3 Best Budget Friendly Fall Getaways in Arizona
Fall in Arizona is one of my favorite times of year! With the heat finally cooling down, it feels like there's finally life coming back to the state and offers sooo many opportunities to get outside and enjoy fresh air again. I love to head up north to do this, as its still usually quite warm in the Phoenix area. If you’re looking for the 3 best budget friendly fall getaways in Arizona, Williams, Flagstaff, and Prescott are at the top of my list. From where to stay to what to do for FREE, I’ve included all the details you’ll need to get started in planning your budget friendly Arizona fall getaway.
Fall in Williams
Where to Stay in Williams
Images via The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel
The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel - Stay at the oldest hotel in Arizona! Recently renovated and refreshed, The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel was Northern Arizona’s first hotel and is the longest lasting hotel in the state. Located along Historic Route 66 in the heart of downtown Williams, you’re only about an hour away from a lot of what Northern Arizona has to offer.
Best Western Plus Inn of Williams - If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter to stay, this Best Western Plus is located 1 mile from downtown Williams and surrounded by Ponderosa Pines. Again, you’re about an hour from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon or Sedona and there’s endless opportunity for outdoor adventures.
Where to Eat in Williams
Grand Canyon Coffee & Cafe (aka Anna’s Cafe) - Anna’s Cafe literally has something for everybody. With a mix of Chinese, Mexican, traditional American diner classics, as well as coffee and pastries, no one will go hungry. The restaurant is cozy and delicious, and offers a dog-friendly patio!
Historic Barrel + Bottle House - If you’re looking for family friendly and casual, Historic Barrel + Bottle House is exactly where you want to be. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas and other bites and choose from 16 craft draft beers, local Arizona wine, and a variety of cocktails.
Free Activities in Williams
Poozeum - Believe it or not, this world famous dinosaur poop museum and two time Guinness World Record Holder is located right in Williams, Arizona and is completely free to visit! Random, I know haha but it’s worth a stop if you’re in the area.
Hikes in Williams
Bill Williams Mountain Trail - Image via Arizona Highways
Clover Springs Trail (Easy) - At 1.6 miles this easy out and back trail takes less than an hour to complete and is perfect for anyone short on time but still looking to connect with nature.
Sycamore Rim Trail (Moderate) - Located in Kaibab National Forest, the Sycamore Rim Trail offers panoramic views of Sycamore Canyon. This is a loop trail and is rated as moderate, but beware, at 11 miles total, it is long and you’ll want to be prepared.
Bill Williams Mountain Trail (Hard) - This hiking trail is not for the faint of heart, so be prepared. You’ll hike about 8 miles to the summit of Bill Williams Mountain through beautiful forest scenery. It’s challenging, but the views from the top are worth it!
Check out my full Weekend Guide to Williams, Arizona!
Fall in Flagstaff
Where to Stay in Flagstaff
Images via High Country Motor Lodge
High Country Motor Lodge - Relax and reconnect after a long day of adventuring around Northern Arizona. The High Country Motor Lodge has so much to offer on property, including The General Store Bar & Lounge where you can grab a craft beer or Arizona’s first Nordic Spa Experience where you can soothe the mind and body. You may never want to leave.
Images via Americana Motor Hotel
Americana Motor Hotel - The Americana Motor Hotel is funky and retro, but is definitely not short on amenities. This is another hotel with everything on site: plenty of outdoor gathering spaces, bikes to ride around town, welcome drinks, and even a fenced in “Barkyard” with a dog wash station.
Where to Eat in Flagstaff
SoSoBa - What’s better than ramen and sake after a day spent outside in the woods. Sosoba is a “celebration in uncommon ramen” so here you’ll find fun twists and takes on some of your favorite dishes.
Mother Road Brewing Company - Mother Road prides itself on being a welcoming environment and a place to connect with others. Sip on one of the limited release beers from their pilot taproom and munch on some tasty bites as well.
