Go on a guided horseback ride through the hills on trails that legendary cowboys like Doc Holiday, Wyatt Earp, and Virgil Earp did back in their day. Pan for gold, or go to a cowboy cookout at Blazin' M Ranch. If you are lucky enough to be here during Frontier Days, get tickets to the World's Oldest Rodeo and experience Western culture in its modern-day prime.
Prescott National Forest offers over 850 miles of maintained trails and eight Wilderness Areas totaling more than 104,000 acres located entirely or partially within the Prescott National Forest. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing have a very integral part of Prescott's culture. There is a lifetime of trails to explore in this area, especially if you participate in multiple types of outdoor activities.
Prescott has more lakes in the city than any other city in Arizona. The lakes are perfect for kayaking, standup paddle boarding, and other non-motorized or small-motor activities. Swimming is not permitted in most of the lakes, but they still make great places to cool down, go for a run or enjoy a family picnic.
Whiskey Row is a historic section of Prescott occupied by authentic, Old West saloons established during the time of the early gold rush; a culture that drew all kinds of settlers, cowboys, prospectors, bawdy girls, gamblers, and even outlaws to the town. And though present-day Prescott is far less wild these days, it still celebrates its history with annual shoot-out events on this very block.
Although Prescott has art museums worth visiting, the ones that are unique to Prescott are those that highlight Western, Native American, and early pioneer day history and culture. Sharlot Hall Museum, Phippen Museum, & Museum of Indigenous People (previously Smoki Museum) are great places to start.
Prescott has a thriving art community with new galleries, cooperative artist work spaces and music and festivals throughout the year. It’s pretty common to find art shows, community side walk art weekends as well as visiting artist demonstrations and classes. The landscape and history of the Southwest lives on in both old and modern techniques of capturing or representing this visually stunning terrain and culture. You’ll often find live music in Downtown Prescott and there a several performance art theaters where you can see both community and professional plays performed in a historical theater that’s over a century old. In addition to art, music and performance, there are several staple events that take place every year that Prescott is known for such as Frontier Days featuring the World’s Oldest Rodeo. So don’t forget to also check out our calendar to see what special events are going on in town while you’re here. You’ll never run out of things to do in Prescott.
See Prescott Art & Entertainment »Prescott has enjoyable attractions for everyone. Spend a day at museums or historical sites that retell the tales of early settlers and their interactions with Native Americans. Or view educational exhibits on the American West like you’ve never seen it before. Not your pace? How about zip lining over tigers or skydiving? Yes, Prescott attractions offer a range of things to do that can be as educational, fun, interesting or exciting as you need it to be! From chuck wagons and wine tastings to children's museums and buildings that look like it came out of a Dr. Suess book, Prescott is full of attractions and activities. The only problem will be that you won’t have time to do them all in one trip.
See Prescott Attractions »Where do we begin? Prescott borders three other National Forests in Arizona: Kaibab, Coconino, and Tonto. Prescott’s elevation ranges from 5,300 feet at the lowest, where the primary vegetation is of the Sonoran Desert type, to about 8,000 feet where chaparral bushes become more common, as well as pinon pine and juniper the higher you go up. Above that, are the famous Ponderosa pines. What that translates to is that there is so much amazing terrain to explore!
There's literally an outdoor activity for everyone: Prescott National Forest offers hiking trails; mountain bike trails; rock climbing; bouldering; hunting; picnicking; nature viewing; Prescott recreation areas offer fishing and boating; horses and trail riding; and let’s not forget photography and scenic rides by car, motorcycle or bike.
See Prescott Outdoor Activities »Climb aboard for one of the many incredible tours in Prescott, AZ. Try horseback riding into the sunset, or take a van tour around the town of Prescott and beyond to towns like Jerome, the Verde Valley, Cottonwood and Sedona. This area has become more and more known for its wonderful wine country - wine tasting tours are something you won’t want to miss! There are even train ride tours nearby, haunted tours and walking tours of this charming, historical town. If you find yourself looking for things to do in Prescott, you can’t go wrong with a Prescott tour. You’ll learn and experience something new in the heart of the great American West.
See Prescott Tours »As it is with most cities, Downtown Prescott is the heart of this historical town. With the old courthouse as its centerpiece, Downtown Prescott only grows in character from there. Many of the buildings are old, restored, repurposed, rebuilt layers upon layers of history moving into the modern times. Through it all, intimations of the early settlers can be found everywhere. Not much has changed in a way. People still gather in the town square, these days for festivities and live musical performances. People are still drinking in the saloons that make up Whiskey Row. And Downtown is where you’ll find the good places to dine, see art and become part of the pulse of the town. Remember, Prescott is Everyone’s Town, and you’ll feel instantly like a part of it when you spend time in Downtown Prescott.
