Flagstaff, Arizona, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and a charming downtown atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for a one-day getaway.
Nestled in the northern Arizona mountains and surrounded by the towering Ponderosa Pines of the Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff’s high elevation and proximity to the Grand Canyon, Meteor Crater, and other natural wonders make it a stunning base for exploration.
I have been to Arizona more times than I can count, and have a particular love for its northern region. The oftentimes chilly and mountainous landscape of the north paints such a stark contrast from the Sonoran desert just two hours south in Phoenix.
Whether you’re into stargazing, hiking, or exploring local history, Flagstaff has something for everyone. In just one day, you can experience its rich culture, scenic views, and outdoor wonders.
Some of the best things to do in Flagstaff include: exploring Downtown Flagstaff, dining at a delicious restaurant like Mart Anne’s, Lowell Observatory, City Viewpoint, Buffalo Park, hiking trails, Snowbowl gondola ride, lava tubes, national monuments, and The Arboretum.
10 Best Things To Do in Flagstaff
1. Downtown Flagstaff
Downtown Flagstaff is a small mountain town gem. It features many outdoor mountain shops for all of your equipment and clothing needs.
There are many shops and galleries, selling everything from house plants to books and a mead cafe. There is also a movie theater and a few historic hotels.
One of my favorite shops is Plantae because they feature a Community Roots garden on their wall with the motto, “Take a cutting, leaf a cutting”. This was so clever and I can’t wait to come back when I have a green thumb (hopefully!)
There is plenty of street parking for $1/hour you can pay on the meters through town. You can alternately pay on the Flowbird app. There is no time limit to parking- you can park for as long as needed. You do not need to display a receipt on your car.
2. Dine at a Delicious Restaurant
During my trip to Flagstaff, I ate brunch at Mart Anne’s and absolutely LOVED it. They serve up amazing lunch and brunch food. I particularly love the burrito and chilaquiles.
It is centrally located in Downtown Flagstaff walking distance from other spots you might be planning to check out.
The wait was about 20 minutes on a holiday morning. I loved the chilaquiles and burrito. Serving sizes were great for the price. The colorful art decorates the walls beautifully for a vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant also sells art from local artists.
I highly recommend visiting here, and I can’t wait to come back!
The Toasted Owl is also a great spot. It’s unique because everything you see is for sale! From unique chandeliers to random owls, it’s a quirky little restaurant with a great atmosphere. But atmosphere aside- the food is oh so scrumptious! I loved the breakfast burrito.
Tip: They recently opened a location in Phoenix as well.
3. Lowell Observatory
Lowell Observatory is by far one of the most popular things to do in Flagstaff. I’m so bummed it was closed during my visit!
Founded in 1894, this iconic observatory is where Pluto was first discovered!
The observatory offers interactive exhibits and telescope viewings. They also host nightly star parties.
Admission typically costs around $15 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. They offer both daytime and evening programs
It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the most popular activities happening after dark.
Plan to spend at least two hours here to fully experience the exhibits and telescope views.
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4. City Viewpoint
I love free things to do in new cities, and driving up to the City Viewpoint just past the Lowell Observatory was lovely!
The viewpoint is located up a hill directly before Lowell Observatory. There is a small pull-off fitting about 7 cars. You can snap a few photos of the city below you.
The city from up above honestly looks pretty grey in the winter, but I love facing the road for beautiful mountain views.
5. Buffalo Park
Buffalo Park is one of the next best spots you can find gorgeous mountain viewpoints in Flagstaff.
Buffalo Park is a scenic, peaceful escape located just a few minutes from downtown Flagstaff. This 215-acre park offers a network of well-maintained trails, perfect for a leisurely walk, jog, or bike ride while soaking in stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks.
Admission is free, and the park is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset.
6. Flagstaff Hiking Trails
Thanks to its mountainous location amidst many pine trees, Flagstaff has many local outdoor hiking trails. The largest trail system, however, is the Urban Flagstaff Trail!
The 50-mile trail winds through forests, parks, and along scenic routes with views of the San Francisco Peaks.
For more challenging hikes, the nearby Coconino National Forest has numerous trails, ranging from easy walks to more strenuous routes like the Humphreys Peak Trail, which leads to the highest point in Arizona.
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7. Snowbowl Gondola Ride
Snowbowl is another 30-minute drive past Downtown Flagstaff so you may want to factor in how much time you have during your day trip.
The gondola takes you to an elevation of over 11,000 feet, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding forests, valleys, and distant mountain ranges.
Whether you’re visiting in the winter for a snow-filled adventure or in the summer to experience cool mountain air and vibrant wildflowers, the gondola provides a unique perspective of this stunning region. The ride lasts about 15 minutes each way.
Tickets typically cost around $20-$30 for adults. Check the website for the most up-to-date information about possible closures.
8. Lava Tubes
The Lava Tubes near Flagstaff are a fascinating natural wonder that offers a unique underground adventure. It’s one of the best things to do in Northern Arizona!
Formed thousands of years ago by volcanic activity, these tunnels provide an opportunity to explore an alien-like landscape.
You can take a self-guided tour through the Lava River Cave, which stretches for about a mile. The cave is cool and dark, so be sure to bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes.
Admission is around $10 per person, and it’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plan for about one to two hours to fully explore the cave and take in the surroundings.
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9. National Monuments: Walnut Canyon, Wupatki, and Sunset Crater
Flagstaff is surrounded by several stunning national monuments, each offering its own unique experience.
Walnut Canyon National Monument showcases ancient cliff dwellings carved into the canyon walls, providing a glimpse into the lives of the Sinagua people who lived there over 800 years ago.
Nearby, Wupatki National Monument features impressive ancient ruins set against a striking desert landscape, including a large pueblo and the famous Wupatki ruins.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is home to a stunning volcanic landscape, with hiking trails that lead you through fields of lava rock and colorful cinder cones.
All three monuments are within a short drive from Flagstaff, and admission typically costs around $25 for a seven-day pass.
Tip: The National Monuments will also take you pretty far off track past Flagstaff, so you will also want to consider if this fits into your day schedule.
10. The Arboretum
The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a beautiful 200-acre nature preserve that showcases the region’s diverse plant life.
With over 2,500 species of plants, it provides a peaceful environment to explore native flora and learn about the area’s ecosystems.
Admission is around $12 for adults.
Conclusion
With its unique combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and local charm, Flagstaff is a destination that packs a lot into a single day. There’s a reason it makes for an amazing day trip or weekend trip from Phoenix!
It’s even easy to combine a trip with other beautiful Northern Arizona locations like Sedona or Jerome.
Whether you’re hiking through forests, exploring historical sites, or simply soaking in the views, there’s no shortage of things to do.
A one-day visit to Flagstaff will leave you with lasting memories and a desire to return for more.
