17 Best Things to do in Peoria, Arizona

Peoria is a wonderfully charming city situated within the Yavapai and Maricopa counties of Arizona. Averaging 300 days of welcomed sunshine each year, the city provides an idyllic setting for visitors to enjoy a wide array of outdoor recreation and activities. With so many picturesque parks and hiking trails, shopping malls and outlets, stadiums and sports complexes, and exquisite dining options, it’s easy to understand why the city of Peoria has been such a desirable destination in the Grand Canyon state. From the Rio Vista Recreation Center to the West Wing Mountain Preserve to the Peoria Sports Complex, this list of 17 things to do in Peoria is a great way to get to know this lovely little desert city.

1.Peoria Sports Complex

Peoria Sports Complex made its debut in the year of 1994 as a spring training facility for two Major League Baseball teams in Peoria, Arizona. The 145-acre complex has undergone several enhancements over the years, creating a more fulfilling experience for visiting baseball fans. The two MLB teams that meet here for spring training each year are the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres. The complex has a stadium seating capacity of 12,518 and features seven lighted fields for night games, four half fields, eight covered hitting tunnels for the major league and 12 for the minor league, and 30 practice mounds. The complex also includes food concessions, restrooms, ADA ramps and platforms, and a Team Store.

16101 North 83rd Street, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 623-773-8700

2.Arizona Broadway Theatre

Arizona Broadway Theatre is a performing arts theater located just steps from the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Arizona. This cozy venue specializes in Broadway-style productions accompanied with bar and dinner services. The theatre features white-tablecloth dining tables, comfortably-padded red chairs, a full-service bar, state-of-the-art audio/visual system, and two projections screens. Visitors will enjoy wonderfully entertaining performances that include Xanadu, Sister Act, The Addams Family, Guys and Dolls, Mamma Mia!, An American in Paris, Miracle on 34th Street, and Titanic. Arizona Broadway Theatre provides a beautiful and versatile performance space that is perfect for every special event, theatrical production, and musical extravaganza.

7701 West Paradise Lane, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 623-776-8400

3.Go Paddle AZ

Go Paddle AZ is a water-sports equipment rental agency located at the Pleasant Harbor Marina in Peoria, Arizona. The rental company is situated on Lake Pleasant, approximately 45 minutes north of Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona. Go Paddle AZ rents out stand-up paddleboards, tandem kayaks, and single kayaks. Visitors can take part in the Full Moon/Star Gazer Kayak Tour – an exciting 2.5-hour kayak tour offered between the months of April through August. The tour starts out with a 40-minute paddle during a beautiful Sonoran sunset before reaching a quiet shoreline for a peaceful bonfire and s’mores. After returning to the marina, visitors can enjoy live music at Dillons Bayou Restaurant and Bar.

8708 West Harbor Boulevard, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 602-904-0519

4.Lake Pleasant Cruises

Lake Pleasant Cruises is a boat tour agency located at the Pleasant Harbor Marina in Peoria, Arizona. For visitors looking to explore Lake Pleasant in a unique setting, Lake Pleasant Cruises is the perfect place to start. The touring agency offers cruises that include both public and private charters. The public cruises include a Narration Cruise, Dinner Cruise, and Music Cruise. The Dinner Cruise is a popular option; visitors will embark on a wonderful 2-hour sunset cruise around the lake’s shimmering waters while enjoying a scrumptious buffet-style dinner prepared by Dillon’s Restaurants. During the cruise guests will be treated to live music and absolutely stunning views in nearly every direction.

8708 West Harbor Boulevard, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 602-456-9955 Photo: Lake Pleasant Cruises

5.New River Trail

New River Trail is a paved, multi-purpose pathway system that extends 13 miles through Peoria, Arizona. The trail is situated in the northwest region of Phoenix’s metropolitan area. It follows the path of New River as it meanders its way through residential and business areas northwest of Arizona State Route 101. The trail goes past several points of interest in Peoria that include Quail Run Golf Course, Rio Vista Community Park, Desert Harbor Elementary School, and the Peoria Sports Complex. The pathway is used for a variety of outdoor recreation and fitness activities, such as running, walking, and bike riding. There are number of natural areas along the path that offer views of native plants and local wildlife.

