We’ve gathered a list of the top favorite things to do in Prescott, AZ
Are you ready to embark on an epic adventure in Prescott? Look no further than our list of things to do, which is guaranteed to provide you with endless inspiration for your next adventure. Whether you’re a local looking to explore new corners of our hometown or a visitor seeking out the best that the Prescott has to offer, our list is chock-full of ideas and activities to suit every taste. From museums and galleries to outdoor adventures and culinary delights, there’s no shortage of things to discover and explore. So grab your calendar, prepare your bucket list, and let’s dive into this comprehensive list of things to see and do!
Downtown & Courthouse Square
Downtown is the hub of Prescott—it’s where the majority of the shopping, dining, and attractions are located!
When you get to Downtown Prescott, immediately head to Courthouse Square—bound by Gurley Street, Montezuma Street, Goodwin Street, and Cortez Street. If you arrive early, you should be able to find a free parking space easily!
Some of the top favorite things to do in Downtown include shopping at Bashford Courts, a small three-story mall, and Spice Traveler, a kitchen store that sells jams, appliances, spices, and more. If you go upstairs at the Spice Traveler, you’ll find The County Seat, a great spot for coffee and breakfast, and if you go downstairs, you’ll discover Superstition Meadery, where you can sample mead, ciders, and other handcrafted drinks.
If you want to bring home a western-themed souvenir, check out Drawn West, and if you want a sweet treat, like ice cream or fudge, visit the Treat Center on Courthouse Square!
Courthouse Plaza
Courthouse Plaza is a large, green, grassy area surrounding the Yavapai County Courthouse. This spot is popular for community events, like craft fairs, holiday festivals, and summer concerts. You can see all the events happening in Downtown Prescott during your visit on the City of Prescott events calendar.
Even if there aren’t any events happening on the day of your visit, you can stroll around the park and even bring a picnic blanket to relax in the park.
Explore the Lakes
Prescott, Arizona, is known for its stunning natural beauty, and there’s no better way to experience it than by exploring its many lakes. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-packed day on the water, Prescott’s lakes offer something for everyone.
One of the most popular lakes in the area is Watson Lake. With its distinctive boulder formations and crystal-clear water, Watson Lake is a favorite among hikers, kayakers, and paddle boarders. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, and herons.
For a more secluded experience, head to Lynx Lake. This serene lake is surrounded by tall pines and offers a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the many picnic tables scattered around the lake’s shore.
If you’re looking for a place to explore the forest, Goldwater Lake is your best bet. There are two lakes, upper and lower, both having hiking trails around, making it a great spot for a day-long adventure.
Finally, if you’re up for a challenge, head to Willow Lake. This lake is surrounded by rugged terrain, making it a challenging but rewarding spot for hikers and rock climbers. You can also rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards to explore the lake from the water.
No matter which lake you choose to explore in Prescott, one thing is certain: you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty and have the opportunity for plenty of outdoor adventure.
- Watson Lake
- Willow Lake
- Goldwater (Upper + Lower)
- Granite Basin
- Lynx Lake
Hiking Trails
Prescott, Arizona is known for its picturesque landscape and ample outdoor recreation opportunities. One of the best ways to experience this natural beauty is by hiking the area’s many trails. There are trails for all abilities and interests, from easy strolls to challenging treks, and from scenic overlooks to historic landmarks.
One of the most popular trails in Prescott is the Granite Mountain Loop Trail. This 6.4-mile trail offers stunning views of Granite Mountain, Watson Lake, and the surrounding forests. For a shorter, easier hike, Watson Lake Park offers several trails with varying distances and difficulties.
For those seeking a more challenging hike, Thumb Butte Trail is a 2.5-mile trek with steep inclines and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The trailhead also offers access to the Prescott National Forest and the Prescott Circle Trail, a 54-mile trail that encircles the city.
For history buffs, the Heritage Trail in downtown Prescott offers a glimpse into the city’s past with stops at historic landmarks and buildings. This easy 3.3-mile trail explores the city’s rich heritage and architecture.
No matter which trail you choose, hiking in Prescott is a must-do activity for outdoor enthusiasts. From stunning views to historic landmarks, the area’s trails offer something for everyone. So lace up your boots, pack your water, and hit the trails for an unforgettable adventure in the beautiful Prescott wilderness.
- Lynx Lake Loop (Easy)
- Peavine Trail (Easy)
- Willow Lake Loop Trail (Easy)
- Thumb Butte
- Watson Lake Loop Trail
- Constellation Trails
- Flume + Watson Dam Trailhead
Visit a Museum
In addition to stunning outdoor scenery and a rich history, Prescott boasts a variety of museums that are worth a visit.
The Sharlot Hall Museum is an excellent place to start exploring the history of the town. Established in 1928, this museum features collections of original photographs, artifacts, and personal memorabilia from the pioneers and Native Americans of the area. Visitors can step back in time to the days of saloons, brothels, and gold mines as they explore the exhibits.
For those interested in the history of firefighting, the Prescott Firefighter’s Charities Firehouse Museum is a must-visit. Housed in the town’s oldest firehouse, the museum features vintage firefighting equipment, including hoses, helmets, and fire engines. Visitors can even climb aboard a restored 1916 American LaFrance fire engine.
