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A stay in Flagstaff: Cozy inns, local eats and adventures

Arizona Travel Travel

A stay in Flagstaff: Cozy inns, local eats and adventures

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People sit outside of a Flagstaff business with giant painted sunflowers.
Photo courtsy of Discover Flagstaff

There are so many dynamic, gorgeous and hospitable destinations throughout the Southwest. These are the places to stay, not just for a day, but for at least a few days to get a taste of culture, culinary gems, outdoor adventures and more. Today, we’re exploring Flagstaff, specifically including places we’ve vetted and recommend for your full Flagstaff itinerary. 


Need more? Read more: Why Bespoke Inn Flagstaff is the cozy, timeless getaway you didn’t know you needed


Where to stay: Cozy and comfortable

No matter what time of year, Flagstaff’s lodging scene offers guests an inviting and woodsy retreat. 

A street view of the historic Bespoke Inn Flagstaff botique hotel with brick pillars and historic designation plaque.
The historic, fully updated Bespoke Inn Flagstaff. (Photo courtesy of Bespoke Inn)

Bespoke Inn Flagstaff 

This charmer is a renovated historic 1894 property with modern amenities and impeccable decor. French-named rooms and suites have coffee pour-over stations and retro refrigerators. If you like a bed-and-breakfast kind of feel, this is the stay for you (and is a BOSW favorite). The courtyard is stunning, with several seating areas and firepits. Downtown is less than a five-minute walk.

Little America Flagstaff 

Want to feel some cabin vibes while being a short drive from city attractions? Little America Flagstaff has what you’re looking for. Guests have their pick of rooms varying from king, queen, or two queen beds with sofa sleeper, some with separate living areas and fireplaces. The property has a pool and hot tub, plus the on-site Silver Pine Restaurant & Bar serves delicious food (we’ve dined there ourselves!).

Guest room with a queen-size bed and funky swirly carpet and 70's retro decor with open access to the bathroom at at The Americana Motor Hotel in Flagstaff.
One of Americana Motor Hotel’s groovy, renovated rooms. (Photo courtesy of Practice Hospitality)

Americana Motor Hotel 

Everyone should experience this renovated time capsule, with nods to the rustic, roadside motel with a literally sparkly new look. Conveniently located on Route 66, the property is nestled between some of our standout Flagstaff eateries (including Fat Olives and Fat Bagels). It’s close to downtown and a short drive to Snowbowl. But one of our No. 1 reasons for staying there: every room has a disco ball! Pool and pet areas are additional perks. 

High Country Motor Lodge 

It’s kitschy, comfortable and close to NAU — a prime location for visiting friends and family. The rooms surround a picturesque pool and guests can order pizza (we love the gluten-free crust), sandwiches, pastries and some of the best coffee we’ve ever had in the lobby’s food shop. There’s also a sauna and plunge pool and outdoor pool for guests to enjoy. 

Dining: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Flagstaff has become a foodie’s paradise over the years, offering upscale, luxury dining to hidden gems and hideaway hits. 

The outdoor seating area at Forêt FLG in Flagstaff, with headges and trees along the road.
The outdoor seating area at Forêt FLG. (Photo courtesy of Discover Flagstaff)

Forêt FLG

This quaint downtown breakfast and lunch stop serves tasty options like avocado toast, croissant waffles, salads, and more — plus a wide selection of espresso drinks.

Campus Bean

Heading into or out of town? The Campus Bean is a perfect pit stop before picking up the I-17 or just arriving to Flagstaff. They have killer omelets, pancakes and more. 

JoeJoeBob’s

You haven’t had a real sandwich until you’ve had a JoeJoeBob’s masterpiece — like the No. 6 Beef Cheek Ruben. Be prepared to get a little messy, and don’t forget to finish off your meal with a giant chocolate chip cookie. They also offer gluten-free hoagies.  

A woman holds a bagel sandwich from Fat Bagels in Flagstaff filled with lettuce, avocado, tomato and chicken salad.
Fat Bagels is a must-visit for fresh-baked sweet and savory bagels. (Photo courtesy of Fat Bagels)

Fat Bagels 

Conveniently located on Route 66, this bagel haven has fresh-baked sweet and savory options, sandwich combos and schmears as well as coffee and espresso drinks for dine-in or drive-thru. This was our go-to for pre-ski sustenance. 

Lumberyard Brewing Company

Anyone craving a burger, salad, or comfort food like poutine fries or mac ‘n cheese balls — and beer, of course — will love the hearty dishes and lively atmosphere of Lumberyard Brewing Company located on San Francisco St. (there’s typically plenty of parking here too).

