Located just twenty-two miles northwest of downtown Phoenix, Sun City, Arizona, is the country's largest retirement community. The self-contained resort-style retirement community is known worldwide for its active lifestyle, setting the bar for other retirement communities around the country. With its many shopping malls and restaurants offering a wide range of goods, services, and entertainment, Sun City also has the country's highest concentration of year-round leisure facilities. Swimming, fishing, bowling, tennis, and various other activities are available at eleven golf courses and seven recreation centers.
Culturally, environmentally, architecturally, and socially, Sun City, Arizona, is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. If your interests include one of the many entertainment venues, major sports arenas, or cultural institutions, one visit to Sun City will have you seeing why it has earned a reputation as the world's best active adult community. Below are the top five things to do and see in sun city, Arizona, you won't want to miss.
Sun Bowl & Sundial Auditorium
Throughout the year, the Sun Bowl and Sundial Auditorium host various shows, with everything from local favorites to national treasures. Gourmet food vendors open one and a half hours before all Sun Bowl shows. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, enjoy a delicious meal, and take in a concert at this unique outdoor amphitheater. Recent Sun Bowl performances have included the likes of Strait Country, Outside The Line, Backstage Crew, and the Thaddeus Rose Band.
Please note that advance seating reservations are not permitted and that the seats closest to the stage are reserved only for those arriving by bus. Sun Bowl Shows are free for Recreation Centers of Sun City (RCSC) cardholders and their escorted guests on Sunday nights. During inclement weather, shows are moved to the nearby Sundial Auditorium.
Limo Tip: Make it an extra special evening out with a limo rental from Arizona Sedan & Limousine Service. You and another couple or group of friends can travel in luxury in a 12 Passenger Stretch Limousine!
Golf
Sun City offers you a different golf course for every day of the week! You won't mind the short commute with five championship courses and three executive courses across 1,100 acres, all within six miles of each other.
Hit the links at one of Sun City's eight golf courses:
- North Golf Course – Designed by Del Webb, this course provides plenty of diversity. The holes are lined with large trees, and there are relatively few straight golf holes, providing a lot of variety. The course's tees, greens, and bunkers have recently been refurbished, giving it a fresh look while remaining accessible to all golfers.
- South Golf Course – Although this is Sun City's longest 18-hole course, there are plenty of playing alternatives for everyone. Golf Architecture Editor for Golf Magazine, Joe Passov, describes the South Golf Course as "a strategic jewel that's pure fun."
- Lake West Golf Course – The Lake West Golf Course is one of Sun City's most popular courses. Wide fairways, strategically positioned bunkers, and open approaches to the greens also make it one of the finest courses in the area. With its meandering streams and strategically located lakes, this course provides a challenging experience for all players.
- Riverview Golf Course – The Riverview Golf Course has always been known for its large, bold greens. Riverview is also distinguished by having more movement from tee to green than any other courses.
- Willowcreek Golf Course – Many of the holes are bordered by the creek. There are wide golf corridors with houses on one side, softly hilly fairways, and mature trees. The Willowcreek Golf Course offers a little bit of everything and is a course you’ll want to play again and again.
- Lakes East Golf Course – Lakes East's 18-hole elite course is more than a course; it's a Sun City golfing experience. A newly planted desert landscape with low-water-use plants is featured on the course, and golfers will appreciate the diversity of par 3s and par 4s sprinkled throughout.
- Quail Run Golf Course – This nine-hole course features six par three holes, two par four holes, and one par five hole. Interestingly, the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System has classified the Quail Run Golf Course as a Certified Sanctuary. Keep an eye out as you play this course because it is home to a diverse range of wildlife!
- Willowbrook Golf Course – Most golfers in Sun City, even those who generally play the regulation courses, agree that the Executive Course at Willowbrook is one of the most enjoyable to play while also being one of the most difficult. Sun City golfers keep coming back to play because it proves that you don't need a long course to have a good time!
Limo Tip: Have a special client you’d like to woo on the golf course? Start the day out right by having them picked up in an Elite Black Car from North Scottsdale Limousine Service!
Desert Diamond Casino West Valley
Just ten minutes south of Sun City is Desert Diamond Casino West Valley, the perfect destination if you’re looking for the best casino gaming experience in Arizona. With over 75,000 square feet of pure excitement in the heart of Glendale's Westgate Entertainment District, nobody pays out more jackpots than Desert Diamond. They have almost 1,500 slot machines and many live and electronic table games. Desert Diamond prides itself on always having the newest games. And, with three fantastic restaurants, two pubs serving artisan beers and drinks, and a Food Court, your appetite will be satisfied with plenty of options to choose from.
Limo Tip: Nothing says “bring on the good luck” like arriving at the casino in a Stretch Hummer by Phoenix Sedan & Limousine Service!
Dining
Whatever your dining preferences, Sun City has something for everyone. An eclectic array of restaurants, bakeries, and cafés are everywhere, including:
- Benny’s Burgers & BBQ – Benny's Burgers has a variety of dishes to choose from, including delicious burgers, dogs, ribs, and more! Hankerin’ for some BBQ? Their ribs are out of this world! If you're feeling more adventurous, order some spicy Korean tacos or hot wings and wash it down with a milkshake to brighten your day.
- Kabuki Sushi – The diverse menu at Kabuki Restaurant features traditional and creative Japanese cuisine and an award-winning Kid's Menu, and a vegetarian and gluten-free menu. Kabuki also has an amazing beverage and happy hour list, which includes conventional cocktails, wine, beer, and Japanese-inspired cocktails. If you leave wishing you had a Kabuki Sushi near you – maybe you do! They have 17 restaurants throughout Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas!
- Saigon Kitchen – This Vietnamese eatery has it all, from a variety of rice and noodle entrées and noodle soup (Pho) to salads and sandwiches. It's also a terrific destination for vegans because any meat can be replaced with tofu or vegetables. It’s a fantastic destination for Asian food that will satisfy even the pickiest diners.
Limo Tip:Trying to make this date a little extra special? Arrive at your favorite restaurant in a high-end Lincoln Navigator with your very own professional chauffeur from Scottsdale Sedan & Limousine Service!
Salt River Tubing
Are you looking for a fun, wet adventure? In the magnificent Tonto National Forest near Mesa, Arizona, you can spend the day or an afternoon tubing the Lower Salt River rapids! Salt River Tubing is a recreational paradise just an hour east of Sun City that offers "chills and thrills" while floating on cool and refreshing mountain-stream waters. Enjoy a "floating picnic" while exploring the Salt River's natural marvels! Tube rentals and shuttle service are offered seven days a week.
Limo Tip: If you're going to tube the Salt River, there's really only one way to do it entirely right. Load up your friends in a Party Bus from Arizona Tours and keep the fun going before and after you’re done tubing!