Another museum that is worth a visit is the Smoki Museum, dedicated to the Native American culture of the Southwest. The museum showcases beautiful examples of pottery, basketry, and weaving, as well as a variety of cultural artifacts. Visitors can also learn about the annual Smoki ceremonies, where members of the organization, dressed in traditional garb, perform sacred dances.
Finally, a visit to the Phippen Museum is a must for any art lover. This museum showcases the works of famous Western artists, including George Phippen, who was born and raised in Prescott. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and photographs that capture the rugged beauty of the American West.
The museums of Prescott, Arizona provide visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich history, culture, and art. Whether you’re a history buff, a firefighter enthusiast, or an art lover, there is something for everyone in this charming town.
- Sharlot Hall Museum – Four-acre campus tells Arizona’s story through exhibits, gardens, and historic buildings, including the 1864 Territorial Governor’s Mansion. Events and programs include the annual Prescott Indian Art Market, monthly Living History Adventure days, and more.
- Western Heritage (History of Prescott)
- Smoki Museum – Museum that features exhibits and works from American Indian art and culture.
- Phippen Museum (Art) – Fine arts museum that features exhibits and educational programs related to the American West.
Stop by Mortimer Farms
Check out this real working farm that offers U-Pick produce, cute country store to shop in, an lots of weekend events. Great for kids of all ages.
High Tea at a Historic Hotel
Every fourth Sunday of the month, you can have a fabulous high tea in the Peacock Room, fit for a queen with finger food, scones and chantilly cream and a huge selection of tea. Everyone is welcome, including kids for this event at the Hassayampa Inn.
Faire on the Square Arts & Craft Show
The Prescott Chamber of Commerce hosts four separate Arts & Crafts Shows downtown at the Courthouse Square. These weekend events showcase hundreds of interesting vendors. You are sure to catch one of them if you head there during the weekend.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is also known as Prescott Animal Park Association and is a non-profit animal sanctuary that is open to the public offers different events, kid’s birthday parties and more fun stuff for kids. Situated on ten acres north of Prescott and overlooking Willow Lake, the sanctuary has many opportunities for visitors including a covered picnic pavilion; a children’s playground; interactive animal experiences; and large, naturally landscaped enclosures for the animals with paths that allow visitors the opportunity to get an up-close and personal view of them. One of the most interesting exhibits, and one which is unique to the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, is the Tarantula Grotto
Fort Whipple
Take a tour of the vintage 1909 military officer’s quarters for its architectural interest. If you are interested in military medicine from the late 1800s, you will love this museum.
Elks Opera House Theatre
The Prescott Elks Theater and Performing Arts Center is on Gurley Street. Box office hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am- 2pm.
It’s a classically designed turn of the 20th century opera house that seats over 500. It was finished in 1905 and listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
It offers concessions for the whole family, including candy, popcorn, soda, beer and wine.
Visit a Haunted Hotel
There are a few haunted hotels in Prescott that families can visit. Hotel St. Michael, The Vendome(room 16 by a ghost cat) and the Grand Highland Hotel.
You can even go on a haunted ghost tour where you start at a haunted hotel and end at a haunted saloon. (not appropriate for children under 13).
A local favorite is the Hassayampa Inn, Prescott’s oldest building and most-haunted. It is featured in articles and on TV as Prescott’s most active of the haunted hotels.
The Hassayampa Inn is almost ninety years-old and when it first opened, it had a newlywed couple staying there. The story is that the new husband went out for cigarettes and left his new bride Ruth for days, wondering what happened, only to finally hang herself out of anguish.
Ruth is known to wander the floors of the historic hotel making appearances now and then.
Shopping
Unique Shops to Visit
- Fite + Sons Mercantile
- Bashford Courts (3 story shopping mall in downtown — clothing, candy, gems/crystals, ect)
- MagPie Home + Gift
- Spice Traveler
- Trax Records
- Hike Shack
Antique Stores
- Prescott Antiques
- Copper Pig
- Cortez Street Emporium
- Cowgirl Country Antiques
- The Marketplace
Thrift Stores
- Second Change
- Yavapai Humane Society
- The DAV
Bookstores
- Peregrine Book Company (compared to New York bookstores)
- Old Sage Book (in historic building, carries lots of vintage books)
- The Purple Cat
Farmer’s Market
On Saturday’s you don’t want to miss the Farmer’s Market. Here you’ll find locally sourced produce, as well as local honey, jams, coffee and some of the best bagels in northern Arizona.
Dancing + Live Music
- Matt’s Saloon (dancing + live music)
- Whiskey River Tavern (dancing + live music, also 18+ age)
- Birdcage Saloon (live music)
- Prescott Public House (live music)
- The Attic (live music)
- Elks Theater (live music)
Nightlife + Bars
- Matt’s Saloon (line dancing and live music – serious line dancing…)
- Whiskey River Tavern (great drinks, food, live music and line dancing, 18+ age)
- Palace Saloon (historic bar)
- Jersey Lily (upstairs)
- The Point (craft cocktails)
- County Seat (best espresso martini)
- Superstition Meadery (serves mead)
- Founding Father’s Collective (huge self serve beer wall)
prescottcityguide.com 