Our Guide to Prescott
Where We Send Our Own Guests
After years in Prescott, these are the places we actually go — the breakfast spots, the trails, the game-night bars, and the lakes. Every pick here is one we’d recommend to a friend.
Breakfast
The Porch
226 N Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86301
Why It’s GreatA real hidden gem, tucked inside Restoration Church — park in the church lot and head down the stairs to find it.
What We RecommendGet the bagel sandwich (made with homemade bagels from Grandma's Bakery) and a fresh-fruit smoothie made with coconut milk — that combo is our usual.
b. Simple
406 W Gurley St, Prescott, AZ 86305
Why It’s GreatThe locals' top breakfast pick, and the green-chili biscuits and gravy are near-legendary. Everything's scratch-made, a block from the courthouse square.
What We RecommendOrder the breakfast burritos or omelets, or anything with hatch green chile on it. Get there by 8am on weekends or you'll wait — it's small and fills fast. Closed by 1pm and on Monday & Tuesday.
Salt and Pepper
332 Miller Valley Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301
Why It’s GreatDelicious scratch food using fresh, local ingredients, with vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options, so there's something for everyone in the group. Open Wed–Sun, brunch all day.
What We RecommendGood French toast and pancakes. Go for a relaxed weekend brunch and order a sampler of egg benedicts or egg sandwiches. This is a great pick if anyone has dietary needs.
Parlor Doughnuts
120 N Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86301
Why It’s GreatLayered "cronut"-style doughnuts made in small batches all day, so they're always fresh. They also do breakfast sandwiches and avocado toast, with vegan options. Matcha & coffee as well.
What We RecommendOur top three are the French Toast, the Whiskey Row, and the Turtle — get one of each and split them. Large adjacent room to eat. Pair it with a walk to the Lovelock Fence just south of here.
Wild Iris Coffee House
124 S Granite St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatNear downtown and close by the cabin for a morning coffee. It's an easy, low-key way to start the day, and a good spot to work remotely and hunker down. Pastries made fresh.
What We RecommendA homemade pastry, a sandwich, or an artisan coffee in the courtyard. You can't go wrong. The snickerdoodle cookie and raspberry bars are favorites.
Merchant Coffee
218 N Granite St, Prescott, AZ 86301
Why It’s GreatInside Founding Fathers Collective, which is a great vibe. Lots of intimate indoor and outdoor spaces to relax, and a great place to work for the day.
What We RecommendGluten-free muffins, scones, and cookies. The hot chocolate is very good, and the coffee, latte, and espresso are all super flavorful. The blueberry bran muffin is a nice healthy option.
Lunch
Park Plaza Liquor & Deli
402 W Goodwin St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatOur top lunch-or-dinner pick. It's a liquor store with a real kitchen, founded by the chef behind Trevor's Liquor — the spot Dave Portnoy rated the highest pizza in Arizona. Same quality.
What We RecommendCan't go wrong with the pizza. The Dang burger and the hatch green chili mac are both winners. Grab a unique drink from the thousands of options and enjoy with your meal.
The Raven Cafe
142 N Cortez St, Prescott, AZ 86301
Why It’s GreatWhen it's warm, head straight for the rooftop deck. It's a local favorite with a relaxed vibe for a long lunch, with great portion sizes and so many gluten-free and dairy-free options. Live music.
What We RecommendLocally-sourced, organic dishes with an all-organic espresso bar. Good craft beer and wine selection — we like the nachos and the salads, and the fries are on point.
Nick's Feed Your Face
415 W Goodwin St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatA no-frills sub shop, 30+ years in Prescott. Five stars. You'll find something on the menu you love. Hours are the catch: Monday–Friday, 10am–2pm only, so it's a weekday lunch.
What We RecommendAny sub on the board is a good call — they keep it simple and do it well. Go with what sounds good.
El Gato Azul
316 W Gurley St, Prescott, AZ 86305
Why It’s GreatWe think it's good — not "best in Prescott" as some lists claim — and on the pricey side. But the creekside patio under the trees is lovely, and it's the go-to place for tapas / family-style sharing.
What We RecommendOrder the tacos and the brisket; the Cajun corn dogs (shrimp wrapped in prosciutto) and fried avocado are local favorites too. If it's busy, grab it to-go and take it to the Granite Creek Trail.
LazyG Brewhouse
220 W Leroux St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatA legendary local spot that deserves multiple mentions and a must-visit. We enjoy it for lunch, but that means you also need to stop in the evening. Music on the weekends.
