Looking for sun, culture, and desert beauty in the Phoenix metro area? Head to Chandler, Arizona! This fast-growing city blends Southwest charm with modern energy. With vibrant arts, family-friendly attractions, and access to natural wonders, Chandler is ideal for weekend getaways or sunny winter escapes.

Chandler, AZ Highlights:

  • For Couples: Sip, stroll, and shop in Downtown Chandler – Explore art galleries, cocktail lounges, and cozy patios along walkable streets.
  • For Families: Make memories at the Arizona Railway Museum – Climb aboard vintage train cars and learn about Arizona’s rail history.
  • For Adventurous Travelers: Paddle at Veterans Oasis Park – Go birding, kayak a pond, or hike desert trails in this eco-friendly nature space.
  • For History Buffs: Visit the Chandler Museum – Discover Chandler’s agricultural roots and fascinating transformation into a tech hub.
  • For Shoppers: Browse at Chandler Fashion Center – Shop major brands and enjoy dining or a movie at this stylish indoor mall.

Best Time to Visit Chandler, AZ

The best time to visit Chandler is in the fall, winter, and early spring (October through April). Expect sunny skies and pleasant temps perfect for outdoor dining, desert hikes, and festivals. Summers can be very hot but often come with lower hotel rates.

How to Get to Chandler, AZ

  • If you are traveling by car: Chandler is easily accessed via Loop 202 or Loop 101, about 25 minutes southeast of downtown Phoenix.
  • By Plane: Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about 20–25 minutes away by car.
  • By Public Transit: Valley Metro buses serve Chandler and connect to light rail in nearby Tempe and Mesa.

Where to Stay in Chandler, AZ

  • Hilton Phoenix Chandler – Stylish stay near shopping, dining, and Chandler Fashion Center.
  • Cambria Hotel Phoenix Chandler – Fashion Center – Modern, boutique hotel with pool, bar, and easy access to downtown.
  • Crowne Plaza Phoenix – Chandler Golf Resort – Historic resort in the heart of downtown with golf and classic Southwestern charm.

Best Things to Do in Chandler, AZ

Catch a Show and Be Inspired at Chandler Center for the Arts

Catch a Show and Be Inspired at Chandler Center for the Arts

© Chandler Center for the Arts

Located in downtown Chandler, the Chandler Center for the Arts is home to a 1,500-seat theater that presents a calendar of shows, plays, presentations, and exhibitions of visual arts and media throughout the year. The center is one of the top Chandler attractions and functions as the arts center for the City of Chandler and the home theater for Chandler High School.

Rotating exhibits and displays from over 350 local and regional artists are showcased in the Exhibition Hall and Vision Gallery featuring a broad range of different media, including ceramics, textiles, painting, sculpture, glass and metal.

250 N Arizona Ave, 480-782-2680

If You’re a Train Enthusiast, Explore the Arizona Railway Museum

If You’re a Train Enthusiast, Explore the Arizona Railway Museum

© Arizona Railway Museum

The Arizona Railway Museum was founded in 1983 and is dedicated to showcasing the history and heritage of the railroads of Arizona and the Southwestern United States.

The museum features an extensive collection of railway-based artifacts and objects, including the Southern Pacific Railroad Locomotive No. SP 2562 and the Railroad Steam Wrecking Crane and Tool Car.

The Arizona Railway Museum is one of the best things to do in Chandler, Arizona on your vacation. Visitors to the museum can explore the inside of some of the trains, such as the Santa Fe "Diablo Canyon" Coach Car and the Santa Fe "Plaza Taos" Dome Car's "Lounge Room" which was built in 1950.

330 E. Ryan Road, 480-821-1108

Let Creativity Run Wild at Crayola Experience Chandler

Let Creativity Run Wild at Crayola Experience Chandler

© Crayola Experience Chandler

There’s nothing quite like a newly opened box of Crayola Crayons, but what about extra-large, taller-than-you crayons? You’ll find them at the Crayola Experience Chandler. At the Crayola Experience in Chandler, you and your family can play with the countless possibilities of colors with hands-on and creative attractions perfect for children of any age. The Crayola Experience is an easy drive from Phoenix and promises bigger, bolder, and brighter attractions like the Chaos and Creativity Show, Melt and Mold stations, Crayola Modeling workshops, Colossal Caddy, which features huge crayons, Scribble Square, where kids can literally draw on every surface, and even a Wrap It Up! Studio where visitors can name and wrap their own crayons.

3111 W. Chandler Boulevard Suite 2154, Chandler, AZ 85226; Phone: 602-581-5370

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Discover Wildlife and Trails at Chandler Nature Center

Discover Wildlife and Trails at Chandler Nature Center

© Chandler Nature Center

The Chandler Nature Center offers a range of educational programming for nature, wildlife, natural sciences, health, fitness, and general ‘outdoorsmanship’. Based at the Veterans Oasis Park, which boasts 113-acres of beautiful Sonoran Desert landscapes, the center provides an opportunity to inspire, encourage and educate the public about the surrounding environment. If you are wondering what to do in Chandler, Arizona with kids, this is a great place to visit.

The ECC features several classrooms, pavilion spaces with exhibits, and a display of wildlife that visitors can explore. Some of the signature events include the Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration, the Sonoran Sunset Series, Dragonfly and Butterfly Bash, the Fall Fishing Clinic, Chandler Scout Jamboree and Outdoor Safety Event.

