Arizona
Flagstaff
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Arizona’s high-elevation mountain town. Situated at the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff offers an eclectic mix of simplicity in the great outdoors with a hint of urban culture.
Known as the “City of 7 Wonders”, Flagstaff is the heart of northern Arizona surrounded by majestic grandeur at every turn.
Within 80 minutes of downtown, visitors can explore Grand Canyon National Park, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, San Francisco Peaks, Coconino National Forest, Walnut Canyon National Monument, and Oak Creek Canyon.
Fifty-eight miles of urban trails within city limits offer visitors endless hiking and biking options, with hundreds more in the world’s largest Ponderosa Pine forest just outside your door.
But Flagstaff is more than iconic natural wonders. It is museums, the largest adventure course/zip lining attraction in America, Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort, over 200 restaurants, Craft Beer, Public Art, walking tours, and Lowell Observatory.
It’s music, Flagstaff Symphony, festivals, concerts, Native American culture and a friendly, safe mountain town located at 7,000 feet elevation. Yes, this is Flagstaff!
When to visit
Flagstaff is Arizona’s only four-season destination, so it truly depends on your interests. May through September are peak months when the weather is temperate. Alpine and Nordic skiers visit during winter months for ski season and holiday programes.
Off-season rates can be found January-April and October-December.
Summer
15°C
Autumn
8°C
Winter
-1°C
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site, encompassing 1,218,375 acres and lies on the Colorado Plateau in northwestern Arizona. Millions of years of geological history created a glorious canyon that is ten miles wide, a mile deep, and 277-miles in length. Much of the area is a national park, with Colorado River white-water rapids and sweeping vistas. The South Rim is a 90-minute drive from Flagstaff. Hike, bike, or simply enjoy the view.
Lowel Observatory
Since 1895, Lowell has been one of the most prestigious research observatories in the United States. From the iconic Clark Telescope to the new Giovale Open Deck Observatory, stars won’t seem brighter anywhere else than here... in the World’s First Dark Skies City. Experience a campus where Pluto was discovered, and every moon-walking astronaut was trained. Discover the Universe.
National monuments
As part of this “City of 7 Wonders”, there are three monuments 30 minutes or less from historic downtown Flagstaff: Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, and Wupatki. Unique in every way from their big brother, the Grand Canyon, visitors can learn about the pueblo Indians, volcanic activity 700 years ago, and Sinagua Indian living centuries ago. Walk in the footsteps of the Hopi who inhabited some of these areas 900 years ago.
Museum of Northern Arizona
Founded in 1928, MNA’s mission is to inspire a sense of love and responsibility for the beauty and diversity of the Colorado Plateau through collecting, studying, interpreting, and preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage. From prehistoric creatures who inhabited the area, to Native America tribes who still call this part of the Southwest home. Exhibits, artists, and festivals bring it all to life. Enjoy the beauty of handmade baskets and jewellery while celebrating the lives of the creators.
Historic downtown
Not many have the distinction of being named 'One of the USA's ten most charming historic downtowns' (MSN.com) This beautiful, walkable downtown highlights local restaurants, bars, musicians, theatre, craft beer, shops and galleries. There is always something happening no matter which season you visit.
Take a walking tour and discover our pioneer history or enjoy a festival at Wheeler Park. From farmers markets to Heritage Square events, the highest peak in Arizona (Mt. Humphreys at 12,600 feet) is your backdrop.
Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar
Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar is locally owned and serves seasonal, farm-focused contemporary American cuisine purchased from local farmers and ranchers in Northern Arizona. Seasonal items include Elk Tartare, Coconut Polenta, and market fish with sunchokes.
Tourist Home
Tourist Home serves a little bit of home with a LOT of heart. This 'from scratch' kitchen is a local favourite. Relish the Arizona sun on the patio while drinking a craft coffee or a specialty cocktail.
Pizzicletta
Pizzicletta Chef Caleb Schiff serves traditional wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and Italian favourites at his Southside Phoenix Avenue location, as well as at Dark Sky Brewing. There’s nothing like it in this mountain town!
Arizona is a place where it’s easy to combine outdoor exploration and urban culture.
Experienced adventure companies and outfitters can escort groups to some of Arizona’s most beautiful places—from Jeep tours in Sedona to float trips on the Colorado River to horseback treks in Monument Valley. Such photogenic endeavours can be seamlessly augmented by museum visits and memorable meals in the cosmopolitan centres of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson.
Arizona also caters to lovers of wine, golf, astronomy, Old West history, professional sports, luxury spas and shopping. Aficionados of the latter can peruse fashion centres, designer outlets, art galleries and vintage boutiques.
So, sure, the Grand Canyon—one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World—is something no visitor to Arizona should miss. But it’s far from the only thing that makes Arizona grand.
