The Prescott area is more than one city. Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley form a group of neighboring communities often referred to locally as the Prescott Tri-Cities. They are close enough to explore during the same trip, but each has its own character, landscape and reasons to visit.
Prescott is the historic and cultural center, home to Whiskey Row, Courthouse Plaza, museums, lakes and a walkable downtown. Prescott Valley offers shopping, entertainment, events and convenient access to the eastern side of the region. Chino Valley trades the busier city atmosphere for open high-desert country, ranching heritage and a more rural landscape.
You'll also hear the term Quad Cities, which generally adds Dewey-Humboldt to Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley.
Choose Prescott for history, Whiskey Row, lakes and the largest concentration of visitor attractions. Visit Prescott Valley for shopping, entertainment and Fain Park. Head toward Chino Valley for open high-desert scenery and a quieter, more rural side of central Yavapai County.
Prescott: History, Whiskey Row & Outdoor Recreation
Best for: First-time visitors, history, restaurants, nightlife, museums, lakes and outdoor recreation
For most travelers, Prescott is the natural starting point for exploring the Tri-City area.
Downtown Prescott centers on the historic Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza, with restaurants, shops, galleries and historic buildings surrounding the square. Along its western side is Whiskey Row, the city's famous block of historic saloons and businesses.
Prescott was established in 1864 and became the first capital of Arizona Territory. That history remains visible throughout downtown and at places such as Sharlot Hall Museum.
Top Things to Do in Prescott
- Walk around Courthouse Plaza
- Explore Whiskey Row
- Visit Sharlot Hall Museum
- See Western art at the Phippen Museum
- Kayak or hike at Watson Lake
- Bike or walk the Peavine Trail
- Visit Goldwater Lake
- Explore trails in Prescott National Forest
- Browse downtown shops and galleries
- Attend one of Prescott's many festivals and seasonal events
Prescott is also the best base if you're visiting the area for several days because it provides the greatest concentration of hotels, restaurants, nightlife and attractions.
Explore more things to do in Prescott »
Prescott Valley: Entertainment, Shopping & Easy Access
Best for: Events, shopping, families, dining and convenient lodging
Despite the similar names, Prescott and Prescott Valley are separate communities. Prescott Valley sits east of Prescott along Highway 69 and has a noticeably different personality.
Where Prescott revolves around a historic downtown, Prescott Valley is newer, more spread out and built around residential neighborhoods, shopping districts, recreation facilities and entertainment venues.
For travelers, Prescott Valley can also be a convenient alternative place to stay. You're within easy driving distance of downtown Prescott while remaining close to shopping, restaurants and major roads leading toward Dewey-Humboldt, Interstate 17 and the Verde Valley.
Things to Do in Prescott Valley
- Explore Fain Park
- Attend concerts, sporting events and community events
- Shop and dine throughout the Highway 69 corridor
- Explore local parks and recreation areas
- Use Prescott Valley as a base for trips into Prescott and the surrounding region
Fain Park
Fain Park is one of Prescott Valley's most interesting outdoor spaces. The park combines trails, picnic areas, a lake and historic features in a setting that provides a quick escape from the surrounding developed areas.
It's particularly useful for families looking for an easy outdoor stop without committing to a longer hike in Prescott National Forest.
Staying in Prescott Valley
Prescott Valley can make sense for travelers who prioritize modern hotels, convenient parking and easy highway access over staying within walking distance of historic downtown Prescott.
Compare your options in our Prescott Valley hotels guide.
Chino Valley: Open Country & Rural Arizona
Best for: Scenic drives, rural landscapes, local events and travelers exploring north of Prescott
Drive north from Prescott on Highway 89 and the landscape gradually opens into the rolling grasslands of Chino Valley.
The community sits at an elevation of roughly 4,650 feet and has a noticeably more rural character than either Prescott or Prescott Valley. Ranches, open land and broad views help define the landscape.
Chino Valley's history also reaches back to the earliest days of Arizona Territory. The area was associated with the territorial government's first temporary encampment before Prescott was established as the territorial capital in 1864.
Why Visit Chino Valley?
- Experience a quieter rural side of the Prescott region
- Enjoy open high-desert scenery
- Attend community and seasonal events
- Explore local parks and recreation
- Continue north toward Paulden and other parts of central Yavapai County
- Take a scenic drive from Prescott through the Granite Dells and open grasslands
Chino Valley isn't packed with traditional tourist attractions, and that's part of its appeal. It offers a different look at the Prescott region, particularly for visitors interested in ranching country, rural Arizona and scenic driving.
What About Dewey-Humboldt?
Dewey-Humboldt lies southeast of Prescott Valley along Highway 69. When this community is included with Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley, the greater area is commonly called the Quad Cities.
Visitors may pass through Dewey-Humboldt when traveling between Prescott and Interstate 17 or when heading toward the Verde Valley.
