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Area Guide

Downtown Flagstaff and NAU: the local's guide

Downtown Flagstaff is a compact, walkable historic district built around Route 66 and the railroad, packed with locally owned restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and outdoor outfitters in early-1900s brick buildings. Northern Arizona University (NAU) sits just south of downtown, giving the area a youthful, year-round energy. It's the natural starting point for any Flagstaff visit.

Vibe
Walkable historic Route 66 district
Anchored by
Northern Arizona University (NAU)
Known for
Breweries, local dining, train depot

What makes downtown Flagstaff historic?

Flagstaff grew up around the railroad and Route 66, and downtown still shows it. The 1926 Tudor Revival train depot houses the visitor center, freight and Amtrak trains still rumble through, and the brick storefronts along San Francisco Street and Route 66 date to the early 1900s. It's one of the best-preserved historic downtowns on the old Mother Road.

What is there to do downtown?

  • Eat and drink — Flagstaff has a serious local food and craft-beer scene packed into a few walkable blocks.
  • Shop independent — outdoor gear, bookstores, galleries, and Route 66 souvenirs.
  • Catch First Friday ArtWalk — galleries and shops stay open late on the first Friday of each month.
  • Gear up — grab trail info and equipment before heading to the Peaks or the canyon.

What about the NAU area?

Northern Arizona University borders downtown to the south, keeping the area lively through the school year and hosting events, sports, and performances open to visitors. The campus and surrounding neighborhoods are also a handy jumping-off point for the urban trail system that threads through town.

Frequently asked questions

Is downtown Flagstaff walkable?

Very. Downtown Flagstaff's restaurants, breweries, shops, and the historic train depot are concentrated in a few flat, walkable blocks around Route 66 and San Francisco Street.

Related guides

Plan your stay

Make a Homebody vacation rental your basecamp for Flagstaff and Northern Arizona.