• A sign for Thumb Butte Day Use Area in Prescott National Forest, stands by a road surrounded by trees and rocks in a forested area.

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Best Things to Do Prescott AZ

Prescott offers over 400 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. It’s also home to four of Arizona’s most prized museums, and loaded with art galleries, antique shops, and local eateries and golfing. For a day on the water, visit one of the city’s four beautiful small lakes, perfect for boating, fishing, kayaking, and nature watching.

There is always plenty to do. Prescott is known as “Arizona’s Christmas City” and has the world’s oldest, continuously running rodeo. Here are just a few things you might find enjoyable:

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  • Shops

    Located inside the hotel are locally owned little shops with everything from rare books and hats to art galleries and clothing. There is also a bakery along the Northside of the building and a salon. There’s something for everyone who loves to shop and find the one-of-a-kind treasure to bring home!

    AVEDA – LALA’S STYLING STUDIO
    Master Stylist / Color Specialist
    Open Monday thru Sunday 10-5
    928-777-9882

    THE OLD SAGE BOOKSHOP
    The Old Sage Bookshop offers quality used books and new southwestern books for the collector, the seeker, and the avid reader.
    928-776-1136

    KRIEGER – MARCUSEN GALLERY
    The gallery features work by owners Heath Krieger, ceramist, and Cathy Krieger, painter. Jewelry by Richard Marcusen and Lesley McKeown.
    928-778-4900

    HOTEL TRADING COMPANY
    Indian Arts, Antiques, Collectibles
    928-710-5109

    GRAMA’S BAKERY
    Fresh baked pastries, cookies, and more.
    928-776-8485

    WEIR GALLERY
    Artist, Scot Weir creates one-of-a-kind paintings of nature and realistic illusion in oil that fit into any décor.
    307-371-1910

    GOLDMINE JEWELERS
    Estate and fine jewelry. Repairs, remounts, and sizing. Consignment and gold purchasing.
    928-424-9167

    PUTTIN’ ON THE HATS
    Puttin’ on the Hats offers all sorts of hats and caps and they are constantly adding new styles.
    928-776-1150

    THE FRENCH HEN
    Seasonal lines of clothing and accessories that are special and unique!
    928-445-3424

    JOSEPH ROBERTSON GALLERY
    Sculptors to original paintings, the gallery is filled with every style that will fit any decor.
    928-778-6382.

  • Area Attractions

    The Elk's Opera House
    The 494-seat Elks Opera House is in a prominent structure on East Gurley Street, just one-half-block from the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza. The Elks Building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and the Elks Opera House was the setting for the First Lady Laura Bush’s PRESERVE AMERICA Award in 2004. The opera house is a significant venue for concerts, plays, political events, films, conferences and an array of special events including weddings, graduations and more. The theater has been restored to its 1905 glory, including opera boxes, new seats and completed paint and ceiling restoration as well as the proscenium arch above the stage.

    117 E. Gurley Street
    928-443-8541

    The Sharlot Hall Museum
    The Sharlot Hall Museum is the crown jewel of history museums in Arizona. The Museum is built around the site of the first Territorial Governor’s Mansion, which anchors nine historic buildings on a four-acre campus. An extensive collection of pioneer and Native American artifacts dating from Arizona’s territorial days brings the past to life for visitors, as do annual heritage festivals. A variety of related programs are offered throughout the year including signature living history presentations. The Sharlot Hall Museum is an affiliate museum of the Smithsonian Institution.

    415 W. Gurley Street
    928-445-3122

    Phippen Museum
    The Phippen Museum is a non-profit with the mission to preserve and exhibit museum-quality Western art, and educate the public about the unique heritage, history, legends, and influence of the art of the American West. The Museum opened in 1984 and was named after Arizona resident and founding member of the Cowboy Artists of America, George Phippen.

    4701 Arizona 89 Prescott, AZ 86301
    (928) 778-1385

    Jerome
    If you’re looking for more history, the town of Jerome is just a day drive away. Known as the Wickedest City in the West in 1903, Jerome is an old mining town turned ghost town and restored in the 1960’s to the art style community it is today. There’s a side selection of wine tasting rooms, unique specialty shops, and restaurant. Wear your comfy shoes though, this town is full of hills!

