The Best Summer Activities in Sedona (From a Local)

There’s something about Sedona in the summer that keeps people coming back. Early morning hikes, afternoons by the creek, golden red rock sunsets, and warm evenings under the stars—it’s the kind of place that feels both adventurous and restorative at the same time.

At Solhaus Stays, we spend a lot of time helping guests experience Sedona beyond the typical tourist checklist. These are the places we personally recommend to friends and family visiting in the summer—especially if you want a mix of beautiful scenery, relaxing swimming spots, great food, and a more local feel.

Buddha Beach at Red Rock Crossing

Cool Off at Sedona’s Best Swimming Spots

Summer in Sedona means creek days. One of the best ways to enjoy the heat is by finding a shady swimming hole surrounded by red rocks and cottonwood trees.

Slide Rock State Park

If it’s your first summer trip to Sedona, this is probably already on your list—and for good reason. Slide Rock is one of the most iconic swimming areas in Arizona, known for its natural rock water slide and family-friendly atmosphere.

A few things to know before you go:

• Arrive early. Parking fills up quickly in summer.

• There’s a state park entrance fee.

• Water shoes are absolutely worth bringing.

This is a great option for families, groups, or anyone wanting the classic Sedona summer experience.

Buddha Beach

This is one of our favorite local spots and feels much more peaceful than some of the larger tourist areas. Located near Crescent Moon Picnic Site and Red Rock Crossing, Buddha Beach has calm creek access, shady trees, and beautiful red rock views.

It’s perfect for:

• A slower creek day

• Picnics

• Easy walks along the water

• Families with kids

• Couples looking for a quieter afternoon

You’ll often find stacked rock cairns along the creek and locals relaxing in the shade. It’s one of those places that captures the more laid-back side of Sedona.

Grasshopper Point

For a more adventurous swimming spot, Grasshopper Point is a fun day-use area popular for cliff jumping, swimming, and hanging out by the creek.

The scenery here is incredible, and it tends to attract a younger, more adventurous crowd during the summer months. If you plan to spend time near the water in Sedona, water shoes make a huge difference—the creek rocks can be slippery.

Start Your Hikes Early

One of the biggest local tips we give guests: hike early in the summer.

Sedona mornings are cooler, quieter, and significantly easier for parking. Sunrise hikes are especially beautiful here because the red rocks glow as the sun comes up.

Some of our favorite ways to enjoy the mornings:

• Early hikes before breakfast

• Coffee on a patio before the heat sets in

• Scenic drives through Red Rock Country

• Morning mountain biking before temperatures climb

Don’t Skip the Scenic Drives

Even if you’re not planning intense hikes, Sedona is still incredibly rewarding just to explore by car.

The drive through Oak Creek Canyon is beautiful in the summer, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light hits the canyon walls. Stopping at scenic overlooks, creek access points, and picnic areas along the way makes for an easy and relaxing day.

Spend an Evening in Uptown Sedona—But Plan Ahead

Summer weekends in Sedona can get busy, especially around Uptown and Tlaquepaque.

A few local tips:

• Make dinner reservations ahead of time

• Expect traffic on weekends

• Go earlier in the evening if possible

• Happy hour is often the best experience

That said, Uptown at sunset is still worth experiencing at least once during your trip. The energy, red rock views, and outdoor dining atmosphere make it one of the most memorable parts of summer in Sedona.

Take Advantage of West Sedona

Compared to Uptown, West Sedona tends to offer:

• Easier parking

• Faster access to trails

• Great local coffee shops

• Less congestion

• More relaxed dining options

It’s a great home base if you want to explore all day without constantly fighting traffic. Sol Haus offers several accommodations in West Sedona, making it the perfect home base for your vacation.

Don’t Miss Sedona’s Summer Nights

One thing many visitors don’t realize: Sedona nights are just as special as the days.

Sedona is an International Dark Sky Community, which means the stargazing here is incredible—especially away from the busiest parts of town. After a long summer day outdoors, there’s nothing better than sitting outside with a drink and watching the stars come out over the red rocks.

A Few Local Summer Tips Before You Go

Here are a few quick things we always recommend to guests visiting Sedona in the summer:

• Bring more water than you think you’ll need

• Download maps ahead of time because cell service can be spotty

• Wear proper hiking or trail shoes

• Pack sun protection even for shorter outings

• Afternoon monsoon storms can happen quickly, but they usually pass fast

• Water shoes are worth packing for creek days

Planning Your Summer Trip to Sedona?

Whether you’re planning a relaxing creek weekend, a family adventure, or a couples getaway, summer is one of the most fun times to experience Sedona.

At Solhaus Stays, we’ve designed our homes to feel like a retreat after a full day exploring red rock trails, swimming holes, and sunset views. We love sharing the places that make Sedona special—and helping guests experience it more like a local.

Ready to plan your stay? Explore our Sedona vacation rentals and start building your perfect summer itinerary.