reviews online.
4. Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway
Referred to as a “museum without walls” and “the gateway to the Red Rock Country,” the Red Rock Scenic Byway offers plenty of things to see in Sedona by car.
The 7.5-mile stretch, also known as State Route 179, has some amazing stops and sights to check out. You’ll see two of four of Sedona’s vortexes, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock.
Visit the Village of Oak Tree for lunch and some exploration of the shops and galleries.
Along the way, you’ll also pass Coconino National Forest, which has many scenic overlooks.
Your options are unlimited, and you can plan your drive as you like with those highlights in mind.
5. Relax at Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a sacred place where people of all faiths can come to pray, meditate, and experience absolute peace. Located in West Sedona, the park offers free entry during daylight hours to its 14 acres of parkland.
Arguably, visiting here would be one of the most unique things to do in Sedona, purely due to the park’s message — to end all suffering for the benefit of all beings.
This Buddhist establishment recommends that you read up on the stupa before visiting so you can understand how to use and respect the sacred space properly.
A stupa is a “wish-fulfilling jewel” to Buddhists, meaning you’ll find spiritual energy is amplified in this area.
6. Go on a Pink Jeep Tour
Pink Jeep Tours is a well-known adventure tour company that’s been in operation since the 1960s. Hosting several tours in Sedona, you can enjoy the off-road thrills in the safe hands of the expert guides.
With their fleet of pink jeeps at the ready, relax as knowledgeable guides take you to explore the rugged terrain, iconic red rocks, and hidden canyons. It’s a thrilling way to see the natural beauty of the area and they offer a variety of experiences as well.
Based on theme and activity level, you can venture on milder tours, like the Ancient Ruin Tour, which includes a hike to the Honanki Heritage Site. Or you can go wild with the popular Broken Arrow tour and traverse remote areas of Coconino National Forest.
7. Learn at Sedona Heritage Museum
Find out about the city’s history at the Sedona Heritage Museum, which tells a detailed story of how Sedona came to be.
Its exhibits cover everything from the city’s early settlers to the history of cowboys and even movies shot in Sedona. Step back in time and see how Native American influences and the pioneer era have affected the growth of Sedona’s vibrant arts community today.
Aside from the educational programs, workshops, and events that will further enrich your visit, you can also enjoy the serene gardens and outdoor spaces there. Enjoy the blend of history, culture, and natural beauty when you visit the museum.
Open daily from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
8. Go Stargazing
Sedona was designated a part of the International Dark Sky Community in 2014, which means that thanks to the city’s clear skies and minimal light pollution, it’s an ideal stargazing location.
Join a guided stargazing tour or find a spot away from city lights to take in the majesty of the night sky and the endless celestial bodies above.
Popular places to see the brilliance of the Milky Way include Fay Canyon, Brins Mesa, and Dry Creek Road.
Tip: Bring a warm blanket, flashlight, bug spray, and a jacket, and keep your phone on hand for safety reasons.
List of Things to Do in Sedona That Aren’t Hiking + Map
- Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Center
- Book a Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway
- Relax at Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
- Go on a Pink Jeep Tour
- Learn at Sedona Heritage Museum
- Go Stargazing
Click here for a live version of the map!
Things to Do in Sedona Besides Hiking: Wrapped Up
There you have it: things to do in Sedona that’s not hiking. Whether you visit the city’s cultural sights or are more interested in gazing into the Milky Way and UFO sightings, there’s something for everyone who would rather omit hiking from their visit.
You won’t be missing out with all these Sedona activities available for non-hikers. Hop in a pink Jeep, ride a hot air balloon, or even just meditate at the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park.
Whatever suits your fancy, you won’t be bored by what this oasis nestled within Arizona’s desert landscape has to offer.
Read Next: Looking for things to do near Sedona, AZ? Check out this guide to Edge of the World Flagstaff.
