In the hot sands of Arizona’s deserts lies hidden jewels that only the most curious and adventurous travelers will take a second look at.
One of these is Goodyear, named after—you guessed it—the famous American tire company.
As one of the suburbs of Phoenix, it’s often ignored for the more bustling capital of Arizona.
But it offers a wide range of attractions and destinations that highlights its history and surroundings.
From remnants of old airfields to vast national parks, many places here make it a worthwhile visit.
So for your next vacation, make this city your top choice.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Goodyear, AZ:
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The Estrella Mountains are a prominent land feature that rises in the deserts of Arizona.
One of the best places to access this majestic destination is at Estrella Mountain Regional Park.
With more than 2000 acres of pristine desert habitats, wetlands, and mountains, this outdoor destination is ideal for those who want challenging adventures.
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Baseline Trail is the choice route for those who want a shorter hike, while Pederson Trail brings you farther into the more rugged areas of the park.
Walking, biking, horseback riding, and ATVs are recommended modes of transport for your tours.
If you’re not up for challenging trails, then you can stay within the part of the park with picnic areas and basketball courts.
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Either way, you’ll still get to enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains in the background.
And if Gila River has enough water, there’s a spot in the park where you can go fishing for the many aquatic creatures swimming in the river’s depths.
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If you need to take a break from the heat of Arizona and relax for a few hours, then the Harkins Theatres Estrella Falls 16 is an ideal destination.
This movie theater complex is a favorite among locals with its many cinemas, comfortable reclining chairs, and awesome viewing angles.
You can catch an upcoming blockbuster or an independent film here—the list is endless.
To complete your cinema experience, the facility has concessionaires that offer tasty popcorn, drinks, and other movie-going staples.
There’s even wine on the menu, but it’s for adults only!
With their friendly and attentive personnel and excellent amenities, you’re guaranteed a great viewing experience.
Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater is one of the main venues for citywide events and entertainment here in Goodyear.
It’s located right next to Northlake, with many scenic walkways, grounds, and of course, the amphitheater itself.
From dance recitals to fireworks showings, there are many events that make this destination a worthwhile stopover.
Ballet Under The Star is one of the favorite shows here, and it’s absolutely free to the public.
Another event held here is the annual Lakeside Music Festival, Goodyear’s most bombastic and exhilarating gathering.
Local and national artists partner with the West Valley Arts Council to put on an amazing performance that highlights the region’s musical heritage.
Make sure to check the schedules if you wish to join one of these exceptional activities.
Beginners and professionals alike will have a great time playing a few rounds at the unusual Tres Rios Golf Course.
Set in the desert area next to the southern banks of the Gila River, this golf course is shielded from the Arizona heat by the foothills of the Estrella Mountains.
There’s no hint of urban development anywhere, just miles of blue skies and the mountains in the background.
Occasionally, you might even spot wildlife flitting in between the stately eucalyptus trees.
But the comfortable temperatures and beautiful surroundings do not make the gameplay any less challenging.
Appearing like a bunch of tadpoles when viewed from above, the 18-hole course has a limited amount of greenery and lots of sand hazards.
So your accuracy and strategy will be tested while playing here.
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The dry air of this region, combined with the vast spaces, makes it an ideal place to store airplanes that can no longer fly.
One of these airplane retirement homes is Phoenix-Goodyear Airport Boneyard, a 789 acres airport located a few miles south of Interstate I-10.
It once served as a naval air facility during the Second World War, amplifying the state’s war capabilities.
But today, only the remnants of old airplanes remain here, with their logos and paint fading away under the hot Arizona sun.
While here, you can get up close and personal with the decaying airplanes and marvel at their size and engineering.
It’s a unique place for photography, especially for those who love themes like urban decay or realism.
On the southwestern of Goodyear lie the scenic North and South Lakes.
While North Lake has the Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater, its counterpart has an equally scenic outdoor destination, the South Lake Park.
There are many things to try here, chief of which are water-related activities right on the lake itself.
You can go swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing in the pristine and tranquil waters.
The lakeside trails and beaches are also great for morning strolls, nature walks, and biking.
For those who want more sporty activities, there are basketball and volleyball courts as well as a well-equipped playground for kids.
If you simply want to enjoy a nice, peaceful day with your family, there are many shady spots that offer relief from the Arizona sun.
You can have a nice picnic here, grill some food, and bond with your loved ones.
Estrella Star Tower is a 50-foot-tall, community-built landmark that with a spiral design and burnished metal color.
Set amongst beautiful pathways and a small, babbling waterfall, this destination is like a small oasis right in the middle of the desert.