The Veterans Oasis Park features a variety of diverse fauna and flora that live in both lush wetlands and arid habitats, as well as a network of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, shaded picnic areas and armadas. There is an outdoor amphitheater and a unique, learning-oriented playground, and an outstanding butterfly and hummingbird habitat.

4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, 480-782-2890

Relax, Rejuvenate, and Recharge at Aji Spa at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

Relax, Rejuvenate, and Recharge at Aji Spa at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

© Aji Spa at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

Based at the five-star Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, Aji Spa is a luxurious spa and wellness center that offers a range of authentic Native American spa services. Named after the nearby Aji Mountain in the Gila River Indian Community, the spa’s name means ‘sanctuary’ and lives up to that name where sacred Pima and Maricopa traditions are practiced and shared.

Echoing the ancient Pima and Maricopa cultures in the architecture, design, décor and artworks of the center, the spa offers a variety of spa treatments, facials, massages, nail and skin care packages. An exclusive Indigenous Collection features treatments designed by Pima and Maricopa Cultural Caretakers, such as Ho’ishp (a sacred prickly pear body treatment), Pima Medicine Massage, and Ongam Hobin (sacred salt wrap).

Aji Spa also offers a range of gentlemen’s spa services, salon services, makeup applications for special occasions and fitness and recreation facilities.

5594 W Wild Horse Pass Blvd, 602-225-0100

Get Active and Play at Tumbleweed Recreation Center

Get Active and Play at Tumbleweed Recreation Center

© Tumbleweed Recreation Center

The Tumbleweed Recreation Center (TRC) is a family recreational facility that features a variety of sports facilities, games areas, classes, activities and events for visitors of all ages. The center has an indoor running track, state-of-the-art gymnasium, two racquetball courts, several exercise and dance studios and modern locker rooms and changing facilities.

Classes and programs include exercise and dance classes, youth programs and summer camps, SilverSneakers exercise programs for senior citizens, and an exclusive Child Watch program allows for parents to enjoy some exercise while their little ones are safe.

745 E. Germann Road, 480-782-2900

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Step Into the Old West at Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass

Step Into the Old West at Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass

© Courtesy of Paolo Gallo - Fotolia.com

Featuring an array of attractions, retails stores and one of Arizona’s best steakhouses, Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass is a family-friendly tourist attraction in the form of an 1880s western town that gives visitors a taste of the Old West. Stroll around the town and take in the old buildings, saloons, and stores; watch a show at the Six Gun Theater and witness gunfights, daring falls, and all the antics of the Wild West’s Rough Riders.

Enjoy a hearty meal at The Steakhouse, one of the top restaurants in the area. Browse the little stores in the town where you can purchase western gear and clothing, candy, gifts and sundries that represent the spirit of the west.

5700 W. North Loop Road, 480-502-5600

If You’re Ready to Get Creative, Paint at Burst of Butterflies Art Studio

If You’re Ready to Get Creative, Paint at Burst of Butterflies Art Studio

© Courtesy of radwa - Fotolia.com

Located in Historic Downtown Chandler, Burst of Butterflies Paint Your Own Pottery and Art Studio presents a variety of canvas, ceramic, porcelain and pottery classes for all ages. Established as an outlet for creativity and to support and promote local arts and culture, the family owned art studio presents an array of art and pottery-based classes, including canvas painting, candle making and glass fusion.

There are classes for couples, singles, and groups. A large outdoor patio is a perfect place to enjoy outdoor painting and group art events. Generally classes need to be booked in advance, however, there are ‘walk-in’ ceramics and canvas painting classes that can simply be joined without reservation.

141 West Boston Street, 480-559-8016

Where to Eat in Chandler, AZ

  • DC Steak House – Prime cuts and upscale ambiance perfect for date night or special occasions.
  • Downtown Chandler Café and Bakery – Cozy café known for breakfasts, baked goods, and friendly service.
  • Ghett’ Yo’ Tacos – Street-style tacos with bold flavors, colorful murals, and a hip downtown location.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Chandler Ostrich Festival (March) – Carnival rides, ostrich races, concerts, and fun for all ages.
  • Downtown Chandler Art Walk (Monthly) – Local artists, music, and open galleries every third Friday.
  • Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade (December) – Unique holiday tradition featuring a tree made from tumbleweeds.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Chandler, Arizona:

  • Tempe (20–25 min) – Visit Arizona State University, hike “A” Mountain, or shop and dine at Tempe Marketplace.
  • South Mountain Park (25–30 min) – Hike or drive to incredible desert vistas and panoramic lookouts.
  • Mesa (15–20 min) – Explore the Arizona Museum of Natural History or enjoy a performance at Mesa Arts Center.
  • Gilbert (15 min) – Relax in the charming Heritage District with trendy restaurants and historic charm.
  • Queen Creek Olive Mill (30 min) – Take a tour, sample olive oils, and enjoy a relaxing café experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Chandler located?
    • Chandler is a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona.
  • What attractions can visitors explore in Chandler?
    • Chandler is home to unique museums, performing arts, and fun activities, including:
    • Horseback riding adventures at Koli Equestrian Center
    • A visit to the Arizona Railway Museum
    • Viewing Western American and American Indian Art at the Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery
    • Stopping by the Environmental Education Center
  • Are there any special events in Chandler?

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