Top Things to Do in Glendale, AZ

Looking for the best things to do in Glendale, AZ? Explore top attractions like State Farm Stadium, Westgate Entertainment District, Camelback Ranch, hiking, antique shopping, and more. Stay close to it all — book your vacation rental at rove-living.com.

Planning your trip? We’ve got you covered on accommodations too. Browse our curated Glendale vacation rentals at rove-living.com and wake up steps away from all the action.

🏟️ Westgate Entertainment District

If there’s one place that captures the energy of Glendale, it’s the Westgate Entertainment District. This vibrant open-air complex sits right next to State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena, making it the go-to hub before and after any major event. You’ll find dozens of restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment options all within walking distance. The plaza is known for its stunning Bellagio-style fountain show, outdoor concerts, and a lively atmosphere that buzzes on game nights and weekends alike.

Tip: Arrive early on event nights to snag a table at a popular restaurant. Westgate is also a great spot even when there’s no game — the fountain show and outdoor dining make for a fun evening on their own.

🏈 State Farm Stadium

Home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, State Farm Stadium is one of the most impressive venues in the country — and it’s not just for football. This retractable-roof, retractable-field stadium hosts Super Bowls, college football games, concerts, and major events year-round. With a seating capacity of over 63,400, it’s a bucket-list venue for sports fans.

Rating: 4.4/5 (900+ Tripadvisor reviews)
Address: 1 Cardinals Dr, Glendale, AZ 85305
Tickets: Available for Cardinals games, college football, and special events
Insider Tip: The air conditioning inside is legendary — reviewers have literally put on jackets during summer events. Don’t let the Arizona heat outside fool you.

🎵 Desert Diamond Arena

Just steps from State Farm Stadium, Desert Diamond Arena is Glendale’s premier indoor entertainment venue. With seating for around 17,000, it hosts concerts, WWE events, college basketball, and more throughout the year.

Rating: 4.3/5 (573+ Tripadvisor reviews)
Tip: Check the events calendar well in advance — popular shows sell out fast. Parking is shared with Westgate, so rideshare drop-off can save you time on busy nights.

⚾ Camelback Ranch — Spring Training

Baseball fans, this one’s for you. Camelback Ranch is the spring training home of two MLB heavyweights: the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox. Every February and March, fans flock here for intimate, up-close baseball at its finest. The facility features multiple practice fields, stunning views, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s a world away from a regular-season MLB game.

Rating: 4.3/5 (325+ Tripadvisor reviews)
Address: 10710 W Camelback Rd, Glendale/Phoenix, AZ 85037
Season: February–March (Cactus League)
Insider Tip: Seats are close to the action and tickets are much more affordable than regular season games. The food options are solid and the vibe is extremely fan-friendly.

🎰 Desert Diamond Casino

Located right in the heart of the Westgate Entertainment District, Desert Diamond Casino offers over 75,000 square feet of entertainment. Whether you’re into slots, table games, or live poker, this is one of the most conveniently located casinos in the Phoenix metro area. The casino also features dining options and regular promotions.

Hours: Open 24/7
Address: 9431 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305
Tip: Even non-gamblers enjoy the energy here. Pair a casino visit with dinner at Westgate for a full night out.

🏎️ Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

For high-octane family fun, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is a must. This massive 95,000 sq ft facility features multi-level go-kart tracks, laser tag, virtual reality, arcade games, bowling, and more. It’s one of the most comprehensive entertainment complexes in the entire Phoenix metro area — perfect for all ages.

Address: 9155 W Westgate Blvd, Glendale, AZ 85305
Hours: Typically Sun–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11am–midnight (confirm current hours before visiting)
Tip: Book racing sessions in advance on weekends — they fill up fast. A great option for groups, birthday parties, or a rainy day activity.

⛳ PopStroke

PopStroke brings a premium mini golf and dining experience to Glendale. Designed in partnership with Tiger Woods’ TGR Design, PopStroke features two 18-hole courses, a full-service restaurant and bar, and a fun, modern atmosphere that works for families, date nights, and group outings alike.

Tip: Best enjoyed on a weekday when it’s less crowded. If you order food through the app kiosks, flag down a staff member if anything is missing — the self-serve system can occasionally miss details.

🍬 Cerreta Candy Co.

One of Glendale’s most beloved hidden gems, Cerreta Candy Co. has been handcrafting chocolates, taffies, and confections since 1971. Their candy factory tours are a huge hit with families — you’ll see how candy is made, enjoy free samples, and take home something sweet. The VIP experience lets kids decorate their own chocolate creations with toppings like marshmallows, pretzels, and chocolate bits.

Address: 5345 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301
Cost: Very affordable — a group of 4 adults + 3 kids including the VIP experience came to just $78 total
Tip: The on-site candy store sells truffles, taffies, and jelly beans by the pound — about $24/lb. A perfect edible souvenir!

🚗 Martin Auto Museum & Event Center

Car enthusiasts, clear your schedule. The Martin Auto Museum is a non-profit gem that looks unassuming from the outside — but inside, you’ll find hundreds of collectible automobiles spanning from the 1800s to modern day. Think rows of Corvettes, Model A Fords, Rolls Royces, and rare concept cars. Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and love chatting with visitors.

Rating: 5.0/5 on Tripadvisor — one of Glendale’s highest-rated attractions
Address: 6133 N 27th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85017
Perks: Free bottled water included with admission; photography encouraged; some cars you can actually sit in
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — it’s a lot of walking. Plan for at least 2 hours if you’re a car enthusiast.

