- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Flagstaff
Flagstaff's story began with the railroad in the 1880s, evolving into a key stop on Route 66. Its historic downtown features landmarks like the Weatherford Hotel, built with local Moenkopi sandstone, giving it a unique reddish color. This heritage is central to what is Flagstaff famous for.
At 7,000 feet, the city sits within the world's largest ponderosa pine forest. The San Francisco Peaks offer year-round recreation from skiing at Arizona Snowbowl to hiking Humphreys Peak. When visiting Flagstaff, remember it's the first International Dark Sky City, perfect for stargazing.
The local food scene is one of the best reasons to visit Flagstaff, especially its vibrant craft beer culture. Breweries like Mother Road and Lumberyard are local staples. For a true taste, pair a local brew with green chile dishes, a Southwestern classic perfected at this altitude.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Junmild, blooming flora
- Jul-Augwarm, peak tourist season
- Sep-Octcooler, autumn colors
- Nov-Marcold, potential snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LayeredClothing
- #Sunscreen
- #WaterBottle
- #LightJacket
- #HikingGear
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days for side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #LowellObservatory
- #WalnutCanyonNationalMonument
- #DowntownFlagstaff
- #PioneerMuseum
- #BuffaloPark
- #ArizonaSnowbowl
- Hiking in Coconino National Forest
- Visit the Meteor Crater
- Sampling local brews
- Explore Route 66 historic sites
- Attend a local festival
Recommended Hotels in Flagstaff by Experience
Things to do in Flagstaff
Discover
Exploring Flagstaff reveals a city rich in history and science. Discover ancient pueblos at Wupatki National Monument, tour the historic Riordan Mansion, and gaze at the stars from the famed Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered.
Experience
Hike the Inner Basin Trail amid aspen groves or ski at Arizona Snowbowl. Stroll through the historic downtown for local crafts, enjoy the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, or attend seasonal events like the North Pole Experience.
Lowell Observatory
Historic observatory where Pluto was discovered.
Wupatki National Monument
Ancient Sinagua pueblos scattered across the desert landscape.
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Arts and Crafts style home built in 1904 by lumber barons.
Arizona Snowbowl
Year-round resort for skiing, snowboarding, and scenic lift.
Humphreys Peak Trail
Challenging hike to Arizona's highest point at 12,633 ft.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people built into canyon walls.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
Botanical garden featuring plants of the Colorado Plateau.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG). To get from the Flagstaff airport to city center, use a shuttle or taxi (~15 min). Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is 2.5 hours away. The train to Flagstaff is another option, with Amtrak's Southwest Chief line stopping downtown.
Getting Around
The city's core is walkable. For wider travel, use Mountain Line, the main public transport in Flagstaff, with day passes available. A Flagstaff shuttle bus connects to some attractions. Car rental in Flagstaff is highly recommended for exploring scenic drives.
Local Essentials
Prepare for high altitude (7,000 ft) by hydrating. When driving in Flagstaff, watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. Winter brings snow, so check road conditions. Many shops have variable hours, so call ahead when you plan a trip to Flagstaff.
Where to Stay in Flagstaff
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Flagstaff's culinary scene where green chile enhances local dishes and craft beer is a post-hike ritual. Taste the authentic food Flagstaff offers from hearty Southwestern plates to wood-fired pizzas in a relaxed mountain town vibe.
Enjoy
Eat at Fat Olives for Neapolitan pizza in a bustling setting, reserve ahead. For the best bars in Flagstaff, try Beaver Street Brewery's rustic patio. Visit Macy's for a bohemian vibe, cash preferred.
Fat Olives
Authentic Neapolitan pizza with a bustling atmosphere.
Salsa Brava
Fresh Southwestern cuisine known for its salsa bar.
Tinderbox Kitchen
Upscale American fare in a stylish, intimate setting.
Karma Sushi Bar Grill
Creative sushi rolls and Asian fusion in a modern space.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Flagstaff's heritage through events like the Route 66 Centennial Celebration, with classic cars and reenactments. The Hopi Arts & Cultural Festival showcases traditional crafts and dances, offering a must-see glimpse into indigenous traditions.
Enjoy
Discover Flagstaff's creative scene with things to do like indie rock and folk shows at the Orpheum Theater. The city's annual Hullabaloo festival features giant puppets, a bike parade, and live music, making it one of the top Flagstaff attractions.
Hullabaloo Festival
June community festival with a bike parade and live music.
Flagstaff Folk Festival
June event with 100+ folk and acoustic music acts on stages.
Flagstaff Festival of Science
A free 10-day event in Sept/Oct with talks and workshops.
Flagstaff Oktoberfest
Autumn festival with German beer, food, and polka music.
Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival
April festival showing outdoor adventure & cultural films.
Route 66 Centennial Celebration
June event with a classic car show and street art.
Holiday Parade of Lights
December parade downtown with festive, illuminated floats.
Great Mountain Town
Flagstaff is such a cool mountain town with a totally different feel from the rest of Arizona. The historic downtown is super walkable with lots of unique shops and good places to eat. Loved the crisp, clean air and the views of the peaks.
Unbelievable Night Sky
As the world's first Dark Sky City, the night sky here is spectacular. We spent an evening at Lowell Observatory and it was incredible. The city really takes its commitment to dark skies seriously, which makes for an amazing experience.
Perfect Winter Trip
A great winter getaway from the desert heat. The skiing at Arizona Snowbowl was fantastic, with great conditions and awesome views. The town had a cozy feel. Plenty of good brewpubs to warm up in after a day on the slopes.
Route 66 Classic
Flagstaff was a key stop on our Route 66 journey. The city has done a great job preserving that old-school road trip feeling. It's a perfect base for exploring nearby sights and has that classic American West character.
Best Base for the Grand Canyon
We stayed here to visit the Grand Canyon and it was the right choice. It's a real city with good services and food, not just a tourist town. The scenery with the San Francisco Peaks right there is beautiful, especially with the winter snow.
Awesome for Hiking
The access to nature trails is just incredible. We did a hike at Walnut Canyon to see the cliff dwellings, which was fascinating. It is so nice to be in a city surrounded by huge pine forests. The mountain air is so refreshing.