"Upscale University Town Nearest Grand Canyon" Top 5 Page for this destination Flagstaff by atufft

Flagstaff Travel Guide: 390 reviews and 758 photos

Restaurants in Heritage Square - Flagstaff
Restaurants in Heritage Square
Route 66 town

I had heard that there's nothing to do in Flagstaff, but I found insted the quaint downtown worth at least a day of wandering, and during summer nights, Heritage Square is a busy people watching and sidewalk dining experience. For those rushing past on I-40--one of American's main continental thoroughfares--Flagstaff's Business Route 66 is a bit challenging. The towns off I-40 and the old Route 66 are often that way, take a left or right and the old town runs perpendicular to the hwy. But, take the drive time away from behind the wheel and relax at one of Flagstaff's many upscale quality restaurants, particularly within the newly redeveloped Heritage Square. The rest of downtown of late nineteenth and early twentieth century brick and red sandstone buildings have been mostly restored, providing maybe ten square blocks of historic architectural adventure for those interested in Route 66 towns.

Flagstaff is in the mountains
Lowell Observatory Telescope - Flagstaff

Lowell Observatory Telescope

Unlike much of Arizona, Flagstaff is on a high plateau of some 7,000 feet, shrouded by a pinewood forest. It's a pleasant climate during summer, and in winter, Flagstaff receives a moderate amount of snow. The air is very clean, and it was here that one of the first astronomical observatories was built. The Lowell Observatory on Mars Hill above Flagstaff is a great experience for adults and children alike.

The old downtown has boutique shops and cafes
Old Downtown Flagstaff - Flagstaff

Old Downtown Flagstaff

Looking for a place to stretch our legs and relax during our first quick stop in town, I came upon a hip little latte shop with sandwiches along San Francisco Street. Downtown has a number of boutique shops, and because of town is also host to Northern Arizon University, the city has plenty of energy even downtown.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:One of the more hip commuities on Route 66
  • Cons:High mountains and slightly cold in winter
  • In a nutshell:I would consider a stay here if necessary before Grand Canyon
  • Last visit to Flagstaff: Jan 2006
  • Intro Updated Dec 17, 2008
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Reviews (14)

Doris Harper-White Playhouse, Flagstaff - Flagstaff Theatrikos Theater Company Things to Do (11)

Since 1972, Flagstaff has enjoyed fine professional theater productions at the Doris Harper-White Playhouse. See link... more travel advice

Orpheum Theater in Flagstaff - Flagstaff Orpheum Theater Things to Do (11)

This is one of Northern Arizona's oldest and best places to see popular music productions. See the link for the latest... more travel advice

Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, AZ - Flagstaff Lowell Observatory--Part 4 Things to Do (11)

Here are the remaining images of the structures I found interesting at the Lowell Observatory complex. Check it out! more travel advice

Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, AZ - Flagstaff Lowell Observatory--Part 3 Things to Do (11)

The Observatory is trying to go green, but it also has some great vintage equipment worth seeing. There's a theater,... more travel advice

Comments (4)

  • Reply
    Gillybob's Profile Photo
    Jul 25, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    I'm looking forward to a stop here in November! Gillybob greetings

  • Reply
    glabah's Profile Photo
    Jul 4, 2010 at 9:27 PM

    I had no idea that the Lowell Observatory was open to the public like this, nor that Flagstaff was such a beautiful community.

  • Reply
    Ewingjr98's Profile Photo
    Oct 8, 2008 at 7:00 AM

    Alan, looks like you had some beautiful weather here. Last time I passed through Flagstaff there was a blizzard. You took some great photos.

  • Reply
    iwys's Profile Photo
    Apr 21, 2007 at 3:26 PM

    Nice page. I once had this as a planned stop on a Greyhound bus tour of the US. In the end, I just spent the whole summer travelliing around California. The USA is So big.

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