Top 10 Fun Things to Do in Flagstaff for Memorial Day Weekend

Whether you're in town for a Flagstaff Memorial Day baseball tournament, enjoying a long weekend getaway, or relaxing around town, Flagstaff is full of exciting experiences worth adding to every itinerary. Check out these fun things to do on Memorial Day weekend when planning your trip!

1. Check-off a Bucket List Experience

It’s no secret bucket list items are rising to the top of to-do lists. Visit Grand Canyon National Park with an easy, one cup of coffee and 80 mile drive from Flagstaff and consider this accomplished. 

Tip: Start with breakfast in Flagstaff, drive to the South Rim entrance, rent a bike at Bright Angel Bicycle and then head back to Flagstaff for dinner and stargazing at Lowell Observatory. 

2. Admire Views From the Arizona Gondola

Experience breathtaking views, ride the Arizona Gondola at Arizona Snowbowl, and enjoy lunch on the patio with live music. 

Tip: Check out the Arizona Snowbowl website to purchase tickets in advance.

3. Explore Historic Downtown Flagstaff

Spend the day visiting the many businesses in Flagstaff's historic downtown. Pop into the many shops and galleries, enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants and relax with a craft beer at one of the breweries in historic downtown. 

Tip: Stop at the Flagstaff Visitor Center (1 E. Route 66) for an official visitor guide, free brochures, souvenirs and self-guided tours for Route 66: Walk this Talk, Haunted Flagstaff, Lunar Landmarks, Green Book and the popular Public Art tour. 

4. Trek Through the Forest

Hike endless trails, breathe deep fresh mountain air and try tree bathing in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest.

Tip: Use the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) as a guide to map your way along less traveled trails and practice the art of relaxation with “Shinrin-yoku” forest bathing.    

5. Visit a National Monument

Flagstaff is the City of Seven Wonders with Grand Canyon National Park, Oak Creek Canyon, San Francisco Peaks, Coconino National Forest and three national monuments. Flagstaff offers easy access to Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument. 

Tip: Visit Walnut Canyon in the morning and hike the island trail and in the afternoon enjoy Sunset Crater Volcano’s lava flow trail and the Wupatki pueblos that dot the desert landscape.   

6. Spot Wildlife at Lake Mary

Enjoy spectacular sunsets and wildlife watching at Lake Mary. Flagstaff is home to diverse terrain with sightings of elk and deer as well as bald eagles, wild turkeys and migratory birds. End the evening with a pint of craft beer at Mother Road Brewery. 

7. Enjoy Thrilling Activities

Fill the weekend with zip lining, axe throwing and laser tag! Zip over to Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course for tree top thrills then trek over to Flag Tag AZ for axe throwing and laser tag! 

Tip: Don’t forget closed-toe shoes for zip lining and axe throwing activities.

8. Dinosaurs, Discovery & More

Visit the award-winning Museum of Northern Arizona, which celebrates the art, culture, and science of the Colorado Plateau. See the dinosaurs that once roamed, learn about the cultures of the Native people and the geology of the Grand Canyon. The gift shop offers a large selection of fine art, authentic jewelry, books, and gifts.

Tip: Admission is free for kids 9 and younger!

9. Cruise Craft Beer Breweries

Start an adventure in Arizona's leading craft beer city with a trek on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail and identify your favorite craft beers. Download a passport at craftbeerflg.com and complete the journey with stamps from each brewery to receive a free commemorative pint glass at the Flagstaff Visitor Center.

Tip: Text WILD4FLAG and donate to Pledge for the Wild to help keep our trails beautiful.

10. Meander at the ARB

Stroll a collection of gardens and natural areas, historic buildings and greenhouses, all nestled into the largest unbroken stand of ponderosa pine in North America at the one and only Arboretum at Flagstaff. The "Arb" is home to over 700 species of plants, including many Native species, alongside traditional garden varieties adapted to our unique high-altitude climate.

Tip: Pack a picnic from a local restaurant like Proper Meats and Provisions, Tourist Home All Day Cafe, or Eat-n-Run.

Looking for more ways to celebrate? Check the event calendar for Memorial Day weekend events or visit the Flagstaff Visitor Center for more information.