Perhaps you want to visit Flagstaff, Arizona, and do not know where to go to make your stay there worthwhile.
You may even be a resident there and still fall in this category. I’ve got you covered.
It is a place teeming with places to visit ranging from breweries, galleries, parks, unique shops, and national monuments to lakes, ponds, and other fun attractions.
If you’re convinced that Flagstaff is the place you want to be during your next vacation, then read on!
Here’s my list of the best places and things to do in Flagstaff below.
Things To Do In Flagstaff
1. Lowell Observatory.
Are you a lover of Science or Geography more specifically? Then, Search the universe, study dark skies and stargaze where Pluto was discovered at Lowell Observatory.
American astronomical observatory Lowell Observatory is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, and was founded in 1894, making it one of the country’s oldest observatories. In 1965, it was designated a national historic landmark.
Go for some eye-satisfying experience.
2. Arizona Snowbowl.
Ride the new Arizona Gondola at Arizona Snowbowl. It’s worth it.
About Seven miles (11 km) north of Flagstaff, on the San Francisco Peaks of northern Arizona, is where you find this alpine ski resort known as Arizona Snowbowl. About 1% of the San Francisco Peaks are covered by the Snowbowl ski area, and its slopes face west and northwest.
This makes it one of the fun places to be especially with the kids.
3. Arizona Handmade Galleries.
A gallery of art with deeper significance. Offers a venue for nearby craftsmen who want to present their original works of fine art to ensure the continued existence of the ancient tradition of producing excellent art and crafts.
They take great pride in displaying works In a range of media, such as paintings, glass, ceramics, jewelry, woodcuts, lithographs, intaglio prints, fiber, metal, and mixed media. For more than 20 years, downtown Flagstaff has featured artists from Arizona.
4. Tourist Home All Day Café.
A lot of heart and a little bit of home! Tourist Home is the go-to place in downtown Flagstaff for all things delectable and is well-liked by both residents and visitors. They are there to greet you every day at 6 am with a warm grin, a hot cup of coffee, or a cool beer. Enjoy freshly prepared breakfast and lunch, including the BEST breakfast burrito in the area, as well as locally roasted coffee, beer, wine, mimosas, bloody marys, and of course, our world-famous French Cruller doughnuts.
7. Train at a high altitude on the Flagstaff Urban Trail System with HOKA running shoes at Run Flagstaff.
Bicyclists, pedestrians, hikers, runners, and other users use the Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS, pronounced “foots”), a citywide network of non-motorized, shared-use pathways, for both enjoyment and transit.
Currently, Flagstaff has 56 miles worth of FUTS trails. To complete a planned system of 130 miles of trails, the overall master plan envisions approximately 75 miles of future trails.
Half of the kilometers of existing trails are hard-packed aggregate surfaces, and the other half have paved surfaces made of concrete or asphalt. FUTS paths typically have a width of eight or ten feet.
The experiences available on FUTS trails are highly varied; some of the trails run alongside bustling streets, while others pass through scenic urban environments including canyons, riparian zones, grasslands, meadows, and forests.
Users can mix transportation, recreation, and natural contact thanks to the system’s connections with communities, retail establishments, places of work, educational institutions, parks, and the nearby National Forest.
- Read More: 32 Best and Fun Things to Do in Fremont (CA)
8. Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters.
In the center of Flagstaff’s historic downtown lies a family-run outdoor equipment store called Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters. Babbitt provides a setting where folks who are enthusiastic about being outside may offer candid comments and timely suggestions.
9. P.J Chilcottage.
Shop for specialty soaps, bath balms, room décor, and more at this location- P.J. Chilcottage.
Flagstaff residents turn to P.J. Chilcottage for all things adorable and enjoyable. Featuring goods that will make you smile, laugh, or feel inspired.
You too deserve to live, laugh, love, and smile! Make sure you do some shopping at this location.
10. Sweet Shoppe
Satisfy your longing teeth(or that of your kids/younger ones) with award-winning gourmet candy including truffles, authentic gelato, and decadent macaroons at the Sweet Shoppe. You won’t regret it.
