Your Ultimate East Valley Weekend Itinerary: A Local's Guide to 48 Hours of Adventure
By Susan Seiber, Top East Valley Real Estate Expert
I often get this question: “Susan, I have friends coming into town. What should we do?” Or, my personal favorite: “We’re so bored of our usual routine. Where can we go for a mini-adventure?”
I’ve lived and worked in the East Valley for years, and I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to drive for hours to have an amazing weekend. We have incredible restaurants, beautiful hiking trails, and charming local spots right in our backyard. So, I’ve put together my ultimate 48-hour East Valley itinerary, perfect for newcomers, or even locals who want to see their community with fresh eyes.
Quick Answer Summary
What are the best things to do for a weekend in the East Valley? A perfect East Valley weekend includes a mix of outdoor activities like hiking at Usery Mountain or exploring Veterans Oasis Park, enjoying local food at The Coffee Shop or in Downtown Chandler, and visiting the Gilbert Farmers Market.
Is the East Valley good for a weekend trip? Absolutely! The East Valley offers a fantastic mix of nature, food, and local culture, making it an ideal destination for a 48-hour getaway without the long travel times.
Your Ultimate East Valley Weekend Itinerary
Here’s my curated plan for a memorable weekend that shows off the best of what our community has to offer. Get ready to explore!
Saturday: Mountains, Markets, and Main Street Charm
Morning (8:00 AM): Hike at Usery Mountain Regional Park
Start your Saturday with some fresh air and stunning desert views. Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa offers a variety of trails, but for a great morning workout with a rewarding view, I recommend the Wind Cave Trail. It’s a moderate 3.2-mile round trip hike that takes you up to a beautiful wind-carved cave. The elevation gain gets your heart pumping, but the panoramic view of the valley from the top is absolutely worth it. Remember to bring plenty of water!
Late Morning (11:00 AM): Brunch at The Coffee Shop at Agritopia
After your hike, you’ve earned a delicious brunch. Head over to The Coffee Shop at Agritopia in Gilbert. This place is a local institution, and for good reason. It’s set in the charming Agritopia community, and the food is consistently fantastic. I’m a huge fan of their Baby Got Jack breakfast sandwich, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. It’s the perfect spot to refuel and relax.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Stroll Through the Gilbert Farmers Market
Just a short drive from Agritopia, you’ll find the Gilbert Farmers Market. Even if you’re not a big shopper, it’s a wonderful place to spend an hour or two. You’ll find everything from fresh, local produce and baked goods to unique crafts and delicious food trucks. It’s a true community hub, and it’s a great way to support local businesses. The market has recently moved to the Chandler-Gilbert Community College campus, which offers more space and better parking.
Evening (5:00 PM): Dinner and Drinks in Downtown Gilbert
As the sun starts to set, make your way to Downtown Gilbert. This area has exploded in recent years and is now one of the best dining destinations in the Valley. For dinner, I highly recommend Liberty Market. It’s a historic building that’s been transformed into a vibrant, urban bistro. The wood-fired pizzas are incredible, and they have a great selection of salads, sandwiches, and entrees. After dinner, take a walk down Gilbert Road and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Sunday: Nature, Nosh, and Neighborhood Gems
Morning (9:00 AM): Explore Veterans Oasis Park
Good morning! Start your Sunday with a peaceful walk at Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler. This 113-acre park is a true hidden gem. It features a beautiful lake, several recharge ponds, and 4.5 miles of trails. It’s a fantastic spot for bird watching, and the paved paths are perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. It’s a wonderfully serene way to start your day.
Lunch (12:00 PM): A Taste of Downtown Chandler
For lunch, head to Downtown Chandler. This area has a completely different vibe from Downtown Gilbert—a little more historic, a little more laid-back, but with just as many fantastic food options. I love taking friends to The Perch Brewery. It’s a brewery and pub that’s also home to a collection of rescued tropical birds! The food is great, the beer is cold, and the atmosphere is truly one-of-a-kind.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Hidden Gems and Local Shops
After lunch, take some time to explore the unique shops in Downtown Chandler. You’ll find everything from boutique clothing stores and art galleries to antique shops and a record store. It’s a great place to find a unique souvenir or just enjoy a bit of window shopping.
Sunset (5:00 PM): A Final Desert Sunset
End your weekend with one of Arizona’s famous sunsets. While you can see a beautiful sunset from almost anywhere in the East Valley, I recommend heading back to Veterans Oasis Park. Find a bench by the lake and watch the sky light up with color. It’s a peaceful and beautiful way to end your ultimate East Valley weekend.
Bonus Tips for Your East Valley Weekend
Timing is Everything: The best time for this itinerary is during the fall, winter, or early spring (October through April). The weather is perfect—typically between 65-80°F—and you can comfortably enjoy outdoor activities without the intense summer heat.
Getting Around: While the East Valley is spread out, everything on this itinerary is within a 20-30 minute drive. I recommend having a car for maximum flexibility, though rideshare services are readily available throughout the area.
Budget Considerations: This weekend can be as budget-friendly or as splurge-worthy as you want. Hiking is free, the farmers market is inexpensive, and you can find great meals at various price points. Expect to spend around $100-150 per person for meals and activities (not including accommodations).
Where to Stay: If you're visiting from out of town, I recommend staying in Gilbert or Chandler. Both areas have excellent hotel options and put you right in the heart of the action. Downtown Gilbert has several boutique hotels, while Chandler offers everything from budget-friendly chains to upscale resorts.
Alternative Options and Substitutions
Not everyone has the same interests, and that's okay! Here are some alternatives if you want to customize your itinerary:
Instead of Usery Mountain: Try the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert. It's a beautiful 110-acre nature preserve with easy walking trails, perfect if you want something less strenuous than a mountain hike.
Instead of The Coffee Shop: Check out Liberty Market for brunch (yes, they do breakfast too!), or try Snooze, an A.M. Eatery if you're craving creative pancakes and benedicts.
Instead of The Perch Brewery: Downtown Chandler has tons of great options. Try The Hidden House for upscale dining in a charming 1939 cottage, or George & Gather for farm-to-table fare.
Add Some Culture: If you're interested in the arts, consider catching a show at the Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert. It's one of the best regional theaters in the country, and the performances are always top-notch.
Why I Love Sharing the East Valley
As a real estate agent who's helped hundreds of families find their homes here, I've seen firsthand how the East Valley has grown into one of the most desirable places to live in the Phoenix metro area. It's not just about the great schools and safe neighborhoods (though we have those in spades). It's about the quality of life—the ability to spend a perfect weekend exploring your own backyard, discovering new favorite spots, and building memories with the people you love.
Every time I take this route with out-of-town friends or family, they're amazed by how much there is to do. They expect strip malls and suburbs, but they find thriving downtowns, beautiful natural spaces, and a genuine sense of community. That's the East Valley difference.
Your East Valley Adventure Awaits!
I hope this itinerary gives you a taste of all the wonderful things the East Valley has to offer. This is just a starting point, of course—there are so many other amazing places to explore. But if you're looking for a weekend that's a perfect mix of nature, food, and local charm, this is it.
Whether you're a longtime resident looking to rediscover your community, a newcomer getting to know the area, or someone considering a move to the East Valley, I hope this guide inspires you to get out and explore. And if you fall in love with the East Valley and decide you want to make it your home, well, you know who to call!
