25 Best Things to Do in Flagstaff, Arizona

Chase adventure year-round in Flagstaff, where hiking trails, ski runs, and stargazing sessions await. Perched at 7,000 feet on the Colorado Plateau, this charming high-country city is home to Northern Arizona University and the renowned Lowell Observatory. Flag, as locals call it, also serves as a gateway to the gasp-inducing Grand Canyon National Park. More outdoor adventure can be found in the area’s Coconino National Forest, lava fields at Sunset Crater National Monument, and beyond. My family of Phoenicians has explored this mountain town during snowstorms, summer hikes, fall foliage season, and everything in between. From fascinating historic sites to exhilarating day trips, here are the 25 best things to do in Flagstaff.

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1. Historic Downtown Flagstaff

Although it’s the largest city in Northern Arizona, Flagstaff exudes a welcoming small-town charm. The sound of train whistles adds a folksy feel to the downtown area, with over 100 trains chugging through Flagstaff on an average day. Every time my family visits, we remark on how happy and welcoming the residents seem. Truly, I think it’s the friendliest city in the state.

What a pleasure it is to simply stroll past the historic buildings in Downtown Flagstaff. Keep your eyes open for murals, statues, and other public art displays. Be sure to pop into Babbit Brothers, an outdoor gear shop that originally opened in 1889 as the town’s first department store. Come December, the beloved Christmas Parade marches right through downtown, drawing families and visitors from across Arizona.

Weather permitting, you’ll probably come across buskers performing live music in Heritage Square. Surrounded by coffee shops, brewpubs, restaurants, and retail stores, this is the city’s central gathering place.

2. Lowell Observatory

Flagstaff was designated the first Dark Sky City, making stargazing particularly appealing here. Space exploration buffs will definitely want to visit Lowell Observatory. Established in 1894, this is one of the oldest observatories in the United States. It is most famous for the discovery of Pluto. Additionally, every astronaut who has walked on the moon spent time training at Lowell Observatory, the Grand Canyon, and the nearby Meteor Crater National Landmark.

Included with your admission fee, guided tours add to the wonder of a visit. To get the most out of your experience, plan to come shortly before sunset. (As early as 4:30 pm in winter and as late as 8 pm in summer months.) That’s when you can gaze at stars, planets, and distant gas clouds through six state-of-the-art telescopes. The impressive Clark Refractor Telescope is over 125 years old and is regularly open to guests for night viewing during the 90-minute guided Mars Hill Tour.

3. Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort

When you think of Arizona, snowy mountain slopes probably don’t spring to mind. Arizonans, however, know that there is plenty of boarding and skiing at Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort in Flagstaff. Experts appreciate nearly 777 skiable acres, with 61 runs, and a lift-served elevation of 11,500 feet.

Arizona Snowbowl is a super affordable option, too. This is especially true for families. In fact, kids 12 and younger ski for free all season long. Whereas lift tickets can cost as much as $200 at other resorts, you can score a Snowbowl day pass for a fraction of that.

Arizona Snowbowl isn’t just for winter, either. Check out all the summer activities at Arizona Snowbowl, from snowless tubing, a bungee trampoline, and disc golf to mountain hikes and more.

4. Scenic Gondola Ride

Even if you’re not a skier or boarder, you can still take in Snowbowl’s beauty with a Scenic Gondola Ride. In winter, riders cannot disembark at the top, but the views are still incredible. Not visiting in winter? No worries! The Arizona Gondola runs all year long. In summer, riders can get off at the top to take in the spectacular views or go for a hike.

The round‑trip ride takes 20 to 30 minutes. No matter the season, be sure to book in advance, especially on busy weekends — my family learned this the hard way.

5. Museum of Northern Arizona

The Museum of Northern Arizona celebrates the art, history, and native culture of Northern Arizona. Visitors learn about the 10 native tribes of the Colorado Plateau through artifacts, videos, and interactive displays. This small museum typically takes one to two hours to explore.