11. Visit the Riordan Mansion Historic Park.
A historical landmark, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is located next to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona’s Kinlichi Knoll neighborhood.
This Riordan Mansion, built-in 1904 for two Riordan families, is a grand example of opulent living in a remote, small logging community. The landmark structure is a remarkable example of Arts and Crafts style architecture with a rustic exterior made of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches, and hand-split wooden shingles.
It is a national treasure of Arizona. The large house comprises forty rooms, a living area of more than 13,000 square feet, plus servants’ quarters. Charles Whittlesey, the architect of the El Tovar Hotel in the Grand Canyon, created the Riordan home.
Don’t hesitate to visit this place for an eye-catching experience… Go and have some fun!
12. Museum of Northern Arizona.
Explore the Museum of Northern Arizona to celebrate the Colorado Plateau, view cultural artifacts, and stop in the gift shop for Native American authentically crafted blankets or beautiful selections of turquoise and silver jewelry. You should go back home with some new collections.
13. Salsa Brava.
Go to this location and Devour the Salsa Brava irresistible house-made Mexican Chocolate mousse made with hand-harvested Cordillera cacao beans, heavy whipping cream, and Kahlua. You’re going to enjoy it.
14. Experience nature at Walnut Canyon.
Approximately 10 miles southeast of Flagstaff, Arizona’s city center, close to Interstate 40, is where you’ll find Walnut Canyon National Monument, a United States National Monument. The canyon’s floor is 350 feet lower than the rim, which is 6,690 feet above sea level.
15. Irish Coffee Bar.
It is not surprising that Ireland is where Irish Coffee originated. The dish, created by Joe Sheridan, didn’t become well-known in America until 1951 when journalist Stan Delaplane had one while traveling across Ireland.
Irish Coffee was already well-known in Ireland at that point and served as the airport’s standard welcome beverage.
Stan told Jack Koeppler, his buddy and the proprietor of The Buena Vista Café, about the delectable beverage he had when he got back to San Francisco. They made an effort to duplicate it on their own, but it never appeared to be as good as the original.
They simply couldn’t make the cream properly. After a lot of trial and error and a journey back to Ireland, the two were successful.
Go and Experience performance and presentation from coffee baristas at this Irish Coffee Bar in the historic Weatherford Hotel.
16. Annex Cocktail Lounge and Nomads.
It’s quite energetic here. The staff is friendly, accommodating, and meticulous. They truly make the place since they are laid-back and genuine. The cuisine is served in huge servings.
At Annex Cocktail Lounge and Nomads, raise a glass to the spirits and take in the ambiance of the outdoor fire pits.
17. Flagstaff Visitor Centre.
Did you know that Flagstaff was the training ground for every astronaut who walked on the moon? For information, locations, and history, pick up a free Flagstaff Lunar Landmarks Passport at the Flagstaff Visitor Center.
18. Feel the Realness of Nature at Coconino National Forest.
The 1.856 million-acre (751,000 ha) Coconino National Forest is a U.S. National Forest in northern Arizona, close to Flagstaff. The “San Francisco Mountains National Forest Reserve,” which had been founded in 1898, was combined with lands from other nearby forest reserves to form the Coconino National Forest, this led to the area’s designation as a U.S. National Forest in 1908.
The Coconino National Forest now comprises a variety of environments, including ancient volcanic peaks, flatlands, mesas, ponderosa pine woods, and deserts.
The forest, which encircles the cities of Sedona and Flagstaff, is bordered by the Kaibab National Forest to the west and northwest, the Prescott National Forest to the southwest, the Tonto National Forest to the south, and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest to the southeast.
Ten designated wilderness areas, including the Kachina Peaks Wilderness, which includes the San Francisco Peaks summit, are entirely or partially contained inside the forest.
The main office is in Flagstaff. In Flagstaff, Happy Jack, and Sedona, there are regional ranger district offices.
