Race Weekend Guide: What to do near Phoenix Raceway

If you’re heading to the Phoenix area (including the charming towns of Avondale and Goodyear) to experience a NASCAR race at Phoenix Raceway, you can look forward to an array of local activities outside of the track to add to your getaway. Get ready for gorgeous mountain views and desert landscape, tasty local eateries, a bustling antique mall, and, of course, some air-conditioned hideaways where you can cool off. Get to know the areas that surround the Phoenix Raceway as the locals do with this guide to some of the top spots in the area.

Phoenix Raceway

Let’s start with the main attraction of your upcoming trip – Phoenix Raceway. This epic track has been a part of the motorsport scene since 1964. Home to some of the sport’s most thrilling race days, the Phoenix Raceway draws visitors from far and wide thanks to its adrenaline-fueled atmosphere.

Be prepared for fun and thrills at this celebrated raceway located around the beautiful Estrella Mountains on the outskirts of Avondale, Arizona. While you’re there, why not treat yourself to the Fanshield infield experience to get up close and personal with your favorite teams and unwind in the rustic and welcoming Busch Light Lounge for some first-place hospitality.

Take a lap at Estrella Mountain Regional Park

Take advantage of the beautiful scenery just outside of the racetrack by setting aside some time to explore Estrella Mountain Regional Park. This park boasts 20,000 acres of pristine desert, mountains and a large wetland. It’s the perfect place to start your day with a nice hike, bike, or horseback ride and includes 33 miles of trails for you to explore. But trails aren’t the only thing you’ll find in this park — you can also wander through 65 acres of picnic area, baseball fields, a golf course, and a fishing-friendly river. Looking for a relatively breezy and short hike? Locals recommend the 2.4-mile Baseline Trail. The park’s opening hours are 6am to 10pm all week.

Fuel up at Enroute Coffee and Tea House

If you enjoy a well-brewed cup of coffee and an assortment of delicious baked goods with a helping of top-notch hospitality, then you must stop by Enroute Coffee and Tea House in the nearby town of Goodyear, Arizona. This small business is owned and operated by a local couple and was created out of their desire to serve their community with a relaxing and inviting space (with an excellent and extensive menu of beverages and sweet treats). Whether you choose to spend some time relaxing in this cafe while admiring the art and playing a board game with friends, or you only have time for a to-go order, it will definitely be worth your time. Order one of the local favorites: a large coconut cold brew with a buttery peach scone.

Cool off indoors at Harkins Theatres Estrella Falls 16

After your morning of hiking and early afternoon stop at a coffee shop, we recommend spending the warmest hours of the day indoors at a favorite local movie theater. Take your family and friends (or just yourself) to see an afternoon matinee at Harkins Theatres Estrella Falls 16, a movie theater that draws crowds from both Goodyear and Avondale for its well-run and maintained facilities. If you’re looking for more than just your regular movie snacks of popcorn and candy, you can enjoy menu items like hummus, fries, cheese and salami plates, as well as a variety of beverages.

Enjoy authentic fare at Macayo’s Mexican Restaurant

Macayo’s Restaurant in Goodyear is a great place to stop for some traditionally tasty Mexican food while you’re in town. Reasonably priced and expertly prepared, you can’t go wrong with their selection of popular Mexican dishes, including excellent tacos, decadent chimichangas and sizzling fajitas. They also boast a great selection of sharing plates and a happy hour that will quench your thirst and satisfy your appetite.

Stretch your legs at Avondale Friendship Park

Whether you’re traveling with kids (or you’re just a kid at heart), it’s always nice to stop by a local park and get in a quick exercise session. Avondale Friendship Park is the perfect place for an early evening stroll through the playground and picnic areas. The small manmade lake in this area is a great spot to fish, feed the ducks, or just watch the sunset. If you do happen to have younger ones in tow, they’ll love getting to run around the Splash Pads areas with designated fountains and low-water areas for kids to cool off and play.

Browse one-of-a-kind items at Brass Armadillo Antique Mall

If you’re the kind of person who likes to fill your home with unique items found in places across the nation, or you just enjoy an occasional hour or two spent browsing through collections from yesteryear, you’ll love the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall in Goodyear. It’s one of the largest of its kind in Arizona, which means you’re sure to find nostalgic treasures galore. Prepare yourself for what feels like an endless collection of repurposed items and architectural salvage, and keep your eyes peeled for that perfect find. Who knows, you may even find some vintage racing memorabilia to take home with you.

Enjoy old-fashioned sweets at the Avondale Mister Softee

Speaking of nostalgia, did you know that the classic red and white Mister Softee ice cream truck originated in the year 1956, and has been serving the Phoenix area since 1960? Over 50 years of serving fresh, never prepackaged soft-serve ice cream is something to be celebrated — and what better way to celebrate than experiencing those classic flavors yourself? Enjoy a delicious ice cream delight at the Mister Softee Avondale location, and don’t be fooled into thinking that ice cream cones are the only thing on the menu. You’ll also have the options of ice cream sundaes, soda floats, banana boats and milkshakes — all with the same, high-quality recipes that have stood the test of time.

We hope this guide has inspired you to expand your Arizona race weekend itinerary with an array of local attractions and activities in the surrounding areas of Avondale and Goodyear. If you’re looking for even more things to do in the Phoenix area, check out this guide to the Penske Racing Museum in Scottsdale.