Peoria Travel Guide

Explore the top cultural attractions, natural wonders, activities, and dining options in Peoria, Arizona with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Peoria

Located in the northwestern region of the Greater Phoenix area, Peoria is a charming city with a rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions in the area, from museums and natural wonders to hiking and biking trails. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Peoria offers something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Peoria

Peoria is home to a variety of top-notch attractions, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Arizona Broadway Theatre: Enjoy a night out at this beloved dinner theatre, which hosts a variety of Broadway shows throughout the year.
  • Peoria Center for the Performing Arts: Located in downtown Peoria, this cultural hub hosts a variety of musical and theatrical performances.
  • Pioneer Living History Museum: Explore Arizona’s frontier history at this living history museum, which features historic buildings and exhibits.
  • Rio Vista Recreation Center: This community center offers a variety of classes and activities for visitors of all ages, including dance, art, and fitness classes.

Natural Attractions of Peoria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Pleasant Regional Park: This scenic park offers a variety of outdoor activities, from boating and fishing to hiking and camping.
  • White Tank Mountains Regional Park: Explore the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert at this popular outdoor recreation area, which features miles of hiking and biking trails.
  • New River Trail: This scenic trail follows the path of the New River and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.
  • West Wing Mountain Preserve: Enjoy a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll at this mountain preserve, which features a variety of hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Peoria

Peoria offers a variety of hiking and biking routes for visitors to explore, including:

  • Sunrise Mountain Trail: This challenging trail offers stunning views of the Sonoran Desert and the Phoenix metropolitan area.
  • Black Canyon Trail: Explore the natural beauty of the region on this scenic mountain biking trail, which runs for more than 75 miles.
  • Acoma Trail: This moderate hiking trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding desert landscape and is accessible year-round.
  • Paloma Trail: Located in the White Tank Mountains Regional Park, this easy trail is perfect for families and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Best Things to Do in Peoria: Activities and Tours

Peoria offers a variety of activities and tours for visitors, including:

  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Soar above the desert landscape on a hot air balloon ride, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife.
  • Segway Tours: Explore the city in style on a Segway tour, which takes visitors to top attractions and hidden gems throughout Peoria.
  • Wine Tasting: Enjoy a delicious variety of local wines at one of the region’s many wineries and tasting rooms, which offer tastings, tours, and more.
  • Golf: Peoria is home to dozens of championship golf courses, making it a top destination for golf enthusiasts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Peoria

Day 1: Explore the Natural Wonders of Peoria

  • Start your trip off with a visit to Lake Pleasant Regional Park, where you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating. -Day 2: Learn About Arizona’s Frontier History Visit Pioneer Living History Museum to immerse yourself in Arizona’s frontier history and see historic buildings and exhibits. -Day 3: Explore the Cultural Scene of Peoria Visit the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts to catch a theatrical or musical performance, then head to Arizona Broadway Theatre for dinner and a show. -Day 4: Hiking Trails and Mountain Views Take on the Sunrise Mountain Trail or Paloma Trail for epic views of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountains. -Day 5: Hot Air Balloon Ride Take an early-morning hot air balloon ride for stunning views of the desert landscape and wildlife. -Day 6: Golfing and Wine Tasting Spend your day enjoying a round of golf at one of Peoria’s many championship golf courses, then visit a local winery or tasting room for a sampling of Arizona’s best wines. -Day 7: Relax and Recharge Spend your final day in Peoria relaxing and recharging at one of the many local parks or spas in the area.

Food and Drink Scene of Peoria

Peoria offers a variety of dining and drinking options, including:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Arizona BBQ: Indulge in delicious, slow-cooked barbecue dishes at one of Peoria’s many BBQ restaurants.
  • Mexican Cuisine: Sample authentic Mexican cuisine at one of the region’s many Mexican restaurants, which offer traditional dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
  • Southwestern Cuisine: Try Southwestern-inspired dishes like green chili stew and mesquite-grilled steaks at a local restaurant.

