Things to Do in Peoria, AZ: Lake Pleasant, Spring Training and More

People searching for things to do in Peoria are often either new residents or buyers deciding if the city fits their life. Peoria spreads across a lot of ground, from the older Old Town area to the newer communities near Lake Pleasant, so what you do on a weekend depends partly on which part you live in. These are the places I send people to first.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Lake Pleasant is the big outdoor draw. This Maricopa County regional park is a large reservoir used for boating, paddling, fishing, camping and hiking, and it is a short drive from the northern Peoria neighborhoods. Summer weekends are busy and the heat is real, so many locals go in the early morning or in the cooler months. Park hours, fees and boat rules are set by the county, so check Maricopa County Parks before you go. If lake access matters to you, my page on Lake Pleasant real estate covers the nearby neighborhoods.

Cactus League spring training

The Peoria Sports Complex is the spring training home of the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners. Games run in the late winter, roughly February through March, and the complex hosts events at other times. It is a fun, affordable way to see baseball, and it is one reason winter visitors fill the area.

Old Town Peoria

Old Town is the historic center of the city, with a small downtown feel, local restaurants and community events through the year. It is a good counterpoint to the newer master-planned communities elsewhere in the city.

Parks and recreation

Peoria has a long list of city parks, trails and community centers. Rio Vista Community Park is one of the larger recreation hubs, with sports fields and a recreation center. The city's parks department publishes its programs and facility information online.

Golf, shopping and dining

The Arrowhead and Vistancia areas have golf courses, restaurants and shopping close to many neighborhoods. If golf is part of your plan, see my guides to Trilogy at Vistancia and Vistancia.

Outdoor recreation beyond the lake

Peoria has a large network of city parks, trails and sports fields, and the desert surrounding the northern part of the city gives you hiking and mountain biking within a short drive. The cooler months are the time to be outside; most locals shift their hiking, biking and park time to early morning from late spring through early fall.

Water recreation

Besides Lake Pleasant, many residents rely on community and city pools in the summer. If a private pool is on your wish list, see my guide to buying a home with a pool.

Family and community events

Peoria runs seasonal events, from holiday celebrations to concerts in the park. The city's recreation and events calendar is the best place to see what is coming up, and neighborhood HOAs in the newer communities often add their own social calendars.

A weekend itinerary

1. Saturday morning: early hike or a boat day at Lake Pleasant, before the heat builds.
2. Saturday afternoon: lunch and a stroll in Old Town Peoria.
3. Sunday: spring training game in season, or a park and community event.

How the "things to do" factor into your home search

I ask every buyer what they plan to do with their free time. A buyer who is on the water every weekend may want the north end near Lake Pleasant. A buyer who wants to walk to coffee may prefer the older parts of the city. It is easier to find the right neighborhood once you name what you do, and my Peoria neighborhoods guide and 10 things to know before moving to Peoria help you map that to a location.

Frequently asked questions

What is Peoria, AZ known for?

Peoria is known for Lake Pleasant, the Peoria Sports Complex where the Padres and Mariners hold spring training, a mix of established and new master-planned communities, and a historic Old Town.

What are free things to do in Peoria?

City parks, trails, community events and hiking near Lake Pleasant's surroundings are free or low cost. Lake Pleasant Regional Park charges entry and activity fees, so check Maricopa County Parks for current rates.

Is Lake Pleasant in Peoria?

Lake Pleasant is a Maricopa County regional park in the northern part of the metro area, close to the northern Peoria neighborhoods.

Is Peoria a good place for retirees?

Many retirees like the 55+ communities, golf and outdoor access. I cover the options in my guide to 55+ communities in Peoria.

Choosing a neighborhood around how you live

Peoria is a good example of why I ask about lifestyle before I ask about price. A family that wants parks and community events, a retiree who wants golf, and someone who wants quick access to the lake can all end up in different parts of the same city. Start with my overview of Peoria neighborhoods and then tell me what matters to you.

Events, hours, schedules and prices change. Check each venue or city website before you go.