🛍️ Glendale Historic District & Antique Shopping

Glendale’s Historic Downtown District is one of Arizona’s premier antique shopping destinations. With more than 80 antique shops, charming boutiques, and local restaurants all packed into a walkable area, it’s a delight to explore at a leisurely pace. The area has a charming small-town feel that’s a refreshing contrast to the big-stadium energy found elsewhere in the city.

Rating: 4.1/5 on Tripadvisor
Best for: Antique hunters, history buffs, casual strollers
Tip: Visit on a weekend morning when most shops are open and the streets are lively. Many shops are within a few blocks of each other, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon browsing.

🥾 Thunderbird Conservation Park

Looking for outdoor adventure in Glendale, AZ? Thunderbird Conservation Park offers some of the best hiking in the northwest Valley. Trails wind through classic Sonoran Desert terrain with stunning panoramic views. The park has ample parking, restrooms, picnic tables, and ramadas — and best of all, it’s free.

Rating: 4.6/5 on Tripadvisor
Address: 59th Ave & Pinnacle Peak Rd, Glendale, AZ 85308
Tip: Go at early morning or sunset for cooler temperatures and excellent birding. The base area has paved, ADA-accessible trails. No shade on the mountain itself — bring water and sunscreen.

🌵 Sahuaro Ranch Park

A peaceful and historic escape right in suburban Glendale, Sahuaro Ranch Park features beautifully preserved ranch buildings from the 1890s, peacocks roaming the grounds, rose gardens, fruit orchards, and wide green lawns. It’s one of those places that surprises first-time visitors with how much character it has.

Rating: 4.2/5 on Tripadvisor
Admission: Free to walk the grounds; free parking
Address: 9802 N 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302
Tip: Visit in spring when the roses and orchards are in bloom. Great for a quiet morning stroll or a casual picnic.

🪨 Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve

History comes alive at the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, which features one of the largest concentrations of Native American rock art in the Phoenix area — nearly 1,500 petroglyphs carved by the Hohokam people over 1,000 years ago. Operated by Arizona State University, the preserve offers guided and self-guided tours along a paved trail.

Rating: 4.3/5 on Tripadvisor
Address: 3711 W Deer Valley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85308
Note: Closed June–July; confirm seasonal hours before visiting
Tip: Morning visits offer cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography.

🛒 Tanger Outlets Phoenix

Bargain shoppers will love Tanger Outlets Phoenix, featuring designer and name-brand stores like Nike, Coach, Michael Kors, H&M, Banana Republic, Polo Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and many more — all at outlet prices.

Rating: 3.8/5 on Tripadvisor
Address: 6800 N 95th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305
Important Tip: If you’re dining at a nearby restaurant like Texas Roadhouse, ask your server about parking validation — some restaurants offer it and signage in the area can be unclear. Save yourself a potential parking headache.

🏊 Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center

For visitors who want to stay active, the Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center is a top-rated facility with pools, fitness equipment, and very popular pickleball courts.

Rating: 4.8/5 on Tripadvisor
Address: 5600 W Union Hills Dr, Glendale, AZ 85308
Tip: Book pickleball courts ahead of time if possible — they’re in high demand.

🎈 Hot Air Balloon Rides

For a truly unforgettable experience, book a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert. Several operators launch from the Glendale/Phoenix area at sunrise, offering breathtaking views of desert landscapes, saguaro cacti, and mountain ranges. Most packages include a champagne toast and breakfast.

Top Operators: Rainbow Ryders, Hot Air Expeditions
Cost: Starting around $150–$200/person
Tip: Book early — these sell out fast, especially in spring and fall. Sunrise flights offer the calmest winds and best scenery.

🎡 Coming Soon: VAI Resort & Mattel Adventure Park

Two major attractions are on the horizon for Glendale:

VAI Resort — A premier entertainment resort at the heart of the Westgate area, promising luxury accommodations, pools, and one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences.
Mattel Adventure Park — The only park of its kind, where guests step into the worlds of Hot Wheels, Barbie, and other iconic Mattel brands. Perfect for families with kids.

Both are set to make Glendale an even bigger destination — stay tuned!

🗺️ Visitor Tips for Glendale, AZ

Best time to visit: October through April for pleasant weather. Summers are hot (100°F+), but indoor attractions like stadiums, the casino, and museums are perfectly comfortable year-round.
Getting around: A car is recommended. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is widely available, especially around Westgate on event nights.
Parking: Most attractions have ample parking. On major event nights at Westgate, arrive early or use rideshare to avoid lot congestion.
Day trips: Glendale is ideally located near downtown Phoenix (13 miles), Scottsdale (25 miles), and Sedona for a memorable day trip (about 2 hours away).

🏠 Where to Stay in Glendale, AZ

The best way to experience everything Glendale has to offer is to stay right in the heart of it. Rove Living offers premium vacation rentals in the Glendale area — thoughtfully designed, fully furnished, and perfectly located so you can spend less time commuting and more time exploring. Whether you’re here for a Cardinals game, spring training, a concert, or a family getaway, our properties put you close to all the action.

Book your Glendale vacation rental at rove-living.com

Whether you’re a sports fanatic, foodie, outdoor adventurer, or just looking for a great time, Glendale, AZ has something for everyone. We hope this guide helps you plan an amazing stay — and if you have any questions about the area, don’t hesitate to reach out!