10 Best Things To Do In Flagstaff, Arizona

Welcome to the best things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona!

Flagstaff is a vibrant little city, with a thriving local and outdoorsy culture.

Its beautiful alpine setting is also quite different from “stereotypical” Arizona.

Here, you’ll find mountains, ponderosa forests, and even skiing in the winter.

Flagstaff is roughly halfway between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, so it serves as a gateway to some of Arizona’s best adventures.

On today’s post, I’ve put together all the best things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Let’s dive in.

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Flagstaff Essentials

Top Tours & Experiences In Flagstaff

Where To Stay In Flagstaff

Little America Hotel Flagstaff
Hotel Aspen Flagstaff
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff

Short on time? I recommend booking a Grand Canyon Railway Adventure Package!

1. Explore Downtown Flagstaff

One of the best things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona is explore its Historic Downtown.

I love that Downtown Flagstaff is big enough to have great shopping and dining, but small enough to still be charming.

Here, historic buildings dating back to the 1890’s house today’s restaurants, breweries and shops.

Downtown Flagstaff is the heart of the city where locals, tourists, visitors, and students alike gather.

This whole area is very walkable, so prepare to explore on foot.

I recommend grabbing a coffee and pastry at Macy’s Coffee House, then going for a stroll.

If you’re still hungry, try some delicious Thai food at Pato Thai, or fantastic sushi at Karma Sushi.

For classic Route 66 photo-op, find the painted mural in front of the Flagstaff Amtrak.

2. Marvel at the Grand Canyon

Flagstaff is the closest (decent-sized) city to the Grand Canyon, so you basically HAVE to visit while you’re here!

As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon hardly needs an introduction.

Formed by the Colorado River, the canyon is a mile deep and spans a massive 277 miles long, with an average of 10 miles across.

It’s so vast, it almost makes you dizzy when you look at it.

There’s so much for your eyes to take in!

I recommend spending at least half a day, or ideally a full day in the park.

That way, you can at least take a quick hike, and see the canyon from a different vantage point.

If you want to visit the Grand Canyon without the hassle of planning, I recommend this higly-rated Grand Canyon Tour from Flagstaff.

Click here to check availability on Viator.

3. Adventure in Arizona Snowbowl

If you thought Arizona was just desert, think again!

Flagstaff is home to the Arizona Snowbowl, which offers awesome skiing, and the largest beginner terrain in the Southwest.

The ski area is on the western slope of Mount Humphreys, the tallest point in the state.

The highest lift runs to 11,500 feet, serving dazzling views of the surrounding landscape.

In the warmer months, the ski area runs an awesome scenic chairlift.

Taking the chair lift in the fall is one of the best way to view Flagstaff’s spectacular fall foliage.

If you go this time of year, make sure to bundle up and maybe bring some hot chocolate!

It can get VERY windy and cold while you’re sitting on the lift.

4. Visit Lowell Observatory

If you’re interested in astronomy, one of the best things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona is visit Lowell Observatory.

Fun fact, this is actually the place where Pluto was discovered!

Lowell Observatory was established in 1894, making it one of the oldest observatories in the United States.

Here, you can take guided tours, peer through massive telescopes, and attend fun events like a Lunar Eclipse Party.

In order to help aid research, Flagstaff was named the world’s first International Dark Sky City in 2001.

Because its city ordinances reduce light pollution, Flagstaff is also an amazing place for stargazing.

5. Hike in Coconino National Forest

Spanning from the red rocks of Sedona to the alpine tundra, Coconino National Forest has some of the best hiking trails near Flagstaff.

Unlike in national parks, dogs (on-leash) are welcome in national forests, which is nice.

One of the most popular hikes here is the Inner Basin Trail, which begins in the picturesque Lockett Meadow and continues to the basin of an extinct volcano.

This trail is beloved for its aspen trees, especially when their golden colors begin to shine in the fall.

During this time, the trail is at its most popular, so the Forest Service manages the capacity of the area.

Start out early, or visit on a weekdays to beat the crowds.

Another awesome hike here is the Lava River Cave, which runs through a lava tube formed 700,000 years ago.