When viewed during the day, it may look like an unassuming structure that you can climb to see the views of Goodyear and the Estrella Mountains.
But at night, the spiral becomes a truly magical sight.
It’s called a star tower because its walls have been designed with holes that let the light out from within the structure.
The result is a magical spiral of glowing pinpoints, mimicking the blanket of stars that shine bright in the state’s skies.
These “stars” actually depict the evolutions of the galaxy—even the spiral design is on purpose.
When you’re here, you can reflect on your place in the universe and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.
In a place that can occasionally reach uncomfortable highs, Goodyear has made sure that there are places where both its residents and visitors can relax and cool down.
One of these destinations is the Goodyear Community Park, a charming outdoor facility with lots of features and amenities.
Perhaps the most visited area here is the small splash pad, which serves as an ideal spot for kids to cool down during hot summer days.
Your children will have a fun time here getting wet and socializing with other kids.
There’s also a skate park that has challenging obstacles for beginners and professionals alike.
If you’re more into team sports, then join a game at the basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts scattered across the park.
There’s also a dog park where you can let your furry friend run until they’re tired or mingle with other dogs.
It’s really a fun place for everyone, humans and animals alike!
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As America’s favorite pastime, baseball culture in Goodyear has a good hold in its inhabitants.
One of the manifestations of this sporting culture is Goodyear Ballpark, a grand facility that currently serves as the spring training home of the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds.
Costing $108 million during construction, this ballpark was built to seat more than 10000 spectators at any given time.
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And with its well-maintained grounds, modern amenities, and well-equipped facilities, Goodyear Ballpark makes for an excellent viewing experience for baseball fans everywhere.
Throughout the year, there are many professional and amateur matches held here.
So if you want to catch one of these games, make sure to see their calendar and schedule your itinerary around the date of the match.
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Another one of Goodyear’s favorite sports facilities is the Eagle’s Nest Golf Club, an 18-hole course in the northern part of the city.
With its verdant grounds, seven lakes, and panoramic views of the White Tank Mountains, the location offers scenic gameplay that adds to the overall experience.
While the terrain is relatively flat and friendly for beginners, there are strategically placed bunkers, hazards, and of course, the lakes themselves that require skill to navigate.
Even professionals might get tricked by the subtle elevation changes that aren’t usually apparent to amateur eyes.
But overall, you’re still guaranteed fun and exhilarating gameplay.
If you don’t have equipment with you, there is a well-stocked pro shop that even sells fashionable golf wear.
The Christian faith is widely practiced in the city, and one of the places that showcase this culture is The Bible Museum.
This destination has a large collection of historical artifacts related to the Bible, including the rarest printed Bibles as well as other sought-after theological books.
And while it’s open 24/7, the curators and other employees are only there from 9 AM to 4 PM if you want to speak with someone about the collections.
This is important to note, as some people come here to research instead of the usual religious reasons.
But if you’re just here to explore your faith and gain a deeper understanding of it, then join an eight-person tour to the facility.
The Elevate Trampoline Park, branded as the trendiest extreme amusement area in Arizona, offers guests of all ages a ton of heart-pounding excitement.
The Wall-to-Wall Trampoline, the biggest and perhaps best-quality trampoline deck in Arizona, is one of many Elevate’s trampoline sections.
There are also the Wall Bounce, the Ninja Course, the Jousting area, which has a foam pit for fallen competitors, and the Basketball Hoops Trampoline area.
There is a ton of entertainment for everyone, including basketball hoops, ninja courses, rock climbing, foam pits, and much more.e
Furthermore, Elevate Trampoline Park offers several must-attend events and discounts.
The Palm Valley Golf Club has a championship design with 27 holes and a comprehensive practice area comprising a double range, short game area, and sizable putting greens. Arthur Hills created it.
It is the greatest value in the Phoenix region and a fantastic facility for novice and experienced golfers.
Three alternative 18-hole combinations of the North, South, and West courses are available to players.
Regardless of the cause, Palm Valley Golf Club invites guests to visit and enjoy Goodyear’s friendliest meeting spot!
Following your round of golf, you may also grab a beverage, watch the most recent game, or simply take in the scenery.
Several gems are found in one of the state’s greatest collections of antiques.
In Goodyear, Arizona, visit the Phoenix West Brass Armadillo Antique Mall and browse every aisle.
Shopping for antiques and collectibles is available on more than 55,000 square feet at the mall.
The Brass Armadillo in Goodyear, Arizona, is your one-stop shop for anything vintage if you’re a professional designer or are simply seeking the perfect antique or collectible for your home or business.