What We RecommendThe blue cheese burger or LazyG Burger with tots are cooked to perfection. The award-winning Sunshine Blonde is brewed in house. Their pizookie is our favorite dessert in Prescott.
Guac N Roll
218 N Granite St, Prescott, AZ 86301 (food truck)
Why It’s GreatA food truck usually parked at Founding Fathers Collective. Hole-in-the-wall, authentic, made-on-the-spot tacos. Don't expect the best Mexican food of your life, but it's solid.
What We RecommendThe Quesa-Birria tacos are great with cheese melted into the shell. Carne asada quesadillas and al pastor are good, and they're generous with the guacamole.
Dinner
Pie Zone
218 N Granite St, Prescott, AZ 86301 (food truck)
Why It’s GreatA food truck usually parked at Founding Fathers Collective, and our favorite pizza in Prescott. Wood-fired, imported Italian flour, no preservatives, brought to the patio by a husband-and-wife team.
What We RecommendGet the Hot Mama or the Margarita. Plan for a 45–60 minute wait, so put your name in and grab a drink at the Founding Fathers tap wall while you wait. They can also deliver to our cabin.
Farm Provisions
148 N Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86301
Why It’s GreatOne of the most serious kitchens in town — chef-driven, farm-to-table, with locally farmed beef in everything from the burger to the steak. It books up days ahead. Highly, highly recommend.
What We RecommendThe local-beef burger and the steak are excellent. Start with the smoked gouda chorizo fondue. Reserve in advance; this isn't a walk-in, so book it before you leave for Prescott.
The Barley Hound
234 S Cortez St, Prescott, AZ 86301
Why It’s GreatA historic building with string lights, candles, and a fire pit — one of the coziest spots downtown, and reservations are easy to get. Everything, down to the condiments, is made in-house.
What We RecommendThe mac & cheese and the pork sandwich with sweet coleslaw are our go-tos, and the pick-your-seasoning fries are a must — get the salt & vinegar. Grab the patio if the weather's nice.
Docs BBQ and Whiskey
202 S Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatThe recently renovated patio is great for people-watching at courthouse square. This is average BBQ with above-average ambiance right on Whiskey Row.
What We RecommendOrder the Texas Twinkie — it's delicious and unique, and they only make one batch per day and sell out. The brisket burger and jalapeño cream cheeseburger are good; the brisket itself is average.
LaBruzza's Italian
1480 Iron Springs Rd, Prescott, AZ 86305
Why It’s GreatPrescott's longtime favorite Italian spot — 34 years and counting — with all-you-can-eat fresh salad, house creamy Italian dressing, and warm bread with garlic butter. A reliable family-style dinner.
What We RecommendFavorites are the spumoni ice cream, lasagna, chicken alfredo, sausage-stuffed manicotti, and eggplant parmesan. We wouldn't come to Prescott looking for Italian, but here it is.
Bear & Dragon
334 S Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatA literary-themed cottage cafe in a stone, book-filled building, walking distance from the cabin, serving coffee, spirits, and a unique dinner experience. Dinner service Thursday–Saturday.
What We RecommendPlan ahead to get a reservation for the unique Sunday Tea Time.
Desserts & Sweets
Fite and Sons
208 S Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatPart mercantile, part year-round Christmas store, part candy shop — a maze of rooms to wander, with the best ice cream in town at the end. The kids love getting lost in it.
What We RecommendGet the whiskey roll — whiskey and caramel ice cream. Take your scoop out to the back patio. Leave time to wander the Christmas room and candy section; it's half the fun.
Swirl-n-Top
150 E Sheldon St, Suite 110, Prescott, AZ 86301
Why It’s GreatAn easy-to-miss frozen yogurt spot off the main drag with a one-of-a-kind bench from a 1905 Ferris wheel. We appreciate the unlimited self-serve tasting cups and large toppings selection.
What We RecommendBuild your own at the toppings bar — 10 daily flavors and 60+ toppings. Chocolate and vanilla are solid. Mention you're staying at Granite View Cabin for 10% off.
Russo's
208 W Gurley St, Prescott, AZ 86305
Why It’s GreatThe best cheesecake in Prescott, made from scratch, with the local Golden Plate award five years running. Small, quirky, and kind of a hole in the wall.
What We RecommendStick to the cheesecake. Get the white chocolate raspberry cheesecake — our top pick of everything they make.