8401 West Monroe Street, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 623-773-7000

6.Theater Works

Theater Works is a non-profit theater featuring live performances at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts in Peoria, Arizona. Their mission is to provide opportunities for artists, patrons, and children to experience a theater setting that enlightens, enriches, and inspires through the wonderful experience of performing arts. The theater offers over 200 events each year that include adult and youth education classes, festivals, cultural events, comedy, dance, popular music, jazz, classical concerts, and live theater performances. Visitors will enjoy live-theater favorites, such as Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, All Sook Up, The Red Velvet Cake War, and A Christmas Carol.

10580 North 83rd Drive, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 623-815-7930

More: Things to do in Arizona, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Arizona, Places to visit in Arizona, Enchanted Island Castles in Arizona, Arizona Resorts with Waterparks, Decatur, Benson, Avondale, Elgin

7.Rio Vista Recreation Center

Rio Vista Recreation Center is a family-friendly and versatile recreation center situated inside of the Rio Vista Community Park in Peoria, AZ. The center’s numerous programs and amenities are directed toward promoting healthy lifestyles and engaging residents. Recognized by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association for being an Outstanding Facility in the years of 2007 and 2008, Rio Vista provides an excellent setting for a number of recreational activities. The center represents several firsts for the city of Peoria, including its first climbing wall, indoor racquetball courts, and public gymnasium. The center offers a number of group exercises for visitors to partake in, such as Body Sculpt, Zumba, and Yoga Flow.

8401 West Monroe Street, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 623-773-7000 Photo: Rio Vista Recreation Center

More: Things to Do in Dayton OH, Things to Do in Woodstock, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Utah, Things to Do in the Florida Keys, Places to Visit in Wisconsin, Things to do in Missouri, Things to Do in NYC

8.Harkins Theatres

Established in 1933, Harkins Theatres is a privately operated and owned theatre business with 34 locations across five states. Harkins Theatres is also one of North America’s largest theatre chains, coming in at 5th on the list. With over 80 years of wonderful history, Harkins remains a premier entertainment company in the southwestern region of the United States. With two theatres located in Peoria – Harkins Theatres Arrowhead 18 and Harkins Theatres Park West 14, visitors will have chance to watch the latest box office hits with ease. The theatre’s amenities range from award-winning popcorn to IMAX theatres to play-centers to in-lobby bars.

9804 West Northern Avenue, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 623-772-0707

More: Hereford, Green Valley AZ, Golden, Arizona resorts

9.Freak’N Brewing Company

Freak’N Brewing Company is a brewery that offers a cozy taproom just off of Arizona State Route 101, in the city of Peoria. The taproom typically has anywhere from 8-10 different craft beers on draft on any given day. The interior features industrial design elements, red and white painted walls, acid-stained concrete floors, and large windows in the front that provide plenty of natural light. There are also a few bar-tables with granite tops, sheet metal around the base of the walls and bar, and a couple of flat-screen TVs. Visitors can stop by for a refreshing pint of their Trademarked Double Red IPA, Freak’N Raspberry Wheat, or the On Deck… Lucy Amber.

9299 West Olive Avenue, Suite 513, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 623-738-5804 Photo: Freak’N Brewing Company

More: Italian restaurants NYC, Manhattan wedding venues, Things to Do in Chelsea, Best time to visit New York, Things to Do in Queens NY, Day trips from NYC

10.Challenger Space Center of Arizona

Challenger Space Center of Arizona is a science museum that is located in Phoenix, Arizona. The space center is associated with the Smithsonian Institution and Challenger Center for Space Science Education – an organization formed by the Challenger crew’s surviving family members. The purpose of the global network of Challenger Learning Centers is to provide space-themed, simulated role-playing and learning strategies that will help students cultivate the required skills for future success. Visitors will learn skills that include communication and teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to experience simulated missions, such as Return to the Moon, Voyage to Mars, and Rendezvous with a Comet.

9617 North Metro Parkway West, Suite 2214, Phoenix, AZ, Phone: 623-322-2001 Photo: Challenger Space Center of Arizona

11.West Wing Mountain Preserve

West Wing Mountain Preserve is an excellent park and recreation area located in Peoria, Arizona. Most of the cities in West Valley have a popular hiking and workout trail where droves of people converge daily for their dose of grind and sweat. Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale and Camelback Mountain in Phoenix are great examples. Not to be forgotten in the fitness frenzy, the city of Peoria has a popular trek in the form of West Wing Mountain. The West Wing Mountain trails are rated between difficult and extreme, mostly due to its scree underfoot and slick rock. Visitors that make their way to the summit will enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding West Valley.

