Explore the gateway to the Grand Canyon and enjoy a slice of old-fashioned Americana on holiday in the historical city of Flagstaff.
The 19th-century railroad hub of Flagstaff remains a busy Arizona holiday destination, with both the Grand Canyon and Route 66 on the doorstep of this quaint and attractive city. But it is far from just the surrounding landmarks which make Flagstaff such an appealing place for a getaway, particularly for history enthusiasts and lovers of the natural world.
Flagstaff was born out of the timber and rail industries and retains many of its historical buildings. During your holiday in Flagstaff, discover characterful boutique shops and restaurants lining the old town. Only a handful of Flagstaff’s hotels are in the old town area, with the bulk of holiday accommodation in the outlying districts, including next to the legendary Route 66, which passes through the heart of the city.
Arriving on Route 66, either from Las Vegas and Los Angeles in the west or Albuquerque in the east, is a joy if you decide to hire a holiday car. But Flagstaff also has its own airport to the south of the city, with connecting flights to Phoenix.
If you enjoy astronomy, take time on your holiday to visit the Lowell Observatory on the west side of the city. This American National Historic Landmark was where the planet of Pluto was discovered in the 1930s and was also the site where first evidence about the expansion of the universe was unearthed. Hunt out more evidence of the wonders of space 35 miles away at the Barringer Crater, where a meteor crashed into the earth 50,000 years ago.
But the best reason to visit Flagstaff is an outdoorsy holiday. Check out the Grand Canyon National Park just an hour’s drive away. Head there at sunset and watch the kaleidoscope of colours descend over the rock formations.
Closer to Flagstaff are the Walnut Canyon National Monument and Wupatki National Monument. At both you’ll find all sorts of Native American ruins that add to the rich historical narrative of Flagstaff.
