Looking for a warm, action-packed trip that’s easy enough for a long weekend? Welcome to Gilbert, Arizona. A short drive from the Phoenix airport takes you to this peaceful town teeming with incredibly fun events, amazing food, and more to do than can fit into one trip.
Getting There: Gilbert is about 17 miles from Phoenix, which is home to an international airport with tons of flight options.
Best Time to Go: We think Gilbert is great year-round, but the most popular times to visit are the shoulder seasons. Enjoy warm spring and fall temperatures, and avoid the heat of summer.
This story was created in partnership with Discover Gilbert.
Day 1
Once your flight lands and you get settled with your rental car, enjoy the quick, 17-mile drive to Gilbert from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
We recommend taking some time to get acquainted with the town by heading right to the Heritage District (which is Gilbert’s downtown area). What started as the historic site of the first few buildings that made up the town is now a vibrant mix of old and new with over 30 restaurants and plenty of shopping. Some of our favorites are Culinary Dropout, OHSO Brewery + Distillery, and Joe’s Real BBQ for some local cuisine.
Take some time getting a bite to eat, popping in and out of shops, and learning about the area’s history at the Gilbert Historical Museum. Finish your first day with a concert at the Gilbert Regional Park, which hosts events most weekends during peak season. Sound Bites Music and Food Festival is the newest addition to the area’s entertainment lineup, but there are dozens of festivals, concerts, and events to choose from. If you’d rather do something more active, the park is home to plenty of tennis and pickleball courts, playgrounds, food trucks, and a lake.
When it’s time to get some rest, there are tons of hotel options right in the center of the action, or check out one of the area’s many unique vacation rentals.
Day 2
Start your morning off with the famous Arizona Goat Yoga (the first place in the US to host this now-trending activity). After a morning flow, head back downtown for the Gilbert Farmers Market. The market is located near the iconic water tower and features over 100 vendors year-round on Saturdays from 8 to 11 am.
After a peaceful morning, get out and explore some of Gilbert’s wild spaces with a hike at SanTan Regional Park, a guided mountain bike ride with SanTan Shredders, or an afternoon spent cooling off in the Lower Salt River.
Afterwards, head over for a refreshment at the Arizona Wilderness Brewpub, and finish the night with a stroll downtown at Water Tower Plaza (the water tower lights up at night, and is an iconic spot in Gilbert).
Day 3
On your last day, head over to Agritopia first thing for coffee and breakfast at The Coffee Shop. Agritopia is a unique community inside the heart of Gilbert that combines modern village life with urban farming. The area features local farms, contemporary stores, farm-fresh dining, residential areas, and plenty of wide-open space to walk around. Spend some time strolling the local trails, and be sure to stop at the Agritopia Farm Store and Joe’s Farm Grill for farm-to-table food. A detour to Barone is also a must for unique goods from local artisans.
After plenty of time exploring, head back to the airport for your trip back home. There’s plenty more to do in Gilbert, and it’s always a good ideas to start planning your trip back before you’ve even left.
