The very name ‘Arizona’ conjures up the images of the wild west straight out of movies. The rugged terrain laced with lush green patches of forest tickles the spine with possibilities of great adventure and scintillating destinations waiting to be explored. So, if you are planning to explore Northern Arizona, do not miss to plan it around Flagstaff, one of the most promising cities in terms of bounties of nature and places of national interest. There is an unending list of things to do in Flagstaff owing to its strategic geographical location.
Flanked by San Francisco Peak in the south and dense ponderosa pine forest in the west, Flagstaff promises you amazing destinations to visit. There is something for everyone in Flagstaff.
For you to be able to have a fulfilling trip covering the iconic destinations and activities, we have curated a list of 17 things to do in Flagstaff Arizona.
Wheeler Park
Parks are a very integral part of the Northern Arizona tourism landscape. Wheeler Park features one of the popular Flagstaff attractions throughout the year. This lush green park at the heart of the city offers you the much-needed space to unwind and experience the local weekend events. You can plan a picnic with your family on the day when you want to explore the city downtown and experience its cultural diversity.
Address: 212 W Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States | Timing: 05:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday to Tuesday | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BudQhDBE42JCuoPx5 | Phone: +1 9282132300
Historic Downtown Flagstaff
Your vacation in Northern Arizona is incomplete without an exploration of its historic downtown, Flagstaff. Built along the railroad Route 66, the downtown is a melting pot of activities. With old buildings from 1900 gracing the locality, you can feel a convergence of the old-world charm with the modern with its bustling art galleries, restaurants, bars, and shops. Visiting this historic downtown is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff for a charming evening experience.
By SearchNet Media, CC BY 2.0, Link
Address: 6 E Aspen Ave Suite 200, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States | Timing: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/yuGbconQ3baLzQ2k7 | Phone: +19282752655
Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift
The Snowbowl ski resort is your next winter wonderland. During winters, the Snowbowl resort offers a plethora of winter sports apart from the famous scenic chairlift. During other seasons, this scenic chairlift becomes one of the main attractions of Arizona. The chairlift cruises gently on an expansive terrain, offering you a spectacular bird’s eye view of the Grand Canyon along with the volcanic crater in Flagstaff.
.jpg#/media/File:Arizona_Snowbowl_Grand_Canyon_Express_Ski_Lift_Opening_Celebration_(30763786764).jpg)
By Coconino National Forest, CC0, Link
Address: 9300 N Snow Bowl Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States | Timing: The timings may have changed owing to the pandemic, please check the website https://www.snowbowl.ski/summer-lift-tickets/ | Google Map Location: https://g.page/AZSnowbowl?share | Phone: +19287791951
Humphrey’s Peak
Perched at an altitude of 12,633 feet above sea level, Humphrey’s Peak is one of the highest natural points in Northern Arizona. If hiking is your calling, this San Francisco peak will lead you to an extremely challenging but rewarding trail. This steep and rocky trail leading to the highest peaks in San Francisco is known as Humphrey’s trail. From the top, you will catch a panoramic view of the Grand Canyon and the Verde Valley.
By Nserrano, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 1824 S. Thompson St. Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States | Timing: The timings may have changed owing to the pandemic, please check the website https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55108 for latest timings | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/8WYFVxj9Jj4wsyqs7 | Phone: +19285273600
Museum of Northern Arizona
Since its establishment in 1928, this Museum has been the beacon of Arizona’s cultural and natural heritage. Your travel itinerary must feature this museum. It is one of the landmark centers of historical importance that will help you understand the diverse socio-cultural ethos of the Colorado Plateau. Do enquire about the ongoing exhibitions and educational programs organized by this museum. It is by far the most real place to buy tribal art and jewelry handcrafted by indigenous artisans.
Address: 3101 N Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 04:00 pm Thursday to Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KUUfApqHCTKBv2BQ7 | Phone: +19287745213
Heritage Square
True to its name, the Heritage Square is central to Flagstaff’s Downtown cultural conundrum. The 11,000 square feet open-air amphitheater and landmark flagpole offer the downtown as a distinct identity. You can take up a guided ‘history walk’ to experience the cultural richness of Arizona. Heritage Square also hosts some amazing outdoor cafes and restaurants for you to explore. Dine out in Josephine’s Modern American Bistro for some American gastronomic fare while you soak into the sights and sounds of Arizona.
.jpg#/media/File:Flagstaff,_Heritage_Square_-_panoramio_(cropped).jpg)
By Pavel Špindler, CC BY 3.0, Link
Address: 22 E. Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KjZV6RTfwA7mDUcbA | Phone: +19288534292
Walnut Canyon National Monument
If archaeology and adventure fascinate you, this Walnut Canyon National Monument must feature on your bucket list. The Walnut Canyon hosts the magnificent ruins of the ancient Sinagua society. The limestone cliffs and structures create a magical environment with mixed dessert and mountain flora. Your love for hiking will get on a different high as you hike through the reconstructed ruins of the Island trail. Explore this canyon creek to soak into the unparalleled nature’s bounty.
By Mike Peel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 3 Walnut Canyon Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States | Timing: 09:00 am to 04:30 pm Monday to Sunday | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Q4sMDiBKNnhx3t2m8 | Phone: +19285263367
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
Established in 1981, the Arboretum is a horticulture center for preserving the flora native to the Colorado Plateau. The center carries out research activities on the preservation of high elevation plants by simulating Arizona’s natural habitat. The center organizes garden tours, wildflower walks, and bird walks to generate an increased sense of connection with nature. If you are traveling with children, then do explore the butterfly house and the bird walk. They will turn out to be an amazing adventure for the kids.