Shift

The brainchild of Chef Dara Wong, Shift is a seasonal culinary celebration. Wong is a master of her craft, playing with acidity and elevated ingredients in every dish. Guests get a bird’s eye view of meals coming to life on the plate at the chef’s counter. Be sure to order the pickled fries!

A chef holds a platter with an elegantly plated chicken and sprig of rosemary at Atria restuarnt in Flagstaff.
Atria offers some of the most elegant and flavorful dishes, complemented by an extensive cocktail and wine list. (Photo courtesy of Discover Flagstaff)

Atria

This upscale dining favorite is conveniently located in Downtown Flagstaff. This is a multi-course dinner like no other. Focusing on sustainability and fresh ingredients, Chef Rochelle Daniel curates dishes that are thoroughly imaginative, visually stunning and undeniably delicious.  

Tinderbox

Foodies will swoon over the Chef’s Five Course Tasting Menu, where star dishes include the likes of Elk Tenderloin, Tartare of Filet, Steamed Mussels and more, with creative cocktails and mocktails and delightful service. 

A pizza is being taken out of wood-fired, brick oven on a large metal tool at Fat Olives restaurant in Flagstaff.
Fat Olives offers guests a variety of top-of-the-line pizzas, as well as salads, pastas and more. (Photo courtesy of Discover Flagstaff)

Fat Olives

Fat Olives is a VPN-certified pizzeria, recognized by Verace Pizza Napoletana — a prestigious and hard-earned culinary designation. Visitors can expect the best of the best pizzas at this Route 66 staple.

Shopping: Boutiques and bookstores worth browsing

Want to find a juicy novel, cozy sweater or some unique pieces during your Flagstaff trip? Here are some of our top shopping locales. 

Shoes and Such

This endearing boutique is a BOSW go-to. From the latest clothing trends and shoes to jewelry, it’s a Downtown Flagstaff gem you won’t want to miss.

Free standing bookshelves and display shelves with books and novelty items fill Bright Side Bookshop in Flagstaff.
Bright Side Bookshop is filled to the brim with books, novelty items and more. (Photo courtesy of Erin Thorburn)

Bright Side Bookshop

So much more than a “bookstore,” Bright Side Bookshop is a gifter’s dream — whether the gifting is for someone else…or yourself! From journals and snarky sticker books to bookish accessories and more, there’s something for everyone. The staff offers recommendations and insight into books in every category and there’s a delightful children’s section for the littles to explore.

The Basement

Another downtown BOSW favorite shopping destination, the Basement is home to several concepts, including boutique clothing stores, an edgy resale and pop-culture merch hub, a chocolate shop and more. 

Places to go and things to do

Flagstaff is an adventurer’s dream. With hikes and winter sports for every skill level, and one of the most well-known observatories, there are plenty of activities for all ages and interests. 

A skier with poles skis on the slopes of Snowbowl, Flagstaff, AZ with trees nearby.
Although Snowbowl caters to all skiing skill levels, it’s a dream first-time skiing location. (Photo courtesy of Snowbowl)

Snowbowl

Ready to welcome guests fall, winter, spring and summer, Snowbowl is a winter sports enthusiast’s dream. A premier winter destination, the mountain offers ski and snowboard lessons and slopes for every skill level. When it’s not snowing, gondola rides are a must-do adventure, showcasing sweeping views of the mountain. 

Barefoot Trail

Here, individuals and families can disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature, all while experiencing the scientifically supported benefits of grounding. A short 22-minute drive from Downtown Flagstaff, the unique experience continues to be a highly sought-after destination.

A giant light fixture with bulbs representing planets hangs from the ceiling of the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.
Lowell Observatory is full of out-of-this-world exhibits and interactive experiences. (Photo courtesy of Discover Flagstaff)

Lowell Observatory

Named after its founder, Percival Lowell, the observatory is most well-known for being the site where Pluto was discovered in 1930. Today, people still flock to Lowell Observatory to see Pluto, but also to enjoy a host of exhibits, telescope viewings and more. When the stars come out, visitors can head up to the new amphitheater — with heated seats — to learn about galaxies, Goldilocks planets and other wonders of space. 

Kachina Trail

I’ve only hiked this 5-mile trail in Coconino National Forest in the fall — which was stunning with the autumn colored-foliage and floating aspen leaves — but imagine it’s just as stunning every (hiking temperature) season. About a 30-ish minute drive from Downtown Flagstaff, this moderate-level journey is a fun way to experience Flagstaff outdoors. 

To learn more about Flagstaff, visit Discover Flagstaff at flagstaffarizona.org and check out more Flagstaff favorites at @thebestofthesoutwest.

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The Best of the Southwest