Arizona has plenty of cities with different quirks.
Among the list of cities in the state, Peoria holds the unique feature of being a city in both Maricopa and Yavapai counties.
Only a portion of the city sits in the latter county but still holds recognition as a city for both counties.
As a city that spans approximately 464 square kilometers in size, there is plenty for you to explore in the city.
That said, here are the 20 best things to do in Peoria, Arizona:
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The Lake Pleasant Regional Park is the best place to visit if you want to explore the more natural areas of the city.
The park has several access points as it spans not only Peoria but Morristown as well.
One way you can enter the park is by going to 87th Avenue.
When visiting this park, you’ll find several areas to do various activities.
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As a park that features a lake that is over twenty thousand acres, you can enjoy several water activities ranging from scuba diving to fishing.
If you are more interested in recreational activities on land, the park has 165 campsites and 450 picnic spots you can check out.
Whether you want to explore nature or go paddling around the water, there are plenty of options you can check out at the Lake Pleasant Regional Park.
One of the city’s main features is the arts, and one of the best places to catch a show is the Arizona Broadway Theatre.
The Arizona Broadway Theatre is a local theater running since 2006 and features various shows and performances.
Some of the shows you can view at this theater include classic pieces like the Christmas Carols and modern works like The Spongebob Musical.
When it comes to the services available at this theater, they include a themed dinner and a selection of drinks and desserts you can add to it.
The theater offers plenty of accommodations and sits on West Paradise Lane.
If you are looking for fun activities in the city, stop by the Cowtown Range.
The Cowtown Range is a shooting range that offers an area to do paintball.
A fun fact about the venue is that it was a set for 200 hundred films and TV shows.
Aside from being a set for shows and films, Cowtown Range is known for being a venue for shooting competitions and clubs.
With their paintball service, you’ll find that they provide a 2.5-acre Western-style range and allow players to play all day.
You can find the range at West Carefree Highway and check out any competitions and open slots for the venue online.
The Ape Index Rock Climbing Gym is one of the many places where you can enjoy fun activities in Peoria.
The rock climbing gym has facilities to accommodate all levels of climbers, and if you’re new to the gym, you’ll receive plenty of guidance from the staff.
Some of the facilities you can try at the gym include a wall for bouldering and top-rope climbing.
The gym also offers youth programs where kids from six to eighteen can join classes and develop their rock climbing abilities.
You can also sign up for the gym’s private lessons or book a group session.
Experience riding a horse by booking a session with Arizona Riders.
Arizona Riders is a horse riding service you can find at North 83rd Avenue and offer both classes and trail rides for all ages.
If you are interested in learning how to ride a horse, Arizona Riders have classes to guide you through the basics and develop your skill level.
As for their trail riding services, you get to ride through the Skunk Creek trail for a maximum of an hour, and you can check out different eateries along the way.
There are other trailheads you can check out and plenty of accommodation for different levels of riders.
Aside from this, Arizona Riders offer a family program where young ones can learn about horse care.
In addition, you can check out horse shows hosted by the group.
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Take a chance to have fun with ice skating by visiting AZ Ice Peoria.
AZ Ice Peoria is a skating center you can find at North 83rd Avenue and features two rinks, among other facilities.
If you’re new to skating, there are programs available for skating and hockey.
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The venue also has public skating sessions you can book to enjoy a leisurely skate around the rink.
Aside from this, you can check out the facility’s bar and grill for a break or see the events in the venue.
If you happen to be a fan of skating, AZ Ice Peoria is the ideal spot for you.
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The West Wing Mountain Preserve is one of many outdoor spots you can check out in Peoria and a top spot for hiking.
You can find the preserve at West Bent Tree Drive and access one of the trails through Westwing Park.
There are different levels of trails you can explore in the preserve, and one of the more challenging options you can take is the West Wing Mountain Loop, which spans over six miles.
Other trails you can take can lead you to summits and other areas to explore.
Whether you like hiking or don’t, the West Wing Mountain Preserve is one of many natural locations where you can explore nature.
Are you looking for a place to have fun with the family?
Then visit the Rio Vista Community Park & Recreation Center.
The Rio Vista Community Park & Recreation Center is a center you can find within the Rio Vista Community Park at West Thunderbird Road.
The center is a 52,000 – square – foot facility and has all kinds of features to accommodate all ages.
A few of the facilities you can check out at the center include climbing walls and exercise classes.
You can also check out the park and explore the trails and multi-purpose fields.
If you’re looking to have fun outdoors or check out local facilities, the Rio Vista Community Park & Recreation Center is where to go.
You can find plenty of parks in the city; one of them is the Pioneer Community Park.
Pioneer Community Park is the ideal spot to check out if you want to have some fun with sports and other activities.
There are plenty of sports fields in the park ranging from a baseball field to a softball field.
As for the other facilities available at the park, there is a fishing lake and a picnic space with grills, to name a few.
You can also have fun with your pet at the dog park or bring the kids to the playground.
The Pioneer Community Park is an ideal spot to visit if you want to have some fun with the family outdoors.
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The Peoria Sports Complex is where to go to check out local events.
Located at West 83rd Street and existing since 1994, the Peoria Sports Complex spans 145 acres and features various facilities.
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There are various fields and other facilities available at the complex and a seating capacity of over twelve thousand.
