8 Places You Won't Want to Miss in Northern Arizona
Flagstaff
Flagstaff is one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets! With its mountain views, crisp air, and charming downtown, it feels worlds away from the desert.
Highlights:
Cool mountain escape – Perfect summer retreat from Phoenix heat.
Fall colors – Hike trails lined with glowing yellow aspens.
Lumberyard Brewing Co. – Free country swing dance nights (check the schedule before you go).
Hot Wok – A surprisingly amazing Cantonese restaurant that’s a local favorite.
Outdoor adventures – Hike Mount Humphreys or hit the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl in winter.
Historic downtown – Walkable, full of brick buildings and trains rumbling through town.
Scenic Drive to Sedona
One of Arizona’s most beautiful drives winds between Flagstaff and Sedona along Highway 89A. The changing landscape, from pine forest to red rock cliffs, is breathtaking!
What to do:
Stop in Oak Creek Canyon for photos or a picnic.
Visit Slide Rock State Park and try the natural rock water slide (best in summer!).
Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad for a relaxing, scenic trip through the desert.
Hike Devil’s Bridge or visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
End the day with wine tasting in the nearby vineyards.
Montezuma Castle: Ancient Cliff Dwellings
A quick stop between Phoenix and Flagstaff, Montezuma Castle National Monument is a fascinating look at early Indigenous history.
Why visit:
See a remarkably well-preserved cliff dwelling built over 800 years ago.
Great educational stop for kids or families.
Support local artisans who sell crafts near the monument.
Leave time for spontaneous detours! Brittany once discovered a nearby Yavapai powwow just by following a local sign!
Page & The Four Corners Region
Head north toward Page for some of the most iconic views in the Southwest. This area is perfect for photographers, outdoor lovers, and anyone who appreciates wide-open spaces.
Must-see stops:
Horseshoe Bend – One of the most photographed spots in Arizona.
Antelope Canyon – Take a guided tour with a Navajo guide (a great way to support local communities).
Lake Powell – Rent a kayak or boat for a day on the water.
Vermilion Cliffs & White Pocket – Otherworldly rock formations worth the drive.
North Rim of the Grand Canyon – Quieter and more forested than the busy South Rim.
Four Corners Monument – Stand in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico all at once!
Brittany’s Packing Tips
Pack a power bank – She swears by a 20,000 mAh battery to keep her phone ready for all those photo ops.
Bring a clip-on ring light – Perfect for snapping bright, clear pictures on the go.
Where to Find Brittany
If you’re planning a Southwest trip and want expert help, reach out to Brittany:
Facebook: Travel the Southwest group for itineraries and inspiration.
Email: brittany@travelthesouthwest.com