Looking for a few ideas to kick off your Glendale adventure? Check out our sample itineraries that cover the rough and rugged as well as the tame and romantic.
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Sports
Your idea of a day out on the town calls for an NCAA-licensed jersey, merchandise and the appropriate amount of war paint. Welcome to Glendale’s Sports & Entertainment District, a mecca if you will, for the ESPN-crowd and the perfect playground for screaming “Go, team, go!” until your vocal chords are raw. Start your day off with some hearty grub at one of the sports-themed restaurants at Westgate City Center (be sure to plan early and give yourself enough time if you’re targeting fan favorites Margaritaville and the Yard House). Then, get your game on with some major college football action at the University of Phoenix Stadium, home to the 2015 Super Bowl, Arizona Cardinals, Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and BCS College Football Championship game. Visiting out-of-season? Take the stadium tour and get an up-close look at the very spot where Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers made history at the 2011 BCS National Championship game. While you’re in town, get your chill on at slap-shot NHL action at the nearby Jobing.com Arena. Come back to Glendale in the spring and spoil yourself with our MLB Spring Training offerings at the Cactus League stadiums in Glendale, Peoria, Surprise and Goodyear. Have the need for speed? We can get your adrenaline roaring. Glendale and the West Valley are the destination when it comes to racing season fun. With Phoenix International Raceway serving up serious G-force power just a few miles away, track fans will love coming to Glendale. Spend the day during a racing event out on the tracks then head up to Glendale’s Arrowhead region for a little track racing of your own ala Speed Street Indoor Race Track. With a 1/3-mile indoor race course and karts that are capable of 50 miles per hour, you can live out your best Earnhardt fantasies all in an air-conditioned mechanic’s paradise.
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Golf
Fore Score! Whether its par fives with impossible pin placement you seek or winding desert fairways wrapped around jagged mountain edges, Glendale and the West Valley cities boast some of the most challenging golf courses your clubs will ever graze. Check out these greens to get started, and be sure you call ahead to book your tee time. These courses are popular-and for good reason!
The Wigwam is more than a resort; it is a part of Arizona history. Established in the 1930s, the Wigwam's three, 18-hole championship golf courses offer incredible variety to the golfer looking for both diversity and challenge. Designed to provide a pure golf experience, The Gold, Patriot and Heritage are true parkland courses that are woven in and around the natural terrain of trees, lakes, canals and streams. This jewel of the desert is among the Southwest's last remaining golf resorts built for a pure golf experience.
The Legend at Arrowhead designed by golf legend, Arnold Palmer is a par 72 course that measures 6,986 yards from the championship tees. The Legend at Arrowhead possesses an exquisite layout set among six lakes, mature palm trees numerous doglegs and bunkers at every turn. With undulating greens , the Legend offers not only one of the best putting surfaces in the valley, but a level of excitement unmatched among Arizona golf courses. Expect to have all of your golf skills put to the test!
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Shopping & Dining
Historic Downtown Glendale
58th and Glendale avenues
There are a few things you should know about Glendale’s Historic Downtown. This retro-chic destination incorporates two distinct neighborhoods that are home to more than 90 specialty and boutique shops that get national attention for the retail-chain-free collection of stores slinging vintage clothing, turn-of-the-(last)-century furniture and pop-culture collectibles. Want hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind wearable art? Check out the Cottage Garden (with two locations in the Historic Catlin Court District). Looking for vintage clothing or hot fashion at cool prices? Stop in at the Pink House –named a top women’s boutique shop by multiple regional publications. And explore two stories of treasures you’ll want to take home at A Mad Hatter’s Collectables & Home Decor. While the shopping finds are spectacular, the stroll through the downtown is just as amazing. Immerse yourself in the tree-lined streets, redbrick sidewalks with retro storefronts and too-perfect bungalows-turned-shops. The area has been named by USA Today and Sunset Magazine as one of the country's 10 best places for shopping, but the food is equally praise-worthy. Take a trip around the world without ever leaving the neighborhood with a dozen ethnic eateries covering everything from classic American, Asian, German, Polish and Mexican fare. Free covered parking is available in the downtown’s Palmaire Parking Structure, 5835 W. Palmaire Ave.
Arrowhead Towne Center
West Bell Road at Loop 101
7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center
Glendale, Arizona 85308
623-979-7777
A comfortable, inviting and upscale shopping experience awaits you at one of Glendale’s premier shopping destinations: Arrowhead Towne Center. With more than 170 top retailers and eateries in addition to six major anchors - Dillards, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Forever 21, JCPenney, Macy’s and Sears, you’ll find little reason to leave the soothing and spacious mall. Satisfy your techie curiosity and play with an iPad 2 at the Apple Store, pick up a new bag from Coach or bring the kids (and become one again yourself) at the new LEGO store, which boasts walls of every kind of Lego block imaginable as well as some pretty inspiring Lego creations. Visit the elegant, indoor shopping center and enjoy top amenities such as new soft seating areas and, in addition to Guest Services that provides visitor information, store and event details, Westcor gift cards and much more. Your little ones will also enjoy the trip while playing in the “Town Center” play area. With the center’s outstanding store selections, you will find everything you need for your stay in Glendale. When you’re done, have the family meet you for dinner at one of dozens of great restaurants in and around the center, including popular steak and seafood dishes, deli delights, award-winning burgers, vegetarian specialties and more.
