11 Best Things to Do in Prescott Arizona

Prescott is one of Arizona’s old western towns. Prescott Arizona is known for it’s cowboy feel and rightfully so it is home to the world’s oldest rodeo. The rodeo has been held in Prescott every year since 1888.

At an elevation of over 5,000 feet Prescott is cooler than Phoenix and has a nice downtown anchored by a large shaded park. Prescott was founded in 1864 on Granite Creek. Granite Creek attracted miners panning for gold. Much of the cities early development was along this creek.

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Where is Prescott & How to Get to There

There are two routes to Prescott from Phoenix. The quickest way is to take Interstate 17 north. This route is just under two hours. Follow the interstate to AZ-69 N/E State Route 69 in Cordes Lakes. Take exit 262 north. Follow this road for 34 miles to reach Prescott.

The more scenic route to Prescott from Phoenix is to go through Wickenburg. This route will take about 30 minutes longer than the interstate. It is a prettier drive though. From downtown Phoenix take U.S. 60 to Wickenburg. At the roundabout in Wickenburg you will take a right so you’re on State Route 93. Take 93 to 89A. State route 89A will be a winding scenic road into Prescott.

Where to Stay in Prescott

Prescott has lodging for every type of travel. Choose from hotels, Airbnb, campgrounds and cabins. My personal favorite is to stay in a cottage or cabin near Manzanita Creek.

Top 11 Things to Do in Prescott Arizona

Stroll through Prescott’s historic downtown
Whiskey Row
Go to the Lake
Phippen Museum
Hike
Sharlot Hall Museum
The Museum of Indigenous People
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
Watch the World’s Oldest Rodeo
Take Your Photo by the Prescott Mural
Christmas in Prescott

Downtown Historic Prescott Arizona

Downtown Prescott is anchored by courthouse square and grassy area. Prescott was once the territorial capital of Arizona. The downtown historic area is bordered by Victorian houses. The downtown is a gathering place for the town.

Prescott Arizona downtown — Prescott, Arizona

Whiskey Row

One of the most popular spots to visit here is Whiskey Row. Whiskey Row is a popular one block area downtown known for being home to 40 saloons in the 1800’s. This block burned in 1900 and the majority of the buildings seen today were constructed shortly after.

Whiskey Row is now home to several bars, specialty shops, and restaurants. When walking down Whiskey Row, don’t forget to take a walk down the cobblestone path to visit some local shops. Visitors can dress up in old west clothing and have an old time photo taken.

Have a Drink at Arizona’s Oldest Bar

Opening in 1877, The Palace Restaurant and Saloon is Arizona’s oldest bar. Due to a fire it was rebuilt in 1901. The oldest continuously operating bar in Arizona is in Bisbee.

The Palace Restaurant and Saloon also happens to be one of my favorite places to eat in Prescott. This historic saloon is welcoming and has a great outdoor area to eat at. The outdoor eating area is dog-friendly as well.

Prescott Arizona Lakes

Prescott is also home to several beautiful lakes and hiking trails. Some of the lakes include:

Watson Lake
Granite Basin Lake
Lynx Lake

Watson Lake Park in Prescott

Watson Lake is a small, yet very scenic lake in Prescott. The Granite Dells formed the rugged granite boulder formations surrounding the lake.

Prescott Outdoors rents canoes and kayaks. You won’t want to swim in Watson Lake, but it is a gorgeous backdrop for kayaking.

Hike at Watson Lake

Hiking around the lake is about 4.8 miles. There are four hiking trails around the lake:

Northshore Trail
Over the Hill Trail
Peavine Trail
Lower Granite Creek Trail

Point of Rock campground is a short walk from the lake.

Prescott Arizona Museums

Prescott is home to three museums. Visit eight historical buildings as part of the Sharlot Hall Museum. You can see the 1864 Governor’s log cabin “mansion,” replica of Prescott’s first school, the oldest log cabin in Arizona to name a few.
Learn about Prescott’s Native culture and art at The Museum of Indigenous People.

See American Western art at the Phippen Museum.

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary

See all the rescue animals at Prescott’s non-profit sanctuary. Some of the animals you will see here include a mountain lion, bears, wolves, birds, lemurs, hedgehogs, birds, reptiles and many more. The Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is near Willow Creek Reservoir.

Watch the World’s Oldest Rodeo

Every summer, since 1888, Prescott hosts the world’s largest rodeo. Visit over the July 4th weekend to see this fun event. Watch the races, roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.

Take Your Photo at the Prescott Mural

Christmas in Prescott

Prescott is Arizona’s “Christmas City.” They go all out for Christmas here. Each year they have a Christmas Parade and a lighting ceremony. It is very busy downtown during this time, but it is a lot of fun. The lights are beautiful and there are lots of vendors selling hot chocolate and cider. To learn more about this annual event, visit Experience Prescott.