Prescott Arizona Travel Guide and Things to Do
Prescott Arizona Travel Guide and Things to Do
Things to Do in Prescott Arizona
Visitors searching for the best things to do in Prescott Arizona will find a charming mountain town filled with history, outdoor adventure, and a lively downtown. Located in central Arizona, Prescott is known for its mild climate, historic buildings, and scenic surroundings of forests and lakes.
Here are some of the top things to do in Prescott AZ:
• Visit Whiskey Row
A historic block of saloons, shops, and restaurants that dates back to the 1800s.
• Explore Courthouse Plaza
The heart of downtown Prescott, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
• Hike in the Prescott National Forest
Miles of trails through pine forests and granite boulders.
• Visit Watson Lake
A scenic lake known for its unique rock formations and kayaking.
• Tour Sharlot Hall Museum
A local history museum showcasing Prescott’s early days.
• Explore Lynx Lake Recreation Area
A peaceful spot for fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
Because of its mix of outdoor recreation and historic charm, Prescott is one of Arizona’s most unique destinations.
Explore Prescott With a Self-Guided Walking Tour
One of the best ways to experience Prescott is by walking through its historic downtown and uncovering the stories behind its past.
Prescott’s Famous Ghosts Self-Guided Walking Tour
This self-guided walking tour takes visitors through Prescott’s historic streets while sharing eerie stories, local legends, and the town’s Wild West history.
Highlights include:
• Whiskey Row, once home to saloons and gambling halls
• Historic buildings tied to Prescott’s early days
• Stories of fires, outlaws, and mysterious events
• Haunted locations and local ghost legends
Prescott has a rich frontier history, and many believe some of its past still lingers today.
Because the tour is self-guided, you can:
start anytime
stop at shops, bars, and restaurants
explore at your own pace
What's Free and What has a Fee
Prescott offers a mix of free outdoor activities and paid attractions.
Free Things to Do
Many of the best things to do in Prescott Arizona are free.
• Walking around Courthouse Plaza
• Exploring Whiskey Row
• Hiking in Prescott National Forest
• Visiting scenic lakes and parks
• Walking through downtown
Attractions With Fees
Some attractions require admission.
• Sharlot Hall Museum
• Guided tours and experiences
• Boat rentals and activities at lakes
Visitors can easily enjoy a full day with mostly free activities.
How to Get Here
Prescott is located in central Arizona.
By Air
Prescott Regional Airport (PRC)
• About 20 minutes from downtown
Closest major airport:
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport — about 2 hours
By Car
This is the most common way to arrive. Driving times:
• Phoenix — about 2 hours
• Flagstaff — about 1.5 hours
Getting Around
Downtown Prescott is very walkable, especially around Courthouse Plaza and Whiskey Row.
Where to Stay
Downtown Prescott Hotels
Typical price range: $150–$300 per night
• Hotel St. Michael – Historic hotel on Whiskey Row
• Grand Highland Hotel – Boutique hotel with themed rooms
• SpringHill Suites Prescott
Boutique & Unique Stays
Typical price range: $140–$280 per night
• The Motor Lodge – Stylish boutique motel
• Prescott Pines Inn
• The Grand Highland Hotel
Budget Hotels
Typical price range: $80–$150 per night
• Days Inn by Wyndham Prescott
• Quality Inn Prescott
• Motel 6 Prescott
When to Visit
Spring
• mild temperatures
• great for hiking
Summer (Best Time to Visit)
• cooler than Phoenix
• festivals and events
Fall
• pleasant weather
• fewer crowds
Winter
• occasional snow
• quieter atmosphere
How Much Time You'll Need
One Day Prescott Itinerary
Many visitors follow one-day Prescott itineraries.
Morning
• Walk Courthouse Plaza
• Explore Whiskey Row
Afternoon
• Visit Watson Lake
• Tour local museums
Evening
• Take a ghost walking tour, click here to see it
• Dinner downtown
Two Day Prescott Itineraries
With more time visitors can:
• hike in Prescott National Forest
• visit Lynx Lake
• explore more local attractions
FAQ: What are the best things to do in Prescott AZ?
Top activities include exploring Whiskey Row, hiking, and visiting local lakes.
Is Prescott walkable?
Yes. Downtown Prescott is very walkable.
What is Prescott known for?
Prescott is known for its Wild West history, outdoor recreation, and mild climate.
