Top 10+ ways to have the best weekend ever in Flagstaff this summer

According to the calendar and, more importantly, the thermometer, it’s time for a visit to Flagstaff. After so many summer escapes through the years, no doubt you have your favorite trails, activities, restaurants and lodging. It’s always great to revisit the places we love. 

The Hotel Monte Vista, which dates to 1927, is a hub of Flagstaff’s downtown entertainment scene.

But to avoid falling into a routine, here’s a list of some amazing places to check out during your visit that maybe you haven’t tried before. Some are new, some are just a little under the radar. Try mixing a few of these in to spice up your visit.

If you can’t get to all of them on one visit, there’s still plenty of summer remaining. Time enough for a second high country road trip.

Here are new things to do in Flagstaff this summer, plus some old favorites. For more information, the Visit Flagstaff visitor center is in the historic downtown train station at 1 E. Route 66. 

Hike Picture Canyon for petroglyphs and a waterfall

A small green jewel is hidden away amid Flag’s eastside industrial quadrant.

Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve protects multiple habitats and history, including Sinagua petroglyphs. The Rio de Flag, fed by effluent discharge from the nearby Wildcat Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant, meanders through forest and meadows, and even tumbles between steep rock walls in a frothy cascade.

A network of trails, including a segment of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, crosses the 478-acre preserve. Maps are posted at the trailhead and brochures are available.

Take the Tom Moody Trail to the bridge, with a spur to the Waterbird Petroglyph Site and back, and then follow the Don Weaver Trail back to the parking area for an easy 2.5-mile loop.

Details: From downtown, drive 4 miles east on Route 66 to El Paso Flagstaff Road. Turn left and go 1 mile to the trailhead on the right. Free. flagstaff.az.gov.

Explore the cosmos at the newly expanded Lowell Observatory

Have an out of this world experience at Lowell Observatory, thanks to the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center that opened in November 2024.

The state-of-the-art science center features interactive exhibits, a beautiful theater and an open-air observatory. Kids and grownups alike enjoy all the hands-on activities that include scale models of the solar system and a place to build and launch rockets.

The rooftop viewing area uses Flagstaff’s dark skies as a natural planetarium dome. Astronomers are on hand to point out different stars and constellations winking from the cosmos. The theater contains a 25-foot-tall LED screen that delivers an immersive presentation with spectacular imagery.

Sosta restaurant is a hidden neighborhood gem

This eatery blends a little Italian flavor with a neighborhood bakery. Sosta opened in spring 2025 and serves up superior coffee, scrumptious pastries and breakfast items in a beautifully renovated building just north of downtown. For lunch, fresh pasta headlines the menu.

These are the same folks who own Pizzicleta, known for their exquisite pizzas. With them making the pasta each day, you know it’s something special. Be sure to save room for the house-made gelato. They expect to add dinner soon.

See what's beneath the streets with Flagstaff Underground tours

You’ll never know what lurks beneath your feet until you take this informative and entertaining 90-minute tour. Discover the Wild West history secreted away in Flag, above and below ground.

Scott Mclaughlin shares his passion for the town’s rowdy past as he leads guests into old speakeasies, saloons and even the morgue. Tours highlight the system of tunnels beneath the downtown streets as you enter coffeehouses and hat shops, then creep down hidden stairways to find an unexpected world in cellars and basements. Tours are for ages 16 and up.

Vintage vibes at Americana Motor Hotel

This is the future of retro. A 1962 motel was saved from the wrecking ball and beautifully reimagined under new ownership.

The Americana offers guests a chance to experience the golden age of travel in a relaxed atmosphere that highlights vibrant colors and décor, replica signage and a swinging lobby where bicycles, telescopes and board games are available. There’s a pool bar and walk-up window restaurant serving excellent tacos.

Enjoy modern amenities like welcome beverages, morning coffee, plush bathrobes, high-end toiletries, a fire pit with seating and yard games, plus a dog park. Hang out, relax and mingle instead of cocooning in an impersonal room. Rates begin at $118 per night.

FlagTagAZ: Laser tag, ax throwing and more indoor fun

What happens when a summer storm chases your family indoors? Head for FlagTagAZ, a casual entertainment complex. They offer traditional darts as well as popular ax, knife and star throwing.

A two-story laser tag arena sees plenty of action. There’s a full arcade along with free board games. The pizza café serves local beer and mead in a casual setting.

There's no entrance fee; visitors pay per activity. One game of laser tag is $9.99 per person. Ax throwing with a lesson (includes knife and star) is $19.92 per person for 15 minutes. Discounts for multiple games and groups.

Joejoebob’s restaurant is sandwich heaven

There are sandwiches and then there are the chef-inspired creations from Joejoebob’s, artfully disguised as sandwiches. This is fine dining swaddled in bread, a thoughtful compilation of flavors and textures.

Folks pack this casual eatery that’s been open for just over a year. The chalkboard menu frequently changes as owner Joe Rodger, with years of executive chef experience under his belt, finds inspiration in new combos of fresh ingredients.

These handheld torpedoes arrive sliced in two with both ends wrapped tight in paper. Perfect, because if you can’t finish lunch, you walk out with dinner in your hand. They also dish up salads and soup.

Wildflowers and dramatic cliffs on Sandys Canyon Trail

In Flag, you can find plenty of gorgeous trails weaving through aspen groves on high mountain slopes. Sandys Canyon offers a different feel as it traverses a slender gorge.

The trail traces the rim of the canyon before plunging through mixed forest heavy with underbrush. Upon reaching the canyon floor, it becomes an idyllic stroll through grassy fields framed by walls of towering stone where summer wildflowers thrive.

Farther along you’ll find startling cross-bedded cliffs. These petrified sand dunes add a touch of the exotic in this intimate place.

The milelong pathway ends at a junction with the Arizona Trail. Head north on the Arizona Trail to Fisher Point, an enormous jutting wall of rock that pushes its way into the canyon with a shallow cave carved out at the base. The cave provides a nice dollop of shade on a sunny day. It’s 3 miles round trip to Fisher Point.

Details: Drive southeast out of Flagstaff for 5.5 miles on Lake Mary Road and follow the signs for Sandys Canyon Trailhead. Free. 928-526-0866, fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino.

Stroll the gardens and forests of Arboretum of Flagstaff

Located on the western edge of town, this botanical garden, nature center and environmental education station is open for its summer season.

It’s sheltered in a ponderosa pine forest and spread across 200 acres. Plants spill from beds and crowd the pathways. Over 750 species of plants can be found among the dozen themed gardens such as forest meadow, pollinator garden, riparian habitat and shade garden. Check the website for guided walks and special events.

Stay in mid-century style at the reimagined High Country Motor Lodge

Step into the sprawling lobby of High Country Motor Lodge with its comfortable mid-century feel accented with a hint of sleekness, and you’ll have a hard time imagining this used to just be another Days Inn.

Reinvented as a striking blend of old-school motel and a rustic mountain lodge, High Country makes a stylish addition to Route 66.

The dark hotel buildings form a U shape around a central lawn and pool. The 123 rooms have the same vintage appeal, and there’s a Nordic spa with saunas and plunge pools.

Even if you’re not staying here, stop by to enjoy the cocktail lounge that opens onto a big patio overlooking the lawn and pool. The general store includes a kitchen serving salads, sandwiches and Roman-style pizzas.