Overview
Glendale is one of the largest suburbs in the metropolitan Phoenix area, and is rapidly growing as a media/entertainment center in the Valley of the Sun. It was home to over 250,000 people in 2019.
1 sights · 9 things to do · 5 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Glendale
Westgate Entertainment District
Billed as the "Times Square of the desert", home to the Cardinals (NFL) and Coyotes (NHL) as well as bars, restaurants, shops and cinema.
Sahuaro Ranch Park
A 17 acres historic park. 13 original buildings; rose garden, barnyard & historic orchards. Tours available in Sept. and Oct. Public area includes sports fields, dog park, playgrounds, seasonal events.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Historic Downtown
Known as one of the best locations for antiques. Has many historical and cultural facilities and events.
Arizona Cardinals
Check out one of the newer NFL stadiums in the country, State Farm Stadium, named by Business Week as one of the 10 “most impressive” sports facilities on the globe due to the combination of its retractable roof and roll…
Arizona Coyotes
NHL Hockey team. 2011-12 Pacific Division Champions. Plays in Gila River Arena.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Nov–Apr. Summer highs reach about 106°F; winter lows dip to about 45°F. Very hot (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Phoenix)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix — 13 mi away (major hub). Directions
- AZA Mesa Gateway Airport, Mesa — 35 mi away. Directions
As a suburb of Phoenix, Glendale does not have its own major airport. Airplane owners may find it convenient to fly into [https://www.glendaleaz.gov/Live/Amenities/Airport Glendale Municipal Airport] (in the western portion of the city), but most people may find it prudent to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the major airport for both the Phoenix area and the state of Arizona.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Historic Downtown, Cerreta Candy Factory, Sahuaro Ranch Park
- Lunch Bitz-ee Mamas
- Afternoon Westgate Entertainment District, Arizona Coyotes
- Dinner Pizza Old Roma
- Evening WestGate
Day 2
- Morning Foothills SK8 Court Plaza, Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center
- Lunch A Touch of European Café
- Afternoon Thunderbird Conservation Park, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
- Dinner Haus Murphy
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By plane
As a suburb of Phoenix, Glendale does not have its own major airport. Airplane owners may find it convenient to fly into [https://www.glendaleaz.gov/Live/Amenities/Airport Glendale Municipal Airport] (in the western portion of the city), but most people may find it prudent to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the major airport for both the Phoenix area and the state of Arizona.
By road
Glendale has the benefit of numerous freeways that travel through the Phoenix metro area.
- The southern portion of the city is easily accessible from Interstate 10, exiting between 43rd Avenue and the Loop 101 and traveling north on the arterial streets.
- The eastern portion is accessible from Interstate 17, exiting between Camelback Road and the Loop 101.
- Northern Glendale is accessible from the Loop 101, which is the only freeway in the Regional Freeway System to cross through the city. The Loop 101 travels north from Interstate 10 and turns east at the northern boundary of Glendale, where it intersects Interstate 17. Northern Glendale can be accessed by exiting the Loop 101 between 51st Avenue and Bell Road.
- West Glendale, home to Gila River Arena (NHL) and State Farm Stadium (NFL), is accessible by exiting Loop 101 between Northern Avenue and Camelback Road. The arena and stadium are easily accessible from exiting at Glendale Avenue and heading east.
By bus
Valley Metro Light Rail from Washington/Central Ave in Phoenix to Glendale/19th, then Valley Metro Bus 70 to Glendale. $4 for a 1-day pass (Nov 2020).
See
Do
*
Do Arizona Cardinals
Check out one of the newer NFL stadiums in the country, State Farm Stadium, named by Business Week as one of the 10 “most impressive” sports facilities on the globe due to the combination of its retractable roof and roll-in natural grass field. They are the oldest NFL team still in existence (after relocating twice) and after a long bout of mediocrity have gotten rather good.
*
Parks and recreation
Do Thunderbird Conservation Park
A free public 1,185 acres park. Mountain biking, horseback riding, jogging, bird watching, GRS mapping
Do Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center (Glendale Aquatic Center)
Public Recreation Facility, Activity room, rock climbing wall, indoor track and basketball court.
Buy
Glendale calls itself "Arizona's Antique Capital".
The Arrowhead Towne Center mall is found in the northwest part of the city.
Eat
Eat Haus Murphy
Traditional food from Germany with a Bier Garden outside. Live entertainment
Eat Bitz-ee Mamas
A popular destination for breakfast and lunch with a large variety of menu items.
Eat Lenny's Burgers
Traditional burger joint without a drive-thru window.
Eat A Touch of European Café
A quaint café serving mostly Polish-style food.
Eat Pizza Old Roma
Thin crust Sicilian-style pizza, other menu items include subs and lasagna.
Drink
Drink WestGate
Glendale's premier shopping and entertainment center. Sports arenas, lots of shopping and restaurants with night life bars coming alive after sundown. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Saddle Ranch, Kabuki, The Shout House, Hells Half acre, and more. Essentially the only west side hot spot.
Sleep
Stay Motel 6 Glendale
Free WiFi, personal voice mail, heated pool, free continental breakfast. Conference/meeting space for up to 60 attendees.
Stay Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Glendale/Westgate
Great location within the Westgate City Center, home of the Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Coyotes. Enjoy an On The House Hot Breakfast, free hi-speed Internet, business center, outdoor pool & whirlpool, fitness center and the 100% Hampton Guarantee.
Stay safe
The types of crime most common in the Phoenix area usually do not affect visitors or tourist locations. However, some sections of Glendale, especially the southern tier of the city bordering the Maryvale area of Phoenix, are somewhat dicey and should be avoided at night.
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My experience
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