Heading to Sedona in 3 weeks...is Flagstaff worth a visit?

Question

I've been combing the Flagstaff forums, but I don't know if we should still stay there for 2 nights. Our original plan was to be closer to the Grand Canyon, but I think we're going to do the Pink Jeep tour from Sedona, so we don't have to drive. (Although I don't think the Antelope Canyon 11-hour trip goes to the GC). It seems like it hits a few of our bucket list places. Although a LONG day!!

Aside from being closer to the GC is Flagstaff worth the visit? We're heading down to Sedona for 3 nights after that. I'd like to visit the Observatory but am not sure what else. I don't want to do the Bear Attraction. Is Flagstaff a hiking destination also? It will be too cold to swim (We're staying at the High Country Motor Lodge).

We could always just drive ourselves from Sedona to the GC, (which intimidates me for some reason!)

I LOVE the idea of the quintessential Route 66, but from what I have read, it's not a thing.

We're leaving in 2 weeks from today!

Any advice would be very much appreciated. We love good food, nature, wine, hiking and sight seeing.

THANK YOU!

Answer

Flagstaff is definitely worth a visit if you enjoy a mix of outdoor activities, a charming small-town feel, and some Route 66 nostalgia. Even if your primary goal is the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff offers several attractions that make it more than just a stopover.

Here are some highlights and considerations for a 2-night stay in Flagstaff:

Lowell Observatory: This is one of the top reasons to visit Flagstaff, especially if you enjoy astronomy. They have daytime tours, telescope viewings in the evening, and plenty of interesting exhibits.
Downtown Flagstaff: The historic downtown area has a few Route 66 landmarks, unique shops, and excellent restaurants. You can enjoy casual strolls with coffee or craft beer stops.
Hiking & Nature: Flagstaff is a great base for hiking. The surrounding Coconino National Forest has trails for all levels. Some options include:

Humphreys Peak Trail – challenging but rewarding, Arizona’s highest point.
Fatman’s Loop or Buffalo Park – shorter, easier trails for a relaxed hike.
Walnut Canyon National Monument – easy trails among ancient cliff dwellings.

Scenic Drives: Oak Creek Canyon is a beautiful route down toward Sedona, with lookout points and short hikes along the way.
Food & Wine: Flagstaff has a growing food scene. There are breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and wine bars. It’s a good stop for a relaxed dinner or brunch before heading south.

As for your original plan of staying closer to the Grand Canyon:

If your main goal is to maximize time at the South Rim, staying at Grand Canyon Village or Tusayan reduces driving time, especially if you want early morning or sunset views.
Driving from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is doable in about 2.5–3 hours, but it’s less convenient than staying closer. If you’re comfortable with a morning drive, it’s manageable and allows you more time in Sedona afterward.

Regarding Route 66: while it’s a fun theme, it’s not a continuous “classic” experience like some of the Midwest sections. In Flagstaff, you’ll see a few iconic signs and historic spots, but don’t expect a full retro road trip vibe.

In conclusion, Flagstaff is worth the visit if you enjoy nature, hiking, astronomy, and small-town charm. If your priority is minimizing driving to the Grand Canyon, you could skip it and just do a day trip from Sedona, but you’d miss some of Flagstaff’s unique attractions.

Heading to Sedona in 3 weeks...is Flagstaff worth a visit?

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