Things To Do

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

10 minute drive from recommended hotels. If you feel like checking out some of the local wildlife, then you should swing by The Riparian Preserve. There are hundreds of species of birds, animals, and plants that live in the area, and there are several miles of hiking trails as well. You can also take a look at different vegetation zones, visit a paleontology dig site, and take advantage of some educational programs.

Papago Park

If you stay downtown and want to experience hiking and beautiful scenic views, this is an option close in proximity! You’ll need a quick Uber but it’s worth it!

San Tan Village

If you are interested in shopping! This is your closest option if you’re staying at the recommended hotels or near the venue in Gilbert!

Tempe Town Lake - NYE fireworks

Beautiful lake if you are venturing downtown or into Tempe. Recommended if you are interested in fireworks on NYE.

Grand Canyon National Park

If you will have a car, are adventurous, have the time to spare, and want to experience one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, The Grand Canyon is 4 hours away! You can make a day trip of it! Only recommended if you are coming before 12/29 or staying after 12/31. You may consider arriving a day early just to experience it! Note: it will be colder in the Grand Canyon than it is in Phoenix. Be sure to check the weather. Expect winter temps! It may be closed on New Years Day.

Level 1 Arcade Bar

If you venture into downtown Gilbert, which is something we recommend, this arcade bar is something fun to do perhaps after dinner. Fun for all ages.

New Years Eve Bar Crawl

We found this on eventbrite! Old town Scottsdale is the place to be if you are interested in bar hopping on NYE!

NYE celebration options for those interested in more peaceful and traditional dessert options

Phoenix offers modern New Year's Eve events for those wanting to party. There are also cherished traditions and local customs. Some residents prefer to welcome the new year with a more serene approach, embracing the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. For those seeking a peaceful escape, Papago Park and South Mountain Park provide serene settings to watch the sunset on the old year and rise on the new.

Fat Cats Mesa

This is a bowling alley, arcade and movie theatre. There is a bar and food options of course as well. There is one in Gilbert too but the one in Mesa is newer and still close by! They will be open on New Year’s Eve as well!

Fat Cats Gilbert

Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown

New Years Eve rooftop party for those looking for a New Year’s party!

Sedona

Home of the beautiful red mountains! Sedona is just over 2 hours away and is a beautiful alternative to the Grand Canyon for those looking for nature, beauty and a zen vibe! The chapel neighborhood is beautiful! Suggestion for those who love to get active : Rent a bike from one of the bike shops