Gilbert
Gilbert is in the southeast valley of the Greater Phoenix region of Arizona. With a population of 270,000 (2021 est.) it is the largest town in the US. people. Once a railway town and the "Hay Capital of the World", Gilbert is now a diverse suburban center, retaining its agricultural and railroad history and celebrating its "small town" feel.
Understand
Gilbert bills itself as is the largest incorporated town in the United States. It is the 5th most populated community in Arizona. From 1990 to 2003 it was also the fastest growing, outpacing even places like Las Vegas, largely due to its lower initial starting population. Gilbert is in the southeast valley, south of Mesa, northeast of Chandler, and northwest of Queen Creek and Chandler Heights.
History
Gilbert owes its beginnings to William "Bobby" Gilbert who provided land to the Arizona Eastern Railway in 1902 to construct a rail line between Phoenix and Florence, Arizona. Ayer's Grocery Store, the first store in Gilbert, opened in 1910 and became the location of the first post office in 1912. The town post office moved several times before settling on the east side of Gilbert Road in downtown, where it still stands today. In 1912, many Mormons who had fled the Mormon colonies in Mexico due to the actions of the forces of Pancho Villa settled in Gilbert. By 1915, they began holding church meetings at the Gilbert Elementary School. In 1918, they were organized into the Gilbert Ward.
Incorporated in July 1920, Gilbert was primarily a farming community fueled by the rail line and construction of the Roosevelt Dam and the Eastern and Consolidated Canals. It remained an agricultural town for many years and was known as the "Hay Capital of the World" from 1911 until the late 1920s.
Downtown Gilbert (along Gilbert Road between Elliot and Guadalupe Roads, centered on the railroad crossing) has numerous historical buildings, some dating from the 1910s, even before Arizona statehood. A few buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, while others are listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District.
Gilbert has remained a town instead of becoming a city in part due to its early population size and how Arizona defined a city as needing more than 3,000 persons, which it surpassed only in the 1970s. Since then, it's due to Gilbert wanting to maintain a "small town" image, even with a population of over a quarter of a million.
Get in
By plane
- π Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX IATA), β +1 602-275-4958. In east Phoenix, 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Phoenix. All major US carriers serve Phoenix Sky Harbor with lots of flights to major cities across the country. Southwest Airlines and American Airlines have hubs at Sky Harbor. It is approximately 30 minutes from Gilbert.
- π Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA IATA). East of Phoenix, in neighboring Mesa. It is served mainly by Allegiant Air, although Vision Airlines also offers service from North Las Vegas. This is a small airport that is being redeveloped into a major regional airport.
By car
Gilbert is primarily served by one area freeway - the "Santan Freeway" portion of Loop 202. A small section of the US 60 (segment known as the "Superstition Freeway") also skirts the northern boundary of the town at the Higley Road interchange (Exit 186). Several regional major surface streets also serve the area, including Williams Field Road, Chandler Boulevard, Pecos Road, Gilbert Road and Greenfield Road.
Get around
Car is the easiest way to get around Gilbert.
By bus
- Valley Metro is a regional public transportation system for the metro Phoenix area.
See
- π Cosmo Dog Park, 2502 E Ray Rd (NE corner of Ray Rd and Santan Loop 202), β +1 480-503-6200. 5:30AM-10PM. Lake for the dogs to play in. Separate areas for active and timid dogs. Ramadas, tables and benches available. Lighted for use at night. Named for Cosmo, the first police dog in Gilbert. free.
- π Discovery District Park, 2214 E Pecos Road (NE corner of Santan Village Pkwy and Pecos Rd). An 88-acre park with amusement rides and mini-railroad, picnic tables and grills, skate park, basketball and tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, softball fields and lakes stocked for fishing. The park was named for the discovery of fossils of a Columbian Mammoth near the site during construction. β Contact Gilbert Recreation to reserve Ramada facilities; see Arizona Game and Fish Department for stocking schedules, bag limits and license regulations.
- π Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E Queen Creek Rd (Higley Rd and Queen Creek Rd), β +1 480-503-6200. park: 5:30AM-10PM; splash pad: 8:30AM-9:30PM. Attractions includeΛ 4,000 sq-ft splash pad; 17-foot tall playground with climbing, slides and a zip-line; sports courts: basketball, pickleball, sand volleyball, tennis (all first-come first-serve).
- π Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, 2757 E Guadalupe Rd (East of Greenfield on Guadalupe, just east of Southeast Regional Library). sunrise-sunset. Walking paths through a series of ponds. Bring your camera, several hundred different types of birds come here every year. The park also contains an observatory, dinosaur find and archeology find areas. Year-round fishing at the Water Ranch Lake (permits required).
