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Glendale was founded in 1892 when a group of settlers established a farming community in the fertile valley along the Salt River in what is now Maricopa County. The city was named for the glen, or valley, that lay between the surrounding hills, a reference to the lush agricultural land that made the area attractive to early farmers. The arrival of the Arizona Canal in the 1890s transformed the region, providing reliable irrigation that supported the growth of citrus groves and other crops.
The 20th century brought major change with the establishment of Luke Air Force Base in 1941, which became one of the United States’ largest and most important military aviation training facilities. The base brought thousands of service members and their families to Glendale, accelerating the city’s growth and shaping its identity as a community with deep military ties. The base remains active today and continues to be an economic anchor for the region.
The opening of Arrowhead Towne Center in the early 2000s and the nearby State Farm Stadium cemented Glendale’s role as a retail and sports destination for the entire Phoenix metropolitan area. The city’s historic downtown, known as Old Glendale, preserves the small-town character that defined the community in its early decades, with preserved buildings from the early 1900s housing boutiques, restaurants, and galleries.
State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, is Glendale’s most iconic landmark, its distinctive retractable roof and sliding field making it one of the most technologically advanced sports venues in the world. The stadium also hosts major concerts, NCAA basketball games, and the annual Fiesta Bowl, one of college football’s premier bowl games. On non-game days, stadium tours give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the facility’s impressive architecture.
Glendale’s Old Town district offers a charming contrast to the city’s modern sports complexes, with restored adobe buildings housing art galleries, antique shops, and locally owned restaurants. The Sahuaro Ranch Park preserves a working ranch from the early 1900s, its historic structures and mature trees providing a window into Glendale’s agricultural past. The park’s Heritage Square features original buildings from different eras, telling the story of Glendale’s evolution from farm town to suburb.
Glendale’s desert parks and mountain trails provide year-round outdoor opportunities for hikers and nature lovers exploring the Sonoran Desert landscape. The Thunderbird Alpine Training Center offers hiking and climbing experiences in the nearby foothills, while the city’s extensive park system includes sports fields, playgrounds, and walking paths that serve residents and visitors alike. Winter months bring ideal conditions for outdoor activity, with warm days and cool evenings.
The Arizona Canal Trail winds through Glendale, providing a scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians connecting the city to the larger Phoenix metro trail network. Water recreation at Lake Pleasant northeast of Glendale offers boating, fishing, and kayaking on the reservoir, a popular getaway for Phoenix-area residents escaping the desert heat. The lake’s beaches and coves are especially busy during the hot summer months.
Cerreta Candy Company is a Glendale institution, offering tours of its historic chocolate factory where visitors can watch confectionery artisans handcraft gourmet chocolates and see how classic favorites like Arizona Chips and Nut Goodies are made. The factory’s Biltmore Collection of European chocolates and seasonal specialties draws candy lovers from across the Southwest, and the company’s tasting room is stocked with samples.
Glendale’s Military Heritage is celebrated at the Arizona Ironworkers Memorial and throughout the city’s parks and public spaces, honoring the service of aviators trained at Luke Air Force Base. The Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame inside the base’s visitor center tells the story of Arizona’s role in military aviation, from early barnstormers to modern fighter pilots. Military appreciation events and air shows at Luke draw crowds throughout the year.
The ideal time to visit Glendale is between October and April, when daytime temperatures range from the comfortable 70s to the low 80s and desert sunshine illuminates the city without the scorching heat of summer. This period coincides with the NFL season, making fall and winter the most popular times to catch a Cardinals game at State Farm Stadium. The cooler weather also makes outdoor exploration of Old Town and the city’s parks far more pleasant.
Summer in Glendale is extremely hot, with temperatures frequently exceeding 105°F from June through August, limiting daytime outdoor activities but keeping hotel rates low. Visitors during these months should plan indoor activities during the heat of the day and save outdoor adventures for early morning or after sunset. The monsoon season in late July and August can bring dramatic thunderstorms and brief but intense rainfall that transforms the desert landscape.
Here are some of our recommended things to do near Glendale. Select what you would enjoy!
State Farm Stadium stands as one of the most technologically advanced sports venues in the world, anchoring Glendale’s reputation as a premier sports and entertainment destination in the American Southwest. Located just northwest of downtown Phoenix…