top things to do in flagstaff, arizona

Arizona’s Flagstaff is a thriving community notable for its breathtaking natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and rich history.  Flagstaff has lots to offer everyone, whether your interests are in cultural events, outdoor activities, or just relaxing in a picturesque area.  It is also a popular altitude training destination among runners. Popular Flagstaff activities (with map) include the following:

Using This Map: To access the layers (driving routes and places to go), click the tab located in the upper left corner of the map. To reveal or conceal layers, click the checkboxes. You may learn more about each point of interest on the map by clicking on the icons.  This map will be added to your Google Maps account if you click the star next to the map’s title. Open Google Maps on your computer or phone, select “Your Places” from the menu, then click Maps. This map will appear on your list.

1. EXPLORE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN FLAGSTAFF

Explore downtown Flagstaff’s historic Route 66 and the train station. America’s Highway passes through Flagstaff, and if you stop by the Amtrak train station, you’ll notice a huge Route 66 emblem painted on the floor.  Explore the stores, bars, and cafes along San Francisco Street as you stroll through downtown from the train station. See old hotels and structures while strolling through the side streets. Go snap photographs at Phoenix Avenue’s Mother Myth Mural.  

 

PRO TIP:  You get to see the well-known pinecone drop if you visit downtown Flagstaff on New Year’s Day.

flagstaff-route 66 emblem amtrack

2. TRY ITS COFFEE SHOPS,  CAFES AND RESTAURANTS 

As you explore the area, you’ll discover that Flagstaff has an abundance of excellent coffee shops.Try a couple of the city’s coffee shops to get a taste of the city’s cafe culture.  A few of our favorites include Macy’s European Coffee House & Bakery.  We love the muffins here!  Another one of our favorite coffee shop in the city is Firecreek Coffee where they also serve wine and beer in the evening. I love the honey latte here.  Flagstaff is also a great destination for foodies like us.  We discovered amazing restaurants like Pizzicletta which serves delicious pizza; Diablo Burger which serves mouth watering burgers, and many other restaurants which offers amazing food.

Flagstaff-Macy's
flagstaff-pizzicletta

3. GO VENTURE THE TRAILS

  • Buffalo Park Trail Loop (Distance:  2.2 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Est.: 43 minutes).  The trail offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Peaks, Mount Elden, and the surrounding landscape.

 

flagstaff-buffalo park
  • Mars Hill Loop Trail (Distance: 3.3 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Est.: 1 hr 24mins). The trail provides excellent views of Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks, and the surrounding area.  Mars Hill is home to the historic Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered.  The trail meanders through ponderosa pine forests, offering a peaceful and shaded hike.
flagstaff mars hill thorpe park sign
  • Aspen Nature Loop Trail  (Distance: 2.3 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Est.: 1 hr 1 min).  Beautiful stands of aspen trees, especially stunning in the fall when the leaves turn golden.  Seasonal wildflowers add color to the trail during spring and summer.
flagstaff aspen loop trail

4.  VISIT WALNUT CANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT 

Offering an insight into the way of life of the prehistoric Sinagua people who inhabited the area more than 700 years ago, Walnut Canyon National Monument in Flagstaff, Arizona, is an intriguing place to visit. 

5.  VISIT SUNSET CRATER VOLCANO NATIONAL MONUMENT  

Stroll around the cinder cones and lava flows. To get a better look at the volcanic terrain, hike the Lava Flow Trail.

flagstaff-sunset crater

6.  GO FOR SCENIC DRIVES 

Arizona is well known for its wide range of scenery, from lush forests to red rock canyons, and for its awe-inspiring scenic drives that highlight the state’s natural splendor. There are so numerous drives you can venture. Our favorites include Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, Red Rock Scenic Byway, Volcanoes and Ruins Scenic Loop and a few more other beautiful drives.  Read more on it at SCENIC DRIVES IN ARIZONA

7.  RELAX AT LAKE MARY

Upper Lake Mary and Lower Lake Mary are the two reservoirs that make up Lake Mary, which is close to Flagstaff, Arizona. Outdoor enthusiasts will find these picturesque lakes to be an excellent visit because they provide an array of leisure opportunities including Boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing.

flagstaff-lake mary

8.  VISIT LOWELL OBSERVATORY

Visitors get a rare opportunity to explore the cosmos at Lowell Observatory, a historic and active center for astronomical study.  Its is well known for the discovery of Pluto in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh.  This well-known observatory has much to offer everyone, from casual stargazers to professional astronomy enthusiasts.

flagstaff-lowell observatory
FULL MOON VIEW FROM LOWELL OBSERVATORY

MORE TO EXPLORE AROUND FLAGSTAFF

  • Drive “THE SAN FRANCISCO PEAKS”.
  • Go picnic at “SLIDE ROCK STATE PARK”
  • Drive “THE EDGE OF THE WORLD DRIVE (EAST POCKET), and see the “JENGA ROCKS”
  • Venture to “GRAND FALLS”
  • Go skiing at “ARIZONA SNOWBOWL” in winter.
  • Experience “FLAGSTAFF EXTREME ADVENTURE COURSE”
  • Visit “METEOR CRATER”
  • Visit “MONTEZUMA CASTLE NATIONAL MONUMENT”
  • Explore SEDONA
  • Explore WILLIAMS