Gateway to Grand Canyon: 24 Hours in Flagstaff, Arizona

Just 80 miles from Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim entrance, Flagstaff blends mountain-town charm with easy access to one of the world’s most iconic landscapes. With an abundance of recreational opportunities, great breweries, plenty of good eats, and even a bustling arts scene, the “City of Seven Wonders” rewards even a short stay.

If you’re heading to Flagstaff before setting out on a Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip, or looking for the perfect add-on to your park visit, here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in this spirited and adventurous Northern Arizona destination.

The Ultimate 24-Hour Flagstaff Itinerary

Start your day off like a local by heading over to MartAnne’s Breakfast Palace, also known as “The House That Chilaquiles Built.” Voted Flagstaff’s “Best Breakfast” by the Arizona Daily Sun on numerous occasions, MartAnne’s is one of Flagstaff’s favorite breakfast joints, and it’s easy to see why. The bright, festive decor immediately sets the tone for a vibrant experience accompanied by award-winning service and incredible food. The chilaquiles are an obvious choice for those wanting to experience what MartAnne’s is famous for, but if you have more of a sweet tooth, their Mexican donuts or Banana Split French Toast are sure to hit the spot. 

If you’re looking to stretch your legs after breakfast, head 15 miles north of Flagstaff to explore Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, where lava fields and dramatic volcanic landscapes tell the story of an eruption that reshaped the region nearly 1,000 years ago. Or, opt for a visit to Walnut Canyon National Monument about 10 miles outside of town, where a moderate hike into the scenic canyon offers a chance to see 25 Sinagua cliff dwelling sites. If you’re feeling ambitious, plan on hitting up both spots and pop into Jitters Lunchbox to pick up some sandwiches to go so you can enjoy a tasty lunch in the great outdoors.

After some hiking, head to Flagstaff’s Historic Downtown & Southside District, where you can pick up last-minute gear at Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters, peruse boutiques and art galleries, or hop on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail, a self-guided craft beer tasting adventure. If you didn’t opt for lunch to go, Beaver Street Brewery—established in 1994 as Flagstaff’s first-ever brewpub—features a full menu that includes wood-fired pizzas reviewers rave about. Foodies will especially appreciate the Prosciutto Pear and Enchanted Forest pizzas for something truly unique.

As you stroll around the area, be sure to check out the impressive number of Insta-worthy murals, sculptures, and more that decorate downtown. Flagstaff is home to nearly 100 murals and public art installations that showcase the rich legacy and culture of the city, and over two dozen of them are located right downtown. The Sound of Flight, which adorns the historic Orpheum Theater, is one of the largest murals in Arizona and is definitely not to be missed. To make it easy, you can consult the Flagstaff Public Art Brochure for a self-guided tour of this outdoor art gallery.

After exploring all that downtown Flagstaff has to offer, head over to Atria for a decadent farm-to-table dinner experience you have to taste to believe. Helmed by Chef Rochelle Daniel (a 2022 James Beard Award Semifinalist for Emerging Chef and a 2026 Semifinalist for Best Chef: Southwest, among numerous other accolades), Atria offers an à la carte menu and a 4-course prix fixe menu for two. But if you really want to splurge, opt for the 11-course tasting menu. It comes at a hefty price tag, but it’s sure to be a gastronomic experience you’ll never forget.

After dinner, head to the Weatherford Hotel (built in 1897) and grab a spot on the upstairs balcony at the Zane Grey Ballroom, Bar & Balcony, where you can kick back with a delicious craft cocktail or mocktail and take in one of the best views of Flagstaff. If you time it right, you can catch the sunset while you sip your beverage of choice. Also, be sure to take a moment to appreciate the antique bar that was salvaged from the famous Old West town of Tombstone, Arizona.

Still going? Before you hit the pillow for some sweet dreams, head over to Lowell Observatory for some seriously stellar stargazing at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory, which houses six advanced telescopes that let you get up close and personal with the stars and planets of the Milky Way. Flagstaff was designated the world’s first International Dark Sky City in 2001, making it one of only 65 Dark Sky Communities in the United States. Lowell Observatory is well known as the site where Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto in 1930 (RIP, Pluto), and has fascinated astronomy lovers for over 125 years.

When it comes time to hit the hay, there’s one clear choice for where to stay. The Hotel Monte Vista has a rich heritage spanning 100 years, boasts an impressive list of celebrity guests, and is home to several resident ghosts. John Wayne often stayed at the Monte Vista and reported numerous encounters with the Phantom Bellboy who haunts the corridors of the hotel, knocking on doors and offering room service, only to have guests open the door to find an empty hallway. Beyond its ghostly inhabitants, the Hotel Monte Vista offers beautiful and uniquely decorated rooms, as well as a cocktail lounge and restaurant options for those who may wish to dine closer to home.

Extend Your Flagstaff Stay

If 24 hours just isn’t enough time to explore this high-desert oasis and you want to stick around another day or two, here are a few more ways to get the most out of your visit.

Need a little liquid motivation to jump-start your day? Head over to Macy’s European Coffeehouse and Bakery for the “Ultimate Cup” of house-roasted coffee. A Flagstaff institution for over 30 years, Macy’s is beloved by locals and travelers alike for its quirky vintage charm, delicious handmade pastries, and fully vegetarian menu.

After you’ve fueled up, head to Lava River Cave, a short 14-mile drive from Flagstaff in the Coconino National Forest. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes, and bring a headlamp to fully enjoy scrambling through this 700,000-year-old mile-long lava tube.

Closer to town, Picture Canyon Natural & Cultural Preserve offers multiple nature trails, some of which lead to archeological sites such as petroglyphs and ruins. It is also an Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience Site and a Northern Arizona Audubon Site, making it perfect for birders and anyone looking to catch a peek at the local fauna in their natural habitat.

History buffs should definitely consider a trip to Riordan Mansion State Historic Park. Designed by Charles Whittlesey (the architect behind Grand Canyon’s iconic El Tovar Hotel), the mansion is an exquisite example of Arts and Crafts architecture, offering a fascinating window into life in a booming Arizona frontier town at the turn of the century. Standard tours are offered daily, but they also host specialty tours, lectures, and even whisky-tasting events sponsored by the Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society. 

There’s no shortage of amazing restaurants in Flagstaff, but Josephine’s Modern American Bistro is a local favorite for a reason. With an ever-changing menu featuring the finest seasonal ingredients, Josephine’s is the kind of casual fine-dining experience best served in a historic mountain town. The building Josephine’s calls home is on the National Historic Register and provides beautiful ambience inside and out, whether it’s summer cocktails on their gorgeous patio or a cozy meal by the fireplace on a cold winter night.

It’s no secret that Old West towns are a big draw for folks bewitched by dark tourism. If you’re the kind of person who will go out of their way to stay in a haunted hotel in hopes of experiencing a supernatural encounter, Flagstaff is home to many spooky locales. To get the most out of a short stay, join Freaky Foot Tours for a ghost tour, where you’ll get to visit many of the city’s most famous haunted locations, led by knowledgeable and funny guides who love to share the area’s darker side of history with patrons seeking a unique experience.

Whether you’re heading out for the adventure of a lifetime in Grand Canyon National Park or you’re passing through on the legendary Route 66, Flagstaff is a stop you don’t want to miss.