Things to do in Central Arizona
-
Arcosanti
The brainchild of groundbreaking architect and urban planner Paolo Soleri, Arcosanti is a desert outpost based on 'acrology': architecture meets ecology. This cross between a kibbutz and design school 65 miles north of Phoenix looks like a village on Luke Skywalker's home planet. Radical when conceived in the 1960s, Soleri's ideas now seem cutting-edge in this age of urban sprawl and global warming. Arcosanti is good for a day trip or a long stay - there are week- and month-long seminars, a café, one-hour tours, concerts and other events. Basic accommodation is available, and the Sky Suite is designed for great views of a dark desert night.
reviewed
-
Lowell Observatory
The Lowell Observatory witnessed the first sighting of Pluto in 1920; before this many scientists thought the existence of 'Planet X' was a crackpot theory. Weather permitting, there's nightly stargazing, helped by the fact that Flagstaff is the first International Dark Sky city in the world. During the day 30-minute tours are offered hourly between 1:15pm and 4:15pm.
reviewed
-
A
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
The Riordan Mansion is a great example of what happens when two Chicago boys head West and strike it rich as lumber barons. In 1904, brothers Tim and Mike Riordan commissioned Charles Whittlesey of Grand Canyon’s El Tovar Hotel fame to build a Craftsman-inspired duplex to house their families.
reviewed
-
B
Absolute Bikes
Absolute Bikes has the scoop on the biking scene. The shop offers mountain-, road- and children’s-bike rentals (from $15 per day), as well as trail maps and info. It also sells equipment and does repairs.
reviewed
-
Sedona Adventure Outfitters & Guides
- Sedona, USA
- Activities › Tour
Offers all sorts of outdoor adventures, from hikes to the top of Cathedral Rock to tubing Oak Creek and kayaking on Lynx Lake. Tours range from $48 to $91.
reviewed
-
Pink Jeep Tours
- Sedona, USA
- Activities › Tour
Pink Jeep Tours has a great reputation and a vast variety of outings.
reviewed
-
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Camp Verde was founded in 1865 as a farming settlement only to be co-opted soon after by the US Army who built a fort here to prevent Indian raids on Anglo settlers. Tonto Apache chief Chalipun surrendered here in April 1873. Today, the town’s Fort Verde State Historic Park offers an authentic snapshot of frontier life in the late 19th century. Exploring the well-preserved fort, you’ll see the officer’s and doctor’s quarters, sprint down the parade grounds and study displays about military life and the Indian Wars. Staff occasionally dress up in period costume and conduct living history tours. To get here, take exit 287 off I-17, go south on Hwy 260, turn left at Finnie…
reviewed
-
Oak Creek Canyon
For something truly magical take Hwy 89A northeast into Oak Creek Canyon. It's a drive that won't be forgotten. The canyon is at its narrowest here, and the red, orange and white cliffs at their most dramatic. Giant cottonwoods crowd the creek sides, providing a scenic shady backdrop for trout fishing and swimming.
Stop at the Grasshopper Point swimming hole about two miles into the drive, to cool off. Continue on until you reach Slide Rock State Park - a great spot for a picnic lunch.
Head back into town around sunset and turn off at Airport Road. The setting sun makes for a trippy picture - the rocks blaze psychedelic red and orange against a bright pink and purple sky.
reviewed
-
Arboretum
At 7150ft, the Arboretum stands higher than any other botanical garden in the country. We don’t know what kind of ‘miracle grow’ they put in their soil, but the 200 acres are home to an incredible diversity of 2500 plant species, and this despite a growing season of just 75 days. Two short wood-chip trails meander beneath ponderosa pines, passing a herb garden, native plants, vegetables and wildflowers, opening up fabulous views along the way. Bring a picnic, catch a guided tour (11am and 1pm) or observe the antics of hawks, owls, falcons and other rambunctious raptors in daily shows at noon and 2pm.
reviewed
-
Palatki Heritage Site
Thousand-year-old Sinagua cliff dwellings and rock art are good-enough reasons to brave the 9-mile dirt road leading to this enchantingly located archaeological site on the edge of the wilderness. There’s a small visitor center and two easy trails suitable for strollers but not for wheelchairs. Reservations are required. True ruin groupies should ask here about exploring the Honanki Ruins, a further 3 miles north. To get to the site, follow Hwy 89A west of the Y for about 10 miles, then hook a right on FR 525 (Red Canyon Rd, a dirt road) and follow it 8 miles north to the parking lot.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Take a walk on the wild side at this animal park, an odd if entertaining mix of zoo, circus and theme park. Close encounters with slithering anacondas and boas are as much part of your visit as Tiger Splash, the most popular show in which the magnificent creatures leap into a pool in pursuit of plastic toys and balloon bags. On a jeep safari you get to train your camera on grazing giraffes, lazing lions and romping rhinos. All in all, more than 400 formerly wild animals make their home here. Take I-17 exit 187 and head towards Cottonwood on Hwy 260 for about 3 miles, then hook a left on Verde Valley Justice Center Rd.
