Perhaps now more than ever, a vacation that boasts a multitude of outdoor activities is the prime reason why people choose one destination over another. With that in mind, more and more discerning travelers are now making the journey to Flagstaff, Arizona, where endless outdoor activities await.
While many people envision cactus in Arizona’s landscape, Flagstaff is unique among Arizona’s cities and at an elevation of 7,000’ it is well positioned in the world’s largest Ponderosa pine forest. Just imagine forest bathing within lush greenery or stargazing at a resplendent Arizona sky on a clear summer night. Other options include zip lining, meandering or seriously focusing on infinite less traveled trails. As a testament to the region’s pristine environment, the American Lung Association named Flagstaff a cleanest U.S. city for year-round particle pollution. This makes Flagstaff an ideal location to enjoy spectacular mountain views with clear blue sapphire skies as far as the eye can see. Enjoy wildlife watching alongside fields of wildflowers in mountain meadows with clean fresh breezes and pine-scented alpine forests.
Discover Flagstaff’s City of Seven Wonders. From Phoenix, Flagstaff is just a short drive north for awe-inspiring discoveries of heritage and history at every turn and is only 80 miles from Grand Canyon National Park. Plan to make Flagstaff your adventure basecamp with the “City of Seven Wonders” tour: Grand Canyon National Park, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Oak Creek Canyon, the San Francisco Peaks and Coconino National Forest. Each of these outdoor activities provide the ideal setting for social distancing.
But wait, there’s more. Much more.
Charming, eclectic and forest-to-table experiences favorably describe Flagstaff’s restaurants. Resourceful chefs and talented culinary minds are in full force creating menu items for shared plates or simple goodness experiences meant to be devoured. There’s dedication to sourcing local ingredients, some of which may have been foraged from the forest just miles from the restaurant. Dining at one of more than 200 Flagstaff restaurants will undoubtedly bring a smile to your face.
Flagstaff is home to Northern Arizona University, and like most vibrant college towns, dining options are diverse and the craft beer scene is certainly flourishing. While visiting, make your way along the Flagstaff Brewery Trail to taste for yourself why the governor designated this mountain town as Arizona’s Leading Craft Brew City. Pick up brewery trail maps and passports at the Flagstaff Visitor Center or download at Flagstaff Brewery Trail (craftbeerflg.com).
Experience fine dining at Josephine’s Modern American Bistro with Chef Tony Cosentino, a Chef of the Year recipient. Located in a building that has been placed on the National Historic Register as an example of Craftsman Bungalow architecture, Josephine’s offers menu items showcasing the best produce and seafood of the season in a romantic atmosphere or on a beautifully landscaped patio. Pair your meal with a bottle of wine from an extensive wine list that has been featured on the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for the past several years. And, wine stop there…in the heart of downtown on San Francisco Street, and upstairs, discover a hip wine bar and local foodie hotspot – Flg Terroir. This wine bar sets high standards of quality and service receiving Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence. Another must-stop is a visit to the Sweet Shoppe Candy store in downtown Flagstaff for chocolates, gelato and candy apples.
Take advantage of free self-guided walking tours such as Route 66 Walk This Talk partially narrated by Ted Danson, Flagstaff Public Art, Lunar Landmarks Trail, Haunted Flagstaff, Historic Downtown and The Green Book History, while guided tours include Az Segway and Pedal Tours or Alpine Pedaler.
Flagstaff’s high-country hospitality offers plenty of accommodations from mountain glamorous to cozy bed and breakfasts inns to campsites. Book hotels that are new or perhaps something more historic in downtown along the city’s famed Mother Road, Route 66.
Flagstaff is surely a destination for all seasons. Winter adventures await in Arizona’s officially designated Winter Wonderland with an average 108″ of snow fall in downtown, while Spring offers breathtaking beauty of blooms. Summer temperatures are perfect with averages in the low 80s, and the bounty continues into Fall with a panoramic canvas of quaking aspen and foliage offering hues of reds and purples.
While in Flagstaff, please follow CDC and local health guidelines. Wash your hands frequently, wear a mask and social distance. For more information go to discoverflagstaff.com or stop by the Flagstaff Visitor Center in historic downtown on Route 66.