15 Best Things to Do in Prescott, Arizona

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Rovology | February 19, 2020

https://rovology.com/united-states/arizona/best-things-to-do-in-prescott-arizona/

Prescott, Arizona’s first Territorial Capitol, has a bustling town square around the Yavapai County Court House. With more than 200 places to visit within three blocks of Yavapai County Courthouse Square, you can always find something great to do. Take your time.

With daily plane service (currently with a United partner) to Los Angeles and Denver, you can arrive from either city in less time than it takes to drive from Prescott to Phoenix. Spend a weekend exploring Prescott, especially during the holidays or the first Friday of December for Acker Night, and you may decide to never leave.

1. Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza

The Historic Yavapai County Courthouse building houses courtrooms and the passport office (Rm 207). To enter, you must go through security on the first floor. While there is no tour of the building, there is an historic display on the ground floor worth the visit.

The library is next to a small museum.  There’s a small lending library ‘take one, leave one” and historic photos on every level. During the holidays, go up to the top floor to look out through the giant wreaths at the top of the Palace and Jersey Lil’s Saloon balcony.

The Plaza Is home to over 30 celebrations a year. From car shows to cowboy’s live, timed painting contests to Christmas daytime and nighttime parades, it is truly the heart of the town.

2. Hike Thumb Butte

This iconic landmark just west of Prescott, provides great hiking and some of the most spectacular views in Arizona. It’s an easy drive from downtown. Take Gurley westbound and it becomes Thumb Butte Rd. You’ll even spot The Falcon’s Nest, the tallest single family home in the world. Looming 124 feet at its highest point on its Thumb Butte perch, it’s a destination in itself.

Eventually you’ll reach the parking lot on the right. There is a rest room there. Pay for parking at the ranger stand if you don’t have a state park pass.

Go up the steps and you’ll see the option to choose between two trails, but no description. The one to the left is more difficult and steep. It’s all up hill but no big boulders to climb over. For the easiest route, start from the right side and go counter clockwise. It’s definitely worth the forest scenery and the view. Expect it to take 2 hours to complete the 1.75 mile trail. 

For the truly adventurous, when the area isn’t roped off for wildlife, you can take another trail up to the top of the butte.

Be prepared with plenty of water and a few protein bars. Do not wear flip flops. Rattlesnakes and other small animals can be hazardous for your health. Do take your dogs, but keep them on a short leash.

Visit The Hike Shack (104 N Montezuma Street) for all of your outdoor needs and maps of the best trails in the region.

3. Hassayampa Inn Historic Hotel

Just a block off the Square, the Hassayampa enjoys a great central location with an excellent restaurant and bar with live nightly entertainment. With 67 rooms including singles, 2 beds and suites, the favorite room is 326, a King Suite in the front corner which may or may not be haunted.

One facility fits so many needs. Eat. Sleep. Play. They host a monthly mother – daughter tea and have event space for weddings and other special occasions.

 The Peacock Dining Room has a quiet, elegant ambiance. The Lunch menu includes Salads, Reubens and Burgers (try the Peacock Salad) while one of the best steaks in town highlights the dinner menu.

www.hassayampainn.com/(928) 778-9434. 122 E Gurley Street.