12 Free Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is celebrated for being a luxury haven in Arizona, satisfying the senses with elegant resorts, rejuvenating spas, and superb restaurants that blend beautifully into the natural surroundings. Not everything worth seeking out is expensive, which can help you keep your budget in balance after indulging in awe-inspiring experiences like drifting over the desert in a hot-air balloon and bouncing through the backcountry on a Jeep tour. Here are 12 free activities to enjoy in Sedona.
1. Admire Ancient Indigenous Petroglyphs and Rock Art
Take advantage of fee-free days at important heritage destinations run by the US Forest Service: Palatki, Honanki, and Crane Petroglyph (formerly known as V Bar V), which is Verde Valley’s largest known site of its kind. Park rangers lead tours, deciphering cryptic paintings and markings etched in the stone and providing intel on prehistoric cultures and people who originally lived in what’s now the Coconino National Forest near Sedona.
2. Search for UFOs While Stargazing
At night, Sedona gets dark – like, really dark. The clear skies and dark nights are ideal for getting a glimpse of celestial bodies. As an international dark sky community, the city keeps light pollution to a minimum. This makes it easy to find a pitch-black place, let your eyes adjust, and see what glitters or glows. The city also has a reputation for UFO sightings, making astronomy tourism popular here. If you’re hitting the desert trails at night, remember to bring a flashlight; you might even spot some scorpions.
3. Spot Raptors and Tarantulas at Sedona Wetlands Preserve
The upper regions of the Sonoran Desert support a surprising amount of wildlife such as javelina, coyotes, mule deer, black-tailed rattlesnakes, and tarantulas. The 27-acre Sedona Wetlands Preserve is possibly the best place to go birding.
- Enjoy free seasonal field trips offered by the Northern Arizona Audubon Society.
- Spot skittish Gambel’s quail, leggy herons, and an array of raptors including osprey and bald eagles.
4. Check Out the Local Arts Scene at First Fridays
With over 80 galleries, Sedona showcases a diversity of art mediums, from photography to sculpture. On the first Friday of each month, select members of the Sedona Gallery Association host art exhibits and events, inviting guests to discover Sedona’s vibrant art scene.
5. Cozy Up for Outdoor Movies Under the Stars
Sedona’s dark skies provide a perfect backdrop for outdoor movie nights; free family-friendly films are hosted at the Posse Grounds Pavilion every Friday night in June. This community event brings locals and visitors together to enjoy entertainment in the great outdoors.
6. Spot Iconic Landmarks While Cruising the Red Rock Scenic Byway
Sedona is surrounded by natural splendor. Driving the Red Rock Scenic Byway lets newcomers get acquainted with the towering sandstone formations. You can’t miss the iconic Bell Rock, which rises almost 5000ft and its neighboring Courthouse Butte, which stands even higher.
7. Walk a Sacred Medicine Wheel and Spin Prayer Wheels
For a peaceful place to meditate or pray, head to Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park. Situated in West Sedona, this spiritual locale features a wheel composed of stones representing the circle of life. Visitors can spin the prayer wheels next to the 36ft Amitabha Stupa and take time exploring the serene grounds.
8. Marvel at Modernist Architecture at Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a remarkable example of modernist architecture. Completed in 1956, it is situated within the red rock at 1000ft. Although there are no ornate embellishments, the chapel’s position and unique design make it a stunning landmark.
9. Skateboard or Play Pickleball at Posse Grounds Park
Stretching 79 acres, Posse Grounds Park offers plenty of room to play. This park is an established destination with dedicated areas for various sports such as softball and pickleball. Enjoy the wide-open spaces with a picnic or join the action on the sports courts.
10. Experience Sedona’s Energy on a Hike to One of Its Four Vortex Sites
Spirit seekers can hike to one of Sedona’s vortex sites, natural areas believed to radiate energy from the earth. Four vortex sites are accessible by trail: Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Airport Mesa. These serene locations attract those interested in meditation, yoga, and spiritual activities.
11. Swing by the Teal Arches for a Unique Photo
In Sedona, unique architecture extends to the fast-food landscape as well. The recognizable McDonald’s logo isn’t yellow but a blue-green hue that blends into the natural environment. This teal arch has become a local landmark and a testament to Sedona’s commitment to preserving its community’s character.
12. Enjoy Cultural Events at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, a living arts community modeled after a Mexican village, hosts a variety of cultural events. From flamenco dancing to festivals, there is always something happening to celebrate the local arts and culture.
