19 Must-Do’s in Prescott, Arizona
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Prescott is a small community in North Central Arizona, often overlooked due to more popular regional destinations like Flagstaff, Williams, and Sedona. Although this little mountain town does not offer the spectacular red rock scenery of Sedona, nor Flagstaff’s close proximity to the Grand Canyon and other natural wonders, the small city does offer a number of its’ own great amenities.
Living in Flagstaff for several years, Mike and I took many weekend drives here to explore the local history and enjoy the many unique art galleries, hikes, and historical attractions. What drew us here initially was a great waterfront bike path – one of the few remaining rail trails in the state. We also love the charming downtown, the laid-back western ambiance, and the many local restaurants and shops. Like Flagstaff, it sees a great 4 season climate although with milder summers and winters. We enjoyed numerous winter trips to enjoy the holiday light displays and old time Victorian charm.
1. Hike Thumb Butte
Thumb Butte is the most scenic & rewarding hike amongst the dozens of trails within the beautiful Prescott National Forest. This high altitude forest is a great area for fitness buffs come summertime due to the plentiful hiking & mountain biking opportunities available.
Diverse scenery including ponderosa pines & desert plants, the opportunity to see various wildlife (black bears frequent the area but thankfully I’ve never seen any), and fantastic overviews of the city and surrounding forests, make this hike the perfect choice for visitors seeking both an interesting & picturesque trail. Round trip the trail comes in at about 2 miles. Although short, the hike includes a steep 0.7 mile climb and an elevation gain of about 1000ft. It’s a tough one for sure but worth it if you are seeking great views and an even better workout.
2. Stroll around historic downtown
One of the things I love most about this town is the old-fashioned, wild west downtown. I love browsing all the unique shops. On any given weekend, you are bound to run into Flagstaff, Phoenix & Tucson residents visiting for the day. Featuring the beautiful Yavapai County courthouse as the centerpiece, a row of old time saloons (Whiskey Row), unique western and cowboy themed shops, and western themed museums and art galleries, the vibe is quite eclectic.
Many of the city’s buildings date back to the 1800’s, with a handful earning a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Most notably, The Palace saloon opened back in 1877, making it the oldest in Arizona.
There’s a lot of great shops to pop in and out of including a few antique gems. Weekends throughout the year you will find all sorts of events going on near the courthouse grounds including an amazing holiday light display. Must try restaurants I recommend include Papa’s Italian and Rosa’s Pizzeria. Whiskers Barkery is one of the top pet shops in the area. If you are looking to treat your furry friends, definitely take a browse (the peacock feathers are a hit with my cats!). If you like history museums, check out the Sharlot Hall Museum.
3. Leisurely stroll around beautiful Willow Lake
Willow Lake is one of 3 lakes in the region. I love hiking in Flagstaff, but it’s nice to see some water every now and then. Willow is a particularly nice option for any day trippers due to the easy accessibility. It is located adjacent to the zoo, so you can combine both activities for a nice day out in nature. The trail around the lake is about 6 miles and completely flat – thereby, a nice choice for a non-strenuous stroll.
Because of the flat terrain, biking is another fun option, especially for those of us who prefer flat trails as opposed to mountain biking. Flagstaff’s trails are a bit hillier so I like coming here for an easy ride. Also, I see a lot of birdwatchers here and also kayakers. I recommend packing a picnic lunch and enjoying the pretty desert scenery! This should be an all day treat if you are coming from a hot city like Phoenix!
4. Stroll around the Heritage Park Zoo
Although quite small, this non profit zoo is worthy of a visit for the walkability, pretty views of the surrounding lake and desert (bonus – on a clear day you can see the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff), and convenient proximity to Willow Lake.
Lots of gorgeous active cats here which is a plus in my book. And be sure to check out the annual Zoo Lights festival if you are planning a holiday visit!
5. Treat yourself to dinner at a fantastic local Italian restaurant
Prescott is home to the best selection of Italian restaurants in the northern portion of the state. Sadly, more touristy areas like Sedona, Williams, and Flagstaff offer few authentic Italian dining choices (although they offer their own fantastic assortment of restaurants).
I feel that the Italian dining scene here is more authentic. Here, you get that local vibe that you do not find in these more touristy Arizona towns. Rosa’s Pizzeria and Papa’s Italian both feature delicious food and a lively ambiance. Both of these restaurants are popular downtown hotspots so make a reservation to avoid a lengthy wait! I like a nice sit down meal at Papa’s after checking out the gorgeous Christmas lights. The setting is so cozy and the food comforting on a cold winter’s night.