In the geology gallery, view a mural that walks visitors from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic eras. Kids will be interested in the Dilophosaurus cast skeleton, based on dinosaur bones found in this region of Arizona. There is also a worthwhile on-site gift shop, filled with affordable souvenirs as well as more expensive fine art and jewelry.

6. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Get a glimpse at what Flagstaff looked like in the early 1900s — for the extremely wealthy, anyway — at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park. This state park includes two American Arts and Crafts-style homes joined by a central billiard room.

The mansions were owned by two successful pioneer Flagstaff businessmen brothers (Timothy and Michael Riordan) who married two sisters (Caroline and Elizabeth Metz). The homes were occupied by descendants of the original owners through the 1980s, when the state bought them and began refurbishment. Many of the original furnishings are displayed throughout the property.

If visiting with kids, be sure to ask for a Junior Park Ranger booklet at the visitor center. You can explore on your own, but to better understand the history of the homes and Flagstaff, pay extra and reserve a spot on a guided tour.

7. Pioneer Museum

The Pioneer Museum shares Flagstaff’s pioneer, logging, ranching, and transportation past. The Decade Rooms teach visitors about the city’s past from 1880 to 1960. Tour the one-room Doney Cabin, built in 1908 by former Flagstaff Mayor Ben Doney. The Hospital exhibition includes an operating room to show what medicine was like back in 1938 when the museum’s building was used as a hospital. For kids, there’s an old-time locomotive and caboose to explore outside.

Note: The Pioneer Museum is temporarily closed for major renovations, with no announced reopening date.

8. Orpheum Theater

Originally opened as a cinema called the Majestic Opera House, the Orpheum Theater is today a popular concert venue. Take a look at their upcoming events to see if any live music or comedy shows appeal to your crew.

Even if you don’t buy tickets for any of their concerts, stop by to take a look at the colorful mural adorning the theater’s exterior. Can you find me in the photo of the Orpheum Theater above?

9. The Arboretum at Flagstaff

As a desert dweller, one thing I love most about Flagstaff is its plentiful TREES! There’s no better place to get your fill of Ponderosa pines than at the Arboretum at Flagstaff.

This botanical garden occupies 200 acres within the Coconino National Forest. It is home to three easy, shaded hiking trails and 750 native and drought-adapted plants that thrive in the Colorado Plateau’s high desert landscape.

The arboretum is open seasonally, typically May 1 through October 31. Check their calendar of events for special programs, such as a summer concert series, painting classes, and themed walks.

10. Flagstaff Hiking Trails

Outdoor lovers appreciate Flagstaff’s plethora of hiking trails. As a matter of fact, there are nearly 130 trails in Flagstaff. Below are a couple of popular options my family has enjoyed.

Buffalo Park Trail

Families traveling with young children, runners, and anyone looking for a flat, easy hike will want to hit up Buffalo Park. This 215-acre park offers a 2.2-mile mellow loop trail with mountain views. You’ll also find bathrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables.

Fatmans Loop Trail

For a bigger challenge, try the moderate Fatmans Loop Trail. The round-trip hike should take about 1.5 hours. Expect to see yucca, juniper, white fir, and, of course, Ponderosa pine. Our family loved the scenery but found the trails were not well marked.

Other Hiking Trails

Whether you want a quick walk or a challenging multi-mile trek, you’re sure to find a trail that suits your needs. Take a look at this list of the best trails in Flagstaff from AllTrails.com.

11. Fort Tuthill County Park

Open year-round and just 3 miles from Flagstaff, Fort Tuthill County Park is a 633-acre regional park. Explore multi‑use trails, visit the archery range, or check out the highly rated Fort Tuthill Bike Park. A park highlight is the Barefoot Trail, a short sensory path designed for barefoot walking, which is a big hit with kids.