See Downtown Prescott & Whiskey Row »Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!
Some of Our Reviews:Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!
Some of Our Reviews:Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Excellent Service | Scenic Ride
Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly | Incredible Staff | Safe Environment | Beautiful Scenery | Individualized | Accommodating | Exceptional Experience | Covid-19 Precautions Taken
Join us at the Blazin’ M Ranch for an evening of western activities, dinner and an unforgettable show! The Blazin’ M Ranch features an authentic Western Themed Town located in Cottonwood, Arizona. You’ll find fun family activities and the best chicken and ribs in Arizona, along with f … More
Join us at the Blazin’ M Ranch for an evening of western activities, dinner and an unforgettable show! The Blazin’ M Ranch features an authentic Western Themed Town located in Cottonwood, Arizona. You’ll find fun family activities and the best chicken and ribs in Arizona, along with foil-wrapped potato, cowboy beans, our prickly pear coleslaw, flying biscuits and a delicious homemade dessert.
After dinner the Blazin’ M Cowboys entertain ya’ with their award-winning musical talents mixed with cowboy poetry and humor with a 1 hour show from 7:30pm - 8:30pm!
Family-Friendly | Dinner Included | Live Entertainment
Family-Friendly | Scenic Ride
Tour Sedona’s Verde Valley wineries on this private wine tour in Sedona. You and your group (max 14) will be driven in a luxury limo- think Mercedes Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit- so no one needs to worry about logistics or driving. You’ll visit three vineyards, where tastings are inclu … More
Tour Sedona’s Verde Valley wineries on this private wine tour in Sedona. You and your group (max 14) will be driven in a luxury limo- think Mercedes Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit- so no one needs to worry about logistics or driving. You’ll visit three vineyards, where tastings are included in the price. Lunch is also included, so you can relax and enjoy this trip with everything taken care of for you.
Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginn … More
Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginner-friendly tour includes a relaxing paddle down a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of this river, and the chance to take on gentle mini rapids.
Water Activities | Family-Friendly
Family-Friendly | Beautiful Scenery
Adventurous and independent travelers who don't want to be constrained by a guided tour will love this full-day ATV rental. Starting from Sedona or Cottonwood, you'll have your own ATV to use for six hours. You'll be given a map so you know where to go and the itinerary is up to you. Dr … More
Adventurous and independent travelers who don't want to be constrained by a guided tour will love this full-day ATV rental. Starting from Sedona or Cottonwood, you'll have your own ATV to use for six hours. You'll be given a map so you know where to go and the itinerary is up to you. Drive to Sycamore Canyon and Sedona Red Rocks, or stop for a hike and a picnic.
Family-Friendly
Family-Friendly
The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety t … More
The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety tips, as well as sharing information on the river’s flora and fauna.
Water Activities
Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak, … More
Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak, so you not only get to fish in great spots, but you also get closer to the fish, too.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
Savor the flavors of the diverse vineyards of Arizona's Verde Valley and beyond. The Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape treats passengers to select wines from the Southwest accompanied by specialty cheeses and hors d'oeuvres while winemakers discuss earache wineries terroir and … More
Savor the flavors of the diverse vineyards of Arizona's Verde Valley and beyond. The Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape treats passengers to select wines from the Southwest accompanied by specialty cheeses and hors d'oeuvres while winemakers discuss earache wineries terroir and techniques.
Go horseback riding in Arizona during this small-group tour in Cottonwood, approximately 30 minutes from Sedona. Meet your guide and set out on a tour through the Alcantara Vineyards. Cross the water where the Verde River and Oak Creek meet, and get up close to see ancient Apache ruins. … More
Go horseback riding in Arizona during this small-group tour in Cottonwood, approximately 30 minutes from Sedona. Meet your guide and set out on a tour through the Alcantara Vineyards. Cross the water where the Verde River and Oak Creek meet, and get up close to see ancient Apache ruins. Admire panoramic mountain views during this scenic excursion. No prior experience is necessary.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour. Depart from a designated pickup point in a UTV and enjoy an off-road adventure on the way to the launch point. Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along t … More
Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour. Depart from a designated pickup point in a UTV and enjoy an off-road adventure on the way to the launch point. Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along the way. Enjoy stops at several water holes to swim and cool off before heading back.
Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly