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Think of Flagstaff as Arizona, but with elevation! Despite typical annual snowfall of 80 inches, Flagstaff averages 266 days of sunshine per year. That’s 60 days more than the national average. There are seven national parks and monuments in the region.
Enjoy the small-town charm and an eclectic vibe amid a landscape bedazzled with ponderosa pines. Flagstaff is in fact surrounded by the largest ponderosa pine forest on the planet.
In Flagstaff, you can explore the iconic Route 66. Engage with Native American culture. Learn of the history of the Old West.
Top 10 Things to do in Flagstaff, AZ
There’s lots to do in and around Flagstaff. You can also take a day trip to the Grand Canyon. Learn of the past at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Contemplate the stars above at Lowell Observatory.
1. Lowell Observatory
The Lowell Observatory is only a couple of miles from downtown Flagstaff. Famous for its interplanetary research, including the discovery of Pluto. It was also a base of operations for NASA’s Apollo missions.
2. Riordon Mansion
Riordon Mansion dates to 1904 when Flagstaff was a modest logging town. The 40-room, 13,000 sqft home is an exquisite example of Arts and Crafts style architecture. You’ll find log-slab siding, hand-split wooden shingles, and volcanic stone arches.
3. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon’s Southern Rim is 80 miles from Flagstaff. Grand Canyon National Park reveals the handiwork of the Colorado River. Over millions of years, it sliced deeper and deeper into massive layers of sedimentary rock. In some places, the canyon is more than 1.5 miles deep and 18 miles wide.
4. Walnut Canyon National Monument
At Walnut Canyon National Monument, you’ll find two dozen cliff dwellings along the one-mile Island Trail. Visit actual pueblos inhabited many centuries ago. Hike the canyon trails and contemplate life here long ago.
5. Arizona Gondola at Snowbowl
Regardless of the season, the Arizona Gondola serves up some of the most sublime sunsets in the state. It is 14 miles north of town. Elevation above sea level begins at 9,500 feet and rises to 11,500 feet at the summit. Your ascent takes you from high desert to aspen and pine forests to alpine tundra.
6. Arboretum at Flagstaff
Select from miles of walking trails at this seasonal 200-acre botanical garden. It is at the end of a rustic road some 7, 100 feet above sea level. It is ideal to travel there via an AWD or 4WD vehicle. You’ll find more than 750 species of plants native to higher elevations. The butterfly pavilion is a highlight for many.
7. Museum of Northern Arizona
Learn about the indigenous peoples of the Colorado Plateau at the Museum of Northern Arizona. You’ll also see dinosaur fossils. Check out the cast of a Dilophosaurus dinosaur. Bright murals and locally-inspired art add dimension to any visit. Stop in the gift shop for Native American hand-crafted blankets and turquoise jewelry.
8. Historic Downtown & Railroad District
You’ll find restaurants, bars, shops and craft breweries in the historic downtown. Tours range from self-guided walking tours to those via e-bike or Segway. Actor Ted Danson narrates the self-guided “Walk this Talk” tour. It begins at the train station. His father was once the director of the Museum of Northern Arizona.
9. Bearizona Wildlife Park
Bearizona Wildlife Park is about 30 miles outside of Flagstaff. Take the three-mile drive-thru route in your own vehicle or on the Wild Ride Bus. See free-roaming bison, bears, wolves, and other North American species.
10. Meteor Crater
Meteor Crater, often called Barringer Crater, is 37 miles east of Flagstaff. Take a guided rim tour. Check out the Apollo 11 space capsule at the Barringer Space Museum. Sit back and enjoy the film “Collision!” in the 4D theater.
Best Hotels in Flagstaff, AZ
Do you prefer independent hotels or those affiliated with national brands? You’ll have your choice when you visit Flagstaff. Here are our recommendations.
Twin Arrows Casino Resort
22181 Resort Boulevard
The 200-room Twin Arrows Casino Resort is a AAA four-diamond resort just east of Flagstaff. Guestrooms feature state-of-the-art SONIFI interactive entertainment centers. Enjoy access to a spacious indoor heated pool, whirlpool, and state-of-the-art fitness center. The resort offers multiple dining options, including the Zenith Steakhouse.
Little America Hotel
2515 East Butler Avenue
The 240-room Little America Hotel is at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. It is set amid 500 acres of ponderosa pines. There’s a seasonal heated outdoor pool and a fitness center. Volleyball, horseshoes, and badminton are all available upon request.
Drury Inn & Suites
300 South Milton Road
At the Drury Inn & Suites, guests enjoy free hot snacks and cold beverages in the evening. Recreational amenities include an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Northern Arizona University is south of the hotel. The Flagstaff Symphony is a 15-minute walk away.
Holiday Inn Express
2320 East Lucky Lane
When you stay at Holiday Inn Express, Lowell Observatory, and Northern Arizona University are just minutes away. Amenities include free daily breakfast and a 24-hour fitness center.
Embassy Suites
706 South Milton Road
Embassy Suites is in the historical district near the Riordon Mansion and Heritage Square. Your pillow-top bed comes with a down comforter. Every room also includes a double sofa bed. Relax with a swim in the outdoor pool. Get in a workout at the fitness center.
La Quinta Inn & Suites
2015 South Beulah Boulevard
The 128-room La Quinta Inn & Suites is near Northern Arizona University and Lowell Observatory. Guests enjoy the comfort of pillow-top beds and premium bedding. An outdoor pool, spa tub, and fitness center are all a part of the experience.
Doubletree by Hilton
1175 West Route 66
Doubletree by Hilton is on historic Old Route 66 close to the downtown district. It is 10 miles from Arizona Snowbowl. Amenities include an outdoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Enjoy Japanese cuisine at Sakura Restaurant.
Greentree Inn
2755 South Woodlands Village Boulevard
The 90-room Greentree Inn offers comfortable accommodations, a pool, and a complimentary buffet breakfast. It is two minutes from Northern Arizona University and seven minutes from Lowell Observatory.
Plan Your Flagstaff, AZ, Vacation Today
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