    Sedona
    Within 90 minutes of Prescott is the unforgettable Sedona. Voted number ONE for the top ten most beautiful places in America by USA Today. Perfect for day trips, hiking, mountain biking or visiting the abundance of art galleries and shops.

    The Grand Canyon
    Only 2 hours away is arguably one of the most beautiful landmarks on earth. A natural wonder that you simply have to see to believe.

  • Nightlife

    Just a short walk in any direction and you’ll find restaurants offering all different flavors from Thai to Italian. Parallel to the Eastside of or front of the hotel is the famous Whiskey Row. You can sit and enjoy cocktails from the balcony of the Palace building or kick-up your heels at one of the country music bars. The night is all yours to enjoy and explore right from the hotel, which is in the heart of downtown Prescott.

    Matt's Saloon
    One of the most historic saloons on Whiskey Row, Matt’s is the place to be for hot country music throughout the week! Located right next to Hotel St Michael’s, the architecture of this famous bar is the turn of the century and outstanding!

    112 S. Montezuma St.
    (928) 778-9914

    Jersey Lilly Saloon
    Jersey Lilly Saloon is in the center of beautiful downtown. Located upstairs in the Palace Historical Building on Whiskey Row, with the only balcony overlooking the Courthouse Square!

    116 S. Montezuma St.
    (928) 541-7854

    1881 Spirits
    The younger crowd chooses 1881 Spirits as their hangout on The Row. Pool tables, a large dance floor, and one of the largest selections of draft beers in town keep ’em coming back.

    144 S Montezuma St,
    (928) 445-1244

    The Bird Cage Saloon
    The Bird Cage Saloon is one of the most long-lived bars on Whiskey Row, or in all of Prescott for that matter, established in 1967. The saloon gets its name from the collection of mounted birds displayed in cases throughout the bar.

    160 S. Montezuma
    (928) 778-9921

    The Palace
    Stepping into The Palace Restaurant and Saloon is like stepping into a time when cowboys spent their nights drinking and gambling and enjoying the company of ladies of the evening. The old West still lingers in the air and you’ll feel it when you pull up a seat at the original quarter sawn oak and cherry bar.

    120 S. Montezuma
    (928) 541-1996

  • Golfing

    Antelope Hills Golf Course
    Antelope Hills’ traditional North Course opened in 1956, with the City opening the second course, the South Course, in 1992. Both 18-hole championship courses are set in the beautiful scenery of this Arizona region and offer a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The course also plays host to more than 200 tournaments and events each year.

    1 Perkins Drive
    928-776-7888/800-972-6818

    Prescott Golf and Country Club
    Established in 1971, Prescott Golf & Country Club is nestled in the golden panoramic valley between the Mingus and Bradshaw Mountain ranges. Prescott Golf & Country Club not only offers breathtaking views, but also fast bent grass greens and lush tree-lined fairways. This course has the perfect ingredients for you to enjoy your best round of golf ever.

    1030 Prescott Country Club Drive, Dewey
    928-772-8984/800-717-7274 

    StoneRidge Golf Course
    One feature that distinguishes StoneRidge from other Arizona golf courses is its stunning location. Nestled in the heart of Northern Arizona, StoneRidge Golf Course offers players scenic views and more than 350 feet of dramatic elevation changes from lowest green to highest tee. At 5,200-feet elevation, the 7,052-yard, par-72 daily-fee golf club is carved in the stone ridges and boulder outcroppings of Prescott Valley.
    Stoneridge Golf & Country Club (Public)

    1300 N. StoneRidge Drive, Prescott Valley
    928-772-6500

    Prescott Lakes Golf & Country Club
    At the center of this prime golf community, Prescott Lakes Golf & Country Club, is the 18-hole Hale Irwin Signature Golf Course, an exciting course surrounded by the beauty of the Granite Dells, Mingus Mountain, and Thumb Butte. Golfers can also take advantage of an extensive practice facility, complete with a driving range, target greens, a chipping area, and a putting green.

    311 E. Smoke Tree Lane
    928-443-3500/877-643-3501

    Talking Rock Golf Club
    The Talking Rock Golf Club was designed to preserve the magnificent landscape that exists in this area. The private 18-hole course was a vision of architect Jay Morrish, and offers excellent opportunities for golfers from novice through professional. The club is also equipped with an 18-acre practice area for those looking to hone their golf skills.

    14503 N. Talking Rock Ranch Road
    928-858-7000/877-922-0440