- π Downtown Gilbert Water Tower (Water Tower Plaza and Park), 45 W Page Ave, β +1 480-503-6200. 24 hr; splash pad: daily 7AM-10PM, except in windy conditions. Small park in downtown Gilbert with splash pad. Historic Adobe Pump House, originally Gilbert's first jail.
Do
- π Gilbert Farmers Market, 222 N Ash St (Downtown, just west of the water tower). Sa 7AM-11AM. Market offers a wide variety of locally grown produce from nearby farms and many local Arizona food producers. Over 60 vendors during summer, over 100 vendors in fall/spring.
- π Gilbert Historical Museum, 10 S Gilbert Rd (SW corner of Gilbert Rd and Elliot Rd), β +1 480-926-1577, info@hdsouth.org. Tu Th Sa 9AM-4PM; closed Su M W F holidays. Variety of exhibits about the founding and growth of the Town of Gilbert. $6 adults, $5 senior, $3 children, under 5 free.
- π Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W Page Ave (just west of NW corner of Gilbert Rd and Page Ave), β +1 480-497-1181, boxoffice@haletheatrearizona.com. box officeΛ M-Sa noon-5PM. Theatre-in-the-round. Does a season with plays, musicals and children's theatre. Prices vary. Special group rates are available.
Buy
- π SanTan Village (SanTan Mall), 2218 E Williams Field Rd (Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) and Williams Field Rd).
Eat
- π Romeo's Euro CafΓ©, Heritage Court: 207 N Gilbert Rd, #105 (entrance is at rear of building), β +1 480-962-4224, contact@eurocafe.com. M-F 11AM-9PM, Sa 11AM-10PM, Su noon-9PM. International and eclectic foods. Excellent wine list. Offers food and wine pairing and wine makers dinners for $45 a person, reservations required in advance. Excellent dessert menu. Caters. moderate.
- π Farmhouse Restaurant, 228 N Gilbert Rd (Downtown Gilbert, SW corner of Gilbert Rd and Page Ave), β +1 480-926-0676, farmhouseofgilbert@gmail.com. W-F 6AM-1PM, Sa 6AM-1PM, Su 7AM-1PM. Fresh breakfasts served daily. Many travelers go out of their way to make a stop here. Seating first-come first-served; does not accept reservations.
- π Flancer's Incredible Sandwiches and Pizza, 610 N Gilbert Rd, β +1 480-926-9077. Su-Th 10:30AM-8PM, F Sa 10:30AM-9PM. Great sandwiches. Take-out available. You can also buy their famous bread to take home and make your own sandwiches. moderate.
- π J K Chinese Gourmet, 2540 S Val Vista Dr, #106, β +1 480-821-8484. Su 11AM-9PM, M-Sa 11AM-9:30PM. Great food, excellent service. Hidden in a smaller shopping center, but worth the visit. Takeout available. moderate.
- π Joe's Farm Grill, 3000 Ray Rd, Bldg 1, β +1 480-563-4745. Daily 7:30AM-9PM. American food using vegetables grown on the farm. Featured on the Food Network. Built on an existing farm, they left the gigantic cottonwood trees which makes eating outdoors a real pleasure. Portions are large. moderate.
- π Joe's Real Barbeque (Joe's Real BBQ), 301 N Gilbert Rd (Downtown Gilbert, NE corner of Gilbert Rd and Page Ave), β +1 480-503-3805. 11AM-9PM. Great BBQ, atmosphere. Another local favorite. No reservations but plenty of room both indoors and out. Excellent value for the price. Can handle parties of almost any size. Take out and catering. moderate.
- π Liberty Market, 230 N Gilbert Rd (Downtown Gilbert, SW corner of Gilbert Rd and Page Ave), β +1 480-892-1900, info@libertymarket.com. Su-Th 8AM-9PM, F Sa 8AM-10PM. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Local favorite. Restrooms are a must see. moderate.
- π Lulu's Taco Shop, 610 N Gilbert Rd (in Fountain Plaza), β +1 480-545-8219. 8AM-8PM. Mexican. Some of the best Mexican food in Gilbert. Excellent breakfast burritos.
- π Mulligan's Grill (at Western Skies Golf Club), 1245 E Warner Rd, β +1 480-545-8542, golfshop@westernskiesgolf.com. Su-W 10AM-5PM, Th F 10AM-6PM. A neighborhood bar & grill.
- π Oregano's Pizza Bistro, 328 N Gilbert Rd (Downtown Gilbert, SW corner of Gilbert Rd and Vaughn Ave), β +1 480-882-9336. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. Excellent pizza and other Italian foods. Pizzas range from 12" to 18" for thin crust. Stuffed pizzas are 8" to 12" Large variety of styles of pizzas and toppings. Will deliver for large parties. Takeout available. Multiple locations across Arizona. moderate.
