Introduction
Prescott is a city in Yavapai County, Arizona. It’s the county seat of Yavapai County and the largest city in northern Arizona. Prescott has a population of more than 40,000 residents. The area was first inhabited by Native Americans and then by early European settlers from the United States who were attracted to its mild climate and natural resources.
Today, Prescott attracts visitors because of its scenic beauty and rich history. There are many things to do in this charming town, including biking around town on paved paths through parks or along roadsides; visiting historic homes; exploring museums with collections that include everything from local Native American artifacts to fine art; shopping at local boutiques; sampling wine at wineries; searching for rare plants while hiking trails; camping out under the stars at some of Arizona’s most popular campgrounds; spotting wildlife while on guided tours through nature preserves — plus much more!
Stroll Courthouse Square
- Stroll Courthouse Square.
- The square is one of the most historic places in Arizona, with buildings dating back to the late 1800s. It’s also home to many shops and restaurants, as well as events such as wine festivals and concerts.
- Visit the courthouse. If you’re in town during business hours, head over to the courthouse where you can learn about its history and see exhibits on display inside. Visitors are welcome!
- Shop at local stores or dine out at a restaurant within walking distance from your hotel room or Airbnb apartment—you won’t regret it!
Ride on the Whiskey Row Trolley
If you’re visiting Prescott, it’s hard to miss Whiskey Row. This one-block street is home to more than a dozen historic buildings that have been restored or are currently being restored. The Trolley will give you an overview of Prescott’s rich history as well as a chance to learn more about some of the area’s most famous residents and sites.
The trolley is free and runs daily so that visitors can take multiple rides during their stay in town. The tour stops at Whiskey Row, the courthouse, several historical homes—including one built by William O’Connor who opened Arizona’s first copper mine in 1872—and other popular attractions including Visitors’ Center Plaza where you can enjoy lunch or dinner at one of several restaurants located there.
Visit the Sharlot Hall Museum
The Sharlot Hall Museum is a historic house museum dedicated to the history of Arizona. It was built in 1881 and has been preserved with its original furnishings so that visitors can see what life was like for an upper-class woman in the late 19th century. The building is located on Heritage Square in Prescott, AZ, which also houses several other museums and historical sites. This makes it easy to spend a whole day exploring all of them!
The museum is open daily from 9 AM until 4 PM; admission ranges from $6-$8 (children under 12 are free).
Tour the Palace Saloon
Prescott is a town that’s steeped in Old West history and the Palace Saloon is a great way to get a feel for that history. Located on Whiskey Row, which was once called “the wickedest street in America,” it’s easy to imagine what life might have been like here back in the day.
The Palace Saloon houses artifacts from Prescott’s past, including bullet holes and bullet-ridden furniture from when it served as a hospital during an 1864 battle between American forces and Apaches near nearby Fort Whipple (now Fort Whipple Museum). Inside there are also exhibits about early Arizona settler Jacob Waltz—who built the saloon—and his wife Mary Ann.
The best part about this historic attraction is its nightly entertainment: live music performances by local bands take place every night of the week except Monday when they’re closed for private events. There are also daily happy hours from 4 pm until 7 pm Monday through Friday where you can sip on wine or beer while enjoying some live music or singing along with your friends!
Walk around Watson Lake Park
A great way to spend an afternoon in Prescott is to take a hike around Watson Lake Park. This park has beautiful views of the city and is filled with wildlife, as well as a nice picnic area if you’re looking for lunch or dinner options nearby.
Tour the Smoki Museum
- The Smoki Museum is located downtown and offers a great way to get a feel for the area. This museum has exhibits that are free and open year-round, including a large selection of American Indian baskets, historical photographs, and more. It’s also worth checking out their gift shop if you’re looking for souvenirs from your trip!
- Many great restaurants in Prescott should not be missed during your trip. Some of our favorites include:
- El Torero Mexican Restaurant (2340 E Gurley St) – this place serves delicious margaritas as well as traditional Mexican food! They have several locations so check them out online if you’re too busy exploring Prescott Valley instead!
- Jax Bar & Grill (1245 Hwy 69 South) – don’t miss out on the best French dip sandwich this side of Chicago while visiting Arizona! This small-town bar has been around since 1952 so it’s got some history behind it too!
Attend an event at the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza Amphitheater
Now that we’ve got your attention, let’s move on to the good stuff. First and foremost, if you’re seeking a place in Prescott to enjoy some music, this amphitheater is one of your best bets. Located at the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza in Downtown Prescott, concerts are held year-round here—including many free shows that feature local musicians. The venue also offers theater productions and other performances throughout the year. During these events, you can grab a bite from one of the food trucks parked nearby or bring a picnic blanket and enjoy dinner while watching an excellent performance unfold before your very eyes.