In summer, Fort Tuthill hosts outdoor music festivals, equestrian shows, and the Coconino County Fair. On-site camping is available from May through early October. In winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for snowshoeing and cross‑country skiing.

12. Flagstaff Extreme Zipline and Adventure Course

Appreciate Flagstaff’s tall Ponderosa pines from above at Flagstaff Extreme. Choose between the Tree Top Adventure Course (3.5 hours), the Adventure Zip Lines Course (2.5 hours), or the Kid’s Adventure Course for ages 7–11.

Adventure Zip Lines Course

I’ve ziplined numerous times around the world in places like Costa Rica and Vail, but the Adventure Zip Lines Course was the most heart‑pounding zipping experience of them all. Not because it’s the longest or fastest, but because it’s hands‑off. After helping us start, our guides left my family alone on the course, and about 30 minutes in, they were nowhere to be found. Thankfully, three of us were experienced zip‑liners, because managing the clipping and transitions solo felt a bit precarious.

The course is long and features multiple tree ladders and rope bridges between 30 ziplines. Thrill‑seekers and experienced zip‑liners will love it. Beginners may want a more guided option.

Tree Top Adventure Course

For fewer zips and more obstacles, you may want to tackle the Tree Top Adventure Course. It includes suspended bridges, scramble nets, swinging logs, a wooden skateboard attached to cables, and more. If you complete all five courses, you’ll face 70 obstacles and eight zip lines.

13. Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff is a youthful city, with university students making up over 26 percent of its 77,000+ inhabitants. Hearty, outdoorsy folks tend to make Flagstaff their home. In fact, the Lumberjack is the mascot of Flagstaff’s Northern Arizona University (NAU), a nod to the area’s logging past.

Northern Arizona University isn’t just for students, though. It’s a scenic campus worth exploring. Visitors can stroll beneath towering pines along tree‑lined walkways, admire historic buildings like Old Main, and discover outdoor sculptures and murals scattered across the grounds. The campus often hosts public events, from concerts and theater performances to Lumberjack sporting events. In autumn, NAU is especially photogenic, with vibrant fall foliage making it one of the prettiest spots in Flagstaff to wander.

14. Flagstaff Segway Tour

Have you ever ridden a Segway? They provide such a whimsical way to get around! For a super fun way to explore Flagstaff, sign up for a Flagstaff Segway Tour with my trusted partner, Get Your Guide. After a brief training and safety lesson, you’ll practice piloting your Segway. Then you’ll zoom around Historic Downtown Flagstaff, the NAU campus, and Francis Short Pond, while learning fun facts along the way. The tour takes about two hours.

15. Haunted Flagstaff History Tour

See a spooky side of Flagstaff with Freaky Flagstaff Foottours. Visit haunted hangouts like the Murderous Maintenance Man at the library and the Restless Brakeman who was crushed between two trains. A guide will lead your group to seven or eight stops along a one-mile route through downtown Flagstaff.

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends during Halloween season. Brave children are allowed to attend if accompanied by an adult.

16. Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon deserves a spot on any list of the best things to do in Flagstaff, especially for first-time visitors. You could head to this national park for a simple day trip. Then you can take in gorgeous views of this natural wonder, do a short hike, and eat some lunch before returning to Flagstaff.

For a more extensive adventure, you can hike or ride a mule down the canyon, go white water rafting, or embark on a helicopter tour. Plan ahead, though, because these adventures require advanced preparation.

Expect about a 90-minute drive from Flagstaff to the South Rim, depending on traffic and weather. Or, skip the drive and take in the scenery aboard a train ride on the Grand Canyon Railroad.

17. Walnut Canyon National Monument

Just 7.5 miles east of Flagstaff, visit Walnut Canyon National Monument to view ancient cliff dwellings up close. Walk the Island Trail, a steep one‑mile loop where you can stand right in front of the dwellings carved into the canyon walls. Plan 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how much hiking you want to do.

