Glendale, AZ: Where Entertainment Meets Adventure

on Jul 30, 2024

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If the words Glendale, AZ, evoke thoughts of the Super Bowl, Taylor Swift, or the 2024 NCAA men’s basketball Final Four tournament, you aren’t alone. However, those fan-favorite events are just the beginning of what this Arizona destination has to offer.

Located 14 miles from the Phoenix airport, Glendale is quickly becoming the ultimate destination for sports, music, dining, and shopping. Want to try your luck at the casino? They have that, too.

I was hosted by Visit Glendale earlier this year, and I’m excited to share what I loved about this growing vacation spot.

Things to do in Glendale, AZ

A large, modern stadium with a silver exterior, located in an open area with a partly cloudy sky and mountainous background. Cars are parked in the parking lots surrounding the stadium. — Image Credit: Andrea Updyke

There are many things to do in Glendale, but the hard part is choosing between them. The options are endless, from football to concerts, car shows, and major league baseball.

You can shop til you drop, work on your golf swing, or learn to play pickleball.

Take a Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

Two hot air balloons float over a vast, arid landscape with sparse vegetation, mountains in the distance, and roads crossing the foreground. — Image Credit: Andrea Updyke

Rainbow Ryders is a hot-air balloon company that will take you thousands of feet above Glendale for an unforgettable sunrise or sunset experience. The team of experts will make you feel safe and secure from start to finish.

The rides are so smooth that you won’t even know you’re flying. Remember to bring your camera! Take a look at how the balloons are inflated. I could have watched this all day!

Catch a Game

A hand holds a 2023 spring training program at a baseball game. The program features a player in a black uniform. Spectators are seated in the stands while players are on the field. — Image Credit: Andrea Updyke

The State Farm Arena is home to the Arizona Cardinals NFL team. Enjoy a football game during NFL season, or drive across town in the spring for MLB spring training at one of the ten ballparks in Glendale and the surrounding area.

If arena football is more your speed, head to the Desert Diamond Arena to see the Arizona Rattlers in action.

Play a Game

Chicken’N’Pickle

Want to get into the game yourself? Glendale has several interactive experiences, including Top Golf, where you can perfect your drive, discover pickleball at Chicken and Pickle, or practice putting at Tiger Woods’ Popstroke.

Where to Stay in Glendale

A person in a hard hat and high-visibility vest stands on a construction site with buildings and construction equipment in the background. — Image Credit: Andrea Updyke

Several existing and upcoming hotels are in Glendale. The most exciting (to me) is VAI Resort, the first of its kind destination set to open in 2025.

The amphitheater at VAI will be able to accommodate live concerts for 11,000 people. A family hotel tower will be available with access to white-sand beaches and swimming pools, and the very first Mattel Adventure Park, a primarily indoor theme park featuring brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels, will be located there.

VAI will also provide retail space and 12 different restaurants throughout the property. It is located just across from the State Farm Arena, so look for shuttles to events there as well—that is, if you want to leave the resort.

Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa

A hotel room with two double beds, a desk with a chair, a wall-mounted TV, a nightstand, a small couch, and a large window with curtains. — Image Credit: Mariott.com

Conveniently located between State Farm Arena and Westgate Entertainment District, the Renaissance is the perfect place to enjoy being in the heart of the action. You can walk to dinner, shop, or attend an event without needing a car. This hotel recently underwent renovations, and we found it to be comfortable and inviting.

Other nearby hotels include Aloft, Tru by Hilton, and Hampton Inn & Suites. According to Visit Glendale, even more hotels are in the works.

Where to Eat in Glendale

Outdoor night scene featuring Tulum Modern Mexican restaurant with illuminated palm trees and seating area in the foreground. — Image Credit: Andrea Updyke

One thing you won’t have to worry about is going hungry. Glendale has an abundance of restaurants to choose from.

Dig into breakfast at a local chain or grab your favorite entree at one of the many national chain restaurants in the area.

Over Easy

A plate of chilaquiles topped with a fried egg, salsa, chopped green onions, and drizzled with sour cream. — Image Credit: Andrea Updyke

Over Easy is a local restaurant with several locations. It was featured on the television show Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives, and we can see why. The food is delicious and plentiful.

You’ll find the typical breakfast fare, but there are a few creative options, like the Golden Waffle Dogs, which look like corn dogs but made with breakfast sausage and waffle batter.

Salt Tacos y Tequila

Interior of a brightly lit restaurant with eclectic wall art, modern spherical light fixtures, multiple TV screens above the bar, and patrons seated at tables and barstools. — Image Credit: Andrea Updyke

Salt is located in the Westgate Entertainment District. Open from lunch until late night, this lively restaurant has everything from drinks to guacamole flights to churros.

Stay late for more drinks and dancing, or come early on the weekends for brunch.

Tulum Modern Mexican

A plate of enchiladas garnished with cilantro, pickled onions, and drizzled with white sauce. The enchiladas are covered in a red sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds. — Image Credit: Andrea Updyke

Want to dine in a jungle? Tulum Modern Mexican is a fun, engaging space with fanciful details around every corner.

The menu is eclectic, with a wide range of options for every taste. And remember to save room for dessert. You won’t be sorry.

Nineteen 86 Steakhouse

A wooden platter with assorted olives, crackers, nuts, vegetables, cured meats, cheese, and grapefruit slices. — Image Credit: Andrea Updyke

Tucked into the back of the Desert Diamond Casino is Nineteen 86 Steakhouse. This elegant steakhouse experience will wow you from start to finish, and the service is phenomenal.

The casino is smoke-free, so you won’t have to worry about the atmosphere. And if you stay a while, you may even win a few dollars for next time.

More Travel Ideas

Wooden signs on a tree indicate hiking directions to Fira, Imerovigli (15 minutes), and Oia (2 hours 45 minutes), with a view of the sea and landscape in the background. — Image Credit: Just is a Four Letter Word

With plenty of indoor and outdoor activities and more on the way, it’s easy to see why Glendale, AZ is in a league of its own. With ideas for every season, make sure your next trip to Arizona includes a stop in this growing city.

Subscribe to Just is a Four Letter Word for even more travel ideas. My original version of this post first appeared on Wealth of Geeks.