The Perfect Getaway: High country nature and southwestern culture

We’ve mapped out an exciting mix of ancient monuments, vibrant galleries, and mountain trails — with plenty of room for easy evenings in between.

By Karen Johanson | March 5, 2026

Experience the natural beauty of Flagstaff, Arizona

From adventures in nature to cultural exploration, Flagstaff, Arizona has something for everyone. Experience Route 66 and historical districts with new takes on travel, from local passports to audio tours, then escape to the wilderness outside of town, where you’ll see massive pueblos and other ancient architecture as you hike amid red rock. Experience the art scene and metaphysical focus of Sedona — it’s only an hour away. Nearby Arizona Snowbowl offers breath-taking views and year-round adventures. When you’re done each day, rejuvenate at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff with hot tub and sauna time, followed by teppanyaki or Southwestern cuisine at the on-site restaurants.

Day 1

Morning

Wander Heritage Square for glimpses at both the history and the future of Flagstaff, from iconic architecture to murals and musical events. Drive down Route 66 for vintage signs, neon, and more. Don’t forget to pick up the Arizona Historic Route 66 Passport and get it stamped to win prizes along the way. Another option is the Walk This Talk audio tour, narrated by Flagstaff’s own Ted Danson. Just follow the signs in Southside and call the toll-free number to hear histories of the area.

Afternoon

Visit the Museum of Northern Arizona to view more than 800,000 artifacts and objects that represent the natural and cultural history of the area, including Indigenous art traditions. Sign up for an intimate tour of the Easton Collection Center to see works not currently on display and learn how they are preserved. Also check the museum calendar for artist demonstrations, gallery talks, and more. Museums, galleries, and cafes are perfect destinations for summer afternoons, when monsoon clouds often arrive.

Evening

Plan a starry first night. Lowell Observatory offers afternoon and evening programs every day of the week except Tuesday. Sign up for a telescope session, check out the Cosmic Highways tour, or explore the Orbits Curiosity Zone, where kids can design and launch their own rockets. Back at the hotel, experience tableside teppanyaki performances and sushi at Sakura Sushi & Teppanyaki, or Southwestern cuisine at Woodland, then wind down in the outdoor or indoor hot tub.

See the stars at Lowell Observatory

Day 2

Morning

Aim for Sunset Crater Volcano first, located only about 30 minutes from Flagstaff. Start with the accessible, paved Lava Flow Trail, where you can wander beside black cinders and twisted lava. Continue to the Lenox Crater Trail for a 90-minute round-trip hike through Ponderosa pine forests, to reach panoramic views of the San Francisco Peaks at the summit. Stop by the visitor center before you leave, to learn about the history behind the black basalt landscapes of the area.

Afternoon

Continue your scenic drive along US-89 toward Wupatki National Monument, where a 104-room pueblo rises from red rock flats amid purple mountaintops, and views stretch toward the Painted Desert. Look into a ranger-guided hike to view the otherwise inaccessible petroglyphs. Keep up your explorations at the Citadel and Nalakihu Trail to see more than 100 smaller pueblos crafted from sandstone and basalt, surrounded by terraces and other signs of ancient civilizations.

Evening

Return to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff and enjoy some downtime before heading downtown for an evening of food and entertainment. Experience flavors ranging from Mexican to Hawaiian and get an impromptu dessert at one of the chocolate shops, followed by an evening at the Orpheum Theatre — depending on the night, you’ll discover film screenings, musical performances and more. Plan ahead by buying tickets online so that you don’t miss out.

Experience nature and history just outside of Flagstaff

Day 4

Morning

Adventure and trails are never-ending as you drive along Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona — cliffs, switchbacks, and silvery sycamores frame the two-lane road. Stop at Slide Rock State Park to slip down the natural water slide or join a 30-minute, ranger-led hike, or beat the heat in the canyons of the 6.6-mile (10.6-kilometer) West Fork Trail in the Coconino National Forest. Alpine greens transition to sandstone hues as you leave the forest and enter Sedona.

Afternoon

Discover artwork ranging from Hopi pottery to Kachina dolls as you navigate studios and more than 80 galleries in Sedona. Stop by the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village for artistry of all kinds, including flamenco performances, and enjoy the First Friday art walk, if your timing is right. Sedona is also known for vortexes — areas said to be conducive to healing and rejuvenation. Consider a tour to learn about the metaphysical spaces from local experts.

Evening

Head back to Flagstaff — it’s only about an hour from Sedona without all the stops —and decompress after a long day of exploring and driving. Options available to you for the evening range from a refined evening of orchestral music at the Ardrey Auditorium, to a more-boisterous adventure on the Alpine Pedaler, a 5-seat party bike where your only responsibility is pedaling and sipping your drink — a staff member steers your group around downtown on the two-hour tour.