Escape the Heat Series: Prescott, Arizona
This is the first in my Escape the Heat Series, a collection of easy weekend getaways for anyone looking for cooler air, pretty views, and a simple change of scenery.
When the Valley heat starts to feel like too much, Prescott is one of the easiest Arizona escapes.
It’s close enough for a day trip, pretty enough for a weekend, and just different enough to feel like you truly got away. Cooler air, pine trees, shaded sidewalks, historic streets, good food, great golf courses, and that old-Arizona charm Prescott does so well.
Prescott is a beautiful place to remember — and an even better place to plan.
Courthouse Plaza, Prescott Arizona
Start at Courthouse Plaza
Courthouse Plaza is the heart of downtown Prescott.
It’s surrounded by shops, restaurants, galleries, shaded sidewalks, and benches — plenty of places to stop for lunch or a cold drink. It’s the kind of place where you can park once, wander slowly, and let the day unfold.
During Fourth of July weekend, the plaza becomes the center of Prescott’s rodeo-week festivities. If you missed it this year, make a note for next summer: get your tickets early, bring lots of water, and give yourself time to enjoy the parade, the people-watching, and the small-town energy.
Whiskey Row, Prescott Arizona
Walk Whiskey Row
No Prescott visit is complete without a walk along Whiskey Row.
It’s historic, lively, and full of personality — saloons, restaurants, shops, patios, music, galleries, and plenty of Western character.
It’s not fancy.
It’s not fussy.
It’s Prescott.
Go for lunch, a drink, a little shopping, or just a slow walk past the old buildings.
Grumpy Sicilian, Whiskey Row
A Fun Stop at Grumpy Sicilian
One of my favorite little stops was Grumpy Sicilian on Whiskey Row.
It’s casual, lively, and right in the middle of downtown Prescott — the kind of place that feels just right after wandering Courthouse Plaza or browsing the shops.
I ordered Sicilian pizza, and it was one of those simple vacation bites that stayed with me long after we got home.
So naturally, I recreated a For the Birds version in my own kitchen. I’m calling it the Grumpy Sicilian-Inspired Pizza.
Stoneridge Golf Course, Prescott Valley
Add a Round of Golf
Prescott is also a great summer golf getaway.
The cooler temperatures make a morning tee time feel far more appealing than a round in the Valley heat, and the area has several public and accessible courses with beautiful high-desert and mountain views.
A few to look into:
Antelope Hills Golf Courses
A popular Prescott option with two courses and a large driving range.
Prescott Golf Club
A scenic course with mountain views, tree-lined fairways. Check out the summer concert series.
StoneRidge Golf Course
This is where Johnny B and I played — beautiful views, a challenging course, and a lovely clubhouse. Bring extra balls — seriously.
Karen’s Prescott Weekend Checklist
Whether you’re going up for the day or staying the weekend, here’s what I never leave home without:
A light layer — mornings and evenings can feel genuinely cool, even in July
Comfortable walking shoes — downtown Prescott is best explored on foot
A refillable water bottle — the elevation and sunshine sneak up on you, so stay hydrated
Binoculars — the pines around Prescott are full of birdsong, and you’ll want to see who’s singing
A few more of my go-to picks for a Prescott weekend:
Hotel St. Michael, downtown Prescott
In Closing
Prescott is a lovely reminder that an Arizona summer escape doesn’t have to be far from home.
A shaded plaza.
A walk down Whiskey Row.
A slice of Sicilian pizza worth making at home.
A morning round of golf.
And maybe next year, a front-row spot for the parade.
