In the heart of Coconino National Forest and more than a two-hour drive north of Phoenix, Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of those underrated cities you didn’t know you wanted to visit. While touring some of the bigger cities with the family or just as a detour on a road trip, Flagstaff is a great stop along the way.
Historic train station in Flagstaff, located on Route 66. Photo: Miroslav Liska | Dreamstime.com
For the snow bunnies in the family, start up north and work your way down for a day of weather and scenery, including skiing and snowboarding at Snow Bowl. The relaxed ski resort is a fun stop on your Flagstaff visit if you’re looking for a bit of snowy scenery and sport.
Hiking
One activity you will not be short on opportunity and destinations: hiking. Whether an avid climber or new to the rugged terrain, Flagstaff has a trail to explore. Go big at Humphreys Peak, the tallest mountain in the state, and trek up with the pros, or stick to the scenic trails of Walnut Canyon National Monument and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, just about a 30-minute drive to each.
Hiking crystallized lava flow at the Sunset Crater Volcano in Flagstaff, Arizona. Photo: Fotoluminate | Dreamstime.com
Foodie Fun
If you need a break from all the hiking and exploring, head back into town for some food and brews. Enjoy casual fare and drinks with the older kids at Mother Road Brewing Company, Lumber Yard Brewing Company, Flagstaff Brewing Company, Beaver Street Brewery, Historic Barrel and Bottle House and Dark Sky Brewing Company — just to name a few. Most of the breweries and pubs are all within walking distance of each other, some offering pool tables and bar games. If drinks aren’t on the menu for your family, no problem, there are plenty of family-focused restaurants in the area.
Keep it Weird
A great one for the younger kids and more celestial-inclined, head to the Galaxy Diner on Route 66. The 50s-style diner is a fun way to explore the famous highway and enjoy some comfort food at the same time. Keep with the galaxy theme and head to the Lowell Observatory for astrological fun, including a rotating calendar of events.
Arizona is famous for its outdoor adventures, incredible scenic locales and natural beauty, but you can get almost any nature activity checked off your list in this city in just one day. Surrounded by a mix of desert, mountains and robust pine forests, Flagstaff is ready for adventure.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedCruises
Oct 26, 2026Carnival Cruise Line Introduces FunPacks
Carnival Cruise Line recently introduced FunPacks, its largest offering of packages tailored to different vacation styles and available for a limited time.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Mexico
Oct 26, 2026Parents Can Catch Up on Sleep with Velas Resorts’ New Sleep Experiences
Velas Resorts in Mexico debuts a new collection of sleep-focused experiences designed to help regulate circadian rhythms; reduce stress hormones; and physically prepare the body for deep, restorative sleep. This offer is perfect for parents looking to catch up on sleep and develop healthy sleep habits after a summer of family travel.
Destinations / Europe
Oct 26, 2026Basel, Switzerland, for Kids
You may think of Basel as a city of commerce and industry, home to some of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, but it’s also a city of arts and culture, so if a business trip there is on your calendar, consider taking the kids along. You’ll find plenty of attractions to entertain them.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / Europe
Oct 23, 2026The Perfect Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Itinerary for a Preschooler
For my daughter’s 3rd birthday, we decided, rather than more toys collecting dust in every room of our house, to take a weekend trip to celebrate. And, at just about 1.5 hours away from home, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, proved the perfect weekend — and road-trip — destination.
ShareThis