Phoenix metro city guides

• Phoenix

  From Roosevelt Row galleries and downtown arenas to Piestewa Peak trails and neighborhood libraries, Phoenix has the deepest calendar in the Valley.

• Scottsdale

  Old Town nightlife, Western-week traditions, spring-training ballparks and McDowell Sonoran Preserve trailheads make Scottsdale a mix of polish and desert.

• Tempe

  ASU energy, Mill Avenue clubs, Tempe Town Lake paths and Gammage Broadway tours keep Tempe busy most nights of the week.

• Mesa

  Mesa Arts Center, the Cubs' spring home, downtown's Main Street and quick access to the Salt River and Usery Mountain give the East Valley's biggest city plenty of range.

• Chandler

  Downtown Chandler's square, festival weekends and family-friendly parks make it an easy East Valley pick.

• Gilbert

  The Heritage District, Hale Centre Theatre, Riparian Preserve and a packed youth-sports scene keep Gilbert family-focused.

• Glendale

  Big-ticket nights at State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena plus Westgate and historic downtown give Glendale West Valley clout.

• Peoria

  Spring training at Peoria Sports Complex, Lake Pleasant and the P83 district anchor Peoria's calendar.

• Surprise

  Surprise Stadium, the tennis center and a calendar of community events make the far West Valley worth the drive.

• Goodyear

  Goodyear Ballpark, Estrella Mountain trails and growing community events define the Southwest Valley.

• Avondale

  Phoenix Raceway race weekends and local parks put Avondale on the map.

• Queen Creek

  Farm-country festivals, Schnepf and Horseshoe Park events give Queen Creek a small-town feel at the Valley's southeast edge.