Things to do in Gilbert

    Discover amazing Gilbert activities and premium in-home experiences.

    With its tree-lined streets, sunny skies, and a downtown that blends charm and creativity, Gilbert is one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets. Just southeast of Phoenix, this once-rural farming town has grown into a vibrant community full of great food, outdoor spaces, and welcoming energy—making it a perfect spot to slow down and soak in the desert sunshine.‍

    Popular Activities in Gilbert

    Lagoon Level 1: Learn to Surf

    Get pre-surf coaching and 1 hour in the lagoon—ideal for first-time surfers

    4.9 59 reviews
    $136/ surfer

    Guided Kayak or SUP Tour on Saguaro Lake

    Paddle 3–4 miles with a guide and discover canyon walls, saguaro cacti, and desert wildlife

    Inflatable Paddleboard Rental in Tempe

    Pick up a quality inflatable paddleboard with paddle, pump, and PFD for easy lake or river paddling

    $46/ paddleboard

    Single Hard-Sided Kayak Rental

    Pick up a hard-sided kayak in Tempe and explore local lakes and rivers all day.

    $46/ kayak

    Float Tube Rental for Lakes and Rivers

    Pick up an easy-to-transport float tube with pump and PFD for a full day on lakes or the Salt River

    $23/ tube

    Kokopelli Packraft Rentals

    Rent a lightweight Kokopelli packraft with paddle, pump, and PFD for lakes or rivers

    $46/ packraft

    Tempe Desert ATV Tour with Whiskey Tasting

    Ride the desert by ATV or UTV, then enjoy O.H.S.O. whiskey tastings and cocktails

    5.0 1.5K reviews

    Sonoran Desert ATV Tour with Wine Tasting

    Drive a UTV in the Sonoran Desert, then enjoy wine and bites at Postino with pickup included

    5.0 1.5K reviews
    $495/ vehicle

    Stargazing & Night Vision Tour in Tempe Desert

    Experience the desert at night with stargazing and night vision in Arizona.

    5.0 1.5K reviews
    $245/ person

    Tempe ATV Tour: 2-Hour Sonoran Desert Sunset Ride

    Chase Sonoran Desert sunsets on guided off-road trails

    5.0 1.5K reviews

    One Hour Kayak or SUP Rental

    Choose a beginner-friendly kayak or SUP for a stable 1-hour paddle

    Double Kayak Rental on Tempe Town Lake

    Paddle with a friend and enjoy a stable, relaxing kayak experience on the lake.

    4.4 434 reviews

    Single Kayak Rental on Tempe Town Lake

    Paddle a stable single kayak and enjoy a relaxing time on the water.

    4.4 434 reviews
    $23/ kayak

    South Mountain Petroglyphs with Local Guide

    Explore South Mountain landmarks, rock tunnels, and ancient petroglyphs with a guide

    5.0 411 reviews
    $120/ person

    Scottsdale Sunrise Hike: Customizable Terrain

    Experience a customizable sunrise hike tailored to your pace and terrain preferences.

    5.0 411 reviews
    $102/ person

    Sonoran Sunset Hike with Panoramic Valley Views

    Ascend desert trails for panoramic valley views while enjoying Arizona's legendary sunset.

    5.0 411 reviews
    $102/ person

    Scottsdale Desert Guided Hike in McDowell Mtns

    Hike the McDowell Mountains with a certified guide and enjoy sweeping Sonoran Desert vistas.

    5.0 411 reviews
    $102/ person

    Family Fun Guided Hike in the Sonoran Desert

    Private family hike with expert guides in the Sonoran Desert

    5.0 411 reviews
    $67/ person

    2-Hour Guided Hike in the Sonoran Desert

    Tailor the route to your pace on a guided Sonoran Desert hike with snacks and drinks included

    5.0 411 reviews
    $102/ person

    Scottsdale Bachelorette Party Guided Hike

    Celebrate your bride-to-be with a private guided hike led by local experts through the Sonoran Desert

    5.0 411 reviews
    $102/ person

    Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hike

    Summit Phoenix's highest peak with a guide in 3–4 hours, ages 10+

    5.0 411 reviews
    $137/ person

    Haunted Jails, Rails and Grave Tales Tour

    Explore Phoenix's haunted past with ghost hunting at jails, courthouses, and Union Station

