From the fresh mountain air to the clear night skies, Flagstaff, Arizona, is an all-season destination that’s a popular stopping point on historic Route 66 thanks to its many galleries and breweries, plus a ton of mountain-town charm. The city also acts as an easy urban gateway to Arizona’s natural wonders.
Over a three-day weekend, explore the Historic Downtown of Flagstaff, discover the natural beauty in the town’s backyard and set out on a road trip to the red rocks of nearby Sedona.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Explore Historic Downtown
On arrival in Flagstaff, take some time to acclimate to the 7,000-foot elevation. Once you’ve caught your breath, get ready to explore. This town is a hub for adventure in Arizona, but it’s also home to a sweet downtown area with some fascinating history.
Begin at the Flagstaff Visitor Center set in a historic train station on Route 66. Then make your way to Heritage Square, home to art festivals and movie screenings, to get a feel for downtown.
After some people-watching, make your way through the surrounding streets to check out retail shops, galleries and restaurants with outdoor tables.
For lunch, choose the Tourist Home All Day Café. Unlike the name might suggest, this homey, hip spot is a favorite among locals thanks to fresh salads, churro doughnuts and a shady shack outside with beer on tap. The tomato bisque is a particular favorite that’s served with a side of toasted bread.
Next, get a deeper sense of the neighborhood through the self-guided Green Book Historic Walking Tour. For many years, the Green Book helped Black travelers navigate through the period of segregation.
Experience history by finding some of the businesses designated in the Green Book, some of which, like Motel Dubeau, are still in operation today.
Once you’ve worked up a thirst, get a taste of local flavors along Flagstaff’s Brewery Trail. This mountain town of about 73,000 people is designated as a leading Arizona Craft Beer City and is home to nine craft breweries. Try local IPAs and ales at Wanderlust and Flagstaff Brewing Company.
At night, check out Flagstaff’s sophisticated side with a performance by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, or find out what’s playing at the Orpheum Theater. The old movie house turned performance venue hosts everything from concerts and comedy nights to movie screenings.
Grab a pre-show burrito at MartAnne’s and a post-show drink at the Mayor, both within easy walking distance.
Saturday: In Flagstaff’s Backyard
Go beyond Historic Downtown to experience some of Flagstaff’s top attractions.
Get an introduction to the region’s nature at the Arboretum at Flagstaff, located 4 miles south of Route 66 on 200 acres of gardens and wild lands. Explore the Wildflower Meadow, visit the Climate Change Center, and learn about bees at the Pollinator Garden. This botanical garden is home to more than 700 plants native to northern Arizona.
Next, get a bird’s-eye view of Arizona’s natural wonders with a ride on the Snowbowl Scenic Gondola. Travel from 9,500 feet up to the summit of the San Francisco Peaks to a height of 11,500 feet with this gondola tour. Take in views that extend out to the Grand Canyon and the red rocks of Sedona.
Continue the high country adventure by renting bikes and setting out on the trails of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System, totaling 56 miles of trails (a digital map is available for smartphones). Cycle along the Buffalo Loop trail and be rewarded with 360-degree views from the top of the mesa.
Refuel after your cycle with a hearty dinner back in Downtown Flagstaff. Grab a table at Josephine’s, set in a historic bungalow. Do yourself a favor and try the Southwestern crabcakes, served with cilantro rice, jicama slaw and spicy remoulade.
Then head out for a local craft beer and raise a glass at the nearby Dark Sky Brewing Company. Opt for a flight to get a full sampling of all they have to offer. (Pro tip: Caffeine fiends will love the Wide Awake coffee stout.)
After dark, finish the day at the famous Lowell Observatory, an astronomical observatory with powerful telescopes and stargazing experiences. Book ahead to reserve a spot on the Dark Skies Tour to learn about constellations and experience a viewing from several telescopes at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory.
Sunday: Road Trip to the Grand Canyon
No trip to Flagstaff would be complete without hitting the road to take in some of Arizona’s natural wonders.
With seven national parks and monuments (including the South Rim of the Grand Canyon) within about 80 miles, it can be difficult to narrow down your options, especially in a place with 266 annual days of sunshine a year.
But choose you must. Start out early to maximize your day outside. Stop at the Indian Gardens Café & Market for breakfast along the way; it has a charming back garden where you can sip your morning coffee.
Grab your hiking boots and settle in for a 90-minute drive to Grand Canyon National Park. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the whole region, which should tell you all you need to know: Don’t miss it.
There’s a lot to see at the park, so focus on the South Rim for your afternoon getaway.
Check out the historic buildings that dot the park — Hermit’s Rest, a miner’s cabin built in 1914; Kolb Studio, a studio used by photographers Ellsworth and Emery Kolb in the early 1900s; and the Desert View Watchtower, the tallest point on the South Rim, with incredible views.
You can also visit the Hopi House, a gift shop built to honor the adobe pueblo style used by the Hopi Native Americans.
If good views are what you’re after, put your hiking boots to work. Start with Yavapai Point, a popular spot given its viewpoint into the Inner Canyon, as well as the Bright Angel Canyon and the nearby Colorado River.
If you plan on staying for the sunset, head to Moran Point, where you can witness the “sinking ship” illusion in action. As the sun dips below the horizon, there’s a set of rock formations that appear like a ship as the light fades away.
On the drive back toward Flagstaff, just 10 miles outside the city, make a slight diversion to explore one more national monument at Walnut Canyon. Stroll along curved canyon walls and check out historic cave dwellings, once home to ancient inhabitants.
Back in Flagstaff, if you can resist the urge to order room service and put your feet up, venture out to try the wood-fired pizzas at Pizzicletta.
The restaurant ferments its pizza dough for up to three days before piling it up with regionally sourced toppings and flash-cooking it in a 900-degree oven, heated by Arizona pecan wood.
For a fabulous send-off, order the “Bee’s Knees,” made with honey, fresh sage, spicy sausage and house mozzarella. Bid farewell to the beautiful night sky on the heated back patio with a pint of local pilsner in hand.
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