There are a lot of things to do around or near Sedona besides hiking.  Sedona is known for the beautiful red rocks, but there is so much more to do in the Verde Valley if you can’t hike or the temperatures are too hot or too cold.  For example, take a drive to Jerome or Old Town Cottonwood, take in Montezuma’s Castle or visit Out of Africa to name a few of our favorite things.  Here’s some of our favorite things to do.

Drive to Jerome

Take a drive to Jerome, Arizona.  Jerome is a historic mining town located between Cottonwood and Prescott, Arizona on State Route 89A.  There’s plenty to do in Jerome.  Besides the shopping and restaurants, you can visit the Jerome Historic State Park to learn about Jerome’s history in the mining industry and see the Douglas Manion.  The park is open year round and is right off State Route 89A, look for the signs.

Go Stargazing or Take a UFO Tour

There’s not a lot to do in Sedona when the sun goes down, but you can take advantage of the night skies by Stargazing.  On a clear night, you can see constellations, planets and even more celestial bodies.  We’ve put together a list of the best places to Stargaze in Sedona and some fun tours that even include looking for UFOs.

Drive to the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon at the South Rim is only 2 hours away by car.  With the sweeping and spectacular views, it is no surprise it is one of the seven wonders of the world.  Start at the visitor’s center and take the Rim Trail.  Or hop on one of the free shuttles to see other parts of the canyon.  Then stay for the sunset.  It is definitely a must see!

Have a Spa Day

Take some time for yourself and have a Spa Day in Sedona.  Spas in Sedona offer some luxurious choices to treat yourself right.  Get your hair done, have a pedicure, get a massage or get a foot bath cleansing.  After a long hike or a day at the pool, take the time to be pampered.  It is important to your self care.

Take a Kayak Trip on the Verde River

The Verde River is just a few short miles away.  It offers many outdoor adventures including a kayak trip.  Take the family for a day on the river.  This highly rated rafting tour is very popular with everyone who takes it.  Experienced tour guides take you on a real adventure including rapids, beautiful scenery and will cool you off on a hot summer day.  Dad jokes are included and “Duke the River Dog” is the ultimate tour guide.  The link to this tour can be found on Viator through our affiliate links.

See Sedona by Helicopter Tour

Sedona already has breathtaking views, but when see them from a helicopter, you’ll have a whole new perspective of the gorgeous beauty of the red rocks.  Tour operators at the Sedona Airport offers helicopter tours on a daily basis depending on the weather.  Helicopter tour guides will show you famous Sedona, landmarks, trails, ravines, maybe some ruins and some of the best scenery you’ll ever see in your life.  What are you waiting for?

Montezuma’s Castle

About 26 miles south of Sedona, you’ll find Montezuma’s Castle.  Montezuma’s Castle is a pueblo ruin along the Beaver Creek where the Sinagua people lived for more than 400 years.  The ruins are three stories high with about 20 rooms that can be seen from the paved trail system in the park.  Follow Interstate 17 to exit 289, turn on Montezuma’s Castle Road and follow the signs.  The park is open year round and there’s a fee to enter.

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Between Cottonwood and Camp Verde, you’ll find the Out of Africa Wildlife Park.  Take an African safari through the park to see all the animals and maybe even feed a giraffe.  Afterwards, visit the different enclosures and learn all about these creatures.  Take in the Tiger Splash Show and watch the tigers play in the pool.  Also, check out their exciting zipline tours.  Out of Africa is located at 3050 West State Route 260 in Camp Verde.

Drive to Old Town Cottonwood

If you want a quick getaway, then check out Old Town Cottonwood.  Old Town is the place to be for great food and cute little shops.   There are also boutique hotels and the historic jail trail.  If you like wine, you’ll have to check out the wine tasting rooms all along Main Street.  Old Town’s newest event is a Farmers Market held at the Old Town Square on Wednesdays from 4pm until 8pm during the summer months.  Old Town is located on Main Street in Cottonwood. Arizona.