Uncover The Allure Of Arizona's Coolest Suburb With Top-Tier Dining And Vibrant Culture

Arizona brings to mind expansive stretches of desert, winding red rock canyons, and, of course, scenic road trip routes to the Grand Canyon that are honestly just as gorgeous as the destination. While Arizona's natural beauty is awe-inspiring, "The Grand Canyon State" is also home to city and suburban destinations with amazing food and cultural attractions. For your next weekend trip, leave the big cities behind and head to Gilbert. Be warned: you might just want to move there.

Located in East Valley, Gilbert is a suburb in Phoenix's metropolitan area with a population of approximately 275,000, according to a 2023 report by the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program (PEP). Originally a railroad town incorporated in the 1920s, Gilbert has since become a top destination for art and food lovers. 

In fact, Gilbert ranked number one for dining and activities, according to a 2023 study by Architectural Digest comparing top winter escape cities for snowbirds. And, with excellent dining, shopping, public art, theater, and socializing spots packed into the walkable Heritage District (Downtown Gilbert), it's easy to make the most of your trip.

If you're craving outdoor, dog-friendly dining spaces, industrial designs, and a lively, social atmosphere, the restaurants and bars in Gilbert's Historic District are comparable to any in the best U.S. bucket list cities for food lovers. From a Hawaiian grill with succulent teriyaki chicken to a trendy gastropub with cornhole and other games, the restaurants in Gilbert have something for everyone. Sample the wine of the month at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, or enjoy classic American dishes while listening to live country music and trying some line dancing at Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row. Other restaurant highlights include Liberty Market for huge breakfast portions, Postino East for an unbeatable Happy Hour, and Joe's Farm Grill for a farm-fresh meal.

The Historic District is also known for its craft beer scene. Although there are several breweries to choose from, OHSO Brewery + Distillery has an outdoor concept with tons of lawn games, huge TV screens, and even an enclosed dog run. Don't worry, the beer is also top-notch, featuring a rotating selection of approximately 30 brews on tap. Keep in mind that it's easy to walk between eateries and breweries, so if you can't make up your mind, you can always try multiple options.

A stroll through the Historic District takes you past street art that rivals the best street murals around the world simply because the collection is so diverse. Trade the lines at the famous Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural and snap a picture in front of Gilbert's Angel Wings in front of Sushi Brokers. From postcard-inspired murals to painted electric boxes to a huge gopher, you can locate Gilbert's street art using the city's interactive online map.

Located next to the iconic Downtown Gilbert Water Tower, the Gilbert Farmers Market is the best place to find locally-produced, organic goods, ranging from honey to artisanal cheese to fruits and vegetables. The market hosts approximately 100 vendors and is held every Saturday morning. However, keep in mind that the hours change during the winter and summer months, so we recommend checking the Gilbert Farmers Market website before planning your trip.

Whether you're looking for local boutiques or offerings from international retailers, Gilbert will help you shop until you drop. For tiny shops with locally produced goods, visit the stores in the Historic District, such as State Forty Eight, which sells Arizona-inspired apparel. Take a break from shopping and make your own creations at The Art House Gilbert, or participate in a seasonally inspired workshop at Studio 223. However, if you're looking for well-known brands and dining, visit SanTan Village, located a 10-minute drive from the Historic District.