Posted by: Lori Reinhold

As the old saying goes, the best things in life are free. This applies to Sedona too. Some of our favorite Sedona activities are completely free of charge, no tickets or admission fees necessary. Read on for the best things to do in Sedona that are both good for the soul and good for the wallet.

1. Take a Hike

There is simply no better way to explore red rock country than getting outside and hitting one of Sedona’s many world-class hiking trails. Exploring Sedona’s breathtaking landscapes on two feet is an incredible and low cost adventure anyone can enjoy. On your hike, you can seek out one of Sedona’s famous vortexes, catch glimpses of its famous spires and canyons, or take a trip into its lovely ponderosa pine forests.

2. Tour the Kindness Benches

In our last blog post, we wrote about the incredible local organization SedonaKind. One of SedonaKind’s crowning achievements is the Kindness Benches project. Individuals sponsored the creation of 16 uniquely designed benches all across the city. Each bench has its own one-of-a-kind story, the only requirement being that the benches were designed with the “kindness” theme in mind. For a fun and cheap afternoon, try to view all of the beautiful benches sprinkled across Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek.

3. Reflect at the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park.

Located on 14 lush acres at the base of beautiful Thunder Mountain, Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is the ideal place for meditation and spiritual renewal. The park is home to two fully empowered and consecrated stupas, or hemispherical sacred structures used for prayer and meditation. The 36-foot tall Amitabha Stupa is named after the Buddha of Limitless Light. It is filled with hundreds of prayers for peace, sacred relics, and ritual offerings. The smaller, six-foot tall White Tara is believed to bring compassion and longevity to whoever visits it. This inspirational park embodies Sedona’s love of spiritual enrichment, beautiful views, and a commitment to peace and joy. And yes, it is free.

4. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is nestled between two giant red rock formations, making it one of the most unique churches you may ever visit. The chapel is not open for services but you can come to pray, meditate, and enjoy the amazing views. Even if you aren’t a spiritual person, the vistas are certain to inspire you. Step inside and you can marvel at the landscape through the church’s intricate stained glass windows.

5. Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway

Any drive through Sedona offers spectacular views, but the Red Rock Scenic Byway is perhaps one of the best drives in the entire state. The Red Rock Scenic Byway stretches 7.5 miles through the lovely Coconino National Forest. On this route, you will enjoy some of Arizona’s most unique and captivating sites from the cool comfort of your own car. There are many scenic pull-outs and pit-stops along the way, including the village of Oak Creek, golf courses, vortexes, ancient petroglyphs, and hiking and biking trails.

6. Play the Chimes at Harmony Park

The Freenotes Harmony Park is located in the courtyard outside the Chamber of Commerce Public Visitor’s Center. There you’ll find a collection of large outdoor chime instruments you can play for free. Though this is a popular spot for kids, many adults love to join in on the fun too. No musical experience is required. The Freenotes Harmony Park was installed as part of the city’s public art initiative.

7. See the Stars

The stargazing in Sedona is nothing short of stellar. Thanks to its high altitude, dry & clear weather, and lack of light pollution, Sedona is one of the best stargazing locations in the world. Pay a visit to viewing spots like the Two Trees Observing Area, the Jordan Observing Area, or the Mingus Mountain Summit for breathtaking unobstructed views of the starry night sky. If you are up for an after dark hike, try the Baldwin Trailhead, Thunder Mountain Trailhead, or Doe Mountain. Read our stargazing blog post to learn more about stargazing in Sedona.

8. Walk the Labyrinth at the Alma de Sedona Inn

If you are a guest at the Alma de Sedona Inn, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of the labyrinth located on our property. A labyrinth is an ancient walking meditation consisting of a single path leading both in and out. A labyrinth is designed to allow an individual to focus on important spiritual and personal questions while walking to the labyrinth's sacred center. Our tranquil, 7-circuit labyrinth is the perfect way to relax and reflect. We consider it a mini-pilgrimage into the self, one of the many ways our property encourages all guests to get in touch with their spirituality, no matter your religion. We also have a Medicine Wheel on site. Learn more about spirituality at the Alma de Sedona Inn on our website.

Planning a trip to Sedona, Arizona? Book a stay at the Alma de Sedona Inn for warm service and incredible red rock views.