Super Bowl LVII will be kicking off on February 12, 2023, in the city of Glendale, Arizona. The game will be hosted at the State Farm Stadium Arena. If you’re traveling to attend the big game, you might be unfamiliar with the area and looking to find the best things to do in Glendale, Arizona. Glendale is home to some of the nation’s finest sports and entertainment, as well as top-notch accommodations and one of the most renowned shopping areas in America.
Last year a survey by Wallethub found that the average cost of a Super Bowl LVI ticket on the resale market will cost fans a whopping $9,843. That’s a 21-percent increase over 2021’s Super Bowl. If you don’t mind sitting in the “nosebleeds,” the lowest Super Bowl LVI ticket will still cost $5,397. That’s a steep cost, and if you decide to attend, you’ll want to make the most of your trip for the best prices possible.
Even if they don’t attend the actual physical game, Americans still end up spending an average of 78.92 U.S. dollars on Super Bowl Sunday, mostly for food and beverages, according to data gathered by Statista. However you choose to celebrate your Super Bowl weekend, if you choose to make the trip to Glendale this year, StudyFinds is here to help!
We compiled a list of the best things to do in Glendale, Arizona. Our recommendations are made up of the most commonly recommended activities across 10 expert websites. Familiar with Glendale already? Let us know your recommendations in the comments below!
The List: Best Things to Do in Glendale, Arizona, Per Travel Experts
1. Check out the Westgate Entertainment District
Looking to do a little shopping? The Westgate Entertainment District has everything you could ever need. Browse the shops then grab a drink or a bite to eat. “Besides the gorgeous al fresco setting with its distinctive water aspects, outdoor patios and palm trees, you can find everything here from shops, restaurants and bars to fun outdoor entertainment too, including live music on a Friday and Saturday evening held in the Fountain Park,” writes The Crazy Tourist.
The Westgate Entertainment District is also conveniently located close to the Super Bowl stadium. “The shopping district is anchored by the Gila River Arena, home to the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes. Just across the street is the State Farm Stadium,” writes Vacation Idea.
Trip 101 adds, “They are also hosting events for special occasions, so you should definitely check their website from time to time to be updated on the events that will take place during your stay in Glendale!”
2. Watch a game at State Farm Stadium
“If you love all things sports, especially football, going to the State Farm Stadium should be on your list of things to do in Glendale, writes Trip101. “It is exciting to watch a live football match on TV or online, but it is so much more exciting to watch it live in the stadium itself! We’re going to guess if you’re in town for the Super Bowl, you already have this one covered.”
The stadium also holds other events such as concerts. “Featuring a retractable roof, seating for over 72,000 people, and a real grass field (the first of its kind in the US), it’s an impressive sight. Even if you’re not lucky enough to be in town for a game, it’s still worth booking a tour of the stadium,” suggests Money Inc.
“The University of Phoenix is very proud of its stadium, and with very good reason! It is one of a kind, literally, and unlike any other North American stadium,” says The Crazy Tourist. “All the games are indoors and therefore completely flat as there is no need to allow for rain run off, making for great seating throughout.”
3. Grab some candy at Cerreta Candy Company
Got a sweet tooth? Visit this family candy business that has been running for four generations and see how your favorite sweets are made. “This charming candy store and factory uphold its high quality of candies, making it stand the test of time,” writes Travel Lens. “The kids at heart will enjoy watching how their favorite sweet treats are made before indulging in them.”
Located in Historic Downtown Glendale, Cerreta Candy Company was the first candy store to start wrapping soft candies and the first to swap waxed paper for cellophane. “Free guided tours are offered by the owner’s wife, Marisa, twice a day, Monday through Friday. You’ll not only eat free samples as you walk the factory floor, but you’ll also see how the store’s candies are produced and packaged before they’re sent into the world to be devoured by happy consumers,” says Choice Hotels.
Vacation Idea writes: “The tour guides will show visitors how a delicious sea of caramel turns into little wrapped treats. They’ll also learn how their cream centers become cloaked in luscious chocolate.” Is your mouth watering yet?
4. Take a Tour of the Glendale Xeriscape Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for more of an escape, this botanical garden is a great place to relax and enjoy some nature away from the crowds. “Glendale is home to its very own botanical garden, and this one features the conservation technique known as xeriscape — or water-efficient landscaping — to showcase how urban development can be done responsibly and beautifully all at once,” writes Urban Matter.
The garden is free to walk through, and you can bring a picnic or take a self-guided listening tour. “Considered one of the best demonstration gardens in the state, the Glendale Xeriscape Botanical Garden has over 400 varieties of desert plants on about four acres of land attached to the Glendale Public Library, writes Trip Savvy.
Trip101 adds how a visit to the gardens makes for a great Instagram shot. “What makes it unique is that it is full of beautiful cacti! In addition, hummingbirds, peacocks, butterflies, and other interesting creatures abound in this park.”
5. Visit Manistee Ranch
Check out some local culture and history that was built by a wealthy lumber baron and spans across 320 acres. The ranch has 4 historical buildings that anyone can visit. “Built in 1897 by a Wisconsin lumberman, it later became one of the Valley’s last working cattle ranches, writes AZ Central. “Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the ranch, including its gardens, Victorian home and barn, is managed by the Glendale Historical Society.”
Walk through the ranch and discover antique furnishings, as well as mementos like old farm equipment or photos. “For an even more immersive trip back in time, tour the Manistee Ranch, one of the region’s last working cattle ranches. The gardens, Victorian-style house, and barn are historic sites to be seen,” writes Visit Arizona.
What to expect? Choice Hotels writes, “Tours of the ranch, including the garage, office, barn and house, are offered by appointment only on the first and third Saturday of the month. Walking through the home gives guests a firsthand look at this remarkable piece of Arizona history.”
You may also be interested in:
- Best Things to do in Phoenix, Arizona
- Best Hotels in Phoenix, Arizona
- Best Places To Live In Arizona
- Best Super Bowl Catches Of All-Time
- Best Super Bowls Of All-Time
Sources:
- The Crazy Tourist
- Vacation Idea
- Trip101
- Money Inc
- Travel Lens
- Choice Hotels
- Urban Matter
- Trip Savvy
- AZ Central
- Visit Arizona
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.