Local Beverages

  • Arizona Wine: Sample the region’s best wines at one of Peoria’s many wineries and tasting rooms, which offer tastings, tours, and more.
  • Craft Beer: Enjoy a delicious craft beer at one of Peoria’s many local breweries, which offer a variety of styles and flavors.

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

Peoria offers a variety of lodging options for visitors, including:

  • Hotels: Stay in one of Peoria’s many modern hotels, which offer a variety of amenities, including pools, spas, and fitness centers.
  • Hostels: Budget-conscious visitors can stay in one of Peoria’s many hostels, which offer shared rooms and communal spaces for travelers.
  • Guesthouses: For a more intimate, personalized experience, stay in one of Peoria’s many guesthouses, which offer a variety of amenities and personalized service.

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

Take home a piece of Peoria with you by purchasing one of these local products:

  • Arizona Wine: Bring home a bottle of the region’s best wines from a local winery or tasting room.
  • Native American Crafts: Purchase handmade pottery, jewelry, and other crafts from one of the region’s many Native American artisans.
  • Southwestern Spices: Stock up on Southwestern-inspired spices, sauces, and seasonings at a local specialty food store.

Local Culture and Customs of Peoria

Peoria is home to a rich and diverse cultural scene, influenced by its Native American and Hispanic heritage. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, and should take the time to learn about the region’s history and culture.

Best Time to Visit Peoria

The best time to visit Peoria is in the winter and spring, when the weather is mild and comfortable. Summers in Peoria can be extremely hot, with temperatures averaging in the 90s and above.

Do’s and Don’ts of Peoria

Visitors to Peoria should:

Do:

  • Respect the Local Environment: Visitors should be mindful of their impact on the local environment and should take care not to disturb wildlife or natural habitats.
  • Learn About the Local Culture: Visitors should take the time to learn about the region’s history and culture, and should be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter or Pollute: Visitors should not litter or pollute the local environment, and should dispose of trash properly.
  • Disrespect Local Customs or Traditions: Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, and should avoid behaviors that may be considered culturally insensitive or disrespectful.

Safety and Health

Safety in Peoria

Peoria is a relatively safe city, but visitors should take the usual precautions and be aware of their surroundings, especially when hiking or walking alone at night.

Health in Peoria

Peoria has a variety of medical facilities and services, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Visitors should ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage before traveling.

Getting to Peoria: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors to Peoria can arrive by a variety of transportation options, including:

Airports Near Peoria

  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: Located about 30 miles south of Peoria, Phoenix Sky Harbor is the largest airport in Arizona and is served by dozens of airlines.

Bus Stations Near Peoria

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: Located in downtown Phoenix, Greyhound offers bus service to dozens of destinations throughout the United States.

Other Options

  • Rental Cars: Visitors can rent a car at the airport or in Peoria to explore the city and surrounding areas.
  • Taxis: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Peoria.

How to Get Around in Peoria

Visitors can get around Peoria by a variety of transportation options, including:

  • Public Transit: Peoria offers a variety of bus services throughout the city and region.
  • Rental Cars: Visitors can rent a car to explore the city and surrounding areas.
  • Taxis and Rideshare Services: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Peoria.
  • Biking and Walking: Peoria features a variety of bike and walking paths throughout the city, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike.

Where to Go Next from Peoria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Peoria is located near a variety of top destinations and excursions, including:

  • Grand Canyon: Located about 200 miles north of Peoria, the Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world.
  • Sedona: Known for its stunning red rock formations and New Age culture, Sedona is located about two hours north of Peoria.
  • Scottsdale: Just a short drive from Peoria, Scottsdale offers a variety of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Peoria is a charming city with a rich cultural and natural heritage, offering a variety of attractions, dining options, and outdoor activities for visitors to explore. Whether you’re in town for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Peoria is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Phoenix metropolitan area.