Top 5 Flagstaff Budget Activities

  1. Experience Flagstaff history, free! Take a walking town of the city’s very cool historic downtown area. Guides in period costume will share highlights as you stroll through the city’s beautiful downtown area. Be sure to reserve your place at the Flagstaff Visitor’s Center, 1 E. Route 66, 928-774-9541.
  2. Free Five-Day Explorer Itineraries: While signing up for your tour, ask at the Visitor’s Center for their Explorer guide. They’ve put together a guide offering tips and suggestions for five different self-guided tours that include a variety of sights and activities. Pick one up at their office, 1 E. Route 66, 928-774-9541
  3. Window Shopping: Browse freely in Flagstaff’s historic downtown. The historic district has a variety of bookstores, galleries, boutiques and other shops full of trinkets ready to catch your eye. Lots of great cafes and restaurants as well for a lively afternoon.
  4. Hike it! Whichever way you turn in Flagstaff, you are bound to see a mountain or forest – both calling your name to come and experience their beauty. If you are up for it, hike to the highest point in the San Francisco Peaks, the summit of Humphrey’s Peak. The 9-mile round trip jaunt brings you up to 12,633 feet. If you are looking for something a little flatter, try Fatman’s Loop, an easy two mile saunter with views to the city and Mount Eldon. Visit the US Forest Service’s website for more hiking tips: www.fs.fed.us.
  5. Scientific Savings: The Northern Arizona Exploration Pass offers $2 savings on the entrance fees to Meteor Crater, Lowell Observatory and the Museum of Northern Arizona. Pick yours up at any of the participating sites, or the Flagstaff Visitor’s Center, 1 E. Route 66, 928-774-9541.

Additional tip: If you are here in the summer, be sure to visit Heritage Square daily. There are tons of free activities going on, like musical events on Thursdays and movies shown Friday nights. Weekend afternoons host a summer concert series. Heritage Square is in the heart of downtown, on Aspen Avenue between Leroux and San Francisco Street. Winter won’t see the outdoor fun, but if it’s Christmas time the downtown area is beautifully decorated. It’s one of my favorite spots to wander through, any time of year.

Jacy Meyer is a graduate of Northern Arizona University, and spent about an equal amount of time in class and out hiking.