Bars & Wineries
LazyG's Brewhouse
220 W Leroux St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatA neighborhood brewhouse that brews its own and has been voted best beer in town multiple years. The creekside patio with a fire pit is inviting. Classic comfort food and live music. It's so good, it made our list twice.
What We RecommendSunshine Blonde — 2022 World Beer Cup winner. Pedal Pounder IPA, named for the Whiskey Off-Road bike race. Six Hour Drive — a citrusy San Diego–style IPA. Dirty Gertie, named for the outdoor tap.
Founding Fathers Collective
218 N Granite St, Prescott, AZ 86301
Why It’s GreatA renovated historic building on Granite Creek. The wall lets you sample small 2–4 oz pours across all 65 taps without committing to a full glass. Creekside fire pits, a cigar lounge, and live music.
What We RecommendSmoked and double-smoked old fashioneds. Historic Brewing Company (Flagstaff, AZ) Opposable IPA. Margaritas on tap. Non-alcoholic Rogue Root Beer.
Superstition Meadery
120 W Gurley St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatThe largest meadery in the U.S. and named the best brewery taproom in the country. The speakeasy-feel underground 1901 tasting room is a destination in itself. Sourced with desert honey.
What We RecommendDo the 12-flight tasting on your first visit — the best way to find what you love, and locals swear by it. The single-pour tasters let you double back on favorites.
The Palace Saloon
120 S Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatArizona's oldest bar (est. 1877), right on Whiskey Row, with a famous Brunswick bar that patrons carried across the street to save it from the 1900 fire. The bullet holes in the metal ceiling are from a real Old West gunfight, left intact on purpose.
What We RecommendBourbon and ryes are excellent here. Two-page whiskey list. Try Madam Martha's for sure.
The Point Lounge
114 N Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86301
Why It’s GreatPrescott's craft-cocktail speakeasy near Whiskey Row, with a deep whiskey selection (150+), obscure herb liqueurs, gin, and agave spirits, plus a signature smoked old fashioned.
What We RecommendOrder the smoked old fashioned — the signature for a reason. If whiskey's your thing, ask the bartender to steer you through the list. A good spot for a quieter drink before or after dinner.
Live Music
Matt's Saloon
112 S Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatOne of Prescott's last true country dance halls, going strong since the 1960s with a dance floor that actually fills up. If you want to two-step or just watch people who really know how, this is the spot. Skip it if you're after quiet conversation.
What We RecommendLive country bands Fri & Sat, 8:30 p.m.–1 a.m. Free couples dance lessons Fri at 6 p.m.; line-dance lessons Thu 6–8 p.m.; karaoke Sun & Wed.
Jersey Lilly Saloon
116 S Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatThe unofficial hub of Whiskey Row, with the only balcony overlooking the lit-up Courthouse Plaza — the best perch downtown on a nice night. Live music nearly every day except Monday, and a dance floor inside. Generally an older crowd.
What We RecommendMusic most days except Monday. Fri & Sat: early acoustic set ~4–7 p.m., full band ~8 p.m.–midnight. Mellower solo sets Sunday afternoons; open-mic Wednesdays 7–10 p.m.
Whiskey River Tavern
214 S Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatVoted best bar on the row a few years running, with live music up to six nights a week across three bars — an upstairs music room, a patio bar, and a copper bar inside. It's kid-friendly in the day, which is rare on the row. No minors after 10 p.m. (21+ only late).
What We RecommendLive music Tue–Sun. Weekend bands run ~8–11 p.m., with earlier afternoon sets Sat & Sun. Happy hour weekdays 4–6 p.m.
Shopping
Cowgirl Country Antiques
324 S Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatThe most comprehensive and unique antique shop in Prescott. This is where you want to go if you're looking for something one of a kind. A bit pricey, but the place for historical pieces.
Drawn West
134 W Gurley St, Prescott, AZ 86301
Why It’s GreatA favorite local shop for Western-leaning apparel, goods, and gifts — a good stop if you want a piece of Prescott style to take home, like hats, shirts, and toys.
Bashford Courts Atrium Mall
130 W Gurley St, Suite A, Prescott, AZ 86301
Why It’s GreatOne of Prescott's most historic buildings — a three-story atrium mall packed with retail shops selling old-time candy, funky socks, specialty items, and local art. The Carlos Duran Studio inside even hosts private paint parties and lessons, no experience required.
