Besides the nearest city to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff stands as its own vibrant destination with all-season recreation and nature activities, lively dining and shopping scenes, a revitalized historic Downtown, a world-famous observatory, and three nearby national monuments.

Since it was founded in 1876, and named after the ponderosa pine flagpole erected to celebrate the nation’s centennial, Flagstaff has been the transportation, economic, and recreational hub of northern Arizona.

Still surrounded by pages of its past, “Flag” has never lost its grip on its pioneering history. Revitalized Heritage Square remains the heart of the city, period establishments like the Hotel Monte Vista, Weatherford Hotel, and Babbett Brothers outfitters date back to early mining and railroad days, while galleries, boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, museums, and businesses operate in historic storefronts.