Just 20 minutes southeast of Phoenix, the city of Chandler rises out of the Sonora Desert. Palm trees line the promenade in downtown Chandler, where you’ll find independent boutiques, restaurants, and trendy cocktail bars. The Chandler Center for the Arts, at the center of the city’s entertainment district, hosts a plethora of renowned performers throughout the year, and downtown is dotted with art galleries where you can peruse the work of local artists. The city is also home to the Chandler Fashion Center, the state’s second-largest mall, which features an interactive mural from a world-renowned artist.

Chandler’s diverse desert terrain provides an exceptional setting for a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. As you make your way along the Chandler Solar System Walk at Veterans Oasis Park, monuments and displays teach you about the solar system. Drive 20 miles southwest of town, and you’ll find a network of hiking trails meandering through San Tan Mountain Regional Park, including the San Tan Loop, which leads through the Central Valley to the top of the Goldmine Mountains.

If you’re flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), the drive to Chandler takes around 20 minutes. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA), to the east of town, is also about 20 minutes away by car. Both airports offer a variety of transportation options, including taxis, ride-booking services, shuttles, and car rentals. Renting a car may be the best option for promptly reaching vacation rentals in Chandler and for exploring the area. Valley Metro offers bus and light rail routes throughout the city, but having your own vehicle will give you the freedom to get around the surrounding area. Chandler’s location just southeast of Phoenix also makes it a convenient base for exploring Arizona’s capital.

The climate in Arizona is hot and arid year round, with the temperatures climbing extremely high in summer but remaining mild in the winter. If you decide to visit in summer, come prepared with sun protection and a hat, and be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid spending a great deal of time outdoors.

When things start to cool down in the fall, you’ll find plenty of events to keep you busy. The city kicks off the cooler season with its annual Arizona Harvest Festival and Open-Air Market, which includes fall-inspired activities such as a pumpkin toss and a pie-eating contest. Throughout the winter and spring, visit the Chandler Farmers Market, which is held on Saturdays in the downtown square.

Chandler Museum

You can learn about the city of Chandler and its history at the Chandler Museum. The museum, housed in a 1938 Pueblo Revival-style building, features an informative collection of photos and memorabilia that traces family histories in the Chandler area and depicts the historic McCullough-Price House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Huhugam Heritage Center

The Huhugam Heritage Center celebrates the traditions and people of the Akimel O’otham and Pee Posh tribes. You’ll find an exhibit gallery that displays pottery, jewelry, basketry, and other items of cultural significance donated by artists and farmers. The striking architecture of the center complex is designed to complement the surrounding desert.

Veterans Oasis Park

Veterans Oasis Park, recognized as one of Arizona’s major birding sites, serves as a habitat for more than 150 avian species. More than four miles of trails wind through the 100 acres of desert lands and wetlands. You’ll have ample opportunities to spot American kestrels, egrets, herons, and owls during a relaxing stroll or bike ride. The city provides an updated bird list, so you know what to look and listen for.