Phoenix is the heart of what we locals call the Valley of the Sun. More than 20 cities and towns comprise this bustling metro area and all have something unique to offer visitors. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting the can’t-miss things to do and places to eat in some of the different parts of greater Phoenix.
This week: Things to do in the East Valley, which includes Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Queen Creek and more.
Things To do
Salt River Tubing
Cool off with friends and family on a tubing trip at the Salt River. Experience the beauty of one of Arizona’s natural waterways, and be sure to keep an eye out for the area’s wild horses.
Details: 9200 North Bush Highway, Mesa 85215, 480-984-3305
Queen Creek Olive Mill
Queen Creek Olive Mill grows and presses olives to produce high-quality extra virgin olive oil on this local family-owned farm. Not only does the olive mill produce olive oil but also cold pressed oils, vinegars, tapenades, and stuffed olives for consumer purchase. Stop by their eatery for salads, sandwiches and more, and check their calendar for a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year.
Details: 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek 85142, 480-888-9290
Tortilla Flat Saloon and Settlement
Nestled in the Tonto National Forest in the Superstition Mountains, this 1904 town and stagecoach stop is a must-see when exploring the historic Apache Trail. After exploring this historic buildings, hop on a saddle at the bar (yes, the bar really uses saddles for stools) and enjoy a burger, chili, and cold sarsaparilla.
Details: 1 Main St, Tortilla Flat 85190, 480-984-1776
Tempe Town Lake
Hit the high seas of Tempe Town Lake where guests can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and a variety of watercrafts. And after some fun in the sun, take a stroll down Mill Avenue and peruse the local shops and restaurants.
Details: 72 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe 85282, 480- 303-9803
Photo credit: Tempe Tourism Office
Desert Belle Cruise on Saguaro Lake
Kick back and relax on a guided tour of the waters of Saguaro Lake with Desert Belle Cruises. As you float past towering canyon walls, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, deer, coyotes and more desert wildlife.
Details: 14011 N. Bush Highway, Mesa 85215, 480-984-2425
Bondurant School of High Performance Driving
Fulfill your need for speed at this renowned facility, designed by world champion driver Bob Bondurant. Get behind the wheel of powerful machines at this facility where they feature up-to-date cars and equipment, such as Corvette C7 Stingrays, and qualified staff to help each driver reach their goals. Check out Bondurant for a day of racing or program packages that last up to four days.
Details: 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Gate #3, Chandler 85226, 1-800-842-7223
Visit Schnepf Farms
Have some family fun at Schnepf Family Farm and see their organic gardens and orchards At the farm, a designated Arizona treasure, guests can visit their county store and bakery along with their farm tours, train rides, petting zoo and more. Check their calendar for family-friendly events throughout the year.
Details: 24810 South Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek 85142, 480-829-0607
Schnepf Farms hosts their popular Peach Festival each spring.
Lost Dutchman State Park
One of the most beautiful and photographed regions in the state is the Superstition Mountains and Lost Dutchman State Park. Pictures don’t do the park justice, especially on a sunny spring day when fields are full of blooming wildflowers. Enjoy the day with a leisurely stroll on one of the park’s nature trails or test yourself on their signature Siphon Draw Trail. Siphon Draw can be a brute, but the view at the top is inspiring.
Details: 6109 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction 85119, 480-982-4485
Photo credit: hikearizona.com
Visit Goldfield Ghost Town
Take a step back in time to the Wild West at Goldfield Ghost Town. Take a tour of the town’s historic gold mine and learn about the town’s history at the museum. Stay alert when moseying through the town’s shops, as an Old West gunfight could break out at any time (all in fun, of course)!
Details: 4650 N. Mammoth Mine Rd., Apache Junction 85119, 480-983-0333
Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aviation Museum
Take a trip through history at this museum, which is home to myriad aircraft on display. More than 15 aircraft dating as far back as WWI are displayed in full glory. Guests can also take the ride of a lifetime in a restored B-17 Flying Fortress, or one of several other classic warbirds.
Details: 2017 N. Greenfield Road, Mesa 85215, 480-924-1940
Soar above the desert in classic aircraft at the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aviation Museum (Credit: Moose Peterson Aviation Photography)
Play a Game at Big League Dreams Sports Park
You may never step into the batter’s box at Wrigley Field or Yankee Stadium, but you can get the next best thing at Big League Dreams. The complex features small-scale replicas of the homes of the Cubs, Yankees and Red Sox, an indoor soccer pavilion, softball fields, flag-football fields, and batting cages. And after working up an appetite, visitors can power up at the Stadium Club Restaurant, where they offer a variety of foods and beverages and an arcade to keep kids and adults entertained.