Park West
9744 W. Northern Ave.
Peoria, AZ 85235
623-877-0096
Park West is an open-air shopping, dining and entertainment destination located on Northern Avenue at the northwest corner of Loop 101. Its ideal location is approximately one mile northwest of the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale and Jobing.com Arena. The space is anchored by a Harkins Movie Theatre, nine sit-down restaurants (that cover everything from burgers with a blue twist to brick oven-baked pizza to a high-end steakhouse and wine bar) and more than 30 specialty retailers. You’ll find a little bit of everything for the particular shopper, including the latest offerings from Brighton’s Collectibles, Dog’s Etc. (a specialty shop for the four-legged friends back home) and Fair Oaks Cigars. Done shopping? Take a break amid the center’s western resort feel, which includes relaxing “Bali” lounges, reflecting pools and wood shutters. The picturesque center also features outdoor fireplaces, unique art pieces, canopy-lined walkways and beautiful landscaping. Be sure to check out regular organic farmers markets and wine tastings to really soak up the ambience.
Westgate City Center
Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue
623-772-4000
Trendy and cutting-edge is almost unavoidable at Glendale’s Westgate City Center. Nestled under the shadows of what is probably the coolest professional sporting facility to ever emerge from the earth’s landscape, the district’s shops and boutiques almost seem to form a mini urban amusement park for the shopping masses. Fueled by the buzzing nightlife and popular restaurants, a trip through Westgate will do more than wear out your credit card; you’ll experience a total reprieve from the busy reality that surrounds this unique destination. Diners can experience the thrill of dueling pianos over a meal at the Shout House, kick back in an Adirondack at Margarittaville, challenge the bull at Saddleback Ranch steakhouse or keep the party going at McFadden’s, just a few of dozens of unique dining options. Shoppers will also find a little of everything, from boutique clothing shops, accessory stores and a toy shop that lets you build your own remote-controlled car—custom-built, bumper-to-bumper. Time your trip just right and you can also head over to the adjacent Jobing.com Arena to catch a Coyotes hockey game or blockbuster concert—recent tours include Taylor Swift, Usher and Justin Bieber.
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Romance
The scene of two burly hockey players smashing one another into the glass might not scream romance to you, but during a recent regular season game, it was the perfect setting for one couple who got engaged for all to see thanks to the scoreboard mega screen hanging over the center of the ice. Hockey proposal not quite what you’re looking for? No worries, Glendale has a variety of intimate settings and romantic retreats for you to swoon about. Book a couple’s package and spa treatment from the Renaissance Glendale Hotel and Spa to help jumpstart the flames, then, enjoy our mild winter temps via mountaintop and take your sweetheart’s breath away with a view from above in the Thunderbird Conservation Park or nearby White Tank or Estrella mountains. Wind down the evening with a little dining al fresco on one of Glendale’s many restaurant patios or get to know one another over drinks and a show at Glendale’s Sports and Entertainment District.
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Arts and Culture
Glendale is a city founded on a rich ranching history and vibrant cultural heritage, and these characteristics are proudly displayed through many of the city’s museum and public art offerings. Here are a few places you may want to explore. Glendale is home to several one-of-a-kind museums that pay tribute to art, law enforcement and, yes, of course, football. Visit the Glendale Police exhibit located in the main lobby of the downtown Police complex, which explores the early days of the territorial sheriff to the present day police officer. And you can’t visit this football city without paying homage to one of the most impressive collections of sports memorabilia this side of the Mississippi. Named one of the top-five sports bars in the country by USA Today, Max's Sports Bar Museum proudly boasts the largest collection of football helmets in the nation. The city also offers an array of historical architecture, from early ranch buildings to blocks of bungalows that will beg you to walk our historic neighborhoods for hours. You’ll also want to be sure to take in the city’s dozens of public art displays throughout town. Canvas, sculptures and other works come to life to tell a story of Glendale through artists’ eyes. To make things simple, start at the Glendale Visitor Center and get your guides for each tour before you hit the streets.
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Family Fun
The Griswolds would love Glendale. Whether you’ve loaded up the wagon with the family, flew in from across the country or just took a weekend drive from the other side of town, Glendale does family fun like nobody else. Kick start your outing with a hike or park picnic at one of Glendale’s nearby mountain retreats or many city parks. For lots of space and plenty to do, you might want to consider Sahuaro Ranch Park. Set amid well-preserved turn-of-the-century ranch houses and rose gardens, the park also boasts plenty of walking trails, peacocks roaming the grounds and the usual park findings of fields, play structures and ramadas. Next, take in a show at Jobing.com Arena or Westgate’s movie complex. Or, if the times don’t stack up just right, cool off during the summer months at the popular Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center or go for bigger water fun at the nearby Wet N Wild water park. Get into the swing of things at the USTA’s award-winning Paseo Racquet Center, which offers court rentals and youth and adult programs. Also check out the Surprise Recreation Campus. You can cap off your family day with a little talking to the animals at the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium, 165th and Northern avenues. The zoo is home to Arizona's largest collection of exotic animals and Arizona’s first and only public aquarium featuring 180,000 gallons of fresh and salt water exhibits.