If there’s not an event scheduled during your visit to Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza Amphitheater (or if it happens to be raining), then there are plenty of other things to do here as well! There’s a playground for kids right outside the building where parents can relax while their children play safely indoors or outside (depending on the weather). You can also wander around downtown Prescott or check out some shops along Whiskey Row while waiting for another showtime at 7 pm—or 11 am…or 2 pm…you get the idea!
Climb and explore Granite Mountain
This 2.6-mile roundtrip trail is a great choice for those who want to experience the outdoors without being too far from civilization. The hike can be done in as little as 30 minutes but will take you about an hour and a half round trip, so consider bringing water if you plan on staying out all day!
As you make your way up Granite Mountain, you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of Prescott’s most beautiful scenery—birds and wildflowers are everywhere! And once you reach the top? Well, there’s no better place to soak in some awesome views than from this mountain’s peak.
Watch a race at Prescott Speedway
Prescott Speedway is a longtime tradition in Prescott, and it’s one of the best things to do in town. The races are held in the summer months at the Prescott Valley Event Center. If you can visit during an event weekend, your best bet is to buy tickets at the gate. It’s cheaper than buying them beforehand and there’s no risk of tickets selling out!
The races are not just car races—they also feature motorcycle and truck events as well! So if you aren’t into cars but still want to see some great action on the track, then this is worth checking out. Admission for spectators is free!
Hike Granite Mountain Trails
As you hike the trails, you’ll be able to see the beauty of the area’s natural landscape. There are a variety of trails that are open year-round and range from easy to strenuous. Depending on your skill level and endurance, there are over 100 miles worth of hiking trails in the area! The Granite Mountain Trails offer many opportunities for hikers with varying abilities, as well as those who have disabilities and may require assistance. While some trails have steep inclines, most provide an enjoyable experience for everyone!
Like most areas that offer outdoor recreational activities such as hiking or biking, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while visiting Granite Mountain Trail System. This is due to wildlife preservation laws protecting endangered species such as mountain lions and desert tortoises (to name a few). Additionally, there are certain areas within GMS where pets aren’t allowed because they could potentially disrupt fragile ecosystems created by nature over thousands upon thousands of years.
Admire art at the Phippen Museum of Western Art
The Phippen Museum of Western Art is a great place to learn about the history of the West, particularly in terms of its art. The museum was founded in 1992 by rancher and philanthropist Ralph Phippen and his wife, Joan. It is the only museum of its kind in Arizona, with rotating exhibitions featuring work by internationally-acclaimed artists like Frederic Remington and Charles Russell.
It’s free! And it’s open year-round (except for some holidays). So go ahead and take your kids or grandkids—they’ll love it here!
Look for wildlife at Lynx Lake Recreation Area
If you want to see a variety of wildlife, Lynx Lake Recreation Area is the place to go. The park is home to over 300 species of birds and more than 100 species of mammals including coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and black bears. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that lead through pine forests and ponderosa groves or camp out next to Lynx Lake itself. In addition to its natural beauty, Lynx Lake Recreation Area also offers opportunities for fishing and boating in Arizona’s beautiful weather all year long.
There are endless things to do in Prescott, Arizona!
- There are endless things to do in Prescott, Arizona! If you’re looking for a good place to start, try the following:
- Don’t miss the Whiskey Row buildings. This historic area was once home to several saloons and bars—some of which still stand today.
- Try one of the many museums in town. You can learn about local history at places like The Museum at Pueblo Grande or Heritage Park Museum & Cultural Center, both of which feature exhibits on Native Americans and other cultures that have inhabited this region. But if you’d rather see something more modern, there’s always an exhibit at the Heard Museum or Phoenix Art Museum!
- Take your pick from several parks available throughout the city (and surrounding communities). There’s no shortage of parks here—so your options are practically limitless when it comes down to what kind of adventure you want! Just look online for ideas before heading out so that you won’t waste time trying new things later on when everyone else is already set up with their favorite spot.”
Conclusion
There are so many great things to do in Prescott, Arizona! With its charming downtown area, beautiful parks and lakes, rich history, and culture, it’s no wonder it has become such a popular tourist destination. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or just want to relax with friends at some of the best restaurants in town, there is something here for everyone. If you’re planning on visiting the area soon then be sure not to miss these 14 fun activities!
