One Day in Prescott, Arizona
I love visiting Prescott. It’s a bustling small town and there’s always an event going on, or a festival, or just people out and about.
If you’re only going to spend a day there, here’s a perfect itinerary!
9:00am: Lynx Lake Hike
When I head up to Prescott, I love starting with a morning hike. Breathing the pine scented air is a refreshing start to the day. The Lynx Lake Recreation area is a great spot. Day use is $5, so bring cash to park. The hike is a simple loop hike around Lynx lake. Part of it is paved, and part of it is not. You can do the full loop or half. There are many look out points and benches to enjoy the scenery. It’s absolutely beautiful and perfect for a brisk day.
10:30am: Black Dog Coffee
Are you awake? Or maybe it’s just slightly chilly outside. In that case, it’s time to head over to Black Dog Coffee. This local coffee shop is adorable and has a couple small bites. Grab a chai or latte, both are great. There’s a store that shares the space next to it, I recommend grabbing a coffee and looking around. Their candles are my favorite at the little store, last time I picked up a heavenly chamomile and fig candle.
11:00am: Shop in the town square
Next, let’s venture into the main city square. Find parking along the street, or off Cortez Street. My go-to shop is heading over to Spice Traveler. It’s dog friendly, so you can bring your dog into the store. There they have bulk spices, teas, and gifts. I love the Prescott Spice Blend, the Smoked Black Pepper, Sea Salt, Honey Chipotle seasoning, and their Toasted Cumin. Beyond that, take a stroll around the square, stop off wherever you’d like.
12:30pm: Lunch at Bill’s Pizza
I love Bill’s Pizza. I suggest getting there close to opening since this place gets packed fast. Outside is dog friendly, inside is not. This is one of the best pizzas in the state and I really enjoy Bill’s Favorite and Kevin Bacon pizzas. They prefer cash, but card is okay too. If you want to see more, check out the full video review I did!
2:00pm: Watson lake
Once you’re full, it’s time for another hike, or just somewhere to sit and relax. A short drive from the city square is Watson Lake. Here there are many trails and you can fish in the lake. Or, you can walk around, find a good sitting spot on one of the massive granite dells, and soak it all in.
If you’re up for it, the loop trail is pretty neat- but is a 5 mile hike. Which, this late in the day you may be too tired for the full loop. There are many scenic overlooks and places to snap great photos.
At this point its choose your own adventure time. 2 Options:
Head back, stopping off at Mortimer Farms
Stay the night, let’s keep this party going on!
3:00pm: Heading back home
Heading out on the I-69, I like stopping off at Mortimer Farms. This local farm has a variety of produce, meats, jams, honeys, and baked goods. During the fall season, they have pumpkin patches and corn mazes. However, the country store is open year round, and it’s a spot I like to stop off at on the way home
If staying the night in Prescott:
After Watson lake, check in to your airbnb, homeaway, or hotel (I highly recommend Hotel St. Michael, their breakfast is included and awesome!). Get dressed for the night, if it’s the weekend there’s likely to be live music on whiskey row.
4:30pm Supersition Meadery
Remember the spice shop? Head back over there and go to the staircase in the back of the store. Underground you’ll find Superstition Meadery, the best mead in the state. Get a flight and sample all their meads, relax, maybe order a snack. My favorite meads are Lagrimas De Oro, Tahitian Vanilla, and Marion. They’re delicious and unique. This place is really special to Prescott.
6:00pm Dinner at The Barley Hound
The Barley Hound is a cute blue building off Cortez Street. With the huge dog friendly patio and casual atmosphere, this place is cozy and cool. The menu features seasonal items using local produce. I really like their Shrimp Po’ boy. They also have hand crafted cocktails with fresh squeezed juices.
8:00pm: Whiskey Row
If it’s the weekend, the music is probably booming out of the doors down the square on Montezuma Street. These historic bars are a blast to walk in and explore and dance. Make sure you bring cash- most do not take cards. Matt’s Saloon is my favorite for dancing, and the upper level of the Palace Restaurant is my favorite for live music. Get ready to get your dance on!
Prescott is one of my favorite towns in Arizona. My hubby and I talk often about getting a cabin up here someday to come even more. Summer, winter, fall or spring, this thriving town is a blast to visit anytime of the year. I get most my spices form Spice Traveler now, so when we start running low we head up for a day trip in Prescott!