Chandler has been designated as a National Register Historic District, with downtown offering a unique collection of eclectic art galleries, trendy shops and award-winning restaurants, making Chandler a welcoming Arizona vacation spots.
Located in the Greater Phoenix Valley, just 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Chandler is reflective of what Dr. Chandler originally envisioned; a place in the desert where individuals can come to escape cold winters, a place where you can slow down and enjoy the special features of the state in this excellent climate friendly area.
A fast growing city, Chandler features charming and beautiful Arizona resorts and world-class golf facilities that are graced with near perfect weather. More than 330 sunny days a year grace this community, and an average temperature of 85 degrees.
Accommodations
The San Marcos Golf & Conference Resort sets the standard for luxury in the Grand Canyon State. The San Marcos was the first golf resort in Arizona, and has been a landmark ever since its 1912 debut. The accommodations are noteworthy. Located in the historic district of downtown Chandler, each room features a private patio or balcony with a scenic overlook.
Among the additional inviting choices for a visit to Chandler include: the Best Western, Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield Inn, Homewood Suites and the Park Plaza Hotel.
Restaurants
Many opportunities to enjoy good dining are in Chandler. The Firebird Rocky Mountain Grill has an inviting atmosphere and features hand cut steaks, prime rib, fresh seafood, and wood fired pizza.
Iguana Macks restaurant has a casual, authentic Arizona atmosphere, featuring a gourmet quality menu at family-friendly prices. Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar is a fine dining steakhouse serving hand cut prime steaks with 100 wines by the glass, and a impressive reserve list with over 80 selections.
Golf
People seek out Arizona vacations in the Southwest because of much sought after excellent golf courses. The championship level golf courses started in 1913 at the San Marcos Resort on their 100- acre course. A year later, the course was seeded with Bermuda grass, making it the first grass links in Arizona.
The San Marcos Golf Resort creates a country club experience at what has become known as one of the nation’s finest daily-fee facilities. The landscape throughout the 27 Hole. Ted Robinson design is full of soothing rich greens and deep blues. Using many of his well-known trademarks in the creation of this masterpiece course, golf enthusiasts put this on their list of courses to play.
Ocotillo is a panorama of cascading waterfalls, palm trees, gently rolling fairways and brightly colored flowerbeds that have been blended into a golfer’s paradise. The 27 hole championship facility, is located only minutes from most of the Valley’s prominent resorts. Ocotillo Golf Resort’s golf shop has been voted as one of the top golf shops in the country. For after golf dining, guests can enjoy the luxurious atmosphere of Bernard’s Restaurant.
Today, golfers planning Arizona vacations to Chandler have many options. Some of Chandler's championship level golf courses also include: Bear Creek Golf Course; Lone Tree Golf Club; and the Springfield Golf Resort.
Shopping
One-of-a-kind shops are in Historic Downtown. A farmer's market operates year round for musical and cultural performances. Chandler Fashion Center offers varied shopping venues. The shopping areas of Casa Paloma and Chandler Pavilions offer a variety of options from one-of-a-kind shops to major retailers.
Main Events
Ostrich ranching was once a prominent part of life in Chandler. Chandler and Maricopa County led the nation in raising ostriches for their stylish and expensive plumes. To celebrate the city's rich history as well as provide a first-class community event, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce created the Ostrich Festival in 1989.
The community gives countless hours in coordinating the special events to celebrate their early history.
Written by: Karen J. Lee