reviewed
-
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle is a stunningly well-preserved 1000-year-old Sinagua cliff dwelling. The name refers to the splendid castlelike location high on a cliff; early explorers thought the five-story-high pueblo was Aztec and hence dubbed it Montezuma. A museum interprets the archaeology of the site, which can be spotted from a short self-guiding, wheelchair-accessible trail. Entrance into the ‘castle’ itself is prohibited, but there’s a virtual tour on the website. Access the monument from I-17 exit 289, drive east for 0.5 miles, then turn left on Montezuma Castle Rd.
reviewed
-
Broken Arrow Jeep Tour
2 hours (Departs Sedona, Arizona)
by Viator
Hang on tight for a fun-filled four-wheeling jeep adventure over the red rocks of Broken Arrow. Bump and bounce over rough terrain and through the unique red ro…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$87.39 -
Grand Canyon Railway Adventure Package
8 hours (Departs Williams, Arizona)
by Viator
Step aboard the Grand Canyon Railway for a trip to the majestic Grand Canyon you'll never forget. Feel the rumble of a vintage train as the engine chugs 65 mile…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$137.99 -
Bearizona Drive-Thru Wildlife Park
Flexible (Departs Williams, Arizona)
by Viator
During your Grand Canyon vacation, see bears, bison, big horn sheep and more at the family-friendly Bearizona Drive-Thru Wildlife Park. Drive through 2 miles (3…Not LP reviewed
from USD$19.99 -
Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Sedona
11 hours (Departs Sedona, Arizona)
by Viator
You get to choose how you see the Grand Canyon South Rim on this breathtaking tour from Sedona. Perhaps you'd like to see the IMAX movie, maybe enjoy a bird's e…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$153.39 -
C
Pioneer Museum
A 1929 steam locomotive welcomes visitors to the Pioneer Museum, which illustrates Flagstaff’s pioneer history in photographs and an eclectic mix of memorabilia ranging from vintage farm equipment to early medical instruments to toys and dolls. Exhibits sprawl inside the old 1908 county hospital for the indigent (known as the ‘poor farm’) and a 1910 barn. Craft demonstrations take place at a 1908 cabin moved here in 1967.
reviewed
-
Amitabha Stupa
An example of sacred architecture can be admired across town in the West Sedona hills at the Amitabha Stupa, a consecrated Buddhist shrine set quite stunningly amid piñon and juniper pine and the ubiquitous rocks. There’s a smaller stupa further down and an entire park is being planned. Heading along Hwy 89A west from the Y, turn right on Andante Dr, left on Pueblo Dr, then head up the gated trail on your right.
reviewed
-
Josephine’s
Josephine’s features a casual yet upscale atmosphere in a 1911 Arts and Crafts bungalow with an outdoor patio and two fireplaces. It’s run by siblings Tony and Jill (and named in honor of their mother) and offers a menu that mixes and matches culinary influences from around the world – from Mexico to the Mediterranean. Crab cakes and chipotle barbecue beef sandwiches are among the standout lunch choices.
reviewed
-
Grand Canyon and Navajo Indian Reservation
8 hours (Departs Flagstaff, Arizona)
by Viator
Enjoy spectacular views at the Grand Canyon South Rim and East Rim, and pick up a native American souvenir on this full day tour from Flagstaff. Admire the view…Not LP reviewed
from USD$94.99 Advertisement
-
M Diamond Ranch
Channel your inner hombre and ride ’em, cowboy. M Diamond Ranch is a working cattle ranch that takes small groups of people on trail rides through eye-candy countryside. Before and afterwards, everybody loves mingling with Elvis the Goat, Timmie the Dog and the rest of the ranch animals who all live in Beaver Creek, about 30 minutes from town. Staff will give you a ride from your hotel.
reviewed
-
Arizona Snowbowl
If you want to say you've skied Arizona, head to the small but lofty Arizona Snowbowl. Four lifts service 32 runs and a snowboarding park at elevations between 9200ft and 11,500ft. You can also ride the chairlift (adult/child $10/8) in summer, and the main lodge turns into a daytime hangout spot where you can watch disc golf matches. For a snow report, call [tel] 928-779-4577.
reviewed
-
Oak Creek Brewing Company
- Sedona, USA
- Restaurants › Pub
Beer-lovers will want to make the pilgrimage to this microbrewery, which has been racking up the medals at various beer festivals for ages. The nutty brown ale packs a punch, while the Hefeweizen is a fabulous post-trail refresher. They pair well with the gastropub fare, including delicious spicy wings. There’s a more upscale (and touristed) outpost at Tlaquepaque village.
reviewed
-
D
Mad Italian
Across the street from Mia’s, the Mad Italian is much loved among NAU students for its ambience and atmosphere and is one of the best local spots to drink, dance and shoot some pool. On most nights there’s a DJ playing dance music, but occasionally there is a live band. If you don’t like large, fun-loving crowds, avoid going on the weekends.
reviewed
-
E
Beaver Street Brewery
Perfect on a chilly night, grab a pint of hoppy Rail Head Red and plan your next day’s adventure by the pot-bellied stove. Grub is burger, pizza and sandwiches kicked into high gear – margarita chicken anyone? The attached billiard room with its heavy wooden bar stays open till 1am (2am on weekends). Cool beer garden with mountain views in summer.
reviewed
