AZ city named underrated travel destination in U.S.

Laura Daniella Sepulveda

Arizona Republic

USA TODAY NETWORK

Flagstaff was named among the most underrated vacation destinations in the country, according to a new ranking by U.S. News & World Report.

The list highlights 26 U.S. places that don’t often make it onto popular travel bucket lists but are just as worthy of recognition. These destinations may fly under the radar nationally, but they offer unique attractions, charm and experiences that rival better-known getaways.

This northern Arizona city is often overshadowed by another popular town: Sedona, which is an internationally recognized tourism destination known for its stunning red rock scenery, natural beauty and outdoor activities.

However, U.S. News and World Report’s ranking suggests Flagstaff is just as worthy of attention, with its own natural attractions and cultural scenery.

Flagstaff is a charming mountain town of about 77,000 residents located about two hours and 15 minutes from Phoenix, and about an hour and a half from the Grand Canyon.

Surrounded by the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest, Flagstaff boasts a storybook scenery, with a rustic, outdoorsy charm. It also enjoys a much different climate than most of Arizona due to its location in the mountains, with pleasant temperatures in the summer and snowy winters that cover town buildings and treetops with white blankets of snow, making for a postcard-perfect scenery.

Flagstaff also has a handful of unique natural attractions, outdoor excursions and local eats.

Arizona Republic contributor Alison Stanton contributed to this article