Free Activities in Flagstaff
Images via UDisc & Visit Arizona/Coleman Becker
First Fridays - If you happen to be in Flagstaff on the first Friday of the month, stroll the First Friday Art Walk downtown. There’s storytime for children, free wine and cookies at art exhibits, really great specials at local shops, plus just really good art.
Disc Golf - Grab a beverage to go and head to one of Flagstaff’s 6 established disc golf courses. This is a fun and free way to get outside. You’ll have to bring your own discs, but you can buy or rent them from several businesses around town.
Lava River Cave - The Lava River Cave is a volcano vent located in Flagstaff that was formed 700,000 years ago by molten lava. It is safe to explore year round, though precautions need to be taken depending on the season and you’ll want to be thoroughly prepared. Get all the details for what to pack and how to dress here.
Hikes in Flagstaff
Aspen Loop Trail - Image via WildPathsAZ
Lockett Meadow Trail (Moderate) - The Lockett Meadow trailhead connects to the Inner Basin Loop Trail for a 3.5 mile hike that’ll take a little under 2 hours. With the meadow itself surrounded by Aspen groves, you’re sure to catch a glimpse of fall foliage.
Kachina Trail (Moderate) - The Kachina Trail is a moderately challenging 10.4 mile out and back hike that takes you through mixed forests and open meadows. Roundtrip it’ll take about 4.5 hours.
Aspen Nature Loop (Moderate) - This short, 1.8 mile loop trail will take you into the Aspen forest and through open meadows. Perfect for viewing the changing leaves of the Aspen trees.
If you're looking for more budget friendly ideas for a Flagstaff day trip, check out some of my favorite spots and things to do here.
Fall in Prescott
Where to Stay in Prescott
Images via Hotel St. Michael & Hassayampa Inn
Hotel St. Michael - Hotel St. Michael is the cornerstone to Prescott’s infamous Whiskey Row. Just steps from all that downtown Prescott has to offer, the rooms are charming with historic touches and modern amenities.
Hassayampa Inn - Located within strolling distance to the shopping, restaurants, art galleries and attractions of downtown Prescott, Hassayampa Inn is a beautifully restored 1927 boutique hotel. If you’re into spooky encounters, the Hassayampa Inn has its own heartbroken ghost that has been known to visit guests and employees.
Where to Eat in Prescott
FARM Provisions - FARM Provisions is a little more on the mid-high price range side, but considering it is all farm-to-table and incredibly fresh, I think it is worth it if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a really good meal.
Lazy G Brewhouse - Lazy G serves up delicious bites and beers crafted by their very own in-house brewmaster. Plus with its downtown Prescott location, it’s perfect for stopping in while exploring the town.
Free Activities in Prescott
Image via Prescott Sunset Sanctuary
Whiskey Row - Whiskey Row is a block full of historic bars and saloons, many of which offer live music to enjoy. Wander the block as you take in the lively sights and sounds.
Courthouse Square - Courthouse Square is another fun area to hang out and people watch. It’s very lively and there’s usually always some sort of community gathering or celebration happening.
Hikes in Prescott
Watson Lake and Flume Trail - Image via All Trails
Constellation Loop Trail (Easy) - Constellation Loop Trail is an easy 2.6 mile loop trail with cool rock formations and beautiful views.
Watson Lake and Flume Trail (Moderate) - Take in incredible views of the lake as you trek on this 4.8 mile loop trail. It’s advised to go clockwise on this loop to get the challenging part out of the way and enjoy an easier walk on the last stretch.
Thumb Butte Trail (Moderate) - Thumb Butte Trail is a moderate 2.2 mile loop trail located in the Prescott National Forest. It offers a great view of Prescott as well as benches periodically if you need to take a break.
If you’re looking to make these budget friendly fall getaways in Arizona even more budget friendly, you could absolutely make them day trips! Sometimes it's nice to get out of the city for a day and go on a long hike, grab a bite to eat, and then head home. And if you’re looking for fall activities more local to Phoenix, check out my last blog post here.