19. Visit the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course to zip through the largest Ponderosa pine forest in the world.
The thrilling physical challenges that make up Flagstaff Extreme are suspended in different-sized trees. In a secure and regulated setting, participants challenge their boundaries and experience new delights.
They provide an adventure course with numerous zip lines and numerous dangling hazards. They also offer a scaled-down Kids Course for kids aged 7 to 11. Again, they have Adventure Zip Lines, which are strung between 15 and 80 feet above the ground and include more than 30 zip lines, numerous bridges, and ladders. This location offers a must-have experience.
20. Take a free self-guided “Walk this Talk” tour on Route 66.
One of the first roads included in the United States Numbered Highway System was U.S. Route 66 or U.S. Highway 66. On November 11, 1926, it was founded, and the first road markers were put up the following year.
It has a total distance of 3,940 kilometers
21. Check out the Sunset Crater Volcano.
A cinder cone named Sunset Crater can be found in the American state of Arizona, to the north of Flagstaff. The Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument contains the crater.
The youngest of a group of volcanoes connected to the adjacent San Francisco Peaks is Sunset Crater. The last eruption is estimated to have occurred some 1050 to 1100 years ago so there won’t be an eruption when you visit.
22. Stroll to the Wupatki National Monument.
In north-central Arizona, close to Flagstaff, sits the Wupatki National Monument, a United States National Monument. The National Park Service oversees the monument, which is abundant in Native American archaeological sites, closely in collaboration with the nearby Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
You wanna create some memories to remember? Then, visit this location.
23. Explore the Arboretum in this Beautiful City.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a 200-acre arboretum with 750 species of largely native, drought-tolerant plants that are a part of the high-desert Colorado Plateau, which is home to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.
Go and see things for yourself!
24. Visit the Historic Downtown.
Located in the western area of the city, downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, is made up of several interconnected blocks. The downtown of Flagstaff is known for its collection of small, independent businesses housed in historical structures.
25. Flagstaff Athletics Club.
Where’s that? It’s the Flagstaff Athletics Club.
As an athletic club, Flagstaff Athletic Club, Inc. The business provides services for indoor soccer, volleyball, swimming, a fitness facility, and recreation. Customers of Arizona State are served by the Flagstaff Athletic Club.
The best gym in Flagstaff is the Flagstaff Athletic Club with its modern exercise gear, sports facilities, kid’s activities, and much more. In Flagstaff, there are two clubs, so as long as you’re within the town, you’re never more than 10 minutes away!
It’s a place you would love.
26. For some Caverns and Caves experience, visit the Lava River Cave.
In the Coconino National Forest of northern Arizona, there is a lava tube called Lava River Cave. The longest known cave of its kind in Arizona is around 0.75 miles long. So, once you’re in the Coconino national forest, do not hesitate to check this place out.
27. Go to the Flagstaff Aquaplex.
A multigenerational recreation area is the Aquaplex. The facility offers everyone access to cheap community fitness and entertainment! Lessons in swimming, an indoor climbing wall, open gym hours, public swimming, and much more. Join us seven days a week to stay active!
A healthy, balanced lifestyle must include leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The Aquaplex provides a wide range of programs, drop-in activities, and events to assist you in getting and maintaining your family’s level of activity.
Join the Aquaplex in Flagstaff and let Parks & Recreation help you keep active and healthy! Modern training equipment is accessible on their Fitness Floor, and a wide range of fitness classes are offered to pass-holders at no additional cost. We qualify for Silver Sneakers and Silver and Fit!
Please take note that Aquaplex operation hours for particular sections may differ from facility hours. For the most recent area and activity availability, please call them or visit the relevant schedule on their website.
28. Are you going with the kids? Then, you should let them Explore Thorpe Park.
Located in Surrey, England, 20 miles southwest of Central London, Thorpe Park Resort, sometimes known as Thorpe Park, is an amusement park. It is situated in the village of Thorpe between the cities of Chertsey and Staines-upon-Thames.
