How to Spend 4 Days in Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff is one of my (Lauren) favorite places to escape the Phoenix heat, and it’s the perfect destination for a long weekend. A few friends and I have started a tradition of taking an annual girls trip, and for 2026 we chose Flagstaff, Arizona for four days of hiking, shopping, great food, and plenty of time to relax.
This itinerary follows exactly how we spent our Thursday through Sunday, along with my recommendations for making the most of your own trip. Whether you’re planning your first visit or looking for new ideas, I hope it helps you plan an unforgettable weekend in northern Arizona!
Thursday: Depart Phoenix and Stop in Sedona
Since my friends had never been to Sedona before, I knew it had to be our first stop on the way to Flagstaff. We couldn’t check into our Airbnb until later in the afternoon, so it was the perfect opportunity to spend the day exploring one of Arizona’s most iconic destinations.
Hike Bell Rock Pathway to HT to Easy Breezy Trail
We left Phoenix early so we could get to Sedona before it got too hot. My friends aren’t big hikers like Owen and I are, so I wanted to choose a trail that was approachable while still showcasing some of Sedona’s most famous red rock scenery. We hiked an easy to moderate loop with incredible views of Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte, making it the perfect introduction to hiking in Sedona. I also picked this hike based on the time of day! The lighting from the east put a nice glow on the rocks instead of taking photos into the sun.
Pro tip: AllTrails has you park at Little Horse Trailhead, but I recommend parking at Courthouse Vista. Of course if one of these lots is full then park at wherever you can get a spot. A shuttle does go to Little Horse too
Shop in Uptown Sedona
After our hike, we spent some time wandering through Uptown Sedona. There are so many fun shops to explore, and it’s a great place to grab a souvenir or simply enjoy the atmosphere before lunch. I will say some of the shops do seem like tourist traps! In my opinion, the shopping in Flagstaff a lot better.
Lunch at Hideaway House
One stop I knew I couldn’t skip was the restaurant, Hideaway House. If you visit, definitely ask to sit on the patio. The views of the red rocks are hard to beat, and it’s one of my favorite places to eat in Sedona; the price for the quality and quantity of food is very reasonable especially for Sedona.
Lover’s Knoll Viewpoint
Before leaving Sedona, I wanted to show my friends one more of my favorite spots, so we stopped at Lover’s Knoll. It’s one of the best viewpoints in Sedona and requires almost no effort to reach, making it perfect if you’re looking for incredible red rock views without another hike.
Oak Creek + Drive up 89A
Continuing on our way up to Flagstaff via SR 89A, we stopped at Oak Creek to cool off for a bit. It was the perfect way to escape the summer heat before making the drive north through Oak Creek Canyon. If you’ve never driven this road before, I highly recommend it. The winding canyon, towering cliffs, and dense forest make it one of the most scenic drives in Arizona.
Before arriving in Flagstaff, we made one final stop at Oak Creek Vista. Not only are the views spectacular, but we were also excited to find the Native American Artisan Market, where local artists were selling handcrafted jewelry, pottery, artwork, and other handmade goods. It was the perfect way to end the drive before checking into our Airbnb.
Checking into Our Flagstaff Airbnb
After a day spent exploring Sedona, we made the short drive to Flagstaff and checked into our Airbnb. We specifically chose a place within walking distance of Historic Downtown Flagstaff, which ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip. We were able to walk to restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and local stores without having to worry about parking. If you’re visiting Flagstaff, we’d definitely recommend staying within walking distance of downtown if you can. It makes it easy to enjoy the area both during the day and in the evening!
Dinner in Flagstaff
For dinner, we ordered takeout from Pizzicletta, our favorite pizza spot in Flagstaff, and brought it back to the Airbnb. After a full day of exploring Sedona and driving to Flagstaff, it was the perfect way to settle in, spend time together, and relax before another day of adventures.
Friday: Hike, shopping, & dinner
We started the morning by walking to Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery before heading back to the Airbnb to eat breakfast.
