32. Treat yourself to the area’s best espresso drinks at Indian Gardens

Delicious mocha and American at Indian Gardens Cafe along scenic Oak Creek drive

Indian Gardens is a local gem in an area overpopulated with tourist traps just looking to take advantage of one time travelers. Indian Gardens is different – they have a wonderful garden patio, the friendliest servers, and consistently good coffee and food. And, everything is reasonably priced. Aside from offering the most delicious and affordable breakfasts in the area, Indian Gardens also serves the best espresso drinks.

All of their coffee and espresso drinks are outstanding. You will easily find yourself coming back here to sip your espresso in the beautiful lush courtyard surrounded by trees. After tasting the coffee here, it really is hard to go back anywhere else! On the 4th Friday of every month, they offer coffee cupping classes where you will be able to taste a variety of coffees for free! Indian Gardens is located along beautiful Oak Creek Canyon Scenic drive (89a), which is an activity in and of itself!

33. Hike through majestic aspens on the Weatherford Trail

Views of Flagstaff's Weatherford Trail in early fall

The Weatherford is one of Flagstaff’s best trails because you can venture out as far as your comfort level. From a casual 1.5 mile out-and-back stroll just to see the golden aspens in the fall, to an all day 10 mile high altitude adventure, where the views just seem to keep on getting better. Like most other hikes in the area, a day out on the beautiful Weatherford Trail is the perfect budget friendly day activity: an excellent fitness workout, a peaceful day out exploring nature, & a wallet friendly attraction all rolled into one!

34. Take family photos in the wildflowers

Summer wildflowers in Flagstaff, Arizona

Late summer after a heavy monsoon season typically brings lots of colorful wildflowers throughout town. August is the best month for family photography as trails and meadows surrounding the mountains will be loaded with colorful flowers. Around this time of year, you will see many families taking photos by these gorgeous flowers. It really is the perfect setting for all sorts of photography – and the perfect fall greeting card background! I-80 on the way to Snowbowl, Buffalo Park, and the Sunset Crater scenic drive are some of your best bets for the perfect greeting card backdrop!

35. Keep an eye out for local wildlife on the Kendrick Mountain Trail

Great mountain views on a stormy day at Kendrick Watchable Wildlife Park in Flagstaff AZ

The Kendrick Watchable Wildlife Trail is an area hotspot for wildlife watching, hence the name. A peaceful scenic drive on Hwy 180 takes you to this serene wildlife watching area. The trails here are very easy (a quarter of a mile and 1.5 miles). As a result, this park a better choice for a nature outing rather than a workout. Instead of a rough fitness session, you will be able to casually stroll around and wildlife watch. Pronghorn antelope, mule deer, elk, and coyote frequently make appearances. Early morning and late evening when animals are most active are your best bets for sightings. Oh, and there are some great mountain views too!

36. Stroll around the summertime community markets

The annual Art in the Park event in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona

During the summer and early fall months, a farmer’s market is held each Sunday morning near downtown in the City Hall parking lot. Strolling the market is a great way to enjoy the mild summer weather and try out a few samples of local specialties like Prickly Pear Tea and fresh, local honey. Numerous craft vendors are also on hand, selling affordable gifts such as homemade soaps. After the market, stroll around adjacent Wheeler Park or take a leisurely stroll downtown before the afternoon crowds hit.

37. Trade in old books & movies for free coffee

Creamy mocha at Bookmans Cafe in Flagstaff AZ

Bookman’s Entertainment Exchange offers a unique program where you can trade in used entertainment goods in exchange for free coffee credit at their on-site cafe, featuring beans from local roaster Firecreek. Their espresso drinks are actually quite good, so this really is a steal. The quiet cozy bookstore ambiance and friendly baristas make it one of the nicer places in town to enjoy a cup of joe. So bring in those dusty old books and DVDs you no longer read or watch and trade them in for a great cup of espresso which you can enjoy for free today! What a fun weekend morning activity which costs absolutely nothing!

38. Browse The Old Town Shops

Old Town Shops in downtown Flagstaff

The Old Town Shops is a collection of novelty independent stores in a little plaza downtown next to Heritage Square. As you stroll around, you’ll see all sorts of local souvenirs and hand made gifts including the cutest variety of handmade specialty soaps, which make for the perfect creative gift or stocking stuffer.

When you tire of browsing, head over to Mix, a fresh soup and salad bar, for a healthy make-your-own salad. Or, if you are craving something a bit sweeter, pick up a handmade chocolate truffle at the Flagstaff Chocolate Company.

39. Enjoy 2 fun filled weeks of science and nature events

The famous Pluto telescope at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona

Every year, the city puts on a popular free community event known as the Flagstaff Festival of Science.  Free stargazing and astronomy programs are offered all week, in addition to free guided nature walks and more, as part of 10 days of 100 free events. These events are all to celebrate Flagstaff’s distinction as an International Dark City.