A weekend in Prescott

A good Prescott weekend is slow and walkable: breakfast downtown, a museum or a zoo by day, and dinner and music at night. Prescott is in the mountains, roughly a one-and-a-half-hour drive north of Phoenix, and it is usually noticeably cooler than the Valley. The directory lists lodging, restaurants, shops and attractions in Prescott, each with a phone number.

A simple plan for the weekend

Saturday morning. Start with breakfast. Salt & Pepper Cafe lists avocado toast, coconut French toast and a smoked salmon Benedict. It lists hours of 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is closed Tuesdays, so go early. Then walk off breakfast around the downtown square.

Saturday afternoon. Visit Sharlot Hall Museum, an Arizona history museum on a four-acre campus with historic buildings and a rose garden. Take your time. After that, browse the shops downtown.

Saturday evening. Eat dinner downtown and stay for music. The Raven Cafe lists breakfast, lunch and dinner, craft beer and wine, and live music.

Sunday morning. Sleep in, have coffee and take a short walk.

Sunday afternoon. If you have kids, the zoo and wildlife sanctuary on the list has animal exhibits, a children's zoo and a splash pad. Then head home.

Where to stay, eat and explore in Prescott

Here are the lodging, attractions, restaurants, shops and outdoor activities you can browse:

Tips for Prescott

• Expect cooler weather. Prescott is a good summer escape, but evenings can be chilly in spring and fall. Bring a layer.
• Book lodging ahead on holidays and summer weekends. Valley residents head up when it gets hot.
• Call before you go. Hours vary by season, and some places close on certain days.
• Watch the afternoon sky in monsoon season. Storms can bring lightning and heavy rain, so keep outdoor plans flexible.
• Check fire restrictions in dry months. If you plan to hike or camp, ask the Forest Service about current rules.
• Park once and walk. Downtown is easy to walk.

Is Prescott cooler than Phoenix?

Usually, yes, by a noticeable amount in summer. The town sits at a much higher elevation than the Valley. Check the forecast before you go, since mountain weather changes quickly.

Questions people ask

How long is the drive from Phoenix to Prescott?

Roughly an hour and a half, depending on traffic. A morning departure on Saturday works well.

What can you do in downtown Prescott?

You can walk the square, visit a museum, shop, eat and hear live music. The list above shows restaurants, shops and attractions you can call.

Is Prescott good for kids?

Yes. The zoo and wildlife sanctuary on the list has a children's zoo and a splash pad. Call for hours and ticket details.

Plan your trip with the trip planner, see the weekend trips guide, or browse places in Prescott.