Goodyear Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more with this comprehensive travel guide to Goodyear, Arizona.


Introduction to Goodyear

Located in Greater Phoenix, Arizona, Goodyear is a city that boasts of natural beauty, rich history, and a flourishing cultural scene. The city is home to several parks, trails, museums, and events that attract both locals and visitors.

If you’re planning a trip to Goodyear, this comprehensive tour guide will help you make the most of your visit. From the top attractions, hiking trails, and activities to the best places to stay, eat, and shop, we’ve got you covered.

List of Places to Visit in Goodyear

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Goodyear Ballpark - A baseball stadium that hosts both spring training games and minor league games, Goodyear Ballpark is a must-visit attraction for baseball fans.
  • Corral West Horse Adventures - For a dose of adventure, head to Corral West Horse Adventures. Visitors can go on horseback riding tours, wagon rides, and more.
  • Estrella Mountain Regional Park - This park boasts of over 33 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Litchfield Park - This charming city offers visitors a glimpse into its historic past through its unique landmarks, buildings, and cultural events.
  • Phoenix Goodyear Airport Museum - This museum houses several aircraft, memorabilia, and exhibits that showcase the history of aviation in the area.

Natural Attractions of Goodyear: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Estrella Mountain Regional Park - With its rugged mountains, sweeping desert vistas, and abundant wildlife, Estrella Mountain Regional Park is a nature lover’s paradise.
  • Goodyear Community Park - This scenic park has something for everyone, including playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and a lake for fishing and boating.
  • South Lake Park - This park features a fishing lake, walking trails, a spray park, and playgrounds for kids.
  • Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park - Home to over 6,000 animals from different continents, this wildlife park is one of the top attractions in the area and great for a family outing.
  • Skyline Regional Park - With over 16 miles of trails for hiking, this park offers some of the best views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and city skyline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Goodyear

  • Estrella Mountain Regional Park Trails - With over 33 miles of trails at Estrella Mountain Regional Park, hikers and bikers can explore the park’s rugged mountain terrain, valleys, and wildlife habitats.
  • Skyline Regional Park Trails - With trails of varying difficulty levels, this park offers spectacular views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
  • Goodyear Community Park Trails - These scenic trails offer easy hikes and walks for visitors of all ages, with lake views and plenty of shade.
  • Pebblecreek Trails - Pebblecreek is a resort community that opens its hiking and biking trails to the public, featuring waterfalls, streams, and bridges.

Best Things to Do in Goodyear: Activities and Tours

  • Visit Goodyear Ballpark - Spring-training games and minor league games attract sports fans to the baseball stadium every year.
  • Attend the Estrella Mountain Regional Park Fitness Bike Race - This annual race challenges cyclists of all abilities to ride a scenic route through the park, with proceeds benefiting a local charity.
  • Take a Corral West Horseback Tour - Corral West Horse Adventures offers guided tours through serene desert landscapes.
  • Enjoy a Family Day at Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park - With animals from different continents, Wildlife World Zoo is a perfect family day out.
  • Attend the Annual Arts and Culture Festival - Held in Litchfield Park, the arts and culture festival attracts locals and visitors alike with its music, dance, art, and food.

Week-Long Itinerary for Goodyear

For a comprehensive week-long itinerary, we recommend:

  • Day 1: Visit Goodyear Ballpark and grab lunch at one of the many nearby eateries.
  • Day 2: Explore Estrella Mountain Regional Park, and spend an afternoon horseback riding with Corral West Horse Adventures.
  • Day 3: Check out the Phoenix Goodyear Airport Museum and wander through Litchfield Park, taking in the quaint shops and historic buildings.
  • Day 4: Take a family day trip to Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park.
  • Day 5: Hike at Skyline Regional Park, then cool off in South Lake Park’s spray park.
  • Day 6: Go biking on Pebblecreek Trails followed by a visit to Goodyear Community Park.
  • Day 7: Wrap up your visit to Goodyear with an annual arts and culture festival held in Litchfield Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Goodyear

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mexican Cuisine - The city is home to several Mexican restaurants serving authentic dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
  • Arizona-Style Pizza - With its unique blend of flavors, Arizona-style pizza is a must-try dish. Several pizzerias in Goodyear serve this dish.
  • Green Chile Pork Stew - This iconic dish of the Southwest is a must-try while in Goodyear.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer - The area is home to several microbreweries and taprooms that serve locally brewed craft beer.
  • Arizona Wine - Several wineries in the area produce wine using grapes grown in Arizona’s unique climate, producing a distinct flavor profile.

Where to Stay in Goodyear: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Residence Inn by Marriott - This hotel offers guests modern facilities, spacious rooms, and easy access to nearby attractions.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites - Located near Litchfield Park, this hotel provides guests with a comfortable stay and attentive service.
  • Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass - For a luxurious stay, this hotel offers world-class amenities, spa treatments, and onsite restaurants.

What to Buy in Goodyear: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Arizona-Sourced Goods - Several local markets and shops sell goods produced in Arizona, including handmade soaps, locally roasted coffee, and artisanal foods.
  • Western-Style Gifts - Western-style shops in Goodyear offer stylish cowboy boots, hats, and other apparel, perfect for bringing home as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Goodyear

Goodyear and the surrounding area have deep roots in the cowboy and ranching culture. Visitors can gain an appreciation for the local culture by attending rodeos, country music festivals, and other western-themed events.

Best Time to Visit Goodyear

The best time to visit Goodyear is during the winter months, between November and February, when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Goodyear

Do:

  • Do pack sunscreen and plenty of water for outdoor activities.
  • Do visit the local markets and shops to buy souvenirs produced in Arizona.
  • Do attend local cultural events to get a glimpse of the cowboy and ranching culture.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage natural areas when participating in outdoor activities.
  • Don’t underestimate the heat in the summer months, and always carry enough water.

Safety and Health

Safety in Goodyear

Goodyear is a relatively safe city, but visitors should take the same precautions as they would in any other city by watching their surroundings and taking care with their belongings.

Health in Goodyear

Goodyear has modern medical facilities and hospitals that offer quality healthcare to residents and visitors alike.

Getting to Goodyear: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Goodyear

  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - This airport is located about 30 miles from Goodyear and is the busiest in the area.
  • Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport - This airport is about 60 miles from Goodyear and is a smaller alternative to Sky Harbor.

Bus Stations Near Goodyear

  • Greyhound - Greyhound provides bus service to several locations throughout Arizona.

Other Options

  • Rental Car - Renting a car is the most comfortable and convenient way to navigate around Goodyear and the surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Goodyear

The easiest way to get around Goodyear is by car. Taxis and ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Where to Go Next from Goodyear: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Phoenix - Located 20 miles east of Goodyear, Phoenix offers visitors an array of attractions, including museums, parks, and nightlife.
  • Tucson - Tucson is a three-hour drive from Goodyear, but its historical landmarks, botanical gardens, and outdoor attractions are worth visiting.

Conclusion

Goodyear is a city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and western culture. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or foodie, Goodyear has something to offer you. Plan your visit today and see for yourself what this incredible city has to offer.