In total, there are 300 rooms built into rock walls, but only 25 are visible. These remarkable structures were created by the Sinagua people, ancestors of the Hopi, who lived in the region from around 600 to 1400 AD.

18. Lava Fields at Sunset Crater National Monument

Would you be surprised to learn that Arizona is home to lava fields? I sure was. The black cinder landscape feels otherworldly in a state better known for its clay and sand landscape.

The Sunset Volcanic Field began forming about 550,000 years ago when the San Francisco Mountain lost its peak due to a massive volcanic eruption. Even after this event, the San Francisco Peaks remain the highest point in the state. These volcanic fields are considered dormant, meaning they haven’t erupted in a very long time but could erupt again.

In 1085 AD, Sunset Crater Volcano erupted and coated nearly 900 square miles with lava and ash. As the molten rock cooled, it broke apart into tiny black stones called cinders, creating the dramatic terrain you see today. Sunset Crater is the youngest cinder cone in the entire volcanic field.

You can explore the area on several trails, including the Lava Flow Trail, which winds through the jagged remains of ancient lava flows. The nearby Lava River Cave is a mile‑long lava tube formed by molten rock, offering a dark, chilly underground experience. In total, the monument features five hiking trails, ranging from the easy 0.2-mile A’a Trail to the moderate 3.4-mile Lava’s Edge Trail.

19. Wupatki National Monument

The expansive, well-preserved Native American ruins at Wupatki National Monument impress visitors of all ages. This multistory Sinagua pueblo includes 100+ rooms and a ball court. It was inhabited by ancestral Puebloans around 500 AD. But its heyday was in the 1000s and 1100s before it was abandoned around 1225. Buy the informative $1 interpretive paper booklet from the visitor center to better understand the structure and its former inhabitants.

I recommend combining Wupatki and Sunset Crater into a one-day adventure. Take the 34-mile scenic drive on the Sunset Crater Loop along Highway 89, which includes stops at the lava fields and the ruins. The scenery changes drastically from Flagstaff’s ponderosa pines to the stark desert landscape that surrounds the ruins. Pack a lunch and plan to stop at the Doney Picnic Area, where a short hike leads to striking (and often windy) views of the Wupatki Basin.

20. Bearizona Wildlife Park

About a half-hour drive from Flagstaff, the delightful Bearizona Wildlife Park offers drive-through exhibits, a walk-through zoo, and staff-led animal encounters. In the walkable area, you’ll see bears, playful river otters, a variety of reptiles, and a honey badger named Frenchie Toast. You just may stumble upon an unscheduled Surprise & Delight animal encounter as you roam, too. Our family got a chance to pet a rather large snake during one visit.

Embark on a self‑guided animal safari in your own vehicle through the drive‑through portion of the park. You’ll see animals in expansive, natural‑feeling habitats, including Arctic wolves, American bison, and more bears. If you prefer wildlife experiences where animals aren’t confined to small enclosures, this part of Bearizona will especially appeal to you. It really feels as if the animals are living their best lives in a wide-open environment.

Come hungry because food trucks inside the park make dining here a pleasure. Plan to spend about three hours at this Northern Arizona attraction.

21. Horseback Riding Near Flagstaff

Saddle up for a one- or two-hour trail ride through the Coconino Forest with Historic Hitchin’ Post Stables (ages 5+) about 30 miles away. For a truly memorable experience, opt for their three‑hour Walnut Canyon ride. During winter months, all ages can embark on a dinner sleigh ride. The experience includes a campfire and complimentary hot chocolate or apple cider. You can also pay extra for a cowboy dinner served back at the ranch.

At High Mountain Trail Rides, excursions vary from a 30-minute jaunt to a two-hour trail ride. Their stable is located 30 miles from Flagstaff near Mormon Lake, one of the only natural lakes in the state. (Ages 6+.)

