A Weekend of Wonders in Flagstaff, Arizona

Enjoy a weekend of adventure and American history in Flagstaff, Arizona. At 7,000 feet elevation, this unique area of Arizona offers access to outdoor recreation and human history unlike anywhere else. Explore one of the many surrounding National Parks and Monuments, enjoy the self-guided walking tours in the historic downtown, and expand your knowledge by learning about the astrological discoveries made here. 

This story was written in partnership with Visit USA Parks.

Day 1: Finding Your Footing

When arriving in town, the first stop for any adventurer is the Visitor Center. Located in the original train station in the heart of downtown, the Visitor Center has welcoming staff members who can help get you acquainted with the area, a plethora of maps and pamphlets, and a host of locally made souvenirs. Be sure to watch the video about responsible visitation on their custom sustainability wall!

Start out exploring one of the many walking tours around downtown, like Walk This Talk, where American actor Ted Danson narrates, via a toll-free phone number, 10 interesting stops along the original Route 66. Discover Flagstaff’s ghostly mysteries and secret street art as you walk in the footprints of travelers from the heyday of the Mother Road. Did you know? The Route 66 Centennial is in 2026! Experience classic cars, neon signs, nostalgic diners and roadhouses along Flagstaff’s original Route 66 lined with retro motels, historic hotels and revitalized motor lodges. As you’re enjoying your walk around downtown, stop into one of the many delicious restaurants and breweries. Pizzicletta has mouthwatering gourmet pizzas, and Mother Road Brewing Co., right next door, offers award-winning, sustainably crafted brews inspired by the historic highway. After you’ve enjoyed downtown Flagstaff, make your way to the High Country Motor Lodge—a trendy and high-end stay with a spa hot tub, sauna, plunge pool, and full-service bar and restaurant—or the Americana Motor Hotel with its unique flavor of Route 66 nostalgia and playful atmosphere.

Day 2: A Day of Discovery

Start your day with a hearty breakfast burrito from MartAnne’s Burrito Palace, voted one of the best breakfast burritos in town! Choose your own adventure for a day of hiking and enjoying nature in one of the eight national parks and monuments surrounding Flagstaff. If you’re up for a scenic drive before starting your hike, head west to Grand Canyon National Park just a little over an hour away. On your way, include a stop at the Museum of Northern Arizona to discover the Colorado Plateau.

For a nearby scenic drive to your hike, head north to Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments. Hike the lava flow crater and experience where Apollo astronauts trained for their lunar mission in Sunset Crater. Continue driving north to explore the ancient pueblos in Wupakti. For an epic hike and relic of Indigenous history, head east to Walnut Canyon National Monument. Descend the *700* steps into the canyon and walk around the interpretive trail that takes you along several of the cliff dwellings. Looking across the canyon to opposing walls, you can see many more dwellings and imagine what life for the community of people living in the cliff walls must’ve been like.

Wrap up your day by enjoying a brew and eclectic meal at Dark Sky Brewing and Atmosphere Kitchen before heading up the hill to the Lowell Observatory. Home to the discovery of Pluto and many actively working scientists, the Lowell Observatory is quite literally out of this world while being a mere five minutes from downtown Flagstaff. Walk the pathways lined with planetary facts and glow-in-the-dark stones to the different exhibits and telescopes ready to blow your mind. In addition to the already incredible campus, Lowell Observatory will be opening its state-of-the-art Astronomy Discovery Center in November 2024. The discovery center is equipped with a rooftop, the world’s first open air dark sky planetarium with heated seats, a two-story indoor theater, and ADA+ interactive exhibits. 

Day 3: Getting Extreme 

Push the limits on your final day in Flagstaff by visiting Flagstaff Extreme. This multi-level high ropes course will have you climbing out of your comfort zone and soaring through the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world! Friendly guides will follow you on the ground every step of the way and offer tips on how to navigate challenging bridges, ziplines, and obstacles.

Once you’re back on land, refuel at Diablo Burger downtown while you catch your breath.

When you’re ready for more action, head over to FlagTag AZ. Get geared up in high-tech vests for an exhilarating round of laser tag, or try your hand at throwing axes. Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, you’ll have your thrill of action sports by the time your head hits the pillow!

Outdoor and indoor experiences, gazing to the skies above and through extensive forests, walking through time and culture and fueling it all with unmatched food and beverage will fill your days in Flagstaff, as well as provide you with a long list of reasons to return, just like we do every year.