The 7 wonders of the West Valley

Barbara Wilson / Monty Castillo

The Phoenix Metropolitan area has a region known as the West Valley.  The West Valley is full of incredible attractions for families and people of all ages to enjoy.  Below are the 7 wonders of the West Valley and a must see when visiting or calling the West Valley home.

Verrado – Buckeye, AZ  

 Our storied neighborhoods are known for beautiful homes, shady tree-lined streets, ample front porches, and residents of all ages. With so much to do around Verrado, there are plenty of occasions for neighbors to become fast friends. So what is it exactly that makes life in Verrado so special? It’s a collection of wonderful little things that combine to make something even greater. Verrado’s walkable Main Street district means shops and restaurants are only minutes from your door. Five highly performing schools and more than 75 neighborhood parks are yet another part of what makes Verrado so special. However you decide to spend your days, you can rest assured you’ll end each one with an unforgettable White Tank Mountain sunset

Wigwam – Litchfield Park, AZ

The Wigwam Resort has been a West Valley staple for over 100 years and is considered one of the most treasured retreats in Arizona. The landscape is made up of the Sonoran Desert which brings a stunning beauty to the resort.  Not only has the Wigwam been a major part of Arizona’s history it is synonymous with Litchfield Park and the local communities.  Your stay will place you in luxury casitas and suites and the 440-acre grounds provides a complete array of recreational amenities, pools, three unique restaurants, a luxury spa and 54-holes of championship golf, including the Gold, Blue and Red Courses. The Wigwam is not just a resort, it’s the beating heart of Arizona’s arid landscapes.

Cardinals Stadium – Glendale, AZ

Cardinals Stadium, also known as State Farm Stadium, opened in 2006.  It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL).  The Stadium hosted the Fiesta Bowl in 2007, the BCS Championship games in 2011, the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2016, Super Bowl XXII in 2008 and Super Bowl XLIX in 2015.  The Stadium will also host Super Bowl LVII in 2023.  The Stadium is also located next to the Westgate Entertainment District which provides plenty of entertainment and dining.  

Wildlife World Zoo Aquarium & Safari Park – Litchfield Park, AZ

This Wonder has Arizona’s largest collection of exotic and endangered animals and more than 600 separate species.  Rides, petting zoo and daily shows are also part of the experience.  The Aquarium has over 80 exhibits where you can see sharks, rays, and plenty more.  You don’t want to miss Dragon World which features reptiles and

Giant ectotherms.  Adventure World has animals from North and South America such as mountain lions, red fox, tapirs and many more.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park – Peoria, AZ

The city of Peoria is home to a scenic desert oasis which is called Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, it is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination for action and adventure. With more than 23,000 acres of water and beautiful, unblemished desert landscape, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is one of the most scenic recreation areas in the Valley. There are a number of adventures to embark upon including kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, camping, stargazing and even scorpion hunting. At Pleasant Harbor Marina you will find Dillon’s Bayou Bar & Restaurant as well.    

Arizona Broadway Theater – Peoria, AZ

 Arizona Broadway Theater (ABT) is an award-winning, state-of-the-art professional theatre that opened in 2006.  ABT showcases locally and nationally acclaimed artists and provides sit-down table service prepared fresh daily to accompany the award-winning on-stage entertainment.  With one reservation, guests enjoy a whole night’s entertainment without rushing around the Phoenix sprawl. It should be noted that ABT delivers youth programming that educates and engages students across metropolitan Phoenix. 

Phoenix Raceway – Avondale, AZ

Phoenix Raceway was built in 1964 around the Estrella Mountains in Avondale, AZ.  It hosts two NASCAR race weekends annually and is one of 13 facilities on the NASCAR schedule to host more than one race a year.  NASCAR began racing at Phoenix Raceway in 1978.  In 1988 NASCAR Premier Series now known as NASCAR Cup Series began racing at the track.  Phoenix Raceway hosts other events such as the Lucas Oil 150, Ruoff Mortgage 500 and ARCA MENARDS Series West Championship to name a few.  

Which is your favorite Wonder and why?  Do you have a West Valley attraction that should make the list?  Let us know by leaving a comment below.

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