22. Black Bart’s Steakhouse, Saloon & Musical Review

For a hearty meal fit for a hungry cowboy, make dinner reservations at Black Bart’s Steakhouse. The portions are big and the food is delicious, especially the sourdough biscuits with honey cinnamon butter.

But the servers are the real stars. In between slinging chow, they step onto the stage to belt out songs, and you can even make requests. Our family felt oddly proud of our waiter whenever it was his turn to sing. It’s a truly unique dining experience and one of the most fun things to do in Flagstaff.

23. Flagstaff Brewpubs

Since it’s a college town, it may not come as a surprise that Flagstaff is bursting with brewpubs. Children are welcome at most of these, but family travelers should read our tips for visiting breweries with kids before you go.

Lumberyard Brewing Co.

For a fun outdoor dining experience with an expansive patio and fire pit, head to Lumberyard Brewing Co. In addition to an extensive beer menu and full bar, they specialize in buffalo wings, burgers, and flavored macaroni and cheese creations.

Dark Sky Brewing Co.

Dark Sky Brewing Co. is beloved for its array of house-made beers on tap, many of which are gluten-reduced. The atmosphere is lively, with twinkling lights in the counters that represent the stars in Flagstaff’s dark skies and large windows overlooking downtown. Dark Sky has partnered with Pizzicletta, whose fermented‑crust pizzas are made in‑house in a traditional oven. To order, push the button at your table to alert your food server.

Beaver Street Brewery

Another popular choice with locals and travelers is Beaver Street Brewery, Flagstaff’s first brewpub. In addition to their traditional and seasonal craft beers, they offer a full bar and a fairly large menu featuring salads, soups, sandwiches, and pizzas (including gluten‑free crust options). They also serve a few specialties, like the Brewer’s Platter with sausages, cabbage, and potatoes.

Flagstaff Brewery Trail

True craft beer fans will want to trek the Flagstaff Brewery Trail, the best way to sample a variety of brews around town. Download the passport and brewery map, then collect stamps from all eight breweries. Bring your completed digital passport to the Flagstaff Visitor Center or the Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau to receive a souvenir pint glass.

24. Coffee Shops in Flagstaff

If coffee is more your jam, then you’re in luck. Flagstaff stays caffeinated at all sorts of one-of-a-kind coffee shops. Below are a few of my family’s favorites.

Tourist Home All Day Café

When the weather is nice, pull up a chair on the patio at Tourist Home All Day Café to sip locally roasted coffee drinks. With a full bar, you can get your coffee spiked if you like. Dining is available indoors, too. We come here every time we’re in Flagstaff to savor their gluten-free French cruller doughnuts. For something more filling, they serve goodies like huevos rancheros for breakfast as well as hearty sandwiches and salads for lunch.

Macy’s Coffee House & Bakery

You can feel good about getting a cuppa joe at Macy’s Coffee House & Bakery. This vegetarian coffee house serves all sorts of fair-trade coffees in compostable cups. They serve quick breakfast or lunch sandwiches, along with other simple, healthy fare.

Forêt Flagstaff

There will probably be a long wait at Forêt Flagstaff, especially on weekends. Prices aren’t cheap, either. But their delectable coffees, matchas, and breakfast plates are more than worth it.

25. Day Trips From Flagstaff

Beyond the Grand Canyon and other amazing adventures already recommended near Flagstaff, there are even more day trips to tempt adventurers. Oak Creek Canyon is a short drive south and offers spectacular views, swimming holes, and shaded hiking trails. Just past this scenic corridor, Sedona offers stunning red‑rock scenery, vortex sites, and the popular Slide Rock State Park, a natural water park of sorts. Farther east, Petrified Forest National Park showcases rainbow‑striped badlands and ancient trees turned to stone.

