Valley of the Sun

Ever dreamt of exploring a desert oasis? Look no further than Tempe Town Lake, located adjacent to Downtown Tempe in the heart of the Phoenix Metropolitan area. This waterway provides an exciting variety of events and activities to enjoy year-round. From kayaking, sailing, rowing, jogging, fishing, picnicking, and beyond, this 220-acre park is the ultimate destination for all things fun and in the sun. Peddle and paddle along the serene waters with bike, boat, and board rentals. And after a day of play on the lake, make your way to Downtown Tempe. With plentiful patios to enjoy, there's no better way to relax than with a round of local brews and globally inspired dishes.

Take a break from the Arizona sun and experience the internationally acclaimed Heard Museum in Downtown Phoenix. Explore centuries of history and art. The Heard offers 11 spacious exhibit galleries for visitors to peruse, with an array of authentic Indigenous American art on display and for purchase. Following an afternoon of world-class museum hopping, enjoy a delicious meal from the on-site Southwest-inspired cafe in one of the Heard's numerous beautiful outdoor courtyards.

Embark on a culinary journey unlike any other in Downtown Gilbert. Consistently named among the top foodie destinations in the nation, Gilbert is a must-stop for all things farm to table. Good food is a given in this city. At Agritopia, visitors are invited to explore one of the country's first-ever "agrihoods," where farm-fresh is considered a lifestyle. Centered around an 11-acre urban farm, food from Agritopia is all grown locally and served at one of the five on-site restaurants: Joe's Farm Grill, The Farm, The Coffee Shop, The Uprooted Kitchen, and Fire and Brimstone.

For visitors on the prowl for more fresh foodie finds, follow your nose to the Fresh Foodie Trail in Mesa. Bountiful harvests are shared year-round—from locally grown vineyards, citrus groves, dairy farms, and beyond—Mesa celebrates a longstanding heritage of agritourism in the Valley. Take a culinary vacation and savor dishes from world-renowned chefs, tour generations of family farms, and sip on finely aged varietals from nearby wineries.

Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and make your way to the Valley's most scenic waterway. Located just outside Glendale, the Lake Pleasant Regional Park offers 116 miles of shoreline to explore. This lake is a water recreationist's dream, with numerous places to rent watercraft and reserve houseboats. Drop anchor and enjoy the tranquility of late evenings spent bobbing lakeside. In the morning, drop a line, take a swim, or shred watery wakes.