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City in Arizona, United States
Photo: Doncram, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Prescott is a city in Arizona, and the county seat of Yavapai County. It is home to the world's oldest rodeo, and to the famous Whiskey Row
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Operated by the Sharlot Hall Museum, this small museum is housed in a former military officer's quarters, with displays of artifacts and history about the fort and hospital.
Named after local artist George Phippen, this museum hosts exhibits of western art.
Housed in the former Territorial Governor’s Mansion, this museum has exhibits illustrating the early history in the area of Native Americans and settlers. Its library and archives are open to the public, and it hosts numerous public festivals and lectures. There is also a gift shop onsite.
Rotating exhibits illustrated history and culture of regional Native American tribes. This plucky trove of local archaeology has a fascinating history. The "Smoki" name was invented by local settlers, not natives, as a made-up tribe which put on annual shows with appropriated Hopi rituals. From this, the archaeology grew, and the museum was founded in 1935. Look for the small room in the back, the "Smoki People Exhibit".
A non-profit wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the protection of native and exotic animals.
Offers programs for children and families, including lectures, workshops, and summer day camps, with three miles of hiking trails.
The paved trail is 1½ miles round trip. At the top of the steep trail enjoy the best views in town. Beyond the trail is a protected breeding area for peregrine falcons.
Centered around an artificial reservoir within the Granite Dells, an area of pre-Cambrian granite bedrock which has been eroded into unusual formations. The park offers opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, boating, and fishing, as well as overnight camping in the summer. Canoes and kayaks can be rented onsite from Prescott Outdoors (+1 928-925-1410, $10-20/hr, $50-75/day).
An extensive network of trails now covering some 48 miles is being developed, with the goal of eventually encircling all of Prescott. Trails include those of the Rails-to-Trails projects, chosen trails within Prescott National Forest, and urban trails running through downtown. A helpful map overview listing all trails, as well as maps for individual trails, can be downloaded from the website.
A two-day annual festival with Scottish food, bagpipe music, and various contests. Advance tickets can be purchased online.
World's Oldest Rodeo
Prescott is home to the longest running annual rodeo, on or about every Independence Day weekend. In 2013 they celebrated their 126th anniversary. Tickets go on sale in November. Book well in advance, especially for your hotel. Most hotels will be sold out throughout the weekend, with the remaining rooms going for nearly $300 a night, even at lower-end establishments. Also amateur photographers should take note that no cameras with detachable lenses, regardless of how small, are permitted past the gate.
PIAM
One of the best Native American markets in the southwest, featuring traditional and contemporary art, including jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, baskets, and blankets. Participants are selected by an all-Indian jury to ensure the highest artistic quality.
An annual festival with local and national figures.
Authentic Sushi & Asian restaurant in Prescott. Enjoy well-prepared Japanese & Korean cuisine and good sushi in a friendly setting. A little bit on the pricey end, but on par with other restaurants in the area.
Located in the historic downtown area of Prescott, this bar and grill serves up various styles of food so there is something to please every palate. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. Private banquet rooms are available upstairs for larger groups.
Good food and service in a great, old building. After you order, take a walk around and browse the old photos and remnants of the general that was once housed in the building. Have the hostess show you the ledger for the local townspeople of the day.
Relaxed, hip atmosphere. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a special Sunday brunch menu. Check out their event calendar to see when live music and movie nights are happening.
Prescott's historic "Whiskey Row" deserves a visit if only to say you were there. There are five bars/pubs on Whiskey Row: Matt's Saloon (country western), The Palace Restaurant & Saloon (Arizona's oldest saloon and home to a less-than-spectacular steakhouse), Jersey Lilly Saloon (upstairs from the Palace and with the only balcony on Whiskey Row), and 1881 Spirits (more of a local place, but hosting a pool table and a small dance floor). The Bird Cage Saloon (not to be confused with the famous Bird Cage Theater in Tombstone burned down in early 2012. However, there are many other fine drinking establishments throughout the city center that are worthy of mention.
The quintessential dive. A scary caged smoking area suggests that nicotine must really be very addicting.
Fine ales brewed on site and a friendly atmosphere combine to make PBC an excellent pub. There is no outside area so it is best enjoyed on a cool winter's eve.
The place to hang for the hip, younger crowd as well as the small group of Prescott progressives. All kinds of fine ales and lagers as well as a well-stoked wine cellar. A new outside roof-top area will open soon.
Rough around the edges dive bar with an attitude.
62 resort lodging accommodations some with panoramic views. Has an outdoor pool, fitness center, onsite bar, and free Wi-Fi.
This historic hotel has hosted the likes of Georgia O'Keeffe, D.H. Lawrence, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, and Will Rogers, and is widely believed to be haunted. Pets accepted for no extra charge, free wi-fi, restaurant onsite.
This hotel has had many distinguished guests over the years, including President Theodore Roosevelt, writer Zane Grey, and Senator Barry Goldwater. As it is located right on Whiskey Row it can get fairly noisy at night. Breakfast included.
Operating since 1917, with free breakfast and wi-fi.
Free breakfast and wi-fi, gym, and pool.
160 renovated guestrooms featuring modern amenities and designed inspired by the Yavapai Tribe.
Open April - October, with picnic tables and grill rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. No hookups, trailers up to 40'. No reservations, first come, first served.
Open April - October, with picnic tables and grill rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. No hookups, trailers up to 40'. Reservations can be made online.
Granite rock formations, piñon pines and cottonwood trees on most sites. Full hookups with 30 amp service.
Open April–October, Th-M nights only. Dry camping only, showers and toilets available (for campers only). Reservations can be made by phone or at the Parks and Recreation (824 E Gurley St) at least 7 days in advance. Camping rules and campground map can be downloaded; for park description see listing above.
Within a 10-minute drive of Prescott and a short distance from Hwy 89. Open year-round, with drinking water from May–October. Picnic tables, grills, vault toilets. No hookups, trailers under 40'. First come, first served.
Open year-round, with picnic tables and grills, compost toilets and drinking water. No hookups, trailers under 40'. First come, first served.
By car
Prescott is at the junction of State Route 89, with access from the north from I-40, and State Routes 89A and 69, with access from the south and east by I-17.
By shuttle
The Yavapai Regional Transit runs a shuttle between the Phoenix Greyhound terminal and Prescott, departing Phoenix every two hours between 9AM and 9PM.
YavapaiLine Regional Transit (YAV) provides $2 fares for adults and $1 fares for seniors in the downtown Prescott area. YAV connects downtown Prescott to Prescott Valley.
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Prescott · Regional · PRC
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