CNN Travel named the Route 66 town of Flagstaff, Arizona, one of the 10 America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2024.
Eschewing large metros, it looked at “smaller cities that aren’t already at the top of everyone’s travel list — places where you’ll often find small-town vibes and loads of personality as well as plenty to see and do for a few days or more.”
It whittled down the list to the top 10 by looking at each town’s attractions, food and beverage offerings, nightlife and cultural scene, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting spots and “wow” factor. It also looked at travel essentials, including lodging options and the ease of getting there and around.
This is what CNN Travel said about Flagstaff, which landed in the No. 6 spot:
High scores: Dark skies, outdoor activities, scenery, retro vibe
Sunny days and starry nights are big draws in this high-elevation city. Enjoying lovely landscapes and the wonders of the cosmos is easy in Flagstaff, thanks to the San Francisco Peaks, numerous national monuments, the Lowell Observatory and Flagstaff’s status as a Dark Sky City. Route 66 runs through here, where retro hotels cater to travelers stopping in, and downtown has seen a renaissance. The area’s Native American history is another reason to visit.
CNN Travel took a more in-depth look at Flagstaff here. Many of the observations rang true, especially the city’s big upswing in its culinary scene.
The other top 10:
- Richmond, Virginia
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Tacoma, Washington
- Portland, Maine
- San Luis Obispo, California
- Macon, Georgia
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Duluth, Minnesota
(Image of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, at 6 a.m. by Rod Ramsey via Flickr)