Exploring 15 Best Hidden Gems in Prescott, Arizona

A well-known city because of its history and natural attractions, Prescott is quite popular among tourists all over the US. Whether you like to visit museums, art galleries, or any outdoor attraction, you will find it in Prescott.

But along with these well-known spots, there is a side of the city that remains unheard. There are countless hidden gems in Prescott that deserve much more recognition than they truly receives.

That’s why, in this article, I shared the top 15 hidden gems in Prescott that will help you get the most out of your visit to Prescott. Whether you are a local or a visitor, this guide will be equally helpful.

Indoor Hidden Gems in Prescott, Arizona

1. Museum of Indigenous People

Address: 147 N Arizona Ave, Prescott, AZ 86301

The first hidden gem in Prescott that should be on your list is the Museum of Indigenous People, which was previously called the Smoki Museum of American Indian Art and Culture and is where you will find artifacts related to the Native American tribes like Hopi, Navajo, Zuni, and Apache. It’s not a very huge museum so take your time and analyze each artifact.

The stone building inside is registered in the National Register of Historic Places. Among the artifacts you will see a range of handcrafted items, which includes textile work, sculptures, woodwork, pottery, stonework, and you will also learn about how these tribes used to live their daily life.

Lastly, the rotating exhibit kept changing, and you will see something new every time. There is also a small gift shop and a garden in front, which make this place even better. Overall, this museum is basically an ideal place for those who like to learn about history.

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2. Phippen Museum

Address: 4701 AZ-89, Prescott, AZ 86301

If you specifically like to learn and see things about the American West, then the Phippen Museum worth a visit. Because this museum is on the deserted side of the city, not many people know about it.

This museum has over 800 art pieces related to West Art and three exhibition rooms. You will see cowboy gears, saddles, Native American tools, photographs from different movies, an art room where you will see the work of iconic Western artists like George Phippen, and will also see different traditional and contemporary art related to the Western history. There is also a sculpture garden, where you will see different metal and bronze sculptures, which can’t be ignored either.

Lastly, before leaving head to the gift shop of this museum. Here, you will find several interesting souvenirs to purchase as well as some history books, jewelry etc., which is a rarity outside. 

3. Van Gogh’s Ear Gallery

Address: 156 S Montezuma St # B, Prescott, AZ 86303

If you are someone who likes to visit art galleries, you’d surely be impressed by the Van Gogh’s Ear Gallery, where you’ll find a range of artwork on display whether you want to purchase or just want to browse through it.

Upon entering the gallery the first thing you’ll notice are the painting and photographs hanging on the wall. Close to the walls are different tables and pedestals where you’ll see different pottery, woodwork, glass art, etc.

Not to forget you’ll also see jewelry and other wearables which are handcrafted by local and regional artists. In this gallery, you’ll see the work of over 70+ artists.

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4. Fort Whipple Museum

Address: 500 AZ-89, Prescott, AZ 86301

Fort Whipple Museum is specifically for those who like to visit historic places and museums. It may look like an ordinary house from the outside, but it was once an army post for the US back in the 1860s.

Today, as you went inside the museum, you will see different artifacts related to the war and especially the medical side, as this place was also used as a hospital for a long period of time. Inside, you will see different posters, uniforms, weapons, and equipment related to that era.

At the same time, you will also got to know how the wounded individuals and soldiers were getting their cure with different statues and maintained artifacts. Overall, it’s going to be a very interesting visit, especially for history lovers.

5. Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery

Address: 134 S Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86303

If you want to visit an art gallery where you can support the local artists, then simply head to Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery, which was founded in 1994 by the local artists and is still run by the local artist community.

Its not a very huge gallery, but it still has a wide range of art on display. Whether you want photographs, paintings, pottery, ceramics, weaving, sculpture, or glasswork, you will find it here. On top of that, you will also find jewelry and wearables in this gallery, which are among the best here because of being handcrafted.

Outdoor Hidden Gems in Prescott, Arizona

6. Prescott Peavine National Recreation Trail

Address: 1624 Sundog Ranch Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301

Starting the outdoor hidden gems section, the first place to visit is the Prescott Peavine National Recreation Trail. This is not a difficult trail, but you might find it moderately tricky at the start and with different weather conditions.

It’s a 11.9-mile out-and-back trail and can take around 4 to 5 hours. The most beautiful and what makes this trail worth trying is the Watson Lake area, where you’ll see granite boulders and stunning rock formations. These trails are fairly maintained for every type of visitor as these trails are for multi-use purposes and are ideal for biking and cycling as well.

Along the way, you will also see different wildlife and plant species and can also use a boat to navigate the lake.

7. Thumb Butte Trail 33

For those looking for a short hike with serene views, Thumb Butte Trail 33 is a must-visit. It is a 2.5-mile loop trail, which is considered moderately difficult at times, but overall, most visitors found it comfortable.

