Top Things to Do in the Prescott, AZ Area
Prescott, Arizona, is a charming mountain town surrounded by the Prescott National Forest. Known for its rich Wild West history, vibrant arts scene, and endless outdoor adventures, Prescott offers something for everyone.
Whether you're a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or looking for family-friendly fun, here are the top things to do in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey, AZ!
Explore Historic Whiskey Row – Prescott
Step back in time on Whiskey Row, a legendary street filled with historic saloons, live music venues, boutique shops, and art galleries.
- The Palace Restaurant & Saloon – The oldest operating bar in Arizona, dating back to the late 1800s. Patrons famously rescued its solid oak bar during the Great Fire of 1900 - and today, you can still see it and enjoy a drink or a meal as people once did during the Gold Rush era.
- Matt’s Saloon & Jersey Lilly Saloon – Popular watering holes with live country music and an old-western vibe.
- 1881 Spirits & Bird Cage Saloon – Classic whiskey bars with a relaxed atmosphere.
Did you know? At its peak, Whiskey Row had over 40 saloons, serving thirsty miners, cowboys, and outlaws! Famous residents at the time included Doc Holliday and Virgil Earp of the now-famous 1881 O.K. Corral gunfight.
Dive into Prescott’s Rich History at 3 Local Museums
Prescott is steeped in history, and these local museums bring its past to life:
- Sharlot Hall Museum – An open-air museum showcasing Prescott’s pioneer heritage, featuring 11 historic buildings, including Arizona’s first Governor’s Mansion built in the 1860s, well before Arizona was even a state.
- Phippen Museum – A must-visit for lovers of Western and cowboy art, with incredible paintings, sculptures, and photography.
- The Smoki Museum – Home to an impressive collection of Native American artifacts, including jewelry, baskets, pottery, and ceremonial ornaments.
Did you know? Prescott has a strong connection to the Old West, with a history rooted in gold and silver mining, and the town served as the capital of the Arizona Territory... twice!
Stroll Around Courthouse Plaza & Attend an Event
The Prescott Courthouse Plaza is the heart of downtown, a picturesque park surrounded by towering elms, charming boutique shops, and art galleries. Throughout the year, it hosts dozens of community events, including:
- Summer Concert Series – Free live music performances on the lawn.
- Arts & Crafts Fairs – A shopper’s paradise for handmade goods.
- Bluegrass Festival – One of the best bluegrass music events in the Southwest.
- Prescott Holiday Celebrations – Featuring the Courthouse Lighting Ceremony, the Christmas Parade, and the cowboy Boot Drop on New Year’s Eve.
Did you know? Prescott, Arizona is known as "Arizona's Christmas City" and features a variety of festive events and activities during the holiday season at the Prescott Courthouse Plaza.
Set Out on an Outdoor Adventure
Prescott is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering lakes, trails, and mountains for all levels of adventure. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, fishing, or just soaking up nature, the Prescott area has it all!
Prescott National Forest – Over 1.25 million acres of pristine wilderness for hiking, camping, and off-roading. Popular trails include:
- Thumb Butte Trail – A scenic hike with panoramic views of Prescott.
- Granite Mountain Trail – A stunning trek through massive rock formations.
Lakes & Water Activities:
- Watson Lake – A must-visit stunning blue lake that features giant granite boulders known as the Granite Dells, and offers kayaking opportunities, and hiking trails.
- Lynx Lake – Perfect for fishing, paddleboarding, and peaceful lakeside picnics.
- Goldwater Lake – A small, serene lake surrounded by pine-covered mountains, ideal for a relaxing day outdoors.
Did you know? Prescott is surrounded by the largest stand of ponderosa pine forests in the U.S., providing opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Prescott National Forest offers over 850 miles of maintained trails!
Enjoy Family Fun for Everyone
Looking for activities the whole family will love? Check out these top family-friendly attractions:
- Mortimer Farms (Dewey) – A working farm with seasonal festivals, U-pick produce, farm-to-table dining, and the Friday night barn dance. Don’t miss the fall corn maze and pumpkin patch!
- Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary – Home to rescued wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, reptiles, and exotic birds.
- In The Game (Prescott Valley) – A fun family entertainment center featuring laser tag, mini-golf, arcade games, rock climbing, and even ax throwing for adults!
- Findlay Toyota Center (Prescott Valley) – The 6,000-seat event center hosts concerts, sporting events, and live shows year-round.
- Fain Park (Prescott Valley) – A hidden gem with a lake, picnic areas, hiking trails, and gold mining ruins.
Did you know? Prescott is known as "Arizona's Mile-High City" due to its elevation of 5,200 feet.
Experience the Wild West at the Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo
Prescott is home to the World’s Oldest Rodeo, held every July during the Prescott Frontier Days. This legendary event has been running continuously since 1888 and features bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, bareback riding, and classic cowboy entertainment. Pro Tip: Get your tickets early! This event sells out fast every year.
Did you know? July 4, 1888, is the birthday of professional rodeo when a group of Prescott, Arizona, merchants and professional businessmen organized the first formalized “cowboy tournament” and offered cash prizes.
Find More Events in Prescott, AZ
Looking for more local happenings? Check out Prescott’s Event Calendar for upcoming festivals, concerts, parades, and community gatherings.
Ready to Make Prescott Area Your Home?
If you’re falling in love with Prescott’s charm, we can help you find the perfect home in this incredible area. Contact Romney 4 Realty today!
