Glendale (Arizona)

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. == 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 1 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). == Get around == == See == 1 Historic Downtown, 5800 W. Glenn Dr. (59th/Glendale), ☏ +1 623 930-4500. Known as one of the best locations for antiques. Has many historical and cultural facilities and events. == Do == 1 Westgate Entertainment District (formerly Westgate City Center) (101 & Glendale), ☏ +1 480-387-5678. Billed as the "Times Square of the desert", home to the Cardinals (NFL) and Coyotes (NHL) as well as bars, restaurants, shops and cinema. (updated Jun 2020) 2 Arizona Cardinals, 1 Cardinals Dr, ☏ +1 623 433-7100. 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. (updated Nov 2015) 3 Arizona Coyotes, 9400 Maryland Ave, ☏ +1 623 772-3800. NHL Hockey team. 2011-12 Pacific Division Champions. Plays in Gila River Arena. 4 Cerreta Candy Factory, 5345 W. Glendale Ave. 30 minute guided tours. M-F, 10AM and 1PM. Very fun place for all ages and all the chocolate you can eat. === Parks and recreation === 5 Sahuaro Ranch Park, 9802 N 59th Ave, ☏ +1 623 930-4200. 6AM-10PM. A 17 acres (6.9 hectares) 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. (updated Nov 2020) 6 Foothills SK8 Court Plaza, 57th Avenue and Union Hills. Free public skate and vert ramp for skaters of all ages and skills. 7 Thunderbird Conservation Park, 59th Avenue between Deer Valley & Pinnacle Vista Rd.. A free public 1,185 acres (480 hectares) park. Mountain biking, horseback riding, jogging, bird watching, GRS mapping 8 Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center (Glendale Aquatic Center), 5600 West Union Hills Dr, ☏ +1 623 930-4600. Public Recreation Facility, Activity room, rock climbing wall, indoor track and basketball court. 9 Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (formerly Wet'n'Wild), 4243 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, ☏ +1 623 201-2000. (updated Jun 2020) == Buy == Glendale calls itself "Arizona's Antique Capital". The Arrowhead Towne Center mall is found in the northwest part of the city. 1 Arrowhead Towne Center, 7700 W Arrowhead Towne Center, ☏ +1 623-979-7777. (updated Mar 2022) == Eat == 1 Haus Murphy, 5739 W. Glendale Ave, ☏ +1 623-939-2480. W-Th 4PM-9PM, F-Sa Noon-9PM, Su Noon-8PM. Traditional food from Germany with a Bier Garden outside. Live entertainment 2 Bitz-ee Mamas, 7023 N, 58th Ave, ☏ +1 623-931-0562. A popular destination for breakfast and lunch with a large variety of menu items. 3 Lenny's Burgers, 2545 W. Glendale Ave, ☏ +1 602-347-1188. Su-Th 10AM-10PM, F-Sa 10AM-11PM. Traditional burger joint without a drive-thru window. 4 A Touch of European Café, 7146 N. 57th Dr., Ste. C, ☏ +1 623-847-7119. Tu-Th 11AM-3PM, F-Sa 11AM-8PM. A quaint café serving mostly Polish-style food. 5 Pizza Old Roma, 5740 W. Glendale Ave, ☏ +1 623 934-7896. Thin crust Sicilian-style pizza, other menu items include subs and lasagna. == Drink == 1 WestGate, 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd. 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 == 1 Comfort Suites, 9824 W Camelback Rd, ☏ +1 623 271-9005, fax: +1 623 271-9808. The area surrounding this hotel is a sports enthusiast's dream with the University of Phoenix Stadium, Jobing.com Arena, Peoria Sports Complex and the Phoenix International Raceway nearby. 2 Best Western North Phoenix Hotel, 9455 N. Black Canyon Highway, ☏ +1 602 395-0900, fax: +1 602 395-1900. A hotel with full amenities for business travelers and vacationers. 3 Motel 6 Glendale, 7116 N 59th Ave, ☏ +1 623 939-9431, fax: +1 623 937-3137. Free WiFi, personal voice mail, heated pool, free continental breakfast. Conference/meeting space for up to 60 attendees. 4 Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Glendale/Westgate, 6630 N. 95th Ave, ☏ +1 623 271-7771. 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. == Go next ==