Sports fans know Glendale, Arizona—a city just west of Phoenix—as a hub for professional football, baseball and ice hockey. With football’s biggest game being hosted there twice in recent years and countless national championships to its name, the city has put itself on the map as a must-visit destination. If you’re one of the many sports fans who book a hotel in Glendale to stay close to the action on the field or rink, you’ll discover that there’s also a variety of exciting local attractions to visit pre- and post-game. Here are the top things to do the next time you visit Glendale.
Huddle Up at Cerreta Candy Company for Some Chocolate Pizza
One of the sweetest things you can do in Glendale is taking a tour at family-owned Cerreta Chocolate Company. Photo credit: City of Glendale
Rarely can a suburban town boast that it has its own candy company. For four generations, Cerreta Candy Company has been the sweetheart of Glendale as the hometown chocolate factory. Free guided tours are offered by the owner’s wife, Marisa, twice a day, Monday through Friday. You’ll not only eat free samples as you walk the factory floor, but you’ll also see how the store’s candies are produced and packaged before they’re sent into the world to be devoured by happy consumers. You can purchase the VIP Factory Tour Pizza Pass, where you’ll get to make chocolate pizzas topped with tasty Cerreta Candy. .
Drive in for a Flick at the West Wind
Have fun the old-fashioned way when you take your family for movie night at a restored drive-in.
Going to a movie is not usually the first activity travelers plan to do when visiting a new city. But, the West Wind Glendale Drive-In Movie Theater makes it worthwhile as the only outdoor theater in the Phoenix area. The drive-in offers many of the same headlining A-List movies currently playing at regular theaters, and many of them are double-features. The only difference is you can see the movie from the comfort of your car. Just connect to the soundtrack using your mobile device, grab some popcorn at the concession stand and watch a good movie like they did back in the old days.
Catch a Glimpse of the Wild West with the Glendale Historical Society
Visit the historic district of Glendale and spend an afternoon wandering around Manistee Ranch Park. Photo credit: City of Glendale
Manistee Ranch Park is the last working ranch in Phoenix located on Northern Avenue in the heart of Glendale’s historic district. The residence on the 4-acre property was built in 1897 and is owned and managed by the Glendale Historical Society. Tours of the ranch, including the garage, office, barn and house, are offered by appointment only on the first and third Saturday of the month. Walking through the home gives guests a firsthand look at this remarkable piece of Arizona history, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Touchdown at Westgate for Entertainment and More
Just steps from two of the biggest sporting arenas in Glendale is Westgate Entertainment District, a place to find music, food, shopping and more. Photo credit: Westgate Entertainment District
If you plan on watching a football game at State Farm Stadium or cheering your favorite ice hockey team to victory at Gila River Arena, you’ll want to plan a few extra hours to explore the surrounding Westgate Entertainment District. With more than 8 million square feet of retail space, there are endless options for shopping, dining and fun, including a comedy club, a restaurant featuring dueling pianos and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings at WaterDance Plaza. The “dancing fountain” located in the Plaza was inspired by the epic fountain at the Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas, so you know they mean business when it comes to entertainment.
Pay Tribute at the Glendale Police Museum
You won't get held up at this family-friendly museum that walks you through the history of Glendale's police force.
The Glendale Police Museum is one the city’s most unique places to visit with over 100 years of law enforcement memorabilia on display. You’ll see old radio equipment, badges, uniforms and law books while gaining an in-depth understanding of Glendale Police history. The museum is in the City of Glendale Public Safety Building lobby and was officially dedicated to the policemen and policewomen who have protected the city since the late 1800s.
Score a Great Day at Castles N’ Coasters
Enjoy a day of thrills and fun at one of Arizona's most popular roller coaster parks.
When the final game is over, there’s no better place to get your heart racing again than on a roller coaster. Castles N’ Coasters is where you can champion a great family outing. Included at the thrill park is a two-loop roller coaster, 10,000-square-foot arcade, Go Karts, bumper boats, a splashdown water ride, 18-hole miniature golf, skydiver and more. Unlimited Ride Day Passes allow you to make the most of your time at the park and restaurants located onsite ensure you have everything you need for an unforgettable day.
Stretch Your Legs as you Stroll Through a Desert Garden
There is a way to keep plants hydrated during the hot desert months. Find out how at the Xeriscape Botanical Garden in Glendale. Photo credit: Victoria Castor, City of Glendale
Discover why Atlanta's nickname was once, "The City in a Forest," at Fernbank Forest, adjacent to the Many assume the Sonoran Desert is a barren place. In reality, it’s a vibrant landscape of plants and wildlife that have learned to adapt and thrive among the dry rocks and mountains with very little water. The Glendale Xeriscape Botanical Garden at the Glendale Public Library is where you can see 400 species of desert plants that not only survive in the desert, but bloom and thrive. The four-acre garden also features “Art in the Garden” with colorful water conservation-themed artwork placed throughout the exhibit to brighten the experience.
Go Wild at the Wildlife World Zoo
Close to downtown Glendale is an animal park and safari that has become home to some of the world's most beloved and endangered wild creatures.
Fifteen miles west of downtown Glendale is the largest collection of wild animals in Arizona. Wildlife World Zoo is home to more than 600 species ranging from lions, hyenas, cheetahs and more. The newest addition to the park is a 15-acre Safari Park with a train ride that will have you feeling like you’re venturing through the African Savannah. There’s also an aquarium with 75 indoor exhibits, a kids’ petting zoo, educational wildlife encounters and animal feedings throughout the day.
Get Lost While You Find Arizona’s Beautiful Desert Parks
Take a break from city life and instead spend time discovering the desert parks of Arizona.
Outdoor enthusiasts can get their fill of the Sonoran Desert with two parks located close to downtown Glendale. White Tank Mountain Regional Park is the largest in Maricopa County with nearly 30,000 acres of biking, hiking and horseback riding trails. This natural playground is only 30 minutes from downtown Glendale and requires a small entry fee. Children age 15 years and younger are welcome to visit the park for free.
If you’re on a budget, Thunderbird Conservation Park is just as impressive as White Tank and requires no entry fee. You’ll find 15 miles of multi-use trails where you can jog, mountain bike, bird watch or simply enjoy a picnic with family and friends. The 1,185-acre park is located 25 minutes from Glendale in Hedgpeth Hills.