From the nation's finest sports and entertainment district to top-notch accommodations and one of the most renowned shopping areas in America, Glendale offers fun and excitement on a large scale.

A city steeped in history

Glendale's roots run deep and nowhere is that more apparent than in the 100-year-old bungalows and buildings that now house antique shops in Historic Downtown Glendale and the Catlin Court Historic District. The collection of local shopping in Glendale is so great, the city has been dubbed Arizona's Antiques Capital by outlets like Sunset and USA Today. For an even more immersive trip back in time, tour the Manistee Ranch, one of the region's last working cattle ranches. The gardens, Victorian-style house, and barn are historic sites to be seen.

Endless entertainment

In more recent years, Glendale has become a destination for sports and entertainment. See the National Football League's Arizona Cardinals play at State Farm Stadium, a Glendale attraction that has hosted Super Bowls XLII and XLIX, multiple college football bowl games and the College Football National Championship game. Other sports get in on the action, too, when the stadium transforms to host events as diverse as Monster Jam and the NCAA Men's Final Four Basketball Championship. Across the street, Gila River Arena is a fan favorite venue to see big-name acts perform. Past performers have included Taylor Swift and Madonna.

For the "shopping is a sport" crowd, Westgate Entertainment District and neighbor Tanger Outlets offer a variety of restaurants, retail stores, a theater, family activities, and live music on the weekends. In the summer, kids can play in a splashpad and jumping fountains. During the winter, a pop-up ice rink entertains guests.

Desert beauty

Soak up the Sonoran sun on one of Glendale's many hiking trails. The city boasts approximately 40 miles of trails, suitable for both novices and experts seeking outdoor things to do in Glendale. Explore Thunderbird Conservation Park, a 1,185-acre park in the Hedgpeth Hills, where you can choose from picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, jogging and bird watching. For something truly mellow, find inspiration for your garden at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, where over 1,000 low-water-use plants are on stunning display. Or take a stroll through the pristine Elsie McCarthy Sensory Garden, which taps into the power of nature to stimulate the senses.