By Whpq, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 4001 S Woody Mountain Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States | Timing: The timings may have changed owing to the pandemic, please check the website https://thearb.org/ | Google Map Location: https://g.page/TheArboretumAtFlagstaff?share | Phone: +19287741442
Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
This gigantic bowl-shaped meteor crater is one of the most renowned meteor impact spots on this earth. The 600 feet deep and 4000 feet wide structure resulted from a meteorite collision that happened approximately 50,000 years ago. This natural wonder is located just 37 miles from the east Flagstaff and must feature in your bucket list. Do visit the Meteor Crater Visitor Center that offers a spectacular crater viewing area, a 4D experience room, and access to the crater trail.
Address: Interstate 40, Exit, 233, Winslow, AZ 86047, United States | Timing: Sunday to Saturday 908:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/meteorcrateraz?share | Phone: +19282895898
Lowell Observatory
Lowell Observatory, established in 1894, has been home to the world’s critical space-related discoveries, the most notable ones being discovering the planet Pluto and the expanding nature of the universe. This observatory offers guided tours for space enthusiasts. If you are traveling with your family, consider the Super Scopes Family Adventure that will take you on an amazing journey stopping by 32-foot-long Clark Refractor and the Giovale Open Deck Observatory. Amongst a medley of things to do in Flagstaff, a visit to this space research center must feature in your itinerary.
By Packbj, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 1400 West Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States | Timing: The timings may have changed owing to the pandemic, please check the website Phased Reopening Plan – https://lowell.edu/visit/ | Google Map Location: https://g.page/TheHomeofPluto?share | Phone: +19287743358
Fort Tuthill County Park
Fort Tuthill Country Park is strategically located amidst the dense Coconino National Park. This park is the heart of all possible adventure activities that you can do in Flagstaff. There are plenty of activities that you can indulge in depending on the season of your visit. During summer, you can choose from a plethora of aquatic activities, hiking, and guided tours. During winter, you can go snowboarding. You can also go camping for the sites are very close to the picturesque hiking trails.
Address: 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday 06:00 am to 10:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Vs11dSsQG2jeQrTJ9 | Phone: +19286798000
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Dedicated to the Riordan family, this mansion is a state-of-art living space built on five acres of land. The Riordan family were pioneers in Flagstaff in terms of the development of various industries. You can take up a guided tour to go around the place and experience the bygone era’s grandeur. The Riordan Mansion State Historic Park has a significant place in Flagstaff’s history.
By James Jones, CC BY 2.0, Link
Address: 409 W Riordan Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States | Timing: The timings may have changed owing to the pandemic, please check the website https://azstateparks.com/riordan-mansion/ | Google Map Location: https://g.page/riordan-mansion-state-park?share | Phone: +19287794395
Sunset Crater
Once an active volcano, spewing lava and unleashing destruction, it now stands as a scenic volcanic crater of 3,040 acres emulating the crimson sunset of Arizona. As per records, this volcano crater was recognized as a national monument in 1930, and it has been one of the incredibly popular Flagstaff attractions. Sunset Crater Volcano is one of the youngest of all the San Francisco Volcanic fields in Arizona. You can opt for one of the guided tours to soak into this mesmerizing landscape of Northern Arizona.
By Mikesanchez1109, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 6082 Sunset Crater Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States | Timing: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zcg7gvjj7LiYNtdx8 | Phone: +19285260502
Get the Adrenaline Rush with Flagstaff Extreme
Flagstaff has something for everyone. Flagstaff Extreme is an outdoor activity park designed around trees and is one of the most adventurous things to do in Flagstaff. Its motto says, ‘Play in the Trees’! There are adventure courses for both kids and adults. Each of these adventure courses has designated levels depending on the skill of an individual. Whether you are traveling with your children or with a group of friends, this adventure park will not only test your agility but help you derive a sense of accomplishment.
By Bill Morrow, CC BY 2.0, Link
Address: Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, United States | Timing: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Sunday | Google Map Location: https://g.page/FLGXAZ?share | Phone: +18882590125
Wupatki National Monument
Some 800 years ago, Wupatki was one of the largest human settlements on the Colorado Plateau. Northern Arizona is home to some of the amazing historical places related to ancient civilizations of the world, a mecca for anthropologists. The red rock structures amidst arid Arizona’s daunting wilderness must feature in your list of things to do in flagstaff AZ.
By Grahampurse, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 25137 N Wupatki Ln, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday 09:00 am to 04:30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/1NKSeKm1cZQhiKAr6 | Phone: +19286792365
Abineau & Bear Jaw Loop Trail
This trail loop is one of the most ultimate hiking trails on the San Francisco Peaks’ northernmost frontiers. The Abhineau trail and the Bear Jaw trail connect to form a scenic loop covering the canyons and end at the base of Humphrey’s Peak. The chances are high that you may come across wild animals such as bears, elk, and deer. During summer and spring, the fall colors will captivate you, and the cacophony of hermit thrush will give your hike a melodious twist.
.jpg#/media/File:Bear_Jaw_Trail-_Abineau-Bear_Jaw_Loop_(37310492821).jpg)
By Coconino National Forest, CC0, Link
Address: Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BtvU74Sgen75Ajnj6 | Phone: +19285260866
Flagstaff Visitor Center
The visitor center is a small gift shop located by the historic downtown train station known as Santa Fe passenger train depot on Route 66. This is your go-to place for finding all the valuable resources required for planning your vacation. Here you will get all information regarding Flagstaff attractions and events. Once you land here, all your worries regarding what to do in Flagstaff will get fixed. Do not forget to check out souvenirs for your loved ones!
Address: 1 E Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States | Timing: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm Monday to Saturday, 09:00 am to 04:00 pm Sunday | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/8wYCF1AmjpbFUWdb8 | Phone: +19282132951
