Top 10 Things To Do In Gilbert

Located just outside of Phoenix, Gilbert has gained a reputation for being a vibrant community with plenty to do. Once known as the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World” due to its large farming presence, Gilbert has since flourished into a highly sought-after community to live, work, and play. The town is home to just over 248,000 residents, appealing to residents from all walks of life. Whether you’re recently retired or have young children, this community is sure to have a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle. Plus, the varied mix of activities and events means that there’s something for everyone here. From community festivals to exploring the great outdoors, here’s what you can look forward to exploring in Gilbert.

If you consider yourself a coffee connoisseur, then you can look forward to all that Gilbert has in store for you. Grab a cup of joe from Higher Grounds Roastery and Cafe. Located in a laid-back, industrial-chic venue, this loved local spot is known for its house-roasted coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. It does small batch roasting twice a week to ensure the freshest possible bean and cup of coffee, helping guests have the best possible experience. Dulce Vida Coffee is another popular neighborhood joint and the go-to for plant-based options. This stop provides vegan drinks both with and without caffeine, using local, non-dairy milk. You might want to consider trying the Turmeric Latte or the Charcoal Latte, which are two of the most popular drinks on the menu.

There’s little more rejuvenating than spending time outdoors connecting with nature. Created by the Town of Gilbert in 1999, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch offers the perfect opportunity to do just that. The preserve combines water resources, wildlife habitat, educational programs, and recreational opportunities and has become a haven for Gilbert’s nature enthusiasts. An oasis of the Sonoran Desert, it features seven aquifer recharge basins, each of which is kept at different water levels to create diverse habitats and attract a variety of wildlife. As such, it’s become a great place for those who enjoy bird watching to have an up close and personal view of the local birds. Plus, the preserve features nearly five miles of trails that weave their way through the park and are frequented by hikers, runners, and bikers.

Gilbert’s first store opened in 1910 with its post office opening its doors in 1912. Over the past 100 years, the town has grown to be a superior shopping and restaurant experience. If shopping is your guilty pleasure, then you’ll undoubtedly love all that’s waiting for you in Downtown Gilbert. This downtown district, also referred to as the Heritage District, offers an eclectic retail experience. The streets are lined with a diverse assortment of shops and stores that offer all kinds of products and services. After a jam-packed afternoon of shopping, residents and tourists alike can grab a bite to eat at one of the 30 restaurants located downtown.

With a well-rounded culinary scene, you’ll have no shortage of options choosing a place to eat in Gilbert. Located in Downtown Gilbert, Joe’s Real BBQ has made a name for itself in the restaurant scene. The restaurant, housed in a converted historic grocery store, first opened its doors in 1998. All of the meat here is smoked for several hours using aged pecan wood, with no shortcuts used in the process. Everything is house-made, including the perfect sides to compliment your barbecue. Family-owned and operated, this mouthwatering barbecue doesn’t disappoint. The Clever Koi is another great local spot, featuring Asian-inspired dishes and craft cocktails. Known for its upbeat and urban ambiance, this chic restaurant is a popular spot for a date night or evening out with friends. Don’t forget to stop by during Happy Hour, which takes place Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm.

As the longest continuously running owned and operated theater company in America, the Hale Centre Theatre is the top performing arts center in Gilbert. Currently, there are five theaters in three states that are owned and operated by members of the Hale family. The Hale Centre Theatre in Arizona was established in 2003 and has become a community mecca for arts and creativity. The 350-seat features put on a variety of family-friendly shows throughout the year, ranging from The Little Mermaid to A Christmas Carol. Be sure to make reservations in advance as tickets sell out quickly!

Kick off your weekends at the Gilbert Farmers Market, which takes place every Saturday from 7 am to 11 am. The market takes place in Downtown Gilbert, just West of the town’s iconic water tower. Open year-round, the market boasts over 60 vendors during the summer season and over 100 vendors in the fall and spring. Browse the booths to get a glimpse of what’s in store.

 

You’ll find everything from fresh produce to baked goods to handmade soaps and plenty more. It’s the perfect place to stock up on the best produce around or grab a gift for a friend. In addition to a colorful assortment of vendors, the farmers market features food trucks, games, and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

Calling all history buffs – we’ve got just the activity for you! Immerse yourself in the rich history of Gilbert by spending an afternoon at the Gilbert Historical Museum. Since its first opening in 1982, the historical museum has sought to preserve and showcase the town’s history. The building also proudly sits on the National Register of Historic Places, which is the only building in Gilbert with that designation. The museum has a plentiful amount of artifacts and photos, spanning from the early days in the town to newly remodeled exhibits. In addition to a robust repository of artifacts, the museum also hosts a number of exhibits, programs, and events. After catching up on the local town history, be sure to swing by the gift stop to grab a noteworthy memento.

Spanning over 272 acres, Gilbert Regional Park is a place that you don’t want to miss. The park features a large splash pad, a modern playground, a fishing lake, and sports courts, including pickleball, volleyball, and tennis. Sports courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until court capacity has been reached. The park’s playground is a destination for families with young children, complete with a custom play structure that mimics the mountainous backdrop. The tot playground is designed for the park's tiniest park visitors. Similarly, The Falls is a 4,000-square-foot splash pad with 57 interactive water features. Served by a recirculating water treatment system, the splash pad is equipped with lights for evening play and is open 365 days a year. Whether you’re taking your kids for a day of fun or getting some exercise with a game of pickleball, Gilbert Regional Park has something for everyone.

New to town and looking for ways to meet your neighbors? Lucky for you, Gilbert has a robust calendar of festivals and events that take place throughout the year. This extensive list includes the Gilbert Days, Downtown Concert Series, Gilbert Off the Street Art and Music Festival, and plenty more. These festivals create a space for the whole community to come together and be a part of what makes Gilbert so special.

Improve your golf swing at Western Skies Golf Club, located in Gilbert with views of the Superstition Mountains as a backdrop. The traditionally laid out, 18-hole course spans over 6,700 yards and appeals to golfers of all abilities. Challenging par 3’s and par 5’s make this course unique and help ensure an exciting afternoon of playing. After finishing a game, consider heading over to Mulligans Grill for good drinks and cold beverages. Check out the new Player’s Patio that’s open year-round and overlooks the newly renovated practice facility.

 

If you’re ready to explore homes for sale in Gilbert, contact Stephanie Mitchell and John Gordon today. As top Gilbert real estate agents, Stephanie and John are well-versed in neighborhoods and can help you find the perfect location for your dream home. They have over 5 decades of experience in real estate and home construction and are ready to help you find your dream home.