Tolleson

While this West Valley locale is known primarily as an industrial and commerce hub, dig a little deeper and you'll discover a charming small town.

You'll find year-round, fun in the sun in this southwestern suburb of Pheonix. Within a 15-mile radius of Tolleson, you can trek the hiking trails of Estrella Mountain Regional Park, enjoy Cactus League Spring Training at two stadiums (in nearby Glendale and Goodyear), catch an NFL game, or see cars zoom around the track of Phoenix Raceway.

A desert oasis

Discover the beauty of the region at nearby Estrella Mountain Regional Park, which encompasses nearly 20,000 acres of unique desert and mountain scenery. Located near the union of the Gila and Agua Fria Rivers, the park includes seasonal wetland, or riparian, areas during winter and monsoon rains. Most of the park remains untouched, offering a glimpse into what the land has looked like since the beginning of time.

Take in the views

Located just behind Phoenix Raceway, Monument Hill is a scenic vista point that overlooks the racetrack—and offers a bit of a history lesson, as well. The peak's namesake monument was placed to commemorate the Gadsden Purchase in 1853, which ceded large portions of what was then Mexican territory to the United States. Catch the action down below on race days, or gaze down on the convergence point of the Salt and Gila Rivers for a more meditative experience.

The art of the Paseo

Every summer, downtown Tolleson's town square comes to life as local students work side-by-side with professional master artists to develop and install public art projects in communities throughout the West Valley. Seven sculptures are on permanent display in the city's Paseo de Luces, which also serves as the town's gathering place for food, fun and music. Depending on when you visit, you're likely to find an event or festival underway—the Paseo plays host to multiple Tolleson events like the Latin Jazz and Mariachi Festival, Tardeada Latina, and Luces de Navidad.

Local flavors

Tolleson is home to some of the state's most authentic Mexican food, from tacos and tamales to gorditas and paletas. Try a bowl of pozole or menudo at Tamales Guadalajara; start your day with huevos rancheros at Fuego Mexican Grill and Cantina; or dig into a platter of Mexican mariscos at El Camaron Gigante. For a quick bite or sweet treat, pop into the local favorite La Carreta De Lily. This family-owned snack shop offers a variety of items, but it's the chili-spiced mango and grilled corn that keep 'em coming back for more.

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