
Route 66 and Railroads - Things to Do in Flagstaff
Flagstaff is a great place to enjoy the unique beauty of Northern Arizona with its clear air, whispering pines, and sunshine all year round. Flagstaff is an old railroad town with Route 66 cutting right through it. It makes a great jumping off point for the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and the area's other many sightseeing destinations. There are also lots of things to do in Flagstaff itself.
Flagstaff Attractions – Stunning Natural Beauty and Real Arizona History
The San Francisco Peaks and Mt. Eldon tower over the town of Flagstaff. The town is surrounded by the pine trees of the Coconino National Forest. Hiking, camping, and tours give you a chance to see the backcountry like you can’t see it from the highway. There are endless things to do in Flagstaff if you love the outdoors.
Just spitting distance from Flagstaff, you'll find the ancient Indian ruins at Wupatki National Monument and Walnut Canyon, and the spectacular natural sites of Red Mountain Trail and Lava River Cave.
The area is rich in history and many Flagstaff attractions give you a unique firsthand look. There's the Pioneer Museum and the Museum of Northern Arizona, which is full of displays teaching you about the history, landscape and Native American culture of the area. You can also visit the Lowell Observatory where Pluto was first spotted.
In the winter, Flagstaff is a skier's and snowboarder's paradise. It's one of the only areas in Arizona with fluffy powder snow and resorts like its famous Snowbowl.
Flagstaff Restaurants and Breweries
For a town its size, Flagstaff restaurants offer a wide variety of eating choices. They cover American, Southwestern, Mexican, Italian, Greek, Indian, Thai, vegetarian, vegan, and much more. Flagstaff boasts many local institutions like Beaver St. Brewery and Satchmo's Barbecue and Cajun that are loved by locals. There's also fresh roasted organic coffee and a wide selection of microbrews.
Downtown Flagstaff Shopping
Flagstaff shopping offers something for everyone. A great place to start is the town's historic downtown. Moseying the hilly streets, you'll find lots of unique, quaint shops selling items you'll only find in Flagstaff. Downtown is pedestrian friendly and full of restaurants, bars, galleries and live venues.
It also hosts a number of yearly events. The Flagstaff calendar of events includes markets, live music, rodeos, movies, and more. The most popular event is the New Year's Eve pine cone drop, where people fill the downtown streets to bring in the New Year with a giant pine cone that's dropped at the stroke of midnight.
Flagstaff Golf Courses What better way to enjoy a round of golf than with clear air and mountain vistas? Because of the sunny climate, Flagstaff golf courses are nearly always open. Great courses include Forest Hills, Pine Canyon, and Aspen Valley, just to name a few.
Things to do in Flagstaff offer something for everyone. It's a great launching off point for the Grand Canyon and other area sites, but it's also a great destination all of its own.
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