Here, you will see one of the most scenic views of the Bradshaw Mountains and Prescott Valley from the top. And along the way you will see diverse wildlife and rock formations nearby. Beware of the falcons on the top, which remains close during falcon breeding season.

Most people like to come here because it’s a short hike and comfortable for the majority, including families.

8. Constellation Trails

Constellation Trail is a network of interconnected loops of approximately 2 to 3 miles. Its not going to be a long hike, but it will only take around 1 to 1.5 hours to complete and is among the easiest trails out there.

The main highlight of this trail is the geological rock formations you will see along the hike. On top of that, you will also see stunning views of the nearby area from height. If you feel comfortable, you can also climb on some high areas for more views and photography sessions.

It’s also a dog-friendly trail, and this trail often remains less crowded, which makes this lesser-known place worth visiting in Prescott.

9. Willow Lake Park

Address: 1497 Heritage Park Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301

Whether you want a serene place for a picnic or want to do some hiking, Willow Lake Park is an all-in-one spot for you.

The main highlight of this place is Willow Lake, which is surrounded by the granite dells that make it look even more beautiful. You are also going to have kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, and fishing opportunities here. You will also find shaded areas nearby where you can sit and can simply enjoy the views.

And if you like to do more activity, then simply head to the Willow Lake Loop Trail (approximately 6 miles). Along the trail, you will see stunning views of the surroundings, like the granite dells and some wildlife. There are a lot of activities and things you can do in this area because of how naturally organized this place is.

10. Mount Union Lookout 

The last underrated spot to visit in Presscot in this list is the Mount Union lookout. It’s specifically for those who like to go to high mountains for views.

The mountain’s peak is 7,938 ft, and on the summit is the fire lookout tower, where you will see the nearby areas from height. On a clear day, the views are even more apparent and is the primary spot for photography as well.

Several trails can lead you to the top, which varies in difficulty. Even if you don’t want to reach the top, there is still enough for you. Even along the hike, you will see the views, dense forest, and wildlife around that will make this trip a special one.

Hidden Gem Restaurants in Prescott, Arizona

11.  SueAnn’s Apple Pan Restaurant

Address: 510 W Gurley St, Prescott, AZ 86301

The first restaurant on the list is SueAnn’s Apple Pan Restaurant. Its not a fancy place, but just a simple place with classic American menu items. As you went inside, you’ll see the place looks filled with tables and chairs as it’s not a big restaurant with lots of decor on the wall. Overall, its a nice decor for a local restaurant.

On the menu at breakfast and lunch, you are going to have options like biscuit and gravy, omelettes, french toasts, waffles, sandwiches, steak, egg benedict, grilled chicken, BBQ, tuna, chicken tenders and many other items.

12. Maya’s Restaurant

Address: 410 W Goodwin St, Prescott, AZ 86303

If you like eating Mexican food, then simply head to Maya’s restaurant, which is an underrated Mexican restaurant in Prescott.

The ambiance and decor inside the restaurant is very pleasant and refreshing, which cannot be ignored. There are two types of seating options whether you want chairs or sofas along the wall. But the paintings and art on the wall are what make the ambiance special.

On the menu, you are going to have Mexican options like chicken enchiladas, tacos, burritos, chips, guacamole, chicken fajitas, fish, shrimp, potato flautas, and many other options.

13. Berry’s Pie Pantry Restaurant

Address: 230 N Virginia St, Prescott, AZ 86301

For eating something sweet and light in Prescott, Berry’s Pie Pantry Restaurant is an underrated option. This place has a very simple decor like a classic local restaurant with normal tables and chairs and some paintings hanging on the wall.

On the menu, where you will see a lot of sweet options there is also a section for the sour. They offer cakes, pastries, a wide range of flavours in pie, sour cream, hashbrowns, eggs, sandwiches, burgers and several other items.

14. Tara Thai

Address: 115 S Cortez St, Prescott, AZ 86303

If you ever crave for eating Thai food in Prescott, head to Tara Thai, as they serve authentic Thai food items. The decor inside gave a modern feel with different seating options, paintings, colourful lighting, brick-designed walls, a sculpture and plants in the middle. The overall decor is unique and has that modern touch, which makes the ambiance refreshing.

On the menu, you are going to have traditional Thai food options like red curry, tom ka, pad thai noodles, orange chicken, a wide range of soups, shrimp, yellow curry, wings, panang curry, fish, Thai tea, and much more.

15 Uncle Bud’s Place

Address: 150 E Sheldon St Suite111, Prescott, AZ 86301

The last restaurant on this list is Uncle Bud’s Place, which is a Cajun restaurant. The restaurant is not big in size, and you will see simple tables and chairs in the seating area with walls filled up with a variety of paintings, photographs, etc., as you see in most local restaurants.

On the menu, they offer chicken gumbo, salad, a wide range of sandwiches, BBQ, Jamaican jerk chicken, ribs, BBQ platter, Cajun roaster platter, and many other items.

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