Downtown Chandler is full of great food, drinks, and places to relax. Grab a Day Drinker and a pretzel with beer cheese at Pedal Haus (Dalton’s personal favorite is their fish and chips!), or share a few plates at The Brickyard. For a fun night out, stop by Murphy’s Law Irish Pub for their famous peanut butter shots, enjoy cocktails and honey apricot cheesecake at George & Gather (we recommend making a reservation!), or grab a slice from Best Pizza & Brew. For a slower morning, pick up coffee from Peixoto Coffee or fresh-baked cookies from Insomnia Cookies. On a sunny day, QuartHaus is the perfect place to enjoy drinks in their large outdoor space. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market! And for a delicious meal, Grace’s Thai is one of our favorite spots for fresh, flavorful Thai food. And, good news, if you stay with the Hotel Block, you’ll be in walking distance to all of these spots!
A must-see Arizona experience! The Desert Botanical Garden is the perfect place to explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, see an incredible variety of cacti and succulents, and learn more about the history and ecosystem of the desert. Don’t miss the seasonal Butterfly Pavilion for a magical walk among hundreds of butterflies. Pro tip: Buy tickets ahead of time to save a little money, and check the schedule for free guided tours offered throughout the day. On your way out, make a quick detour to Hole-in-the-Rock at Papago Park for a short 5-minute hike to a beautiful desert view and a great photo opportunity!
An indoor mall with a great selection of stores for browsing! There is also a Sees Candies at this mall for those who may be interested in Scotch Mallows…
A must-do when in the West! Dalton likes a Double-Double Animal Style No Pickle No Tomato and Caitie likes a Double-Double Ketchup Only.
One of our favorite local spots, Downtown Mesa has a little bit of everything! Grab one of the best smash burgers in town at Main Burger, enjoy a Day Drinker (our favorite beer) at Pedal Haus Brewery, or stop by Tacos Chiwas for incredible tacos and a margarita. If you're in the mood for some friendly competition, Level One Arcade Bar is packed with classic arcade games and affordable drinks, while Beer Research Institute is home to a great craft beer selection and vintage pinball machines. Looking for something a little different? Check out Downtown Mesa's one-of-a-kind haunted museum or book a spooky ghost tour for a memorable Arizona experience.
Another one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon (or evening!), Downtown Gilbert is full of great food, drinks, and local favorites. Start your day with a coffee or matcha from Light Heart Coffee, then grab brunch at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery. For happy hour, we love Joyride Taco House or Postino East, while O.H.S.O. Brewery is a great spot for delicious food and local beer—our go-to is Popcycle. If you're looking for dinner, Culinary Dropout is always a solid choice, and SoCal Fish Taco Company is perfect for fresh tacos and a casual bite. For our BookTok lovers, don't miss The Bookish Shop, a charming independent bookstore that's worth a stop. If you're in the mood for rooftop cocktails, head to Sotol for great drinks and beautiful views. And if the night takes an unexpected turn... Champions Sports Saloon might just provide a story you'll laugh about later! Parking Tip: Free parking is available in the garage behind O.H.S.O., making it easy to explore the area on foot.
If the Grand Canyon is on your Arizona bucket list, we highly recommend setting aside a full day (or even an overnight trip). One of our favorite ways to visit is by driving to Williams, Arizona (about 3 hours from Chandler), and boarding the historic Grand Canyon Railway for a scenic ride into Grand Canyon National Park. It's a unique way to experience one of the world's most incredible natural wonders.