1. Downtown Historic Area
The downtown area of Prescott is full of many of the city’s oldest and most historically significant homes and buildings.
- The area exudes Old West history, and quite a few of the buildings date to the 1800s.
- Most all of them have been beautifully restored to the way they would have looked in the time period.
- The area has many hotels, saloons, and other buildings. One of the most notable sections of downtown is Whiskey Row.
- The area dates to 1864 and was frequently visited by many famous figures from the Old West such as the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday.
- The area today has many old-style saloons, restaurants, and bars including the Palace, which is Arizona's oldest saloon.
2. Watson Lake
Watson Lake is one of two reservoirs at the Granite Dells. A dam that was built on Granite Creek formed the lake, which offers many options for outdoor, recreational activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking and canoeing on the lake’s water. The Peavine Trail passes along the southeastern side of the lake and goes into the Granite Dells region. The multi-use trail is level and fairly easy. Bikers, horseback riders, hikers, and joggers utilize the multi-use trial, which is fairly easy. Birds galore inhabit the area, which is endorsed by Audubon as a premier place to birdwatch. Additionally there are opportunities for rock-climbing and bouldering as well as campsites available during the summer.
3101 Watson Lake Road, Prescott, AZ 86301, Phone: 928-777-1122
Watson Lake is 1 hour 40 minutes from Phoenix.
3. Sharlot Hall Museum
The Sharlot Hall Museum is an open-air museum dedicated to the history and local folklore of Yavapai County.
- Sharlot was a well educated pioneer woman and active politician.
- The museum holds artifacts and documents from her extensive collection. She donated the items in 1927.
- The museum houses many permanent exhibits related to the history of the area and includes an aerial photo exhibit, a Yavapai-Prescott Indian basket display, and much more.
- The museum offers daily, docent-guided tours for individuals and groups as well as self-guided tours at any time.
- The museum store features themed rooms with gifts for any occasion as well as toys and souvenirs.
415 W. Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ 86301, Phone: 928-445-3122
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
4. Lynx Lake Recreation Area
Lynx Lake Recreation Area is situated in the cool pine forests outside of Prescott. The recreation area offers a large range of recreational activities such as mountain biking, fishing, hiking, camping, and more. Boaters are permitted to take non-motorized and low-horsepower motorized boats onto the lake, and seasonal rentals of canoes and paddleboats are available in the summer. There is a gold panning area on Lynx Creek where recreational gold panning is permitted. There are several trails that permit both hiking and mountain biking. Guests who wish to stay overnight have several campground options with both tent and RV campsites available.
344 South Cortez Street, Prescott, AZ 86303, Phone: 928-443-8000
Lynx Lake Recreation Area is 1 hour 40 minutes from Flagstaff.
5. Whiskey Row
Whiskey Row is a part of Prescott’s downtown historic district that is especially concentrated with historic saloons. The area developed after a devastating fire in 1900 destroyed an entire city block in downtown Prescott. Many bars were built in the reconstruction, and at one point they numbered forty saloons on one block. The concentration of saloons is indicative of the type of visitors Prescott attracted during the time. The gold rush drew cowboys, prospectors, gamblers, and a fair share of outlaws to the small town. These days, Whiskey Row is known for art galleries and candy shops in addition to the saloons that have made it famous.
S. Montezuma Street, Prescott, AZ 86301
More ideas: Things to Do in Arizona
6. Thumb Butte Trail 33
Thumb Butte Trail 33 is a 2.5 mile long loop trail located within the Prescott National Forest. The trail is quite popular and is heavily trafficked. The difficulty level is rated as moderate, though much of the trail is paved and features clearly marked signs. The primary uses are hiking, nature walks, and road biking. The park is open year round and provides numerous opportunities to see local wildlife such as deer no matter the season. The top of the trail offers a great panoramic view of Prescott and the surrounding area. Dogs are permitted on the trail provided they are leashed.
2971 Willow Creek Road, Prescott, AZ 86301, Phone: 926-443-8000
7. Goldwater Lake
Goldwater Lake is a reservoir formed by a dam on Bannon Creek south of Prescott. The park offers several recreational activities including picnicking, fishing, hiking, volleyball, and horseshoes. The small lake has fifteen acres of surface area and is perfect for kayaking and canoeing as well as fishing. Fish that may be caught in the lake include largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, catfish, and trout. An easy hiking trail circles the lake and joins up with other trails in the Prescott National Forest. Picnic facilities include picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and a children’s playground for keeping the little ones in your group happy and occupied.
2900 South Goldwater Lake Road, Prescott, AZ 86301, Phone: 928-777-1122
Goldwater Lake is 1 hour 25 minutes from Sedona.
If you are traveling with kids:
8. Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is a not-for-profit animal sanctuary. The sanctuary is dedicated to preserving and conserving native and exotic animals and is designed with education, recreation, and entertainment in mind.
- The park is located on a beautiful ten acres that overlook Willow Lake and provide a unique and intimate experience with interesting animals.
- Most of the animals in the park have been rescued from the wild or inappropriate situations in captivity. The sanctuary has created large, respectful, natural habitats for the each animal.
- Guided tours of the facility are available, and staff from the sanctuary host a variety of educational events throughout the year.
1403 Heritage Park Road, Prescott, AZ 86301, Phone: 928-778-4242
9. Phippen Museum, Prescott
The Phippen Museum is a small, intimate fine art museum that showcases Native American and cowboy themed works related to the culture of the Old West. The museum’s permanent exhibits include studio replicas, a unique gallery dedicated to western heritage, and the Arizona Rancher and Cowboy Hall of Fame. The museum’s artwork, artifacts, documents, and historic memorabilia are presented in such a way to bring history to life for visitors. The Phippen hosts an annual Phippen Museum Western Art Show and Sale each Memorial Day as well as other special events throughout the year. Self-guided tours are available any time the museum is open and docent guided tours are possible with prior arrangement.
4701 AZ-89, Prescott, AZ 86301, Phone: 928-778-1385
10. Prescott Frontier Days - World's Oldest Rodeo
Prescott Frontier Days - World's Oldest Rodeo, has taken place over the 4th of July weekend every year since 1888. The rodeo features eight fantastic rodeo performances and associated events that take place over a week’s time. Each rodeo performance includes bareback riding, team roping, a wild horse race, tie-down roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, bull riding, and more. Headlining musical performers frequently perform at the well-known and popular event. There is an annual rodeo dance in downtown Prescott that runs for several days during the festivities. Thursday is typically family night, and the entire family can come out to the dance.
840 Rodeo Drive, Prescott, AZ 86305, Phone: 928-445-3103
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