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Music
They say the hills are alive with the sound of music, but Glendale is where the notes and rhythms truly come alive. The hometown of country music legend Marty Robbins, Glendale does music right. The natural first stop is the Sports and Entertainment District for a look at what’s coming up on the Jobing.com Arena event calendar. Voted a top concert venue by Pollstar magazine, Jobing.com Arena is a natural must-stop for major entertainers, such as U2, Madonna, Kanye West, Coldplay and Carrie Underwood. Groovers and shakers will also dig the tunes coming from many Glendale eateries that boast live music along with great menus such as Zendeja’s Grill with live music on weekends. And, if you happen to be in town in April, you’ll want to make a stop in the heart of downtown for Glendale’s Jazz and Blues Festival. The event, which features national headliners, also boasts great food, vendors and shopping opportunities throughout the downtown.
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Outdoor Adventure
Where to hike, bike, walk, run, boat and more - let our outdoors become your playground! From urban and desert trails to water recreation respites and rolling fairways, Arizona’s Western metropolitan region will leave you with life-altering outdoor experiences (and your photos will be pretty amazing, too). Head to the hills and be sure you pack a picnic to sit back and take in the ultimate view. Trails abound at the West Valley’s White Tanks Mountain Regional Park where skilled climbers and novices alike can crank up the cardio before taking a break atop one of the rolling hills. Look east to take in the West Valley below, including a dazzling dusk view of the bustling lights of the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale and surrounding Sports and Entertainment District. If you’ve got the energy, you can test out your skills at the nearby Estrella Mountain Regional Park and Thunderbird Conservation Park, too, just to say you’ve climbed and conquered them all!
Drop a line and see what takes a nibble. At Lake Pleasant – a favorite desert lake among anglers – it could be bass that’s biting. Open year-round, Lake Pleasant features more than 50 miles of shoreline. Anglers have been known to pull largemouth bass, white crappie, white bass, channel catfish and tilapia from its waters. An ideal locale for a fisherman’s retreat, the area is also perfect for boating exploration and high-speed water action. Need to load up on some gear before heading out? Stop in at Cabela’s in the Sports and Entertainment District. In addition to offering quality outdoor merchandise, the 160,000 sq. ft. showroom is an educational and entertainment attraction, featuring a décor of museum-quality animal displays, huge aquariums and trophy animals interacting in realistic re-creations of their natural habitats. For an up-close look or a planned excursion, talk to the folks at Arizona Scenic Tours, a company that specializes in planned excursions and events.
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Southwest Region Day Trip
When in Rome, do as the Romans. That’s good advice, but not necessarily when it comes to dining in this region. While there’s great Mexican food, as expected, and you’d hate to miss out on local places like Macayo’s in Goodyear and La Placita in Buckeye, there are also some big surprises you may not associate with desert dining. Litchfield Park boasts fine dining at one of the most revered Arizona resorts, the Wigwam. Opened in 1929, the Wigwam is a 4-star resort with private casitas, the Red Door Spa, three championship golf courses and inspired culinary delights. The resort’s ‘farm-to-table’ cuisine emphasizes fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as locally produced meats, cheeses, wines and other delicacies. And the ingredients just can't get any more local than when they're picked from their very own Farmer's Market and organic Chef's Garden. Wielding these delicious tools, their celebrated chefs create true culinary magic, whether a romantic, wine-paired dinner at Litchfield's or the best burger of your life at Red's Bar & Grill. Of course, sometimes a traveler just wants some down home cookin’ and this area delivers on that as well. Just point your car to the Millstone Café in Buckeye and wrap yourself in comfort with a plateful of biscuits and gravy.
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Northwest Region Day Trip
If you want to cowboy up while on vacation, the Northwest Region is the place to be. As town folk like to say, “You should spend the day, out Wickenburg way.” Wickenburg was once home to the richest gold lode in Arizona. While the area’s Vulture Mine was long ago played out, Wickenburg retains its rustic gold rush image. So if bola ties and Western art are on your shopping list, remember Wickenburg features shops with names like Buckshot Babe’s, Old Livery Mercantile, Smith and Western and Copperstate Cowboy. It’s the kind of place you can stroll through while licking homemade ice cream cones and imagining the days of yesteryear. Restaurants like the Twin Wheels Café have hearty food and the chance to catch up on town happenings from locals while you soak up the western atmosphere. On a different note, this region features Lake Pleasant. Even if you don’t get out on the water for fishing, boating or jet-skiing, The Waterfront Bar and Grille lets you enjoy the scenery in air conditioned comfort while sipping on cool drinks like the regionally popular Margarita. If a few sips of the salty senorita drink get you wanting to make a big splash, the harbor area also features gift shops with fashionable swimsuits and other ensembles.
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