    4.9 201 reviews
    $8,554

    Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghosts Tour

    Discover downtown Phoenix history, hauntings, and hands-on paranormal gear

    4.9 201 reviews

    Echo Canyon E-Bike and Hike Tour

    Ride premium e-bikes to Camelback’s Echo Canyon, then enjoy a short hike with sweeping desert views

    4.9 1.7K reviews
    $167/ person
    Bachelor and Bachelorette Bus Rental in Scottsdale

    Bachelor and Bachelorette Bus Rental in Scottsdale

    Customize your route for bars and restaurants with room for up to 15 guests

    5.0 10 reviews

    Scottsdale and Tempe Bike Tour with Hole in the Rock Hike

    Ride 10–12 miles through parks and Tempe Town Lake, then hike Hole in the Rock with a guide

    Polaris Razor 4-Seater Rental in Scottsdale

    Rent a Polaris Razor 2017 for 24 hours and explore trails with up to four people.

    5.0 8 reviews
    $500/ day

    Two-Hour Off-Road UTV Tour in Tonto National Forest

    Drive a Honda Talon across desert trails with guide support and Tonto Forest views

    5.0 4K reviews
    $235/ UTV

    Old Town Scottsdale Party Cart 4-Hour Bar Crawl

    Design a VIP bar crawl with a party cart captain in Old Town Scottsdale

    Old Town Scottsdale Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour

    See Old Town landmarks in a comfy stretch golf cart with a guide—fun, easy, and great for all ages

    Fat Tire E-Bike Rental in Scottsdale

    Explore Scottsdale’s Greenbelt and Old Town at your pace with helmets, water, and route tips included

    $67/ bike

    Scottsdale Greenbelt Fat Tire E-Bike Tour

    See Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tempe in 2.5 hours on easy fat tire e-bikes

    $67/ guest

    Old Town Scottsdale Segway Tour: 2 Hours

    Glide through Old Town Scottsdale by Segway with training and a local guide—no experience needed

    Scottsdale Sunsets & City Lights Segway Tour

    Glide through Old Town as desert skies glow and city lights sparkle

    $67/ guest

    Group 90-Minute Horseback Ride at Koli Equestrian Center

    Ride scenic desert trails with friendly wranglers and no head-to-tail lineup

    5.0 14 reviews
    $80/ person

    Kids Extended Horsemanship Session With Trail Ride

    Learn horse care and riding skills, then enjoy a guided trail ride in a 90-minute session for ages 7–17

    5.0 14 reviews
    $65/ child

    4-Hour Can-Am X3 Turbo UTV Rental

    Start riding in 5 minutes—no trailering required

    5.0 1 reviews
    $529/ utv

    UTV Rental - 8 Hours

    Drive straight to the trails, 5 minutes away, no trailering required

    5.0 1 reviews
    $705/ UTV

    Axis T23 Wakeboat Rental

    23' Surf boat perfect for beginners and pros

    4.9 87 reviews

    2025 Sea-Doo Spark 3up Jet Ski Rental

    Quick, agile 3-person jet skis perfect for adventure seekers

    4.9 87 reviews

    Discover More in Gilbert, Arizona

    Gilbert strikes a rare balance: it’s relaxed but lively, family-friendly yet full of flavor. Start your day with a walk or bike ride along the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, where desert birds and cottonwood trees frame scenic desert ponds. Then, head to the Heritage District—Gilbert’s buzzing downtown—for lunch at a chef-owned restaurant or a cold brew from one of its standout coffee shops.

    Local events like the Gilbert Farmers Market and outdoor concerts on the Water Tower Plaza lawn bring neighbors and visitors together beneath the Arizona sky. For outdoor lovers, nearby trails in San Tan Mountain Regional Park offer desert views and wildflower-lined paths, while families will love parks like Discovery Park and Freestone Park with playgrounds, splash pads, and shaded picnic spots.

    Greetwell guests can book thoughtfully curated local experiences—like guided nature walks, desert photography tours, or tasting menus from farm-to-table chefs—that showcase Gilbert’s warm hospitality and modern desert lifestyle.

    Gilbert FAQs