Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of the best locations for those who enjoy the great outdoors. It doesn’t matter if you are an avid skier and snowboarder, or if you prefer staying on dry land, there really is something for everyone in this nature-focused town. This popular tourist destination has been on the radar for years now — and it is obvious why people head here all year round. Northern Arizona has been growing in popularity due to its numerous tourist attractions, cultural sights, historical significance, outdoor areas, restaurant scene, and shopping centers.
Along with including numerous Native American sights and landmarks, the geography of this beautiful state is unparalleled. Visitors and locals alike marvel at the green forests, staggering mountain peaks, and sharp crags that make for incredible views and summer hiking.So, where should you stay during your upcoming trip to Flagstaff? Browse Flagstaff rentals for the holidays to find the perfect place for you and your family to relax and recuperate after a long day of exploring. We have a few places in mind!
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Things to do in Flagstaff, AZ
Do you love hiking? Do you love skiing? Do you love being outside? If you said ‘yes’ to any one of these questions, then we have the perfect destination vacation for you and your family! Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of the most outdoor-centric and beautiful mountain towns that you can visit in the United States.
Instead of heading to one of the more crowded destination cities in the US, like Tampa in Florida or Austin in Texas, Flagstaff still has a small-town vibe that we love for avid travelers. If you enjoy exploring, being outside, and going hiking on one of the tallest peaks, Flagstaff is unbeatable.
Riordan State Historic Park
This natural green area and historical area is one of the most popular exhibits in the entire city. Featuring arts and crafts from times past, this historic park has been a protected area since the late 1970s, featuring an incredible two-story mansion that borders the popular Northern Arizona University.
The Riordan State Historic Park contains hiking trails for people of all skill levels and comfort levels. You don’t have to hike thousands of feet up in the air, but you can simply bring your kids on a nice lake walk to introduce them to the great outdoors! Use one of the guided maps or take a guided tour to see the interior of the mansion in the state historic park for an educational afternoon.
We highly recommend heading here for an entire day trip from the center of Flagstaff to learn about the story of the area, get in your 10,000 steps per day, and teach your kids about the history, local wildlife, and nature in the park. Plus, with this park located at 6,900 feet, you can become even more acclimated to the high altitude of the surrounding areas!
This park is open every day from 9:30 to 5pm, with guided tours on the hour from 10am to 4pm. And did we mention that kids aged 0-6 years old are FREE — what better way to explore the surrounding area AND save some money!
Lava River Cave
Another fun activity to do while you are visiting Flagstaff is to go on the Lava River Cave hike. Flagstaff has a lot of hikes — but the Lava River Cave is always one of the best! This easy and fun hiking trail is great for little kids and families who want an exciting hike without being too demanding. This 2-mile trail is one of the most interesting and eye-catching hikes in the nearby area, passing by an underground stream, rocky cave, and cool archaeological aspects of the Arizona landscape. This one-of-a-kind trail is great for people of all ages and fitness levels! Bring some water and be prepared to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Museum Of Northern Arizona
Another fun and educational place to visit during your upcoming holiday to Flagstaff is the Museum of Northern Arizona. Along with containing interesting exhibits and artworks that provide insight into the culture that formed Flagstaff as we know it, the architecture of the building is impressive in itself! Our Flagstaff holiday rentals are close to this exciting attraction!
After being founded in the late 1920s, this museum has only continued to grow in the last 100 years. Featuring geology works, art displays, and galleries, this museum does a fair job of paying tribute to the Native American tribes that lived in Northern Arizona.
Plus, if you visit here on a sunny day, you can enjoy the outdoor garden! We recommend heading here during a day when they hold museum events, such as storytelling, music, or workshops.
Flagstaff Extreme
Did you come to Flagstaff with your entire family? If your kids aren’t too thrilled with the idea of visiting museums and historical monuments on their holiday, we have a great idea. Head to Flagstaff Extreme to really keep them entertained and bond as an entire family! Flagstaff Extreme is an exhilarating zipline course and adventure area that will be one of the highlights of your entire trip.
Located just a few miles away from downtown and our Flagstaff holiday rentals, Flagstaff Extreme is easy to get to — making it the perfect half-day or full-day trip for families with kids. Or, if you are headed here with friends, that’s fun too — adults can also have a blast at this adrenaline-filled activity center!
But we have to warn you — we hope you’re not afraid of heights! This adventure area has the largest suspended challenge course in all of Arizona, featuring over 80 bridges, nets that are sky high, and swings that will throw you through the air. Sounds fun, right?
Grand Falls
The Grand Falls is a perfect place to visit for some serenity, scenic views, and a picnic lunch. Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Flagstaff and opt for the slower side of life in the Painted Desert. Grand Falls is just under an hour’s drive north of Flagstaff, making it the ideal full-day family trip with the kids.
Although this tiny waterfall is pretty skinny, the height is really what makes people’s jaws drop. Over 56 meters tall, this waterfall is powerful, tall, and exciting to see in person. You know how Niagara Falls is so popular? Well, this waterfall is actually TALLER than the famous Niagara Falls! Don’t believe us? Head here to take a few photos and check it out.
Plus, this waterfall is known for its incredible rainbows cast over the sparkling water. If you’re lucky, you can capture the moment to remember forever. Your best chance of getting a great photo is during the springtime, so we recommend coming here during March or April.
Arizona Snowbowl
Last but not least, the Arizona Snowbowl is arguably the reason why 99% of people head here during the winter. If you are an avid skier or snowboarder, you will love the fresh powder, dozens of routes, and hundreds of miles of trails that you can cruise down. Located just 30 minutes north of downtown and our Flagstaff rentals, this snow-covered mountain is the perfect way to get in some exercise, view the entire town of Flagstaff, and feel the cold wind in your face. We love it here!
Book our Flagstaff Rentals for the Holidays Today
Does this sound like a vacation that you’ll never forget? We think so too! Check out Stay Porter to find rentals that meet all of your needs. Contact us today to book your stay and learn more!