Details: 4536 E Elliot Rd, Gilbert 85234, 480-813-1270
Big Surf (Currently closed for the offseason)
Surf’s up in the desert at Big Surf Waterpark, home to a 2.5-million gallon wave pool. The popular water park has more than a dozen other slippery slides to ride down and a thrilling zip line that takes you soaring from one end of the wave pool to the next.
Details: 1500 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe 85281, 480-994-2297
Big Surf
Golfland-Sunsplash
The Sunsplash side features water slides, pools, a lazy river, bumper boats, and splash pads. Golfland has multiple activities including miniature golf, an arcade, laser tag, race karts, and more. Sunsplash is closed during the fall and winter, but Golfland stays open all year.
Details: 155 West Hampton Ave, Mesa 85210, 480-834-8319
Shop San Tan Village
San Tan Village, the largest outdoor shopping center in the region, is the perfect place to fulfill your shopping desires on a sunny day. Apple, Banana Republic, Fossil, lucy, and Sephora are just some of village’s featured retailers.
Details: 2218 E Williams Field Rd #235, Gilbert 85295, 480-282-9500
Join the pack at the The Ice Den
Strap on your skates and hit the ice and the official training center of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes. Visitors of all ages can participate in public skating sessions and programs, hockey programs, and figure skating. And during the summer months of June, July, and August, the Ice Den converts its third rink from ice to field turf for soccer, lacrosse, flag football, kickball and more.
Details: 9375 East Bell Road, Scottsdale 85260, 480-585-7465
Hit the links at top golf courses
The East Valley is home to a variety of premiere golf courses that fit any budget. Here are some of our top picks:
Las Sendas
Details: 7555 E. Eagle Crest Drive, Mesa 85207, 480-396-4000
ASU Karsten
Details: 1125 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe 85281, 480-921-8070
ASU Karsten Golf Course
Dobson Ranch
Details: 2155 S Dobson Rd, Mesa 85202, 480-644-2291
Gold Canyon (Two 18-hole courses)
Details: 6100 S Kings Ranch Rd, Gold Canyon 85218, 480-982-9090
Just one of the many spectacular views at Gold Canyon’s Dinosaur Mountain course.
Longbow
Details: 5601 E Longbow Pkwy, Mesa 85215, 480-807-5400
Ocotillo (27 holes)
Details: 3751 S. Clubhouse Drive, Chandler 85248, 480-917-6660
We-Ko-Pa (Two 18-hole courses)
Details: 18200 E. Toh Vee Circle, Fort McDowell 85264, 480-836-9000
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Photo credit: Adam Stanley)
Whirlwind (Two 18-hole courses)
Details: 5692 W. North Loop Road, Chandler 85226, 480-940-1500
Explore the Sonoran Desert at these Maricopa County Regional Parks
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Located in the the northeast Valley, this park offers outdoor enthusiasts nearly 40 miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails that range from easy strolls to vigorous treks.
Details: 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr., Fountain Hills 85255, 480-471-0173
McDowell Mountain Regional Park (Photo credit: Park ranger Amy Burnett)
San Tan Mountain Regional Park
This 10,000-acre scenic park in the southeast region offers eight miles of multi-use trails. Keep your eyes peeled for javelinas, coyotes, rattlesnakes and more as you hike past saguaros, creosote and more desert foliage.
Details: 6533 W. Phillips Road, Queen Creek 85242, 480-655-5554
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Adjacent to the Tonto National Forest, this park spreads over 3,648 acres at the western end of the Goldfield Mountains. Soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding region on their signature Wind Cave Trail.
Details: 3939 N. Usery Pass Rd., Mesa 85207, 480-984-0032
Usery Mountain Regional Park hosts moonlight and sunset hikes throughout the year.
Where to Eat
Four Peaks Brewing Company
Originally built in 1892 as a creamery, the Four Peaks Brewery provides a variety of quality beers that are local favorites. Beer fans can’t leave Phoenix without trying an 8th Street Ale or Kiltlifter. Four Peaks also serves a menu of quality grub to pair with your beers, with items such as their Southwest burger and tap room tenderloin.
Details: 1340 E 8th St, Tempe 85281, 480-303-9967
Enjoy the sunshine and good brews at Four Peaks Brewing Company.
Original Chopshop Co.
From salads, sandwiches, to fresh pressed juices, the Original Chopshop offers an assortment of dining options to please an array of tastes. The Original Chop Shop promotes a healthy lifestyle and takes pride in sincerely making your day brighter with their family recipes and seasonal twists of ingredients.