27100 North West Wing Parkway, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 623-773-7120

12.Winery 101

One of the biggest tasting rooms in Arizona, Winery 101’s original location was opened in the city of Peoria. The tasting room is conveniently situated juts minutes from Park West, Tanger Outlets, and the University of Phoenix Stadium. The open floor plan provides an excellent setting for socializing among friends and family. The newly-renovated loft offers an intimate venue location for special events, parties, or meetings. Visitors will have the opportunity to take part in events that include Wine and Music, Paint Nite, National Pinot Noir Day, and Art in the Park. Patrons will enjoy favorites like the 2013 Petite Sirah from the Gallifant Cellars – deep purple color with notes of blackberry, mulberry, and jam, for a damp earthy finish.

9299 West Olive Avenue, Suite 101, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 623-242-0340 Photo: Winery 101

13.Canyon Speedway Park

Canyon Speedway Park is an off-road racetrack situated just off of West Carefree Highway in Peoria, Arizona. Originally opening up to the public in the summer of 1981, Canyon Speedway Park is a clay, oval racetrack that is a 1/3 of mile in length. Visitors will have the chance to watch races from several different racing divisions, such as Power 600 Mini Sprints, Modlites, Dwarf Cars, NAPA Non-Wing Sprint Cars, ASCS Wing Sprint Cars, Late Models; USAC Sprint Cars, IMCA Sport Compacts, IMCA Hobby Stocks, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, and IMCA Modified. The track provides onsite food and drink concessions for patrons to enjoy during race day.

9777 West Carefree Highway, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 602-258-7223 Photo: Canyon Speedway Park

14.Ape Index Rock Climbing Gym

Ape Index Rock Climbing Gym is an indoor rock climbing gymnasium located in the city of Peoria, Arizona. Through proper instruction provided by Ape Index instructors, visitors will learn the principles for safe rock climbing. The gym provides an environment where everyone from competitive athletes to first-time climbers can grow and have fun. Ape Index offers a controlled and safe facility where fun-seeking, active individuals can learn climbing, challenge themselves, and bond with other climbers in a nurturing and positive setting. Whether visitors are looking to boulder, self-belay, or top rope, Ape Index has it all. They’ll enjoy unique climbing features that include The Tunnel, The Globe, True High Ball Bouldering, and The Pit.

9700 North 91st Avenue, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 623-242-9164 Photo: Ape Index Rock Climbing Gym

15.Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is an American steakhouse restaurant situated just across the street from the Peoria Sports Complex and Harkins Theatre in Peoria, Arizona. The restaurant specializes in serving wood-fired steaks, fresh seafood, select wines, and specialty cocktails. Firebirds offers an excellent Happy Hour that can be enjoyed at FIREBAR or on the restaurants cozy patio. The restaurant’s staff is so friendly and welcoming, making every guest feel at home; and the service is exceptional. The interior offers rustic design with lodge-pole beams, brown leather booths and seats, and exposed brick throughout. The Aged Ribeye is to die for – wood-fired and cooked to perfection, served with a choice of side.

16067 North Arrowhead Fountain Center Drive, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 623-773-0500 Photo: Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

16.Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is a high-end steakhouse located at Park West in Peoria, Arizona. The restaurant is conveniently situated near several Peoria attractions that include the Desert Diamond Casino – West Valley, Tanger Outlets Westgate, and the University of Phoenix Stadium. Visitors will enjoy a relaxing yet sophisticated atmosphere, a tantalizing menu, and premier service. The interior features white-linen tables, mahogany wood, chic furnishings, mood lighting, and contemporary artwork. The full-service bar offers hand-crafted spirits and cocktails, and a wide selection of local wines. The Main Filet Mignon is a popular choice – cooked to the requested temperature of each guest and served with a choice of side.

9712 West Northern Avenue, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 623-772-9463 Photo: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

17.Haymaker

Haymaker is a family-owned and operated restaurant specializing in breakfast, burgers, and American comfort food, located in Peoria, Arizona. Between the fresh Angus Chuck, tender pulled pork, slow cooked ribs, and sensational house BBQ sauce, visitors will enjoy mouthwatering meats cooked to perfection. When it comes to breakfast the restaurant offers many traditional favorites, not to be overlooked though are their specialties, such as the pulled pork skillet and haymaker benedict. Visitors dining here will enjoy a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, homemade recipes, and excellent service. The Southern Pork Benedict is a people-pleaser – prepared with house-made buttermilk biscuits, pulled pork, poached eggs, and sausage gravy.

24762 North Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria, AZ, Phone: 623-566-1515 Photo: Haymaker