- π Phoenicia Grill, 1150 S Gilbert Rd, Ste 104 (in Gilbert Town Square), β +1 480-503-4976. Su Tu-Th 11AM-8PM, F Sa 11AM-9PM. Greek and Mediterranean food. Excellent lunch menu with buffet. Now serving breakfast. Also have a Tempe location. Take out available. moderate.
- π Some Burros!, 2597 S Market St (Market St 3 blocks south of Williams Field Rd), β +1 480-497-8226. 9APM-9PM. Excellent portion sizes for exceptional food. Family owned and run business with four locations in the Valley. Macha burros are always a favorite. Dining indoors or out. Takeout available. Multiple locations across Arizona. moderate.
- π Thai Chili 2 Go, 1495 N Higley Rd, #108 (SE corner Baseline Rd and Higley Rd), β +1 480-219-8330. Thai food made with authentic ingredients.
- π Waldo's BBQ, 1524 E Williams Field Rd, #101, β +1 480-899-7427. Su-Th 10:30-9PM, F Sa 10:30AM-11PM. Specializes is BBQ ribs but is famous for all things BBQ. Take-out and catering available. Original location still in neighboring Mesa. Famous for its wall decor as well. A local favorite. Moderate.
- π Yao Chinese Cuisine, 2487 S Gilbert Rd, #102 (Gilbert Rd and Williams Field Rd), β +1 480-899-0308. 11AM-9PM. One of the top 100 Chinese restaurants in America. Extensive Chinese menu. Lunch specials. Moderate.
Drink
- π Dierks Bentleyβs Whiskey Row, 323 N Gilbert Rd (Downtown Gilbert, SE corner of Gilbert Rd and Vaughn Ave), β +1 480-476-8595. Country bar with American cuisine and nightlife
- π Fox Cigar Bar, 1464 E Williams Field Rd (east of Val Vista Rd), β +1 480-917-3117. Has a selection of beer, whiskey, and cigars.
- π The White Rabbit (password entry required; check web site), 207 N Gilbert Rd (Downtown Gilbert), β +1 480-750-0099, drink@twr.bar. Su-Th 5PM-11PM, F Sa 5PM-midnight. A speakeasy complete with password entry (check web site)
Sleep
- π DoubleTree Hotel Phoenix-Gilbert (near San Tan Village; about 10 miles (16 km) to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport), 1800 S SanTan Village Pkwy, β +1 480-809-4100. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Free Wi-Fi, free parking. On-site restaurant. Fitness Center, outdoor pool. Room service. Pet friendly.
- π Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix/Gilbert (near San Tan Village; about 10 miles (16 km) to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport), 3265 S Market St, β +1 480-543-1500. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking. Fitness center, outdoor pool. Pet friendly.
- π Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix East - Gilbert (2Β½ miles (4 km) to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport), 5530 S Power Rd, β +1 480-507-3000. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking. Fitness center, outdoor pool. Pet friendly.
- π Home2 Suites (near San Tan Village; about 10 miles (16 km) to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport), 3333 S Market St, β +1 480-857-4778. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking. Fitness center, outdoor pool. Pet friendly.
- π Hyatt Place Phoenix/Gilbert (near San Tan Village; about 10 miles (16 km) to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport), 3275 E Market St, β +1 480-899-5900, fax: +1 480-899-5901. Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking. On-site restaurant, fitness center, outdoor pool. Pet friendly.
- π Tru by Hilton Gilbert (near San Tan Village; about 10 miles (16 km) to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport), 1950 S Santan Village Pkwy, β +1 602-567-9800. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. The rooms are kind of small. Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking. Fitness center, outdoor pool. Pet friendly.
Learn
- π Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC), 2626 E Pecos Rd; Chandler (On Pecos Rd, west of Gilbert Rd), β +1 480-732-7000. A community college in the Maricopa County Community College District.
Go next
- Within in the Greater Phoenix area:
- Head into Scottsdale for the day β take Loop 202 west, then Loop 101 north.
- Head Loop 202 West, then north on I-10 to downtown Phoenix β catch a show or a ballgame, or see the Phoenix Zoo or the Desert Botanical Garden.
- North of the Metro Phoenix area β on Interstate 17 North:
- Visit the Grand Canyon β a four hours drive to the South Rim, north near Flagstaff.
- Elsewhere north: Prescott, Sedona and Route 66.
- South β on Interstate 10 East:
- See South Central Arizona, with an hour-and-a-half drive to Tucson.
- Elsewhere south: Picacho Peak State Park, Saguaro National Park, Santa Catalina Mountains.
- West β on Interstate 10 West (via Loop 202 West):
- Head towards the Palm Springs area in the California Desert, or continue onwards to Southern California for Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood.
| Routes through Gilbert |
| Ends at β Phoenix β Chandler β | W N | β Mesa β Tempe |