Chandler ArizonaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Chandler, Arizona.
1. KOLI Equestrian Center
HORSEBACK RIDING ADVENTURE
The KOLI Equestrian Center offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful Sonoran Desert on horseback. Guests can enjoy guided trail rides led by experienced wranglers who share insights about the desert landscape and local wildlife. This top-rated attraction provides a memorable outdoor experience for riders of all skill levels against the backdrop of Arizona's stunning desert terrain.
2. Phoenix Premium Outlets
DESIGNER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Phoenix Premium Outlets features a wide selection of leading fashion brands at discounted prices in a pleasant open-air mall environment. Shoppers can browse through numerous stores offering everything from designer clothing and accessories to home goods and specialty items. The outlet mall provides a great day of bargain hunting for visitors looking to enhance their wardrobes or find the perfect gift.
3. Veterans Oasis Park
NATURE AND RECREATION HAVEN
Veterans Oasis Park combines natural beauty with recreational opportunities across its 113 acres featuring a 5-acre lake, wetlands, and desert habitats. Visitors can explore the extensive network of hiking trails, observe local wildlife, or participate in educational programs at the Environmental Education Center. The park serves as both a water recharge facility and a peaceful retreat where people can connect with nature through activities like fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking.
4. Arizona Railway Museum
HISTORIC RAIL HERITAGE
The Arizona Railway Museum preserves and celebrates the rich railroad history of Arizona through its impressive collection of vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. Visitors can step inside historic train carriages, learn about the crucial role railways played in developing the Southwest, and view authentic railroad artifacts and equipment. Train enthusiasts and history buffs alike will appreciate this unique museum that brings the golden age of rail travel to life.
5. Downtown Chandler
CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Downtown Chandler combines historic charm with modern amenities, featuring a vibrant mix of boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Visitors can stroll through the pedestrian-friendly streets, admire the public art installations, and experience the area's regular festivals and events. The district serves as the cultural heart of the city, where historic architecture blends seamlessly with contemporary developments to create a lively atmosphere day and night.
6. Chandler Museum
LOCAL HISTORY AND CULTURE
Chandler Museum offers a fascinating journey through the city's past with diverse exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays. Visitors can explore the modern facility to learn about Chandler's transformation from agricultural community to technology hub through engaging permanent and rotating exhibitions. The museum provides educational programs and events that bring history to life for guests of all ages, making it a cultural cornerstone of the community.
7. Hummingbird Habitat at Desert Breeze Park
URBAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Hummingbird Habitat at Desert Breeze Park offers visitors a tranquil oasis where they can observe these fascinating birds in a carefully designed native plant garden. The habitat features flowering plants specifically selected to attract hummingbirds, creating perfect viewing opportunities for nature photographers and bird enthusiasts. Visitors can relax on benches along winding paths while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and educational signage about local hummingbird species and their behaviors.
8. Whirlwind Golf Club
DESERT GOLF EXPERIENCE
Whirlwind Golf Club features two 18-hole championship golf courses skillfully integrated with the natural desert landscape. Golfers can challenge themselves on the Devil's Claw or Cattail courses while enjoying panoramic mountain views and spotting native wildlife. The club offers a first-class experience with professional instruction, practice facilities, and a clubhouse restaurant where players can relax after their round.
9. Chandler Fashion Center
PREMIER SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Chandler Fashion Center is the premier shopping destination in the East Valley, featuring over 180 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Shoppers can browse popular national retailers, specialty boutiques, and department stores in the climate-controlled indoor mall with its elegant architecture and comfortable amenities. The center regularly hosts community events and offers dining options ranging from quick bites in the food court to sit-down restaurants, making it a complete day out for visitors.
10. Tumbleweed Park
FAMILY RECREATION PARADISE
Tumbleweed Park spans 205 acres offering extensive recreational facilities including sports fields, playgrounds, and the popular Playtopia playground with unique climbing structures and water features. Families can enjoy picnic areas with ramadas, walking paths, and open green spaces perfect for flying kites or playing frisbee. The park is also home to the Chandler Tennis Center and hosts major community events throughout the year, including the annual Ostrich Festival.
11. Chandler Center for the Arts
PERFORMANCE AND VISUAL ARTS
The Chandler Center for the Arts presents a diverse range of performances including music concerts, dance shows, theatrical productions, and comedy acts in its state-of-the-art facility. Visitors can appreciate rotating visual art exhibitions in the gallery spaces that showcase works by local and regional artists. The center serves as a cultural cornerstone for the community, offering educational programs and hosting both professional touring acts and community performances throughout the year.
12. Huhugam Heritage Center
NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE
The Huhugam Heritage Center preserves and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community through informative exhibits and authentic artifacts. Visitors can learn about the Akimel O'odham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) tribes' traditions, history, and contemporary life through interactive displays and cultural demonstrations. The center provides a meaningful opportunity to understand the indigenous peoples who have inhabited the region for thousands of years and continue to maintain their cultural identity today.
13. San Tan Mountain Regional Park
DESERT WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
San Tan Mountain Regional Park encompasses over 10,000 acres of rugged Sonoran Desert landscape just a short drive from Chandler. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore more than eight miles of trails ranging from easy to challenging, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The park is home to diverse desert wildlife and plant species, with ranger-led programs helping visitors appreciate the unique ecosystem and spectacular desert sunrise or sunset views.
14. Rawhide Western Town
OLD WEST EXPERIENCE
Rawhide Western Town transports visitors back to the 1880s with its authentic recreation of an Old West town complete with wooden boardwalks, saloons, and period buildings. Guests can enjoy live entertainment including gunfight shows, stunt performances, and cowboy storytellers while exploring unique shops selling western gear and souvenirs. The attraction offers western-themed dining, horseback riding, and special events throughout the year, making it a fun immersive experience for the whole family.
15. Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery
WESTERN AND NATIVE ART
The Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery houses an impressive collection of Western American and Native American art featuring over 3,000 pieces including paintings, sculptures, pottery, and jewelry. Visitors can admire works by renowned artists that capture the spirit and beauty of the American West in an intimate, well-curated setting. This free gallery, established by the Basha family of the grocery store chain, represents one of the most significant private collections of its kind and provides a quiet, contemplative space to appreciate artistic heritage.