To the west, the massive Meteor Crater delivers one of Arizona’s most dramatic historic sites, created about 50,000 years ago when a giant space rock collided with Earth. Even further afield, Horseshoe Bend near Page at the Utah/Arizona border rewards road‑trippers with Instagram-famous views carved by the Colorado River. With so many beautiful places in the surrounding area, Flagstaff is a great base camp for exploring Northern Arizona.

Where to Stay in Flagstaff

After a busy day of exploring the Flagstaff area, you’ll want a comfy place to relax and recharge. Holiday Inn Express Flagstaff delivers exactly that, with a convenient location near restaurants and just minutes from downtown.

Hotel Rooms

Choose rooms with two queens or one king bed, or book connecting rooms for extra space. Every room includes a flat‑screen TV, a Keurig coffee maker with pods, a microwave, a mini‑fridge, a work desk, and a bathtub with shower. Plus, blackout curtains help late sleepers get good sleep on vacation. Better for the environment, complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel come in wall dispensers instead of tiny bottles. Need extra pillows? They offer soft or firm pillow options.

Complimentary Full Breakfast

Save time and money with the included full breakfast each morning. Fill up on eggs, breakfast meats, fresh fruit, cereals, yogurt, pastries, juices, coffee, tea, and a cook‑your‑own pancake maker. Best of all are the warm, self-serve Cinnabon cinnamon rolls.

Pool, Hot Tub & Fitness Center

The heated outdoor pool is a definite treat (open late May through mid‑October). In winter, unwind in the bubbly hot tub after a day of exploring. The fitness center includes a treadmill, elliptical machines, a stationary bike, and free weights.

IHG Hotels & Resorts

Holiday Inn Express is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, which operates nearly 6,000 properties worldwide across 21 hotel brands. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, couples’ getaway, or girls’ trip, IHG has a hotel to meet your needs. Book your Holiday Inn Express Flagstaff stay now!

Flagstaff FAQ

What’s the best time of year to visit Flagstaff?

Flagstaff is beautiful year‑round, but summer and autumn are the most popular seasons thanks to wildflowers, hiking, fall foliage, and crisp mountain weather. Winter brings snow and skiing at Arizona Snowbowl, while spring offers mild temperatures and fewer crowds. If you’re visiting in winter, check for road closures and storm conditions before driving into the mountains.

How many days do I need in Flagstaff?

Most travelers spend two to three days exploring Flagstaff’s museums, historic downtown, and nearby national parks and other sites. If you’re adding the Grand Canyon or Sedona, I recommend planning for four to five days.

Is Flagstaff a good home base for visiting the Grand Canyon?

Yes. Flagstaff is about 1.5 hours from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and offers more lodging and dining options than staying inside the national park.

What are the best things to do in Flagstaff?

Top highlights include Lowell Observatory, Historic Downtown Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon, Bearizona, the Museum of Northern Arizona, and the Arboretum at Flagstaff.

What’s the weather like in Flagstaff?

Expect much cooler temperatures than most of Arizona in Flagstaff. Summer highs are usually in the 70s–80s Fahrenheit, while winter highs are in the 30s–40s F. Flagstaff regularly receives over 100 inches of snow per year, making it one of the snowiest cities in the United States.

Will I get altitude sickness in Flagstaff?

Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet, so some visitors notice mild altitude effects like shortness of breath or fatigue. Arizona Snowbowl is even higher, with mountain peaks up to 11,500 feet. Staying hydrated and taking it easy on your first day helps.

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Best Road Trip from Phoenix — Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Las Vegas all in one epic loop

Prescott with Kids — Family-friendly sites in Arizona’s territorial capital

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Which of these Flagstaff area activities would you like to experience? Share your questions and recommendations in the comments below!

A Note from Colleen: I was reimbursed for my family’s hotel stay at Holiday Inn Express Flagstaff and received monetary compensation from IHG Hotels & Resorts for this blog post. My family was hosted by Lowell Observatory, the Museum of Northern Arizona, and Bearizona. We paid for all other attractions and meals ourselves. All opinions are mine, as always.

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