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Top 6 Fun Things to do in Gilbert AZ (from a Local)

ByLauren Moore Hours

Gilbert Arizona is a smaller town in Arizona near Phoenix and Scottsdale. While many people focus on these popular destinations, there are many fun things to do in Gilbert AZ that make it perfect for vacation.

In fact, I love Gilbert so much, I moved here two years ago! I’ve loved exploring all of the top activities in the area and finding unique things to do.

Gilbert’s downtown is charming, busy, and super fun. There are many great restaurants and bars. Other fun things to do in Gilbert AZ include top golf, pool days, river floating, and a nature reserve.

If you are planning a trip to Gilbert, keep reading for a full list of what to do, where to eat and other great Gilbert travel tips.

Contents hide
Fun Things to do in Gilbert AZ
1. Top Golf
2. Float the Salt River
3. Riparian Nature Preserve
4. Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row
5. Explore Downtown Gilbert
6. Gilbert Farmer’s Market
7. Pool Day
Where to Eat in Gilbert AZ
Getting to Gilbert
Summary of Fun Things to do in Gilbert AZ

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Fun Things to do in Gilbert AZ

1. Top Golf

Top Golf is a venue that is the perfect mix of a driving range and a sports bar. The three-level facility has many golf bays that include a lounge area, interactive screen, tee box, and clubs. The bays are all full-service with food and drinks.

The interactive screens at Top Golf work with the high-tech golf balls to track your shots and keep score in any of their games. Some games include scoring for the furthest shot, most accurate shot, and other metrics. Even if you are a beginner golfer (I am), you will have a ton of fun trying to aim your shot and boost your score.

In addition to golfing, Top Golf is a full-service bar with tasty bar food and drinks. Get a group to visit during happy hour to enjoy food, drinks and try out the golf.

If you plan on visiting Top Golf Gilbert, reserve your tee time ahead of your visit. Plan to have up to 6 people in each bay for maximized space and play time.  

2. Float the Salt River

The Salt River is only a 30 minute drive from Gilbert, and floating it is the perfect full-day activity. To float the river, you can either use a company or do it on your own.

If you are visiting Gilbert from out of state, I recommend using the services of the Salt River Tubing company. They provide tubes and drop in/ pick up services from the river for around $20 per person.

If you are from nearby, I recommend purchasing your own tubes and using two cars for drop in/ pick up. This will allow you more flexibility and to save money in the long run.

I highly recommend these tubes that can fit two people, have a built in cooler, and can be easily connected to other tubes for a large group.

3. Riparian Nature Preserve

The Arizona nature is quite different from other places in the United States. Visit the Gilbert Riparian nature preserve to explore the desert geography, breathe fresh air, and get a bit of exercise.

If this activity in Gilbert interests you, plan to visit early or late in the day to avoid the peak heat of the day. In the summer this can be around 110 degrees!

4. Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row

One of my favorite fun things to do in Gilbert AZ is visiting the Dierks Bentley bar. Whiskey Row is a restaurant by day and a country bar by night.

They feature live local country bands, fun games and dancing at night.

Although the nightlife scene is tame compared to Scottsdale, this bar is a great way to get out during your vacation, especially if it is a girl’s trip.

For dancing and a party, arrive after 9 pm. For a relaxed experience with table service, plan to visit earlier in the night or for dinner.

5. Explore Downtown Gilbert

Downtown Gilbert is one of the primary reasons to visit Gilbert over Scottsdale or Phoenix. It has a small town feel with amazing restaurants and charming storefronts.

Spend a day perusing the two blocks of Main Street, visiting shops and restaurants as you go. Below are some of my favorite restaurants in downtown Gilbert. There are also retail stores, ice cream shops and bars.

6. Gilbert Farmer’s Market

If you are in Gilbert on a Saturday, be sure to check out the Gilbert farmer’s market. The market features local crafts, produce, food, flowers, and food trucks.

This market runs year-round next to the Gilbert water tower. It’s kid and dog friendly, making it the perfect weekend activity for the whole family.

7. Pool Day

As a Seattle local, one of my main inspirations for visiting Arizona is to get away from the rain and soak in the Arizona sun. During your Gilbert vacation, one of the best things to do is spend a day at the pool.

Where to Eat in Gilbert AZ

As mentioned above, downtown Gilbert has many great restaurants. Eating out is definitely a fun thing to do in Gilbert AZ. Choosing where to go is the hardest part! The below restaurants my some of my favorites.

  • Snooze AM Eatery– Some of the best brunch I have ever had. Order the Orange Snoozious and the Benny Duo and you will not regret it.
  • Liberty Market– This casual cafĂ© restaurant has an adorable patio with string lights and foliage. Their flatbreads are all great but the white pizza is my favorite.
  • Postino– This wine bar is great for happy hour and small bites. If you go, be sure to try the bruschetta board.
  • Topo– This street front burrito stand cannot be missed with the large beaver on top. All of their food is tasty and be sure to save room for the soft serve.

Getting to Gilbert

Gilbert is a suburb of Phoenix. To get to Gilbert, fly in to Phoenix international airport. From there, rent a car for the 30-minute drive to Gilbert.

Alternatively, some small airlines fly into the nearby Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport. There are less options, but potential for a great deal.

While you can easily get around with Uber or Lyft, a rental car is the best option if you plan to visit town and other activities often.

Summary of Fun Things to do in Gilbert AZ

Overall, there are many fun things to do in Gilbert AZ. Gilbert is a laid-back town great for girl’s trips, family vacations and weekend getaways.

Spend time exploring downtown Gilbert by visiting the great restaurants or farmers markets. For a night-out hit Whiskey Row or Top Golf. Overall, you trip to Gilbert Arizona will be fun, relaxing, and memorable.

For another great weekend getaway in the Arizona, check out my complete guide to Scottsdale.

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Lauren is the creator of The Traveling Moore blog. She's travel obsessed, having been to nearly 50 countries and all 7 continents. She has a full time corporate job, and loves showing others that it's still possible to travel the world with limited PTO hours. Lauren is also travel hacking obsessed, finding every way to travel more often and more luxuriously.

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