It’s amazing to see how many salvaged architectural elements and recycled goods they have.
After spending a day out perusing their extensive collection of antique goods, customers discover more than 16 different restaurants just one block from the mall!
Life Time Palm Valley’s climbing wall is open to members and non-members.
A total of 110,000 square feet is devoted to the search for health and fitness.
Indoor and outdoor pools, a sizable gym area, group fitness studios, and kid-specific areas are available.
Life Time’s indoor climbing walls provide a range of difficulties with hand- and foothold courses that produce varying degrees of difficulty for all skills and ages five and up.
Try your skills at the wall; various events and workshops are available, and equipment is provided on-site.
Find everything you need to improve your club experience, from relaxing saunas and steam rooms to yoga and bike studios.
You’ll find the ideal class at the moment, whether you’re seeking a soul practice or a heart-pounding workout.
The Ibach family established Hawaiian Experience Spa in Arizona in 2007.
They tried to provide the Phoenix community with authentic Hawaiian spa services in a welcoming setting.
The business has three facilities, including ones in Chandler and Scottsdale, spread out over the area.
With more than 2,600 square feet of therapeutic and service rooms, partner-friendly showers, couples massage rooms, a complete lounge, and a free tiki bar facility, its Goodyear site is its biggest and most expansive location.
Face masks, skin care services, steam room treatments, and anti-aging and rejuvenating body massages are available.
A well-known American diner franchise, Black Bear Diner has numerous sites across Arizona, California, and the American West.
The restaurant runs 11 sites around the state, including one in Goodyear that is accessible to the general public seven days a week close to Interstate 10.
It aims to provide delectable diner fare in a welcoming, cozy setting focusing on the entire visitor experience.
Traditional breakfast selections include egg platters, waffles, French toast, and scrambled eggs, with inventive eggs Benedict dishes.
Various burgers and sandwiches are offered for lunch, while evening selections often include comfort foods like meatloaf, chicken fried steak, and barbecued pork ribs.
After your tour of the sights of Goodyear, why not visit these other places nearby?
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Since you’re already in a suburb of Phoenix, why not visit the metropolis and see all the sights of this bustling city.
As the capital of Arizona, it serves as the cultural and recreational center that boasts many attractions and activities that you can do within a day’s tour.
The Desert Botanical Garden is a living museum that houses more than 50,000 desert plants, including cactuses, agave, desert flowers, and trees that thrive in extreme conditions.
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At the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, your kids will have fun exploring interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences that will ignite their imagination and curiosity.
For art aficionados, the Phoenix Art Museum offers intriguing exhibits and large collections devoted to modern and contemporary art.
There are tons of other sights to see, but you might need more than a day to visit all these.
So make sure that your visit here fits your Goodyear itinerary.
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East of Goodyear is another picturesque outdoor destination with majestic mountains, desert flora and fauna, and rugged landscapes: Skyline Regional Park.
It’s situated in the southern White Tank Mountains, with many modern amenities and activities for you and your family.
The more adventurous ones usually trek the challenging trails that crisscross the 8700 acres of land.
It’s a rewarding activity for those who want to see incredible mountain top views of the surrounding region during sunrise or sunset.
Camping is also a favorite activity here, as the dark skies make for amazing astrophotography and stargazing experiences.
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Located near the border that Goodyear shares with Avondale is the famous Phoenix Raceway.
Those looking for an exhilarating experience with zooming cars and loud crowds will have a great time here.
The one-mile track is the venue for many national races, including two NASCAR cups and other series.
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And with a seating capacity of 42,000 spectators, your family will have plenty of space during your visit.
The well-maintained facilities, exciting races, and unforgettable experiences make this a must-see visit during your trip to Goodyear.
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For animal lovers and those bringing kids, the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, & Safari Park is an amazing stopover.
It’s located in Litchfield Park, less than 10 minutes away from Goodyear.
The 215-acre zoo has an array of habitats housing more than 600 species of exotic animals, including those already endangered.
One of the most famous attractions here is the Baby Animal Nursery, where you can see the young of various animals being taken care of by professionals.
There’s also the iconic aquarium that hosts an array of aquatic species like fishes, sea lions, and crocodiles.
For those who love the proud creatures from places like Africa, there are exhibits with lions, giraffes, gazelles, and other animals you’d usually find in the Safari.
At the northern edges of the hot and hostile Sonora desert lies Goodyear, a charming city with lots of hidden wonders.
There are many rewarding sights and destinations here for the patient explorer, and this list will help you find all these attractions.
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