Details:
222 E. University Dr., Tempe 85281, 480-307-9336
35 W. Boston St., Chandler 85225, 480-426-0216
7158 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale 85251, 480-794-1536
Joe’s Farm Grill
It’s tough to beat the freshness of ingredients at Joe’s Farm Grill. The local favorite, known for their fresh burgers, fries, salads, sandwiches and more, gets many of their veggies, fruit and herbs from the gardens right outside their front door. Joe’s has also been featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
Details: 3000 East Ray Road, Gilbert 85296, 480-563-4745
American Wilderness Brewery
You won’t find boring ol’ lagers at this joint. Named Esquire‘s best new brewery in the world in 2014, Arizona Wilderness puts their passion into unique brews such as German sour wheat ales and coffee stouts made with locally-roasted coffee and Madagascar vanilla beans. Grab some grub with your beer, such as their Arizona Trail burger or green chili pulled pork sliders.
Details: 721 N Arizona Ave, Gilbert 85233, 480-284-9863
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company
Cornish Pasty Co.
Englishman Dean Thomas brings his love of pasties to the desert at Cornish Pasty Co. In addition to classics such as Shepherd’s Pie and The Oggie, Thomas mixes it up with chicken tikka masala, spicy asiago chicken and other unique pasty combinations.
Details:
960 W. University Dr., Tempe 85281, 480-894-6261
1941 W. Guadalupe Rd., Mesa 85202, 480-838-3586
3800 N Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale 85251, 480-945-1220
SanTan Brewing Company
In the heart of downtown Chandler, SanTan brewery has been providing visitors with specially-tailored craft beer since 2007. SanTan’s craft beers have won both state and national awards and they’re a frequent participant in local food and beer festivals. Don’t miss their weekly live music and award-winning happy hour.
Details: 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler 85225, 480-917-8700
Over Easy
Known for its made-from-scratch breakfast creations, Over Easy is loved by locals for its throwback décor, friendly hospitality and, of course, the delicious food. The Food Network has even stopped by to check out chef Aaron May’s fare. Feeling especially hungry/gluttonous? Take on The Wolfpack, which is two eggs, bacon and choice of cheese between two layers of hash browns.
Details:
9375 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale 85260, 480-270-3447
6451 E. Southern Ave., Mesa 85206, 480-832-3447
211 E Warner Rd #103, Gilbert 85296, 480-507-3447
4730 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix 85018, 602-468-3447
A sampling of the hearty grub at Over Easy.
The Perch Pub and Brewery
Enjoy rooftop panoramic views of downtown Chandler at The Perch Pub and Brewery. Their courtyard with lush garden landscapes makes a great place to enjoy a craft beer with over 50 tropical rescue birds to keep you company.
Details: 232 S. Wall Street, Chandler 85225, 480-773-7688
Papago Brewing Co.
Featuring 30 beers on tap and offering a variety of 500 bottled beers to drink onsite or take home, Papago Brewing Co. provides an assortment of world class craft beer. Complimenting their good beer is their food as they are known for the unique hand-pressed pizzas to satisfy any appetite.
Details: 7107 East McDowell Road, Scottsdale 85257, 480-425-7439
Kai
Head to Kai for a fine dining experience that is tough to top. The AAA Five Diamond Award winner features a cuisine that is rooted in Native American culture, specifically the Pima and Maricopa tribes.
Details: Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler 85226, 602-385-5726
The views are as spectacular as the food at Kai.
House of Tricks
It’s easy to overlook this charming spot near the Arizona State University campus, but you’ll be glad you didn’t. The seasonally-inspired contemporary cuisine features unique items such as smoked Texas wild boar and Moroccan fruit and chicken shawarma salad. Their tree outdoor tree-covered bar is a wonderful spot to enjoy a glass of wine on a sunny day.
Details: 114 East 7th St.,Tempe 85281, 480-968-1114
Udder Delights
Satisfy your sweet tooth at the award-winning Udder Delights. They craft their ice cream, butter, cheeses and more with fresh ingredients from the nearby Superstition Farm.
A sampling of the rotating flavors at Udder Delights.
Joe’s Real BBQ
Don’t be scared if you see long lines coming out the doors at Joe’s Real BBQ. They keep the line moving at this family-owned joint, and the BBQ, some of the best in the Valley, is worth the wait. With their finger-lickin’ fare and motto of “clean, delicious, and friendly,” Joe’s has become a Gilbert institution.
Details: 301 N Gilbert Road, Gilbert 85234, 480-503-3805
Joe’s Real BBQ