2026 – Phase 1 Voussoir Entry
A dozen of the best things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Some travelers come for the dark skies and quiet trails. Others arrive to explore ancient ruins, scenic drives, or the historic streets that grew up along Route 66 and the railroad. Within a short distance of downtown, you can move from forested mountain slopes to wide desert plateaus shaped by volcanic eruptions and centuries of human history.
Whether you’re planning a quick stop on a northern Arizona road trip or settling in for a few days of exploring, Flagstaff offers an unusual variety of experiences in a relatively small area. The places below highlight some of the best ways to spend time here, from outdoor viewpoints and cultural landmarks to local favorites that give the city its character.
Lowell Observatory
Historic observatory under dark skies
Lowell Observatory sits on Mars Hill just above downtown Flagstaff, and it’s one of the few places in the country where you can look through a historic telescope under truly dark skies. Founded in 1894, this is where Pluto was discovered in 1930. The original 24-inch Clark Telescope still operates inside its wooden dome, and you can watch it swing into place before taking your turn at the eyepiece.
After sunset, the real show begins. On the open-air observation deck, staff guide you through live telescope viewing and laser tours of the night sky. Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, distant star clusters, and faint galaxies come into view with surprising clarity thanks to Flagstaff’s strict dark-sky protections.
It’s part science lab, part shared wonder. You leave with a better sense of your place in the universe and a night you won’t forget.
Walk the Island Trail at Walnut Canyon National Monument
Image Credit: Welcome To Flagstaff
Cliff dwellings along a canyon loop
Walnut Canyon National Monument sits just east of Flagstaff, but it feels far removed from town. The Island Trail is the highlight here, a one-mile loop that drops 185 feet into the canyon and passes 25 cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people more than 700 years ago.
The paved trail descends steeply at first, then wraps along the canyon wall with railings and stone steps carved into the rock. Along the way, you can stand inside preserved rooms tucked beneath limestone overhangs and look out across the canyon the same way their original residents once did.
It’s a short hike, but it delivers history, architecture, and wide canyon views in under an hour. Bring water, wear solid shoes, and take your time on the climb back up. The payoff is worth it.
Museum of Northern Arizona
Image Credit: Welcome To Flagstaff
Visit the Museum of Northern Arizona
Just ten minutes north of downtown, the Museum of Northern Arizona tells the story of the Colorado Plateau through art, science, and living cultural traditions. The museum focuses on the landscapes and Indigenous cultures that define northern Arizona, with exhibits covering geology, archaeology, biology, and Native American art.
Inside, galleries display pottery, textiles, jewelry, and carvings created by Hopi, Navajo, Zuni, and other regional artists. Exhibits also explore the volcanic landscapes, forests, and wildlife that shape life on the plateau. The setting adds to the experience. The museum sits among open meadows and ponderosa forest with views of the San Francisco Peaks.
Take time to walk the short outdoor trails behind the buildings or visit during one of the museum’s seasonal heritage festivals. It’s one of the best places in Flagstaff to understand the region before heading out to explore it.
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive
Drive the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Route
Just south of Flagstaff, Oak Creek Canyon delivers one of the most beautiful drives in Arizona. The scenic route follows Highway 89A as it winds through a steep canyon carved by Oak Creek, with towering red rock walls, forested slopes, and frequent pullouts where you can stop to take in the view.
The drive begins just outside town and gradually descends through cool pine forest before revealing the canyon’s dramatic cliffs and switchbacks. Along the way, travelers stop at overlooks, trailheads, and picnic areas, including popular spots like Slide Rock State Park.
It’s only about 20 miles from Flagstaff to Sedona, but most people take much longer. Between the overlooks, short hikes, and photo stops, this stretch of road turns a simple drive into one of the most memorable experiences in northern Arizona.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Image Credit: Welcome To Flagstaff
Explore Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Just north of Flagstaff, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument reveals a landscape shaped by one of the most recent volcanic eruptions in Arizona. Around the year 1085, molten rock burst from the earth here, covering the surrounding land with lava flows and fields of black cinder.
Today visitors can walk through those same volcanic landscapes on short trails that wind across hardened lava and deep cinder fields. The Lava Flow Trail is the most popular stop, offering an easy loop where twisted rock formations, rugged lava ridges, and wide views of the San Francisco Peaks show how dramatic the eruption once was.
The monument is also part of a scenic loop drive that connects to Wupatki National Monument, making it easy to combine volcanic landscapes with ancient pueblos in a single outing. It’s one of the best places near Flagstaff to see how fire shaped the high desert.
Historic Downtown Flagstaff and Route 66
Image Credit: Welcome To Flagstaff
Wander Historic Downtown Flagstaff and Route 66
Historic downtown Flagstaff blends mountain town charm with classic Route 66 history. The walkable district centers around the old railroad line, where restored brick buildings now house restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, and local boutiques.
Route 66 runs directly through the middle of downtown, and reminders of the highway’s golden era appear on neon signs, vintage storefronts, and murals celebrating the road’s long connection to the city. Visitors often spend an afternoon simply wandering the streets, browsing shops, and stepping into historic buildings that date back more than a century.
