Location: Prescott
Top Things to do in Prescott
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Prescott, Arizona (AZ)
Nestled in the conifer forests of the Bradshaw Mountains, Prescott is a historic city boasting much in the way of adventure and culture. Golfers flock to its six pristine courses, while outdoors enthusiasts find exciting hiking trails, secluded picnicking spots and adventure on the waters of its five lakes. Discover the history of the Old West in the city's museums, historic railways and the Pioneer Home Cemetery, where "Big Nose Kate" Elder, wife of Doc Holiday, found her final resting place.
Restaurants in Prescott
1. The Highlands Center for Natural History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Prescott Nature Center In our classroom without walls you will discover Ponderosa Pine covered mountains, deeply shaded riparian habitats, chaparral and woodland, remarkable geologic formations, and amazing vistas, in addition to all manner of forest inhabitants. With educational programming, hiking trails, and a botanic garden, our Prescott nature center has activities for all ages.
Reviewed By 227gingerh - Prescott, United States
The Highlands Center for Natural History is an educational non-profit located on a special use permit from the Prescott National Forest. It offers camps for kids from age 4 to 8th grade, excellent programs for adults (i.e. Community Nature Series on a variety of topics), nature and bird walks. The Discovery Garden offers a walk through the different types of areas found in Yavapai county. It has pavered walkways making it handicapped and stroller accessible. In addition it has a"natural" play ground. Kids can climb on rocks, play with shells and pinecones, climb on the "spider web". It comes complete with a picnic table.Also located on the site are "regular" hiking trails, of varying length and strenuousness. One Forest Service Trail comes through the property and connects to Lynx Lake. The center also has a nature store with a variety of books, cards, shirts, and jewelry for sale. There is no admission or parking fee. I liked it so much that I became a regular volunteer here.
2. Sharlot Hall Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 621 reviews
An educational and cultural center featuring the historical, social and natural aspects of Arizona, with emphasis on the Central Highlands... a heritage and historical site with 11 exhibit buildings (five historical), a research center for collections and conservation of artifacts, and a year 'round calendar of rotating and permanent exhibits, and related educational and cultural programs. Open 362 days a year, and presenting the area's culture from the Pleistocene Epoch (14,000 years ago) to the present.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
The Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona, includes the first Territorial Governor's residence and offices, a 1930s ranch house, a Victorian house, a log cabin, a replica of the first public schoolhouse in the Arizona Territory, a transportation building and vehicle collection, an exhibit building, an 1870s kitchen garden, a pioneer herb garden, a rose garden and a gazebo. Located at 415 West Gurley Street in Prescott, Arizona, two blocks west of the Courthouse Plaza and Whiskey Row, its centerpiece is the log house that was constructed in the summer of 1864 to serve as the home and office of the first Governor of the Arizona Territory, John Goodwin. It is the oldest building associated with Arizona Territory still standing at its original location. The town of Prescott did not exist at the time but President Abraham Lincoln wanted the capital of the newly established Arizona Territory to be located far from Confederate sympathizers in Tucson. The discovery of gold in the Bradshaw Mountains made it strategic to establish the territorial capital near that wealth. So the town of Prescott was born, named for historian William Hickling Prescott. And the Territorial Governor's new house was built. To preserve the history of the building, a woman named Sharlot Hall began restoring the house and offices in 1927 and the Sharlot Hall Museum was opened in 1928 with the log house situated at the center of the campus.
3. Whiskey Row
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 704 reviews
A full block of historic bars and saloons where some of America's famous cowboys and outlaws drank.
Reviewed By 751karenb - Queen Creek, United States
We had a wonderful time strolling and bar hopping Whiskey Row. We visited Matt's Saloon, Jersey Lilly's, Bird Cage, The Palace, and the Public House. The bartenders were friendly and made tasty drinks. Be warned, most establishments are CASH ONLY so bring $$ with you.
4. Downtown Historic Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,069 reviews
Many of Prescott's buildings that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places are located downtown.
Reviewed By FritziesPop - Watford City, United States
From the unique stories of the storefront facades along Whiskey Row to the intriguing & vibrant Courthouse Square, downtown Prescott is a sure-fire hit with young & old alike (especially those of legal drinking age!).
5. Prescott National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Forest located in a mountainous section of central Arizona, offering campgrounds, picnic grounds and 2,500 miles of roads for visitors.
Reviewed By Sbaygirl
If you are traveling from Jerome to Prescott ( or vice-versa) and are up for a thrilling ride, take AZ 89-a and drive through the mountains that comprise the Prescott National Forest. Beautiful panoramic vistas of pine tree-covered mountains. It's not for those with a deathly fear of heights or winding mountain roads with hairpin turns, but for those who go, it's a visual treat.
6. Heritage Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary, dedicated to the conservation and protection of native and exotic animals. Located in scenic Prescott, Arizona, the sanctuary provides a source of recreation, education and entertainment for all ages. With the mission of "Conservation through Education," Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary provides a unique and up-close experience with animals visitors may see nowhere else. Animals at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary all have a story to tell and lesson to teach. We currently house more than 200 animals on our grounds - among them a Bengal Tiger, two Black Bears, two Clouded Leopard siblings, Mexican Gray Wolves, Bobcats, Lynx, Lemurs, various reptiles, and one of the largest tarantula displays in the Southwest.
Reviewed By Extraordinary530095 - Corpus Christi, United States
This gem close to town was an unexpected pleasure. We arrived just in time for the mountain lion feeding. Beautiful animal. The spokesman for the tortoises was extremely knowledgeable. All attractions were up close and personal. It is a small rescue and rehab sanctuary but very worth the time seeing. Would definitely go again.
7. Smoki Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Museum that features exhibits and works from American Indian art and culture.
Reviewed By 4oystercatcher
The volunteer who showed us around was so informative and kind without boring us. We were the only visitors and we learned so much about the first people. The stone building is amazing and the items on display are well-curated and simply displayed, in a classy way. Again I did not have high expectations of this little place but I was floored at what I was able to learn here. If you have ever wondered about the first people of this part of the world this museum is a must-see. There is also a small gift shop with native jewelry of merit and some other items that were well chosen. Do not miss this place if you want the real deal and/or to see the weavings, the looms, and the basketmaking. There is alot to see and one must pay close attention to absorb it all or to gain a sense of what life was like for the people of these lands. You will leave a changed person if you pay proper attention to all that is offered. I visited the back area designed for children and it seemed to be well thought out also.
8. Phippen Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Fine arts museum that features exhibits and educational programs related to the American West.
Reviewed By Jellyb413 - Los Gatos, United States
Western art is beautifully displayed here, both inside and out. Bronze sculptures, paintings and mixed media art abound.
9. Fort Whipple Museum
10. Lynx Lake Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 500 reviews
Lynx Lake is one of the most popular recreation areas in central Arizona. Mild weather, the cool ponderosa pine forest, a serene 55-acre lake, trout fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, archaeological sites, and bird watching attract visitors from throughout Arizona.
Reviewed By captjrk - Prescott Valley, United States
This a great place to visit for kayaking, fishing, hiking and picnicing. The south end has covered picnic tables, grilles and a boat launch. In the summer there are canoe, paddleboat, and kayak rentals at the north end. Nice to walk arould the lake - the west side is paved and the east side is not, but still not a difficult trail. Between he north entrance and Highway 69 there is "Lynx Lake Ruin". It's an easy, peaceful 3/4 mile hike back to he ruin.
