Rich history, economic vibrance and a dynamic selection of entertainment, recreation, shopping and dining are just a few of the reasons Avondale is not just a location on a map, but a destination.
Once an agricultural paradise, with acres of farmland, Avondale quickly became a developing suburb of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Along the way, however, city planners and citizens alike held tightly to their agrarian heritage. Together, the community ensured that future economic sustainability would not come at the expense of losing the very aspects of Avondale that made it so desirable in the first place.
The result? A one-of-a-kind community with a distinct character that offers a comfortable mix of small-town charm and big-city amenities.
Here’s a closer look at what Avondale has to offer:
Entertainment
Avondale is nestled in the heart of the West Valley, offering a world of entertainment options just minutes away. The Wildlife Zoo and Aquarium lies just northwest of the community and offers Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals with 600 different species. Families can feed giraffes, parrots and stingrays, among many other fun activities. Also nearby is the famous Tolmachoff Farms, a fourth generation family-operated farm that grows a selection of fruits and vegetables. The family-friendly destination hosts special events and activities throughout the year, including Family Farm Day, Corn Maze & Pumpkin Days, and several Christmas celebrations.
Residents enjoy easy access to the Valley’s top entertainment spot, Westgate Entertainment District, a bustling complex of casual restaurants and sports bars, major retailers, and open-air shopping at specialty stores and shops. Westgate is also home to the Arizona Cardinal’s State Farm Stadium and Gila River Arena, which houses the Arizona Coyotes and hosts more than a dozen concerts, shows and events per year.
Sports remain central to Avondale families, and there are plenty of opportunities to take part, in addition to the fan experience that professional sports offers. The athletes and kids in the family will love American Sports Centers-Avondale, which is the largest indoor multi-sport facility in Arizona and offers more than 83,000 square feet of indoor arena sports. Located off of Avondale Boulevard just south of Interstate 10, the sports center features two indoor soccer fields, four basketball courts that can be converted into six volleyball courts, a food court and a 4,000 square foot multipurpose room. From adult softball games to youth soccer tournaments and special events year round, the complex has become a mainstay for the community of Avondale.
Parks & Recreation
The Sierra Estrella mountain range is hard to miss in Avondale, as the 14,400 acres of protected wilderness overlooks the community to the south, providing a panoramic backdrop of beautiful desert-mountain landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts of all types enjoy back access to Estrella Mountain Regional Park for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking and much more.
Home to the only region in the Valley where three rivers converge, Avondale offers direct access to the Tres Rios Wetlands. Visitors of the environmental restoration project can obtain free access permits to the 700 acres of beautiful cottonwood groves, willows, mesquites, and other desert shrubs around the reed-lined ponds and along its scenic trail. Wildlife is abundant at Tres Rios and includes 150 different species of birds and animals, including muskrats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, bobcats, and beavers. In addition to being open from sunrise to sunset 365 days per year, Tres Rios also hosts its annual Tres Rios Nature Festival in February. The free outdoor festival showcases the rich diversity of wildlife habitat, history and culture of the protected environment.
Other parks within the City of Avondale include Festival Fields Park, which recently received a $19 million upgrade. The park additions feature a fishing lake, splash pads, skate park, dog park, picnic ramadas, baseball and softball fields, and a pump track for bikes, among others. Friendship Park also offers many of the same amenities and more, including sports fields, walking trails, a Japanese Garden, playgrounds, a splash pad and a fishing lake.
Shopping and Dining
Avondale is currently undergoing a beautiful revitalization of several districts, including The BLVD, a collection of six pedestrian-friendly districts on Avondale Boulevard, south of Interstate 10. The BLVD has been dubbed “the flagship development” of Avondale and features a unique variety of shopping, entertainment, outdoor gathering spaces and much more. Another region that’s enjoying a resurgence is Historic Avondale, one of the oldest and most vibrant shopping experiences in the Valley. Largely situated on Western Avenue from Dysart to 3rd Avenue, Historic Avondale is lined with lush trees and features an eclectic mix of unique shops, art galleries and restaurants.
From fast-casual and familiar chains to fine dining and local cafes, Avondale offers an abundant selection of dining options throughout the community. Enjoy casual favorites like Flavors of Louisiana, Saddle Mountain Brewing Company and TJ’s Homestyle Restaurant, a local breakfast hotspot known for its freshly baked biscuits and pies. Or, for a more sophisticated atmosphere, Litchfield’s at the Wigwam Resort is just up the road and offers New American cuisine in a rustic, yet elegant atmosphere.
There’s so much more we could say about Avondale, with its beautiful hotels, lively retail centers, and easy access to numerous golf courses and entertainment centers. For a more complete picture of what’s available, check out our list of area attractions here, or better yet, come and see for yourself!
