Things to do in Flagstaff

Things to do in  Flagstaff

Way more than a pit stop

Nestled amidst the ponderosa pines, Flagstaff, Arizona, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. This mountain town is a gateway to the Grand Canyon, promising outdoor adventures at Walnut Canyon National Monument and the Snowbowl ski resort. For those seeking cultural experiences, the historic downtown and Lowell Observatory are more than worth a spot on your itinerary. With a myriad of things to do in Flagstaff, from scenic hikes to exploring ancient ruins, this charming city is a haven for explorers and history buffs alike.

Top 13 attractions in Flagstaff

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

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The red rim and colorful slopes of the Sunset Crater set it apart amongst the surrounding pine forests of Northern Arizona. The Sunset Crater erupted less than 1000 years ago, making it the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau. You can learn about the eruption’s effects on the landscape and historic populations on a visit to the park.More

Wupatki National Monument

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Roughly an hour from Flagstaff, Wupatki National Monument preserves more than 2,600 ancestral Puebloan sites. Abandoned 800 years ago, the most prominent structure is the Wupatki Pueblo, a 100-room ruin believed to be Northern Arizona's largest Puebloan structure. Today, four trails lead to seven pueblos and serve up views of red-rock wonders, prairies, and the San Francisco Peaks.More

Coconino National Forest

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Coconino National Forest occupies 1,856,000 acres (751,000 hectares) in northern Arizona. Within its boundaries are the red rocks of Sedona, the city of Flagstaff, fishing lakes, epic hiking, ponderosa forests, volcanic peaks, alpine tundra, and classic Southwestern desert. Its diverse landscapes make it an epic outdoor playground for skiers, hikers, boaters, fishing enthusiasts, horseback riders, and rock climbers.More

Montezuma Castle National Monument

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One of the most well-preserved ruins in North America, the 1,000-year-old Montezuma Castle was once home to ancient farmers known as the Sinagua Indians. Although the majestic ruins were given a “castle” title, they were actually a multi-family cliff dwelling. In 1906, the site was declared one of the United States’ first national monuments.More

Glen Canyon Dam

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In 1964, the Colorado River’s roaring waters needed to be harnessed, so the towering 710-foot-tall (216 meter) Glen Canyon Dam was built. The resulting 186-mile-long (299 kilometer) Lake Powell, the second largest man-made lake in the US, took 17 years to fill to capacity. Today, the dam provides hydroelectric power to the American West.More

Grand Canyon Railway

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Combining the mystique of the Wild West with the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon Railway has been delighting riders since 1901. As you make the two-hour trip to the canyon from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim, you’ll be entertained by authentic characters and musicians who bring the Old West to life, all the while soaking up the unforgettable scenery of Grand Canyon National Park.More

San Francisco Peaks

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The outdoorsy town of Flagstaff wouldn't be the same without the San Francisco Peaks, a volcanic mountain range located north of town. Known locally as "The Peaks," this is where adventurers come to ski, hike, camp, view wildlife, and rejuvenate in nature. The six summits are remnants of an ancient stratovolcano that rose 16,000 feet (4,877 meters) high.More

Bearizona Wildlife Park

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Driving through the Bearizona wildlife park offers the thrilling opportunity to spot a stunning number of wild animals. Watch as a black bear lumbers through the forest or a wolf sneaks slowly through the grass, and see Bighorn sheep, bison, and burros graze in the forested setting.More

Museum of Northern Arizona

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Filled with American Indian artifacts, fine art, and natural science displays, the Museum of Northern Arizona is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Colorado Plateau. Visit the 200-acre (80-hectare) campus to explore the vast array of exhibits as well as the museum’s majestic surroundings.More

Mother Road Brewing Company

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Mother Road Brewing Company is named after John Steinbeck's nickname for Route 66 in "Grapes of Wrath," and is located right off the historic road in downtown Flagstaff. Since opening in 2011, the brewery has become Arizona's third-largest independent craft brewer and a go-to local hang in northern Arizona's high-country, adventure-obsessed university town.More

Williams

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Known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, Williams is nestled in the pine trees of Northern Arizona and offers access to countless outdoor adventures. Set along historic Route 66, the town has an eclectic wild-west persona, complete with a historic downtown, Grand Canyon Railway Depot, saloons, and Americana-style shops and restaurants.More
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Beaver Street Brewery