Prescott Farmers Market
Yavapai College, parking lots A & B — Saturdays 7:30am–noon
Why It’s GreatA proper Saturday-morning market, and the standout is Camp Grounds Tea and Coffee — a vintage silver trailer named "Jolene" (rebuilt from a Winslow junkyard find) serving small-batch Prescott-roasted coffee and house-made syrups. People line up for it. Bread Friend's artisan loaves and the Arizona Date Co. are worth a stop.
For the Kids
Heritage Park Zoo
1403 Heritage Park Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301
Why It’s GreatA small, walkable wildlife sanctuary with interactive animal experiences, a playground, and picnic pavilions — and it overlooks Willow Lake, with a daily bear feeding. The right size for younger kids.
What We RecommendGo in the morning when the animals are most active.
Kayla's Hand Park (Pioneer)
1200 Commerce Dr, Prescott, AZ 86305
Why It’s GreatA 6,000-sq-ft park that's fantastic family fun, with the Pioneer Park pickleball courts and a roller rink in the same area. A good spot to let the kids burn energy.
What We RecommendThe covered playground keeps kids out of the sun.
Mortimer Farms
12907 E State Route 169, Dewey, AZ 86327
Why It’s GreatEducational farm fun for the whole family — farm rides, a farm park, animals, and year-round seasonal events. A genuine working-farm experience about 25 minutes from the cabin.
What We RecommendThe Farm Restaurant is excellent. U-pick berries seasonally, plus fresh produce. It's worth a stop on your way in or out of town.
In The Game
2992 N Park Ave, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
Why It’s GreatAn indoor play center with a Wild West–themed mini golf course, arcade games with prizes, laser tag, a climbing wall, and an activity play house. A perfect rainy-day or too-hot-afternoon backup.
What We RecommendMini golf and laser tag are the highlights. It's in Prescott Valley, about 20 minutes out.
Trails & Outdoor Adventures
Arizona Llamas
arizonallamas.com
Why It’s GreatHike with llamas — a few hours or a whole day — through granite boulders, cool pines, and the area's many lakes, with farm visits available too. A genuinely unique, only-in-the-mountains experience the whole family remembers.
What We RecommendBook ahead through their website and pick a half-day if you've got kids or it's your first time. Ask about a farm visit add-on. Wear real hiking shoes and bring water — you're still covering trail miles, just with a llama carrying the load.
Puzzle Ride
puzzlerides.com
Why It’s GreatPart escape room, part scavenger hunt, all on a golf cart — players are driven a route they figure out by solving puzzles before time runs out. A genuinely different way to see downtown, and they offer a 21-and-over pub-crawl version too.
What We RecommendBook the regular ride for a family or mixed group, or the pub-crawl version for an adults-only night. Reserve ahead online — slots go fast on weekends.
Angry Ape Offroad
212 N Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatGuided off-road tours into the Prescott National Forest in their Hummers — you'll see scenic points and backcountry sites few visitors reach. Prescott's version of the Pink Jeep Tour.
What We RecommendBook a guided tour online ahead of time; pickup is right downtown. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dusty.
Yavapai Trail Adventures
yavapaitrailadventures.com
Why It’s GreatGuided horseback rides through the Prescott backcountry. Guides are friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable. Very family-friendly with a minimum age of 4–5 years old, and all rides are custom to the group. Max weight 220 lbs per rider.
What We RecommendBook a guided trail ride through their website ahead of time; slots fill up. Ask about beginner-friendly options if it's your first time on a horse.
Highlands Center
1375 Walker Rd, Prescott, AZ 86303
Why It’s GreatEasygoing nature trails including a dedicated interactive kids' adventure trail that turns the walk into a treasure hunt. Spend time at the Forest Play Center, plus a native botanical garden. Nature shop and clean, well-maintained bathrooms. A calm, educational, family-friendly outdoor stop near Lynx Lake.
What We RecommendLots of hiking trails of different distances and difficulties give you options depending on your ambition. Not super busy, so parking is easy.
Granite Creek Splash Park
300 N Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86301
Why It’s GreatA creekside park with a splash pad, playground, walking trails, a historic sawmill, and bathrooms. There's a hotel right there too, with a convenience store and a restaurant open to the public with a nice patio.
What We RecommendBring the kids for the splash pad on a warm afternoon, then walk the creek trail to burn off energy. Pair it with ice cream or lemonade from the hotel for a full kid-friendly day.
Granite Creek Trail
Park off Aubrey St, Prescott (trail ends at Granite Creek Park)
Why It’s GreatA short, easy 1.2-mile creekside walk, great for an after-meal stroll. An incredible hike that meanders around downtown Prescott along natural surfaces, with access areas off all the major east-west streets so you can start at a variety of trailheads.
