Avondale

Race to the finish

For high-octane thrills, head to Phoenix Raceway's one-mile, low-banked tri-oval racetrack at the base of the Estrella Mountains and catch a roaring NASCAR race. It currently hosts two race weekends, as well as several other series. Need a little more speed? The Richard Petty Driving Experience puts fans behind the wheel in an 80-lap driving program, or opt for shotgun and ride along with a pro for three high-speed laps.

Soak up the sun

Avondale's Friendship Park has enough activities to fill a day (or more). Bring your racket for tennis, your cleats for soccer, a glove for baseball, some treats for the ducks, Fido for the dog park, and your camera for the Japanese Friendship Garden. If you have kids in tow, don't forget swimsuits—the park's splashpad is the perfect place to cool off during a day in the desert sun.

Pour and play

Avondale's first microbrewery, 8-Bit Aleworks is a true mom-and-pop operation, and its offerings extend far beyond craft beer. Founded in 2015, the brewery includes an attached tasting room that offers NES, Super Nintendo, arcade cabinets and tabletop games for guests to enjoy. You won't find any football on the screens here unless it's Madden or Tecmo Bowl, and the background music is a mix of classic game soundtracks. Paired with small-batch beer, it's the perfect recipe for a heady dose of nostalgia.

The Great Outdoors

As the only Valley city where three rivers converge, Avondale celebrates its lush natural resources with the Tres Rios Nature Festival each spring. The area is also the ideal spot for those who want to try out kayaking, canoeing, fishing or other outdoor things to do in Avondale. The scenic Base and Meridian Wildlife Area, a rich riparian habitat located along the Gila River, is home to a wide variety of fish, birds, and wildlife, and the Tres Rios area is designated as a significant birding corridor by the National Audubon Society.