Flagstaff On a Budget

Sights
Many people use Flagstaff as a base or hopping off point to explore Arizona's other nearby attractions, but there are a number of interesting sights within the city as well.The Arboretum of Flagstaff is a 200 acre botanical garden that includes a nature center and an environmental research station. It's abundant wildflowers are impressive and beautiful and there are a number of educational programs as well.
Lowell Observatory is an astronomical research center that is notable as the place that originally discovered the dwarf planet of Pluto. There are tours and frequent evening programs.
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park has a 1904 house that was once home to a prestigious local family.
Arizona Historical Society-Pioneer Museum has several interesting exhibits and artifacts on local history.
The Museum of Northern Arizona has exhibits on Native American life in the area as well as folk art and the region's natural history.
Neighborhoods
Downtown Flagstaff is narrow and squeezed between the NAU campus to the south and the Museum of Northern Arizona to the north. Northwest Flagstaff, just north of Downtown, is where the Snowbowl and the Museum of Northern Arizona are located. West Flagstaff is to the south and west of Downtown. This is where the airport, Pepsi Amphitheater, and NAU are located. East Flagstaff has a large residential area with a more rural feel. It is also where you'll find the Harkins movie theater, the city's main mall, and a country club and golf course.Buffalo Park is located on top of McMillan Mesa and is Flagstaff's "urban forest park".
Activities
Flagstaff has a number of nearby activities that visitors can enjoy. The nearby Arizona Snowbowl is one of only three places in Arizona where you can enjoy skiing. Also nearby are countless places to hike, mountain bike, or go rock climbing. Head to Mount Elden for a wide variety of outdoor activities including the popular Elden Lookout Trail, which climbs from the base to the summit, ending with a spectacular view of the city. Another popular hike is Mt Humphrey's Peak, which begins at Snowbowl Ski Lodge. While the hike starts relatively easy, be prepared for the final stretch to get intense.Food and Dining
Flagstaff has a wide and diverse range of restaurants to choose from. There are a number of different ethnic restaurants around town including Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Indian, and more. There are also a wide range of styles, including cafes, breweries, bars, bistros, and fine dining options. Local restaurants are common, but so are the typical chain restaurants that you find in most major cities.Transportation
Located along Route 66, Flagstaff is a small city with a simple bus system. It's very beneficial to have a car to explore the area, especially because there are many popular sights outside of town.The city does have a well developed bike system, and many roads have designated bike lanes. The Flagstaff Urban Trails System has over 50 miles of paved and unpaved trails that wander through town.