Even in the summer, the cave is as cool as 42°, and may even have ice inside.

That means dress warm, and bring multiple light sources, as the cave is very dark.

6. Admire Grand Falls

One of Arizona’s hidden gems, Grand Falls stands at 185 feet tall, even taller than Niagara Falls.

The roaring sound alone will take your breath away!

Grand Falls is made up of several different waterfalls that join together at the bottom of a canyon.

The muddy, sediment-rich water gives the waterfall a light brown color, earning it the nickname “Chocolate Falls.”

The best time to visit Grand Falls is in the spring, when snowmelt from nearby peaks has the water rushing at its fullest.

Something to keep in mind, this waterfall is located on a remote part of the Navajo reservation.

Although 4×4 isn’t totally necessary, the road there is pretty rough and bumpy.

There also aren’t facilities nearby, so make sure to bring any water, supplies, and download offline maps before you go.

7. Visit Walnut Canyon National Monument

Just about 10 miles southeast of Flagstaff, you’ll find Walnut Canyon National Monument.

In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Sinagua people built cave-dwellings here, in shallow alcoves in the canyon’s walls.

Today, you can still see many remnants of those dwellings.

The remnants are so well-preserved, Walnut Canyon is considered a mini version of the popular Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.

One of Walnut Canyon’s highlights is the Island Trail.

This hike is a one mile round-trip, and accesses 25 cliff dwellings.

8. Drive through the San Francisco Peaks

Located just north of Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks are known locally as “The Peaks.”

The Peaks collectively represent six summits that surround the caldera of an extinct volcano.

The tallest is Mount Humphreys, which is the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet.

Although you can hike all over these mountains, one of the best ways to see them is on a scenic drive.

The Around The Peaks Loop is a scenic route that winds through mountains, pine forests, aspen groves, open prairies, and rustic homesteads.

In the spring and summer, the area is also painted with colorful wildflowers.

9. Visit Sunset Crater National Monument

Around 1,000 years ago, powerful volcanic eruptions created the Sunset Crater.

Even today, the Sunset Crater is the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau.

Visiting its dramatic landscape is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona.

The area is covered with lava flows and cinder deposits, creating extraterrestrial scenery that’s really neat to explore.

One of the highlights is the Lava Flow Trail, an easy one-mile hike around the outer rim.

While you’re in the area, check out nearby Wupatki National Monument.

This site holds pueblos that ancestors of the Hopi and Zuni people once inhabited, and dramatic red rocks.

The entry fee covers admission to both national monuments.

10. Take a day trip

If you have some extra time in your Flagstaff itinerary, you should definitely consider venturing out a little further.

Some of Arizona’s best sights are just a day trip away from Flagstaff.

Sedona

Distance from Flagstaff: 45 minutes

One of the best things to do in all of Arizona is visit Sedona.

Sedona is famous for its stunning red rocks and being located in a spiritual vortex.

There are some really beautiful (and instagrammable) hikes in the area, like Devil’s Bridge.

There’s also a charming downtown, with shops like the historic Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village.

For a unique way to explore the gorgeous landscape, try taking one of the famous pink jeep tours.

Although Sedona is best explored in a weekend or more, you can definitely get a taste in a day trip from Flagstaff.

Scottsdale

Distance from Flagstaff: 2 hours 20 minutes

For a luxurious getaway set against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, look no further than Scottsdale.

This town is famous for its high-end resorts, world-class golf courses, and chef-driven culinary scene.

Here, you can enjoy a spa day, then take a stroll through historic Old Town Scottsdale.

You’re also just a stone’s throw from Phoenix, and all the best things to do there.

Page

Distance from Flagstaff: 2 hours 45 minutes

Page is a small town nestled on the Arizona/Utah border, conveniently close to some breathtaking sights.

Just a 10 minute drive away, you’ll find Horseshoe Bend, a stunning formation carved by the Colorado River.

Antelope Canyon is the perfect next stop while you’re here.

Take in the slot canyon of swirling sandstone, carved by water erosion over millions of years.

If you want to visit these amazing sites without the hassle of planning, I recommend this highly-rated Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Flagstaff.