Flagstaff

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Flagstaff

Flagstaff, a city with around 77,000 residents, is often overlooked in favor of the bustling desert city of Phoenix and the touristy Sedona. However, it shouldn’t be underestimated. Nestled amidst the San Francisco Peaks and surrounded by beautiful pine forests, Flagstaff has a relaxed and outdoorsy atmosphere. The locals here love biking, skiing, hiking, and indulging in craft beers. The city also benefits from the youthful energy brought by the students of Northern Arizona University, which is located nearby.

Looking for a relaxed vacation? Look no further than Flagstaff! This charming destination sits 7,000 feet above sea level and offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, budget-friendly dining options, and captivating natural wonders. With attractions like Walnut Canyon National Monument and an array of local eateries that won’t break the bank, Flagstaff is more than just a pit stop – it’s the ideal vacation spot.

When to Visit

Flagstaff is an ideal destination to visit during different seasons. To avoid the summer crowds and enjoy the colorful trees, plan your trip between September and November. During these months, the weather is pleasantly cool and clear. For winter sports enthusiasts, December to February is a popular time, but keep in mind that Flagstaff experiences snowy winters, which can make travel challenging. As the city starts to thaw in March, April, and May, it also becomes windy. If you prefer warmer weather, June, July, and August are the high travel season with delightful temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, attracting many visitors to Flagstaff.

Things to do near Flagstaff

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Flagstaff. Select what you would like to do!

  • Arizona Snowbowl

    Situated amidst the beautiful San Francisco Peaks, at an elevation of 9,500 feet, you’ll find the Arizona Snowbowl—a fantastic destination for skiing and snowboarding in the state. With three distinct areas catering to various skill levels, there’s …

  • Bearizona Wildlife Park

    Welcome to Bearizona Wildlife Park! Here, you’ll encounter an exciting array of North American animals, including bison, wolves, and bears. While the bears take center stage, our safari park offers much more to explore. Take a scenic drive through a …

  • Coconino National Forest

    The Coconino National Forest is known for its incredible diversity, offering a wide range of landscapes for visitors to explore. From the iconic Red Rocks of Sedona to the beautiful alpine tundra, this 1.8 million-acre forest has it all. You’ll find …

  • Flagstaff Extreme

    Flagstaff Extreme offers an exciting and daring obstacle course that allows individuals aged 7 and above to push their boundaries. It provides a wide range of challenges, including zip lines, rope swings, scrambling walls, wobbly bridges, and …

  • Historic Downtown and Railroad District

    The Historic Downtown and Railroad District, situated alongside the railroad track and future Route 66, offers a charming pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. This area is home to a collection of beautifully restored buildings from the 1900s, which now …

  • Lava River Cave

    Around 700,000 years in the past, a volcanic vent near Hart Prairie caused the creation of Lava River Cave, stretching for about a mile. Nowadays, individuals have the opportunity to venture into this extensive and dark cave by heading to Coconino …

  • Lowell Observatory

    Visitors to the Lowell Observatory can embrace their inner astronomer by using top-notch telescopes and attending lectures on fascinating subjects like black holes and the history of Pluto. Established in 1894 by Percival Lowell, a mathematician who …

  • Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

    More than 50,000 years ago, a huge meteor hit near Winslow, Arizona, forming Meteor Crater. Today, visitors can explore this impressive site through various means. They can view the 550-foot-deep and nearly mile-wide cavity from an air-conditioned …

  • Montezuma Castle National Monument

    Over a span of 300 years, the Sinagua people constructed Montezuma Castle, the third national monument aimed at safeguarding Native American heritage. This remarkable dwelling served as a refuge during times of flooding, serving both as a palace and …

  • Museum of Northern Arizona

    Located in Northern Arizona’s Colorado Plateau, the Museum of Northern Arizona pays tribute to the region’s rich culture and diverse natural wonders. Since its establishment in 1928, the museum has been showcasing a fascinating array of permanent …

  • Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

    In 1904, the Riordan brothers, Michael and Timothy, who were part of a well-known Arizona family, decided to build two mansions on Kinlichi Knoll in Flagstaff. These mansions were almost identical and were designed by architect Charles Frederick …

  • Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

    Almost a millennium ago, an eruption occurred, giving birth to Sunset Crater. This volcanic event dramatically changed the surrounding landscape, creating a unique terrain filled with cinders, lava rock, and flowing lava. Amidst this almost surreal …

  • Walnut Canyon National Monument

    President Woodrow Wilson created Walnut Canyon National Monument in 1915, spanning an expansive 3,600 acres. This remarkable site safeguards the remarkable ancient cliff dwellings. These dwellings, believed to have been inhabited by early …

  • Wupatki National Monument

    Wupatki National Monument is a nature and culture preserve that was established in 1924. It is one of the Flagstaff Area National Monuments, along with Sunset Crater Volcano and Walnut Canyon. Back in the 1100s, the ancestors of today’s pueblo …