Baseball games are the main highlight of the complex, but if you are not interested, you can still check out local events held at the complex.
A few local events you can look out for include holiday celebrations and cultural events.
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Honey Hive Farms is one of the different places you can visit in the city to enjoy local treats and sits along North 83rd Avenue.
The family-owned business offers various types of honey you can try and offers delivery and online shopping for its products.
More than featuring different types of honey, Honey Hive Farms offers beekeeping classes and pollen so you can cultivate honey yourself.
Aside from this, the shop offers a limited amount of fresh eggs.
Whether you want to try fresh honey or make a batch yourself, Honey Hive Farms has plenty to offer for honey enthusiasts.
Lake Pleasant Cruises is a top option if you’re looking for some relaxation in the city.
Lake Pleasant Cruises is a cruise service you can find docked near West Harbor Boulevard and features various types of cruises and services.
Some of the cruises you can enjoy with Lake Pleasant Cruises involve various options such as brunch, live music, and sightseeing.
Depending on the month, you can also check out cruises that celebrate different holidays.
Aside from different types of cruises, Lake Pleasant Cruises offers private charter services where you can book the vessel for events.
If you want to relax and have some fun with a good meal, you need to book Lake Pleasant Cruises.
Among the inns and resorts in Peoria, the Cibola Vista Resort & Spa is a top spot for relaxation and fun.
There are various facilities available at this resort, ranging from pools to a cafe.
When it comes to the spa side of the resort, there are several treatments you can indulge yourself with, such as massages and nail care.
Aside from the facilities and services available at the resort, you can enjoy different events held at the venue.
Some of the events you can check out at the resort include cookouts and movie nights.
As for the accommodations you can enjoy at the resort, they range from a studio suite to a two-bedroom penthouse.
To enjoy a comfortable stay and fun activities, visit the Cibola Vista Resort & Spa.
Several festivals occur in Peoria; one of them is the All-American Festival.
The All-American Festival is on July 4th and features plenty of entertainment and food.
You can usually see this sports festival take place outside of the Peoria Sports Complex, and it starts from the afternoon to the evening.
You can enjoy various live concerts and check out competitions held during the festival.
There are two types of admissions for the festival, and if you want to know the perks, you can contact the festival staff to learn more.
If you want to dance your heart out and have some fun with food and drinks on the 4th of July, mark the date for the All-American Festival.
It’s not hyperbole to state that Tacos Calafia is probably the most popular culinary attraction in Peoria—a place that a lot of locals from Arizona recognize.
They have several branches in Arizona already due to their fame, and you’ll be lucky to stumble upon it along West Thunderbird Road.
An authentic taqueria that specializes in Tijuana-style cuisine, Tacos Calafia is a must-visit if you want to experience the Mexican heritage of Peoria.
While everything on their menu is excellent, it’s their salsa that keeps people coming back; the perfect condiment next to their meaty tacos.
They also have mouthwatering enchiladas here and even margaritas to complete the authentic Mexican street food experience.
Blackstone Country Club is one of the best golf clubs in Peoria and even in Arizona, famed for its beautiful course and top-notch amenities.
In fact, a lot of people use this for weddings; a testament to how popular it is for its beauty.
You’ll enjoy its beautiful holes here, each offering varying degrees of difficulty that’ll make even the seasoned veterans engaged.
If you’re feeling fancy, Blackstone Country Club has an amazing restaurant as well that is an attraction in itself.
Whether you’re here for an intimate dinner or you raring to play an exciting round of golf, Blackstone Country Club has got you covered.
Find it along West Blackstone Drive.
Peoria Regional Preserve is an amazing place that serves as one of the best outdoor attractions in the city.
Sprawling with desert terrains, this is best enjoyed by bringing a mountain bike with you and traversing through its sandy plains.
While it may sound daunting to inexperienced travelers, you can actually easily access it as it’s right next to a city park—Paloma Community Park.
You’ll find beautiful large cactuses here, along with pretty rock formations that glisten if you see it during sunsets.
One of the prettiest outdoor spots in the city, don’t miss out on Peoria Regional Preserve.
Paloma Park is one of the most popular city parks in Peoria, found along North Lake Pleasant Parkway west of Peoria Regional Preserve.
Sprawling with amenities, this huge park features a splash pad, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and loads of jogging trails.
It also has a small lake where you can do some fishing or simply enjoy the cool breeze.
Since it’s right next to the regional preserve, you can also experience desert terrains here and spot the occasional large cactuses.
One of the best things to do for families, Paloma Park is a must-visit in Peoria.
If you have some spare time to watch a movie, Harkins Theatres Arrowhead is a must-visit spot due to its amazing amenities.
Its reclining seats here are highly-rated by locals as it provides luxurious comfort that lets you experience movies in a different way.
Beyond its amazing facilities, Harkins Theatre Arrowhead is also affordable and has a lot of promos to offer.
Their popcorn and drinks get the job done, and you can count on them to screen the latest big movies.
You can visit Harkins Theatres Arrowhead along Arrowhead Fountains Center Drive.
Peoria is a city that has plenty for you to explore and have fun with, whether it be with nature, the arts, or various activities.
Whether you want to hike through preserves or go paintballing in a range, there is no shortage of things you can do in the city.
No matter how active you are and whatever interests you may have, there is something for everyone in Peoria.
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