Selfie Spots / Cool Spots

Rest assured Flagstaff has a multitude of great locations to take awesome photos, perfect for that one-of-a-kind beautiful landscape shot. The one that makes your friend envious, the one that makes them wish they were you.

These locations do not always require going too far into the deep backwoods, some shots can be found from locations around town. For instance the sunflower fields that erupt in September can be found in many locations not far from town, the most popular being on Highway 180 going toward Arizona Snowbowl. The field is just past the Museum of Northern Arizona on the right-hand side and can be identified near the Flagstaff Gateway sign. Other areas include national monuments at Sunset Crater Volcano, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki and beautiful water views at Lake Mary and Mormon Lake.

Of course in the fall the golden aspens are epic and awe-inspiring. People come from all over to see the summer green turn to stark gold. When caught at the right time, those quaking leaves hold the sunlight and cast a warm glow while fluttering in the wind gently falling leaf by leaf until there is a carpet of gold on the ground. Of course, the San Francisco Peaks are where most of these photos will be found and it is worth a ride up the Arizona Snowbowl chairlift to get the greatest views of all Northern Arizona.

For those willing to turn the camera on themselves there are a number of areas to grab the perfect selfie. Be sure to head up to Buffalo Park and get a photo next to the iconic buffalo statue that has held its ground for over 50 years. This statue has been here since the days the Buffalo roamed in this previous wildlife park dating to 1964 and then closing a short five years later. The park is now open to the public for running, walking, exercise and provides great views of the San Francisco Peaks. Downtown Flagstaff lays host to a number of great selfie spots, too.

1. Flagstaff Visitor Center

Historic Train Station
One E. Route 66
(By the light post on the west side of the platform near the black fence.)

The historic train station, built in 1926, was formally the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad depot. Today it doubles as the Amtrak station and Flagstaff Visitor Center where travelers can find information about the area, purchase souvenirs and get insider travel tips.

2. Hotel Monte Vista

Historic Downtown
100 N. San Francisco St.
(Across the street under the Flagstaff clock on the southwest corner.)

Built in 1926, the Hotel Monte Vista is one of Flagstaff’s premier historic hotels playing host to visitors from around the world. Celebrities like John Wayne, Anthony Hopkins and Bing Crosby have stayed in this iconic hotel. John Wayne claims to have seen the Phantom Bellboy, one of many hotel guests who never checked out. (Across the street under the Flagstaff clock on the southwest corner.)

3. Coconino County

Courthouse
200 N. San Francisco St.
(Northeast corner of Birch Ave. and San Francisco St., near the telephone booth.)

The Coconino County Courthouse was built in 1894 after the creation of Coconino County in 1891. The original sandstone brick courthouse still stands; however, from 1956 to 1979 modern additions were added creating the larger building seen today. The courthouse is one of the oldest buildings still standing in Flagstaff.

4. Weatherford

Hotel
23 N. Leroux St.
(Across the street on the northeast corner of Aspen Ave. and Leroux St.)

In 1900 the Weatherford Hotel opened its doors to the public. Built and founded by John Weatherford, the hotel has become one of Flagstaff’s most iconic buildings. With four distinct bar areas and one restaurant it is a great place to enjoy a meal and listen to music.

5. Orpheum Theater

Marquee
15 W. Aspen Ave
(Across the street on the north side of Aspen Ave. in front of Pay & Take.)

The Orpheum Theater, Flagstaff’s first movie house, opened in 1917 after the original building on this sight collapsed during a heavy snowfall in 1915. It showed movies until the late 1990s but in 2002 the theater was renovated to be used as a concert and performing arts venue, where you can still catch the occasional movie screening.

6. Motel Dubeau

Classic Route 66 Hotel
19 W. Phoenix Ave.
(Northwest corner of Beaver St. and Phoenix Ave., near the parking area.)

This corner was on the original 1920s alignment of Route 66, which is why Mr. A. E. DuBeau found it to be the perfect spot to build his “Motel Inn” in 1929. The property was designed for the “better class of motorist” and featured in-room baths and heated garages.

Other areas in town provide similar photogenic opportunities.

7. Northern Arizona University

Old Main Building
321 W. McMullen Circle
(Straight out from the main entrance below the lower stairs.)

Old Main was the first building constructed for the Northern Arizona Normal School which opened its doors in 1899 to 23 students. Eventually changing its name to Northern Arizona University, the University now serves 25,000 students at 30 statewide locations.

8. Galaxy Diner

Entryway Neon
931 E. Route 66
(Just in front of the main entrance.)

Swing into the 1950s at the Galaxy Diner on Historic Route 66 and take a journey back in time as you saddle up to the soda fountain counter for a milkshake and fries. Catch swing dancing on Saturdays, the classic cars on Friday or just enjoy the throwback Route 66 diner experience.

9. Lowell Observatory

Rotunda Museum
1400 W. Mars Hill Rd.
(In front of the Rotunda Museum by flower garden.)

In 1894 Percival Lowell founded the Lowell Observatory. Originally established to study mars, the observatory has contributed to the scientific community in a multitude of ways. Most noted and recognized is that Lowell Observatory is home to the discovery of Pluto and the expanding universe.

10. The Museum of Northern Arizona

3101 N. Fort Valley Rd.
(In front of the main entrance walkway.)

The 200-acre Museum of Northern Arizona is home to research labs, collection facilities and an exhibition building. Designed to preserve, interpret and study the cultures and natural beauty of the Colorado Plateau, the Museum educates guest on the traditions and cultures of Southwestern Native people.

11. The Museum Club

Guitar Marquee
3404 E. Route 66
(Just east of the front garden and guitar sign.)

The Museum Club was built in 1931 by taxidermist, Dean Eldredge. Nicknamed “The Zoo,” travelers along Route 66 would stop to see the stuffed animals, Native artifacts and Winchester rifles. Today The Museum Club is home to rising country music stars and the new sounds of Nashville. The club operates as a restaurant, bar, concert venue and country dance club.