29. Tour Schultz Creek.
The Schultz Creek Trail runs parallel to one of the numerous sporadic drainages that bring water down from the San Francisco Peaks’ upper elevations. The stream often only has water in it for a few months out of the year, either after a summer monsoon or during the spring snowmelt.
However, walking next to the water-smoothed stones and ledges eroded by ephemeral waterfalls can still give one the delightful impression of being close to a brook even if you have to imagine the babbling when there isn’t any water here, which is most of the time.
30. Visit the Fatman’s Loop Trail.
The Fatman’s Loop is an easy walk for the most part, but there are a few brief steep sections. When you have time to pause and take in the view, this is a fantastic site for a stroll because it offers scenic overlooks of Flagstaff, the eastern suburbs of the city, and the nearby countryside.
Numerous intriguing rock formations that attest to Mt. Elden’s volcanic origins may be found throughout the path. The name of the path comes from one of these that is a little bit of a squeeze.
This trail passes through an area with a variety of plant species, including upland trees like white fir and ponderosa pine. There are also bushes and smaller trees, which are typically found at lower elevations.
Cliff rose, alligator juniper, and broadleaf yucca are a few of these. Along with more typical creatures like Steller’s jays and ravens, this trail may be home to Abert’s squirrels, pygmy nuthatches, mule deer, and grey foxes.
This trail leads to the Elden Lookout Trail, which leads to the summit of Mt. Elden after two miles and 2,000 feet of elevation gain.
31. Fort Tuthill County Park.
The yearly County Fair, Pepsi Amphitheater, Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course, and The North Pole Experience are held at Fort Tuthill County Park, which also features multi-use trails, picnicking areas, and camping options.
Fort Tuthill is bustling during the summer months (May 1 through September 30) with a variety of special events and programs for all ages. The park is transformed into a winter wonderland with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding for all ages.
32. Bushmaster Park
Bushmaster features facilities for the whole family, including various playgrounds, tennis courts, four illuminated basketball and tennis courts, picnic ramadas with grills, a gated bark park, a skate park, a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and an outdoor fitness facility.
A Children’s Music Festival and Concerts in the Park are held there each summer.
33. Dry Lake Hills.
Why not hike this landmass? It’s waiting for you to make up your mind! Whenever you’re ready, the Dry Lake Hills is ready to welcome you!
34. Frances Short Pond.
The pond, which is next to the FUTS route, offers public fishing (note: a state fishing license is required). At the pond, Arizona Game & Fish offers free clinics, and nearby schools bring students for outdoor education.
Visitors are encouraged by interpretive signs to observe wildlife deliberately and frequently to witness how a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish make use of this restored pond and riparian ecosystem. There are walking pathways all around the pond, which is surrounded by native plants and an abundance of birds.
The baseball fields, dog park, and community center in Thorpe Park are all conveniently close to Frances Short.
35. Heritage Square
A stunning relic of the city’s thriving Victorian past is Heritage Square. The restored Rosson House Museum is the focal point of the Square, which was built in the late 1800s on Block 14 of Phoenix’s original townsite.
Whether you enjoy fine food, technology, history, or simply a peaceful environment, Heritage Square is worth a visit.
The Heritage Square Foundation jointly manages Heritage Square and Science Park.
36. Tinderbox Kitchen
From bar snacks like corn, zucchini, pinenut, and scarmoza arancini to share dishes like slow-cooked lamb, house-cured salmon, and pig belly, the reasonably priced menu is ideal for snacking and sharing.
Vegetarians will also be satisfied thanks to an ever-evolving selection of mouthwatering options like the renowned spiced cauliflower, ras el hanout pumpkin puree and yogurt dressing, irresistible local buffalo halloumi, and an exceptionally rare assortment of authentic pizzas made with hand-formed dough and an organic stone-milled flour base.
Conclusion
Do well to have a safe and happy travel! Remember to book your flight, hotel, and other necessary tickets early enough. Your Convenience when traveling matters a lot. So do the needful!
