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.
6. Bike the Peavine National Recreational Trail
The Peavine is one of the few remaining rail trails in the state. While these former railroads-converted-into-bike paths are very popular in the Eastern US, unfortunately they are few and far between in the Western states. I lived in New England for years and I really missed these great paths when moving out to Flagstaff. Fortunately, I found this beauty. For anyone who enjoys a nice leisurely bike ride along a paved path as opposed to a rough mountain biking adventure (although there are plenty of mountain biking opportunities within the National Forest for those interested!), the Peavine is for you!
It’s a gorgeous 5.5 mile out-and-back trek featuring wonderful views of the ancient Granite Dell rock formations and Watson Lake. Also, the path is not limited solely to bikers – I see lots of joggers and walkers enjoying the picture-perfect scenery. For scenic long runs, there is no better choice -and the trail is perfect for marathon training! Really, this trail is awesome and we often plan our daytrips specifically for a ride.
7. Shop for unique Southwestern style decor
Downtown is loaded with all sorts of touristy shops, with endless Southwest themed knick knacks and Native American art and pottery pieces to feast your eyes upon. Lots of cute Southwestern/cacti themed ornaments and decor to stock up on for later use as birthday and Christmas gifts! I would say this is the most diverse shopping scene in N. Arizona and you will find many unusual shops such as those selling western wear and random Wild West cowboy style trinkets. You can easily stroll around for an hour or 2 enjoying all these unique shops and sometimes we do just for fun.
8. Savor a homemade quiche & cup of Joe at Cuppers
Cuppers is one of just a handful of local non-chain coffee shops in the area. Unfortunately, the indie coffee scene isn’t up to Flagstaff levels, but I have a few places I frequent. Cuppers offers 2 locations – one near the mall in the Trader Joe’s plaza and another nicer location downtown which features a cozy outdoor patio and indoor seating inside a charming historic house. I like the vegetarian quiche here and the coffee is also excellent.
Update: Cuppers closed in 2022. However, there are numerous other local choices to consider. Wild Iris serves great coffee and offers a nice patio seating area.
9. Kayak Lynx Lake
Lynx Lake is another gorgeous lake, especially for any boating activities. Surrounded by tall ponderosas within the National Forest, Lynx offers the most scenic setting for summertime recreation. Temps are much cooler here than Phoenix at this high of an elevation (~5000 feet), so you will find it pretty crowded all summer.
While I am not looking to escape the heat in Flagstaff obviously, the area is not home to any lakes, so I like coming here to kayak. Get here early to ensure your desired boat rental! Kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and row boats are all available, although nothing beats kayaking as you will get in a great upper body workout. After your boating adventures, take a stroll around the beautiful Lakeshore path or refuel with a German inspired lunch at the Lynx Lake Cafe.
10. Brunch at Bistro St. Michael
Bistro St. Michael inside the historic Hotel St. Michael is one of the better downtown dining choices due to the attractive location adjacent to the courthouse in the heart of downtown. If you are lucky enough to score a window seat, you will be able to enjoy some prime people watching opportunities.
While you savor a great breakfast entree (try the Quiche of the Day), you can kick back and enjoy the local flavor. Or better yet, plan for a dinner during the city’s beautiful annual Christmas event. During this time, the courthouse grounds are adorned with over a million lights.