Beaver Street Brewery

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Beaver Street Brewery & Whistle Stop Café is Flagstaff's first brewpub, attracting mountain bikers, hikers, river rafting guides, skiers, and just about anyone who loves award-winning craft beer. Following the success of Beaver Street Brewery, which opened in 1994, Lumberyard Brewery followed in 2010. Lumberyard is the flagship brewery where Beaver Street's beloved beers are brewed.More

Historic Route 66

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Spanning eight states and 2,448 miles (3,940 kilometers), Historic Route 66 has become a cultural icon, immortalized in song and on the silver screen. This romanticized road trip from Chicago to Santa Monica offers drivers an inside look at classic America—kitschy roadside attractions, diners, historic motels, and plenty of 1950s nostalgia.More

Top activities in Flagstaff

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Flagstaff
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Grand Canyon Railway Adventure Package
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Grand Canyon Railway Train Tickets
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Grand Canyon Railway Train Tickets

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$135.21
Scenic Horseback Adventure

Scenic Horseback Adventure

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$95.00
Grand Canyon Sunset Tour from Flagstaff
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Inflatable Kayak Adventure from Camp Verde
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Grand Canyon Sunset Tour from Flagstaff
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Sedona Red Rock Explorer from Flagstaff
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All about Flagstaff

When to visit

Visit Flagstaff when the trees are ablaze with color in the fall, or when the temperature is just right in the spring. Many festivals happen in the summer, during the peak travel season when lots of tourists come to visit the major sites and attractions. You’ll see extra visitors during the spring break and Easter holidays, too, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Getting around

Cars are best for getting around Flagstaff and offer the most freedom , especially to travel directly to specific places or things to do. Alternatively, there’s the Mountain Line Bus that takes you through greater Flagstaff. For cyclists, walkers, runners, and hikers, The Flagstaff Urban Trails System, or FUTS, covers more than 50 miles of trails, available for both recreation and transportation.

Traveler tips

Check the weather regularly when you travel to Flagstaff, especially if you’re going to spend time outdoors—which most visitors do. You want to be prepared for all types of weather, as temperature and conditions can change quickly in the mountains. The city’s elevation is nearly 7,000 feet (2,134 meters), and the air gets drier the higher you go. Make sure to hydrate, wear sunscreen, and put on a hat for sun protection.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
MST (UTC -7)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
13
Tours
66
Reviews
8,238
EN
631e35d9-fce4-4e71-ab39-045bd49538a5
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People Also Ask

What is Flagstaff known for?

Flagstaff is the largest town on historic Route 66 in Arizona. It’s the gateway to the San Francisco Peaks and the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, which lies about 75 miles (120 kilometers) north. The Lowell Observatory, a national historic landmark, is among the oldest astronomical observatories in the United States.

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How do I spend a day in Flagstaff?

Start downtown, known for its independent shops inside historic buildings. Visit Riordan Mansion, the Museum of Northern Arizona, and the Lowell Observatory, a national historic landmark and among the oldest astronomical observatories in the United States. Finish your day with a sunset ride on the Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Gondola.

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What do the locals do in Flagstaff?

Flagstaff locals take advantage of the great outdoors by hiking, running, biking, and stargazing in the San Francisco Peaks mountain range and beyond. The walkable downtown has independent bookstores and boutiques, summer farmers markets, the historic Orpheum Theater, and a lively bar scene popular with students from Northern Arizona University.

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What are the seven wonders of Flagstaff?

Flagstaff—also known as “The City of Seven Wonders,”—lies in a strategic position near seven expansive natural wonders of the American Southwest. These are the Coconino National Forest, Oak Creek Canyon, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater National Monument, the San Francisco Peaks, and Grand Canyon National Park.

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What is there to do indoors in Flagstaff?

Three of Flagstaff’s top attractions are indoors. These are the Riordan Mansion, the Museum of Northern Arizona, and the Lowell Observatory—a national historic landmark and among the oldest astronomical observatories in the United States. The Flagstaff Visitor Center, Pioneer Museum, and Fort Tuthill Military History Museum round out the options.

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Is Flagstaff worth visiting?

Yes. Flagstaff lies along historic U.S. Route 66 near seven natural wonders of the American Southwest, including the Wupatki National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument, and Grand Canyon National Park. The Lowell Observatory, a national historic landmark, is among the oldest astronomical observatories in the United States.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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