When hunger kicks in, follow the smell of slow-smoked barbecue to Bigfoot BBQ, a local favorite just steps from the train tracks. Grab brisket, ribs, or a pulled pork sandwich and enjoy a casual lunch before continuing your stroll. Between the history, food, and relaxed pace, downtown Flagstaff is one of the easiest places in town to spend a few hours.
Fatman’s Loop Trail
Short Mount Elden foothill hike
Fatman’s Loop is one of the easiest ways to experience Flagstaff’s mountain landscape without leaving town. The trail begins just east of downtown and climbs gradually through open ponderosa forest with steady views of Mount Elden rising above the city.
The loop itself is about two miles, making it a popular choice for locals looking for a quick hike after work or visitors who want a taste of Flagstaff’s trail system without committing to a long backcountry trek. Along the way, the path crosses rocky ridges and small clearings that reveal wide views of the surrounding forest.
It’s a simple hike, but that’s part of the appeal. Within minutes you’re surrounded by quiet forest and fresh mountain air, yet the trailhead sits just a few minutes from downtown.
Wupatki National Monument
Image Credit: Welcome To Flagstaff
Historic pueblos north of Flagstaff
North of Flagstaff, Wupatki National Monument preserves a striking landscape where ancient pueblos rise from wide desert plains. Built by the ancestral Pueblo people nearly 900 years ago, the stone structures stand against open views of red rock, volcanic fields, and distant mesas.
The largest site, Wupatki Pueblo, once held dozens of rooms and served as a gathering place for communities across the region. Visitors can walk a short trail through the ruins, passing courtyards, lookout points, and even a rare ball court believed to have hosted ceremonial games.
The monument sits along the same scenic loop road that passes through Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, making it easy to experience both ancient culture and volcanic landscapes in a single drive. The setting feels quiet and expansive, offering a powerful glimpse into life on the Colorado Plateau centuries ago.
Buffalo Park
Image Credit: Welcome To Flagstaff
Catch Sunset at Buffalo Park
Buffalo Park sits just north of downtown Flagstaff and offers some of the best open views of the San Francisco Peaks. A wide loop trail circles the grassy meadow, creating an easy place to walk, jog, or simply take in the mountain scenery.
Locals come here throughout the day for exercise and fresh air, and the open landscape makes it a popular spot for photographers and casual walkers. The loop is about two miles and stays mostly flat, making it accessible for visitors who want a relaxed outdoor experience without committing to a long hike.
As the day winds down, the setting sun often lights up the Peaks and surrounding forest in warm colors, which is why Buffalo Park is known as one of the best sunset spots in town not to mention a likely spot to see elk and deer. Even outside of sunset hours, the wide meadow and mountain views make it a peaceful place to spend time outdoors.
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Tour Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Just west of downtown, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park offers a glimpse into Flagstaff’s early days as a lumber town. Built in 1904 for the Riordan family, the large Arts and Crafts style home reflects the success of the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company, one of the industries that helped shape the city.
The mansion is actually two homes connected by a central room, designed for two Riordan brothers and their families. Inside, original furniture, handcrafted woodwork, and period details reveal what life looked like for one of Flagstaff’s most influential families.
Guided tours lead visitors through the house while sharing stories about the family, the lumber industry, and the growth of the town around the railroad. Surrounded by tall ponderosa forest on the campus of Northern Arizona University, the property feels surprisingly quiet despite sitting just minutes from downtown.
Flagstaff Brewery Trail
Enjoy a Craft Beer Flight Along the Flagstaff Brewery Trail
Flagstaff has quietly become one of Arizona’s best craft beer towns, and the Flagstaff Brewery Trail makes it easy to explore the scene. Several local breweries sit within walking distance of each other in and around downtown, creating a relaxed afternoon or evening of tasting small-batch beers brewed at high elevation.
Start with a flight so you can sample a range of styles, from crisp lagers to bold IPAs and seasonal creations. Popular stops include Mother Road Brewing Company, known for its Tower Station IPA, and Dark Sky Brewing, where experimental brews often rotate through the taps.
Many visitors treat the trail like a casual walking tour, moving from one brewery to the next while exploring downtown shops and restaurants along the way. The result is part tasting experience, part neighborhood stroll, and a fun way to experience Flagstaff’s local culture.
Arizona Snowbowl
Image Credit: Welcome To Flagstaff
Take in the Views from Arizona Snowbowl
Just 14 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona Snowbowl climbs high on the slopes of the San Francisco Peaks and delivers some of the best mountain views in the state. In winter, the resort becomes northern Arizona’s premier ski destination, with runs that drop through open forest and wide views stretching across the high desert.
During the warmer months, the Scenic Gondola carries visitors to more than 11,000 feet above sea level. From the top, you can see the volcanic landscape around Flagstaff, distant red rock country toward Sedona, and on especially clear days the rim of the Grand Canyon.
Whether you come for skiing, hiking, or simply the ride to the summit, Snowbowl offers one of the most dramatic viewpoints anywhere in northern Arizona.