Flagstaff Arizona Travel Guide

Northern Arizona's Land of Fire is a Cool Getaway Too

After our first Flagstaff Arizona travel day, which we spent hiking into an extinct volcano, discovering distant stars, and journeying into the land of the ancients, you'd think we would have had enough adventure for one day.

But an evening stroll through historic downtown Flagstaff brought yet another surprise - belly dancers!

At first glance, this former logging town might not seem a likely spot for such diversity.

However, Flagstaff has become one of Arizona's most popular summer vacation getaways because of its cool climate, mountain scenery and its fun and varied attractions.

The San Francisco Peaks are a popular Flagstaff travel destination

Set at 6,910 feet, this scenic mountain town is the "go to" spot for many Phoenix area residents escaping the heat of an Arizona desert summer.

Flagstaff summer days generally average around 20 degrees cooler than the Valley of the Sun, which is only 142 miles away.

"Flag" - as it is called by locals - has much more to offer than just pleasant summer temperatures, however.

This Northern Arizona town was once a successful logging and ranching town and a major railroad stop.

Its immortalization in the famous Route 66 song, sealed Flagstaff's destiny as a popular tourism hot spot.

But even if Route 66 didn't pass through here, Flagstaff Arizona travel would still make for a great vacation because:

• Flagstaff has Arizona's tallest peak, Mt. Humphreys at 12,633 feet,
• it sits at the center of the spectacular San Francisco Volcanic Field, which has over 600 volcanoes and is one of the most densely volcanic regions in North America,
• its perched on the edge of the vast Colorado Plateau, home to beautiful red rock canyons and buttes, and the Navajo and Hopi Nations,

The ancient Indian ruins at Wupatki National Monument look toward volcanic peaks and the Navajo Nation

• its in the middle of the largest, contiguous Ponderosa pine forest in the U.S.,
• it has one of the best mountain biking and hiking trail systems in the world,
• its only 81 miles from the Grand Canyon and a 28 mile drive to Sedona,
• Flagstaff has a lovingly preserved, historic downtown that is a mix of early 1900s buildings reincarnated into charming boutiques, art galleries, cafés and restaurants.

Flagstaff is also home to Northern Arizona University, which draws diverse faculty and students from around the world.

Although only a town of 61,185 people, Flagstaff has city-like amenities yet has kept its small town college vibe.

We keep returning to Flagstaff for its great outdoor recreation, wonderful museums, proximity to ancient Indian ruins, fun festivals and to just kick back and relax.

Historic downtown Flagstaff is a popular Flagstaff Arizona travel stop

Flagstaff isn't only a great place beat the heat during an Arizona summer.

It's a wonderful year-round destination, too.

Flagstaff Arizona travel during fall makes a perfect autumn excursion to see the changing leaf color.

Beginning around the middle of September, the many aspen trees that blanket the peaks around Flagstaff turn brilliant shades of gold.

The Flagstaff area provides some of the finest fall displays in Arizona.

Visit in winter and you'll be treated to about 109 inches of snowfall annually and some of the best downhill and cross country skiing and snowboarding in the state.

Spring is a perfect time to see the start of wildflower season and meadows filled with ephemeral lakes and ponds.

From museums and astronomical observatories to ancient pueblos and modern art, Flagstaff Arizona travel may just become your favorite summer vacation destination.

Sunset light casts a rosy glow over the snow-covered San Francisco Peaks

Flagstaff Arizona Travel: Where to Stay

Flagstaff Lodging

Flagstaff is a major stop along Interstate 40. So, you'll find a wide variety of Flagstaff accommodations, from inexpensive motels to major hotel brands. We've compiled an overview of Flagstaff hotels plus tips for Flagstaff accommodations…Click here for more about Flagstaff Lodging

Flagstaff Bed and Breakfast

Flagstaff has plenty of hotels but if you’re looking for a unique lodging experience, try a Flagstaff bed and breakfast. Flagstaff B&Bs offer everything from charming, historic homes to rustic inns among the pines.

Vacation Rentals Flagstaff

If privacy and peace and quiet are a top priority during your Flagstaff Arizona travel getaway, consider staying in a Flagstaff vacation rental. Vacation rentals include Flagstaff rental cabins in the heart of the forest to rental homes in neighborhoods off the beaten path…

Flagstaff Arizona Travel: Where to Eat

Flagstaff Arizona Restaurants

Flagstaff is a college town, so you’ll have your share of coffeehouses, brew pubs and pizza. But, you’ll also find Mexican food, an Asian bistro, sushi and gourmet dining. In fact, Flag has so many good eats, you may have a hard time deciding where to go…Click here for our Flagstaff dining guide to help get you started.

Flagstaff Arizona Travel: What to Do

Flagstaff Arizona Attractions

Hike to extinct volcanoes, ski on Arizona’s highest mountain, tour ancient Native American ruins and discover far away stars. Flagstaff Arizona travel offers so much to see and do, from hiking, mountain biking and skiing to browsing art galleries and exploring museums. Here are some of our favorite Flagstaff Arizona things to do…Click here for Flagstaff Attractions.

Flagstaff Art Walk

Flagstaff has a vibrant art scene and one of the best ways to discover it is during the First Friday Flagstaff Art Walk. This free monthly event, held in downtown Flagstaff, showcases local artists. Stop in at one of the participating galleries to meet artists, see demonstrations, hear live bands or shop.

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