What to do in Flagstaff while house and pet sitting

Arizona’s best-kept secret, Flagstaff is home to several national monuments, historic parks and world first’s – including the discovery of Pluto. So, if you’re looking for your next pet sit and wondering what to do in Flagstaff, look no further than our thorough travel guide. 

Flagstaff attractions

Often referred to as the ‘City of Seven Wonders’, Flagstaff sits among several national forests, canyons and monuments that you won’t want to miss during your visit. Here’s our pick of the top things to do in Flagstaff: 

1. Wupatki National Monument: If ancient civilizations are your thing, you’ve come to the right place. Wupatki National Monument is a celebration of the resilience of the Puebloan people who carved their livelihood out of the landscape. Today, you can see the beautiful pueblos among the red rock surrounded by miles of prairie.  

2. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument: Discover the stunning landscape at the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Devastated after a volcanic eruption, the monument is surrounded by striking red rocks and desert vista of Wupatki. Take in the breathtaking scenery around the paths and keep an eye out for local wildlife like American pronghorn, elk and mule deer.

3. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park: Go on a guided tour of the Riordan Mansion, a large building built by Michael and Timothy Riordan in 1904. It spans over 13,000 square feet of living space built upon about 5 acres of land. The informative tour covers information on the Riordan family history, the architecture of the building, and even facts about the furniture that fills it.

Free things to do in Flagstaff

Looking for some budget-friendly things to do in Flagstaff? Having a good time in Dark Sky City doesn’t have to cost the earth, in fact, it doesn’t have to cost anything at all! Here’s our top three picks: 

1. Historic Downtown and Railroad District: Historic Downtown and Railroad District is built along the railroad track that would become part of the famous Route 66. The pedestrian-friendly area is brimming with 1900s-era buildings that have since been converted into boutiques, eateries and breweries. 

2. Flagstaff Community Market: The only place to be on Sunday mornings, the Flagstaff Community Market is a feast for the eyes (and belly!) with veggie stalls, coffee and juices, as well as live music and smiling faces all around. 

3. Buffalo Park: A great park for those of all hiking abilities, Buffalo Park has a vast network of trails to discover including the Coconino National Forest and Arizona Trail, offering incredible views of the San Francisco Peaks on a clear day.

Fun things to do in Flagstaff 

Flagstaff is well known for its rugged natural beauty, unique to Arizona. But did you realise there’s a lot more to the city than red rock and hiking trails? Whether you’re a science buff or history fanatic, there’s an abundance of fun things to do in Flagstaff AZ. 

1. Walnut Canyon National Monument: There’s two ways to see the historic Walnut Canyon National Monument. Hiking down into the canyon allows you to fully appreciate the remarkable geological formations, or you can walk down an easier paved path near the rim to get an overview perspective. Whichever you choose, don’t miss this iconic landmark. 

2. Lowell Observatory: Known as the home of Pluto, the Lowell Observatory has a long history of astronomical research and discovery, including Clyde Tombaugh's discovery of Pluto. Today, you can do a guided tour or meet the past and present telescopes of the stargazing world on the historic Mars Hill campus. 

3. Arizona Snowbowl: Rip up the slopes at the AZ Snowbowl, located on the San Francisco Peaks. The Snowbowl is a wonderful place to ski or snowboard with an elevation of 11,500 ft. at the top of the highest chair lift and has both beginner bunny slopes as well as advanced circuits.

What to do in Flagstaff with pets

Here at TrustedHousesitters we love being able to include our pets in as much as possible. From dog parks to pup-friendly cafes, we’ve shared our faves below: 

1. Thorpe Bark Park: One of two off-leash dog parks in Flagstaff, Thorpe Bark Park is a big 1.5-acre park with separate play areas for large and small dogs with fun agility equipment to play on. 

2. Bright Side Bookshop: We love a good bookstore, especially one that welcomes dogs! Bright Side Bookshop has a cozy nook in the window with a nearby water dish for your pup, and a healthy supply of treats behind the counter. Not to mention, a great selection of books to peruse. 

3. Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery: Super popular for breakfast, Macy’s European Coffeehouse has been a stalwart in the area for 30+ years. Come here for great breakfasts, amazing coffee and delicious sweet baked goods – ideal for getting before a hike with your pup. 

Best restaurants in Flagstaff: Food and drink

Flagstaff is a foodie haven and the place really stands out because of its dog-friendly options. Being an outdoorsy kind of place, most restaurants and cafes have patios or sidewalk seating for your pup to join you. Here are a few spots we love, and a few more we can’t wait to try!

1. Diablo Burger: When it comes to the best restaurants in Flagstaff, you can’t go wrong with a good burger. Located in the Old Town Shops, Diablo focuses on local and sustainable beef where every burger is made from open range meat. Choose from a variety of unique patties like ‘Wrigley Field’ and ‘Travelling Wilburys’ as well as a host of build your own options. 

2. Toasted Owl Cafe: A locally-owned gem, the Toasted Owl Cafe has two locations downtown and on the east side, both with dog-friendly patios and expansive menus. Choose from pancakes and “big fat” French toast to vegan breakfast burritos and tacos. 

3. Fat Olives: For wood-fired artisan pizzas, look no further than Fat Olives. The lively eatery specializes in delicious Italian-inspired pizza pies, pastas and salads. We highly recommend the delicious ten hour ragu and wood-fired lasagne. Taste buds tingling?

Now that you’ve perused our ‘what to do in flagstaff’ guide, we can’t wait to see what you get up to while you’re there! From national monuments to incredible dog-friendly parks, there’s a wide variety of things to do in Flagstaff – and so many lovely pet owners waiting for a great pet sitter (that’s you!). 

House and pet sitting in Flagstaff

Now you’re ready to immerse yourself in Flagstaff attractions all that’s left for you to do is find your next pet sit. Come and join us over here to connect with amazing pet owners and their fur babies.