From there, we drove to Kendrick Watchable Wildlife Trail. I picked this hike because it’s a short and easy loop but it’s a great hike with towering ponderosa pine trees and aspen groves. Part of the trail is paved which makes it accessible for all hiking levels! Along the way, you’ll also get a great view of Humphreys Peak, Arizona’s highest peak. Overall, we hiked about 1.6 miles. There is a shorter version you can do as well!
Next, we drove up Snowbowl Road to Aspen Corner since the turn off was on the way back into Flagstaff. This is one of my favorite places to see aspens around Flagstaff, and I wanted to show my friends the high elevation mountain. If you’re visiting in the fall, this is an especially great stop when the aspens turn bright yellow.
After our hike, we headed back to the Airbnb to quickly change before walking into Historic Downtown Flagstaff. We grabbed lunch at one of my favorite spots, Juice Pub Eatery, and then spent the afternoon shopping.
I always love walking around downtown Flagstaff, so I wanted to show my friends a few of my favorite stores. We stopped by Sage Brush Trading Co., PJ Chilcottage, and Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters before wandering through the rest of downtown.
Dinner & Drinks in downtown flagsTAFF
For dinner we had a dinner reservation for Cafe Stella! It is highly recommended to have a dinner reservation here, especially in the summer and on weekends. The food was absolutely fantastic! I highly recommend getting the lemon pasta.
Saturday: Wupatki National Monument & Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
On Saturday we walked to Biff’s Bagels for breakfast. One of my favorite places to get bagels in town! There usually is a line if you go after 9am.
Then we visited Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. I picked these two parks because they offer such a unique look at northern Arizona’s history and landscape without requiring a long hike. The walk through the ancient pueblos at Wupatki is easy, but it’s incredible to learn about the Native American communities that once lived here. At Sunset Crater, we were able to experience one of Arizona’s youngest volcanic landscapes and learn how the eruption forever changed this region.
My friend also bought her first National Park Passport book, so we made sure to stop and get stamps at both parks. Hopefully this is the start of her National Park obsession!
Drinks at FLG Terrior & Dinner at Charley's Pub
After spending the day exploring Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, we headed back to the Airbnb to relax for a bit. We had a small snack, showered, and changed before walking back into Historic Downtown Flagstaff for the evening.
For more on the Flagstaff National Monuments check out our detail guide here.
Our first stop was FLG Terroir for a drink before heading to Charley’s Pub for dinner. Charley’s is one of my favorite restaurants in Flagstaff, so I had to take my friends there. If you go, definitely order the Navajo Taco. It’s so good!
After dinner, we stopped by The Gopher Hole beneath the historic Weatherford Hotel for one last drink. The hotel has been a Flagstaff landmark for nearly 100 years, making it a fun place to end the evening. They often have live music!
When we got back to the Airbnb, we celebrated all of our birthdays with a cake from a local Flagstaff bakery. Since we no longer live near each other and aren’t able to celebrate our birthdays together anymore, we had the cake decorated with each of our birthdays. It was a special way to celebrate while we were all together.
Sunday: Drive Back to Phoenix
Before heading back to Phoenix, we made one last stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Since it was right along our route home, it was the perfect opportunity to visit one more National Park Service site before wrapping up the trip.
Best Things to Do in Flagstaff, Arizona: Hikes, Food, Stays & More
Flagstaff, Arizona, is an outdoor lover’s dream spot, sitting near the epic San Francisco Peaks. With trails through stunning forests, skiing, and nearby Nat’l Monuments like the Grand Canyon, it’s perfect for hiking, biking, and camping. Just remember to stick to Leave No Trace principles while enjoying nature!
Flagstaff Fall Colors: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary
Password provided in the September 2025 edition of our free monthly newsletter. Experience the vibrant fall colors in Flagstaff with our exclusive 3-day itinerary designed for nature lovers. Enjoy breathtaking hikes, scenic drives, and local dining spots. With tips for optimal timing and a commitment to preserving nature, this adventure promises beautiful memories and unforgettable views in Northern Arizona.
Guide To Flagstaff’s Three National Monuments
The Flagstaff area offers a mix of outdoor adventure and rich history. From Native American sites to volcanic remnants, Wupatki and Sunset Crater provide a captivating journey through time and culture. Nearby Walnut Canyon also offers a breathtaking hiking experience.