What We RecommendBest to park off Aubrey St and walk it down to Granite Creek Park. Grab Park Plaza or El Gato to-go first and turn it into a creekside picnic — how we like to do it.
Copper Basin Sunset Lookout
Sunset Lookout on Copper Basin Rd, west of downtown
Why It’s GreatLocals repeatedly name this the single best sunset spot in the city. Free, uncrowded, and the same road runs out to Aspen Creek (~15 min from downtown) for fall foliage aspens in October. Accessible via Thumb Butte Road (Forest Road 37) and Copper Basin Road, a few miles west of downtown.
What We RecommendHead out about 30–40 minutes before sunset to claim a spot. The dirt road is fine for a regular car as long as it's not wet — just take it slow. It's a popular spot for photos.
Pickleball
Pioneer Park · Prescott Athletic & Tennis Club · Santa Fe Station Park
Why It’s GreatPrescott has a strong, very active pickleball scene. Skip Pioneer Park when the wind picks up and head to a more sheltered court. Santa Fe Station has 4 public permanent courts; Prescott Athletic is a paid option that keeps you from fighting crowds.
What We RecommendWhatever your level, look up the Prescott Pickleball Association for meetups and current open-play info — it's a very active group and the best way to find a game while you're in town.
Peavine Trail
North trailhead via the Granite Dells exit off Hwy 89A, right on E. Centrepoint Dr
Why It’s GreatA flat, beginner-friendly rail-trail following an old railroad grade through the Granite Dells, with great Watson Lake views. Easy on bikes or on foot, and generally best enjoyed as a biking trail.
What We RecommendRide or walk the southern section for the best Dells scenery — which is amazing. It gets too hot midday in summer, so go early morning. Bring water and your camera; the Watson Lake views are the payoff.
White Spar Loop Trails
White Spar Campground, ~2.7 miles south of downtown on White Spar Rd (Hwy 89) — ~7 min from cabin
Why It’s GreatA network of shaded pine-and-oak single-track loops (Twist & Shout, Apple Blossom, Hidden Valley, Camp 28) where you can stitch together a hike of almost any length. Well-signed, well-maintained, and cool even in summer.
What We RecommendPark in the dirt lot before the campground entrance (no fee) and pick your distance. The Bean Peak biking trail is part of White Spar.
Thumb Butte Trail #33
Thumb Butte Recreation Area — west on W Gurley St until it becomes Thumb Butte Rd
Why It’s GreatA beginner-friendly Prescott classic with a 7,000-ft vista over the whole city and the Bradshaw Mountains. Restrooms and picnic tables at the lot, and peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs. A favorite among locals for sunrise and sunset hikes.
What We RecommendHike the paved loop for the big views without a tough climb — very doable with kids.
Lakes
Watson Lake
3101 Watson Lake Park Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301 (15–20 min from cabin)
Why It’s GreatThe one for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking — pink-granite boulder islands rising out of the water, hidden coves, and an eagle nest. Rentals here are high-quality, and it's one of the most photographed spots in Arizona. No swimming.
What We RecommendRent a SUP or kayak and paddle through the boulder coves on the northwest side. It's $5/vehicle, but free on Wednesdays. Come at sunrise for the best photos.
Goldwater Lake
2900 S Goldwater Lake Rd, Prescott, AZ 86303 (10–12 min from cabin via Senator Hwy)
Why It’s GreatCalm water ringed by pines, with a stocked fishing lake and a loop trail around the upper and lower lakes. Family-friendly — a spring, restrooms, playgrounds, a dock, and rentable / free pavilions. Four playgrounds surround the lake.
What We RecommendPaddle the upper lake (the lower lake is fishing-only — no SUP or kayaks). Fishing is generally successful. Very family-friendly.
Lynx Lake
Lynx Lake Rd, Prescott, AZ 86303 (20 min from cabin)
Why It’s GreatA shaded loop trail and a little beach. Lynx Creek, which feeds the lake, is the best place in Arizona for gold panning — grab some dirt from the dry creek and bring it to the lake to pan. The water runs low and it's windy, so it's not our pick for paddleboarding, but swimming IS allowed here, unlike the city lakes.
What We RecommendLynx Lake Café on the bluff is worth a stop for German pancakes.
Make the cabin your basecamp
Everything on this list is a short drive from Granite View Cabin — and it’s all walkable to Whiskey Row. Book direct and save 20% with code NOFEES.