A High-Altitude City with Diverse Attractions
Flagstaff is a city in northern Arizona that serves as the county seat of Coconino County. It is located on the Colorado Plateau, near the San Francisco Peaks, the highest mountain range in the state. As of the 2020 census, Flagstaff had a population of 76,831, and its metropolitan area had a population of 145,101.
Flagstaff is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities for all seasons and interests. Some of the highlights include:
- Historic downtown: Flagstaff’s downtown area is a vibrant and charming place to explore, with many buildings dating back to the early 20th century. It is also a stop on historic Route 66, one of the first highways to be built in the United States. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, nightlife, art galleries, museums, and festivals in downtown Flagstaff.
- Outdoor recreation: Flagstaff is surrounded by natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor adventure. The city is adjacent to the Coconino National Forest, which covers nearly 2 million acres of land and features trails, campgrounds, lakes, and scenic drives. Flagstaff is also close to several national monuments and parks, such as Walnut Canyon, Wupatki, Sunset Crater Volcano, Grand Canyon, and Petrified Forest. Whether you are into hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, rafting, or wildlife watching, you can find it in or near Flagstaff.
- Science and education: Flagstaff is home to Northern Arizona University (NAU), a public research university that enrolls over 30,000 students. NAU offers academic programs in various fields, such as engineering, forestry, health sciences, and hotel management. Flagstaff is also a hub for scientific research and discovery, especially in astronomy and geology. The city hosts several observatories and research stations, such as Lowell Observatory (where Pluto was discovered in 1930), U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station (where lunar maps were made for the Apollo missions), and U.S. Geological Survey Flagstaff Station (where planetary geology studies are conducted).
- Culture and heritage: Flagstaff has a rich and diverse cultural heritage that reflects its history and location. The city has a strong Native American presence and influence, as it is situated near several tribal lands and reservations. Visitors can learn about the culture and history of the Navajo, Hopi, Havasupai, Hualapai, and other tribes at the Museum of Northern Arizona or at various events and festivals throughout the year. Flagstaff also celebrates its Hispanic and Latino heritage with events such as Cinco de Mayo and Fiesta de Mayo. Additionally, Flagstaff has a thriving arts and music scene, with venues such as the Orpheum Theater, the Coconino Center for the Arts, and the Pepsi Amphitheater.
Flagstaff is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for history, nature, culture, or fun, you can find it in this high-altitude city with diverse attractions.
Flagstaff, AZ has a vibrant art and culture scene and hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. There are art shows, festivals, live theater performances, and Native American arts and crafts exhibits to satisfy the most ardent culture seeker. The Flagstaff Event Calendar is a great resource to find events in Flagstaff that are tourists and locals alike. Some of the popular festivals in Flagstaff, AZ include the Cornucopia Fall Festival, Arizona Highland Celtic Festival, Pickin‘ in the Pines, Flagstaff Blues and Brews Music Festival, and Hopi Festival of Arts & Culture. There are also other festivals like the Flagstaff Hullabaloo, Made in the Shade Beer Tasting Festival, and Flagstaff Wine & Food Festival.