Sedona is not just a place you visit. It is a place you feel.

The red rocks rise dramatically from the desert floor. The light shifts throughout the day, transforming the landscape from bright copper to deep crimson. The air feels still, expansive, and energizing all at once.

If you are planning a trip and searching for the best things to do in Sedona, this bucket list will help you create an itinerary you will remember long after you leave Arizona.

Here are ten experiences worth adding to your Sedona bucket list.

1. Take a Helicopter Tour Over the Red Rocks

There are many ways to see Sedona. None compare to seeing it from above.

A helicopter tour gives you perspective on the full scale of the landscape. You see how the mesas connect, how canyons carve through the terrain, and how formations like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock rise from the desert floor.

At Apex Air, our tours are designed to highlight Sedona’s most iconic formations in a way that few visitors ever experience. It is often the moment that transforms a great trip into an unforgettable one.

2. Hike Cathedral Rock at Sunrise

Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s most recognizable landmarks. Hiking it at sunrise offers cooler temperatures and golden light spilling across the cliffs.

The climb can be steep in sections, but the panoramic views at the top are worth the effort. Watching the sun rise over the desert is a bucket list moment on its own.

3. Explore Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon offers a different side of Sedona’s landscape. Lush greenery lines the creek, and the canyon walls tower above winding roads.

Drive the scenic route, stop for photos, or hike along the water. In fall, the changing leaves add even more visual contrast to the red rock surroundings.

4. Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross

Built directly into the red rock cliffs, this architectural landmark is both striking and serene.

From the viewing area, you can see miles of surrounding desert. The design feels bold yet integrated into the natural landscape. It is one of Sedona’s most photographed locations for good reason.

5. Take a Jeep Tour Through Backcountry Trails

Sedona’s rugged terrain makes it a perfect place for off-road adventure.

Guided Jeep tours take you deep into backcountry trails that would be difficult to navigate on your own. You will experience steep climbs, rocky paths, and dramatic views that feel far removed from town.

It adds an adrenaline element to your trip.

6. Experience a Sedona Sunset at Airport Mesa

Airport Mesa is one of the most popular sunset viewpoints in town.

As the sun lowers, the red rocks intensify in color. The shadows stretch across the desert, and the entire landscape seems to glow.

Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially during peak travel seasons.

7. Browse Sedona’s Art Galleries

Sedona has a thriving arts community. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and the galleries along Highway 179 feature everything from fine art to handcrafted jewelry and sculptures.

Spending an afternoon exploring local galleries offers a slower, cultural contrast to outdoor adventures.

8. Visit a Vortex Site

Sedona is known for its vortex sites, areas believed by some to contain heightened spiritual energy.

Whether or not you subscribe to the spiritual side, locations like Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon offer incredible scenery and peaceful hiking trails.

The atmosphere alone makes it worth the visit.

9. Stargaze Under Dark Desert Skies

Sedona’s relatively low light pollution makes it an excellent destination for stargazing.

On clear nights, the sky feels expansive and bright. The contrast between dark rock silhouettes and glittering stars creates a dramatic nighttime scene.

It is a quiet and reflective way to end a busy day.

10. Dine With a Red Rock View

Sedona’s dining scene is as scenic as it is flavorful.

Restaurants with outdoor patios allow you to enjoy Southwestern cuisine while watching the rocks change color during sunset. It is a simple but memorable way to immerse yourself in the landscape.

Why a Helicopter Tour Belongs at the Top of the List

You can hike, drive, dine, and explore. But a helicopter tour ties it all together.

From the air, you see the connections between landmarks. You understand how Oak Creek Canyon cuts through the terrain. You see the vastness that makes Sedona feel so powerful.

At Apex Air, we believe the aerial perspective completes the experience. It gives you context, scale, and a sense of awe that is difficult to capture any other way.

If you are building your Sedona bucket list, make sure at least one experience takes you above it all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must do activities in Sedona?

Top activities include hiking Cathedral Rock, exploring Oak Creek Canyon, visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross, taking a Jeep tour, watching sunset at Airport Mesa, and experiencing a helicopter tour for panoramic views of the red rock landscape.

How many days do you need in Sedona?

Most visitors find that two to three days allows time for hiking, sightseeing, dining, and at least one unique experience such as a helicopter tour or guided backcountry excursion.

Is Sedona good for couples?

Yes. Sedona is a popular destination for romantic getaways, anniversaries, and proposals due to its dramatic scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and wide range of outdoor and luxury experiences.

Is a helicopter tour worth it in Sedona?

For many visitors, a helicopter tour becomes the highlight of the trip. It offers a perspective of Sedona’s red rock formations and canyons that cannot be experienced from the ground.