Overview
Sun City is a suburb 20 miles (30km) northwest of downtown Phoenix, Arizona. It was built as a planned retirement community in Maricopa County in the 1960s. An adjacent retirement community Sun City West was built in the late 1970s; there is also a Sun City Grand. Directly northwest of the three "Sun City" suburbs is Surprise, Arizona.
1 things to do · 1 places to eat · 6 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Sun City
Gold Rush Day’s
Founded more than 75 years ago, this event celebrates Wickenburg’s heritage as a gold mining town.
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 — 19 mi away (major hub). Directions
- AZA Mesa Gateway Airport, Mesa — 41 mi away. Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $118–$199 a night (typical $142), from 6 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$160, mid-range ~$220, comfortable ~$360.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
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
Do
Eat
Eat Mercer's Restaurant
Pastries and pie; American breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Sleep
Nearby
Peoria
City / town · 8 listings · 2 mi away
El Mirage
City / town · 11 listings · 3 mi away
Glendale
City / town · 21 listings · 6 mi away
Litchfield Park
City / town · 3 listings · 9 mi away
Goodyear
City / town · 2 listings · 11 mi away
Avondale
City / town · 15 listings · 12 mi away
Phoenix
City / town · 190 listings · 13 mi away
Anthem
City / town · 5 listings · 20 mi away
My experience
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