The surrounding area includes residential communities, high-desert landscapes and recreation opportunities, and it provides another link between the Prescott area and destinations farther east.
Prescott vs. Prescott Valley: What's the Difference?
This is one of the most common points of confusion for first-time visitors.
| Prescott | Prescott Valley |
|---|---|
| Historic downtown | Newer, more suburban layout |
| Whiskey Row and Courthouse Plaza | Shopping and entertainment districts |
| Historic hotels and buildings | Modern hotels and commercial areas |
| Watson Lake and Granite Dells | Fain Park and nearby recreation |
| Museums and Old West history | Events, sports and family recreation |
| More walkable visitor core | Most destinations require driving |
If you're visiting the area for the first time and want to experience the Prescott you've seen in photographs, stay in or spend most of your sightseeing time in Prescott itself.
If you're looking for convenient lodging, shopping or access to destinations east of Prescott, Prescott Valley may be a better fit.
How Far Apart Are the Prescott Tri-Cities?
One advantage of visiting the Tri-City area is that you don't need to choose only one community.
- Prescott to Prescott Valley: Roughly 8 to 10 miles, depending on your starting point and destination
- Prescott to Chino Valley: Roughly 15 to 17 miles
- Prescott Valley to Chino Valley: Roughly 15 to 20 miles, depending on route
Actual drive times vary with traffic, construction and your exact starting point, but all three communities are close enough to combine during the same trip.
How to Explore the Prescott Tri-Cities
If You Have One Day
Concentrate primarily on Prescott. Explore Courthouse Plaza and Whiskey Row in the morning, then spend the afternoon at Watson Lake, the Granite Dells or another nearby attraction.
If You Have Two Days
Spend your first day exploring Prescott. On the second day, visit Prescott Valley and Fain Park, then continue through the surrounding high-desert landscape.
If You Have Three Days
Add a drive north toward Chino Valley or use the third day to explore more of the surrounding region, including Prescott National Forest, Dewey-Humboldt or a longer day trip from Prescott.
Where Should You Stay?
Where you stay should depend on what you plan to do rather than simply which hotel has the lowest nightly rate.
- Stay in Prescott if you want easy access to downtown, Whiskey Row, restaurants, museums and the city's primary attractions.
- Stay in Prescott Valley if you prefer modern commercial areas, convenient parking and easy highway access.
- Look outside the urban centers if you're more interested in vacation rentals, rural settings or additional space.
Start with our Prescott lodging guide or compare Prescott hotels and Prescott Valley hotels.
Beyond the Tri-Cities
The Prescott area also makes a convenient starting point for exploring more of central and northern Arizona.
Popular trips include:
- Jerome for mining history, galleries and hillside views
- Cottonwood for Old Town, restaurants and Arizona wine tasting
- Clarkdale for the Verde Canyon Railroad and Tuzigoot National Monument
- Sedona for red rock scenery, hiking and tours
- Camp Verde for history, wildlife attractions and Montezuma Castle National Monument
Explore our Verde Valley guide and day trips from Prescott for more ideas.
Don't treat Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley as interchangeable names when making hotel reservations or planning activities. They're separate communities, and a hotel advertised as being in the "Prescott area" may require a drive to reach Whiskey Row or downtown Prescott.
Prescott Tri-Cities FAQ
What are the Prescott Tri-Cities?
The Prescott Tri-Cities generally refers to Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley, three neighboring communities in central Yavapai County.
Are Prescott and Prescott Valley the same city?
No. Prescott and Prescott Valley are separate municipalities. Prescott is the older historic city centered around Courthouse Plaza and Whiskey Row, while Prescott Valley is a newer community located east of Prescott.
What are the Prescott Quad Cities?
The term Quad Cities generally refers to Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Dewey-Humboldt.
Which is better for visitors, Prescott or Prescott Valley?
Prescott generally offers more traditional visitor attractions, including Whiskey Row, Courthouse Plaza, museums, Watson Lake and the Granite Dells. Prescott Valley can be a convenient choice for lodging, shopping, entertainment and access to the eastern side of the region.
How far is Prescott Valley from Prescott?
Prescott Valley is roughly 8 to 10 miles east of central Prescott, although actual distance and driving time depend on your starting point and destination.
How far is Chino Valley from Prescott?
Chino Valley is roughly 15 to 17 miles north of downtown Prescott via Highway 89.
Can you visit Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley in one trip?
Yes. The communities are close enough that visitors staying in the Prescott area can easily explore all three during the same trip.
Where should first-time visitors stay in the Prescott area?
Travelers primarily interested in Whiskey Row, historic downtown, museums and Prescott's major attractions will usually find Prescott itself the most convenient base. Prescott Valley can work well for visitors who prioritize modern hotels, shopping and highway access.
