Best Arcade 2024 | StarFighters Arcade | Fun & Games | Phoenix
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Best Arcade

StarFighters Arcade

The Valley's best retro video game and pinball haven is now its biggest. Earlier this year, StarFighters in Mesa leveled up by doubling in size to 8,000 square feet and upping its roster to more than 100 pinball machines and a comparable number of arcade titles. It now contains the largest game selection in Arizona and has secured its crown as the undisputed champ of local arcades. There are now even more deep cuts from gaming history to be discovered in the nooks and corners of the '80s-themed arcade, many of which were purchased by co-owners and game collectors Michael Lovato and Steve Thomas. After paying the $11 admission, you can play hard-to-find machines such as Atari Football and Rip Off or work your way through rows of pinball favorites. Lovato and Thomas have more changes planned, including obtaining a beer-and-wine license and adding more neon and vintage toys to accentuate the '80s vibe of StarFighters. We can't wait.

Best Casino

Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Santan Mountain

Gila River Resorts & Casinos' newest gaming palace, which opened in summer 2023, is full of pleasant surprises even if you don't hit the jackpot. Notably, its floor-to-ceiling light-adjusting windows and outdoor gardens discard the old model of sensory deprivation while gambling. And keeping with the lighter, brighter theme, it boasts the only white roulette wheel in the United States. If you go to play, you'll be awed by the state's largest sportsbook (7,000 square feet, with an impressive 129-foot LED display video wall), over 800 slot machines, poker, blackjack, roulette and more. Not into taking chances? Have dinner at Honey & Vine, serving upscale cuisine in a subtly glam gold-and-aqua ambiance, or grab a craft beer from one of the sportsbook's 40 taps and watch a game. A must no matter what: Cruise the perimeter walls to peruse the exceptional artwork by Gila River Indian Community members.

Best Zoo

Phoenix Zoo

For the nine months that it's not oppressively hot, there are few better ways to spend a weekend morning than visiting Phoenix's best zoo. Grab a map, because with 125 acres dedicated to housing animals from around the world, it's easy to get lost. Some residents enjoy the crowd more than others — the giraffes, flamingos and squirrel monkeys are easy to spot, but good luck catching a glimpse of the otter. There are regular animal presentations and special events, and kids will love the petting zoo, carousel, splash pad, camel rides ... you get the idea. And while membership isn't cheap — $279 for most families — the zoo does offer early entrance for members, which helps to avoid the crowds of kids and stroller-pushing parents. Go often enough — and the zoo is large enough to discover something new each visit — and it quickly justifies the membership fee.

Best Aquarium

Sea Life Arizona

Located at Arizona Mills, Sea Life is not the absolute glitziest of Arizona aquariums. OdySea, located off the 101 in Scottsdale, is fancier. But OdySea is expensive. Tickets at Sea Life are $18.99 each, while a single adult ticket at OdySea costs nearly $50. And the Sea Life experience is pretty good. Twenty-six thousand square feet of exhibits feature jellyfish and seahorses, sea turtles and eels, sharks and stingrays. You can touch a starfish or, for an additional fee, enjoy a sea turtle encounter. And, crucially, kids can find Nemo (clownfish) and Dory (blue tang fish) in the same tank. Its counterpart to the north may offer a slightly upgraded experience, but Sea Life easily offers the best bang (or blue tang) for your buck.

Best Rides

Castles N' Coasters

We've lived in Phoenix a long time. Lots of things have changed over the decades, but a few things haven't. One thing that's stayed consistent is that we always have a blast at Castles N' Coasters. Another is that our favorite thing about the west Phoenix amusement park is the rides. Sure, we've enjoyed many a round of miniature golf there, but it doesn't compare to Desert Storm, the first looping roller coaster in Arizona. We can always count on the back-and-forth Sea Dragon and the exhilarating Splashdown log ride for a good time, too. Though the impending demolition of Metrocenter mall means that Castles N' Coasters' surroundings are looking quite different these days, much of the amusement park remains the same as ever, and we're thankful.

Best Pool Hall

JJ's Bar and Billiard

West Phoenix staple JJ's Bar and Billiard is simple but boasts seven Diamond pool tables, draft beer and oddly great chips and salsa — a simple but solid recipe for a casual environment to hang out. And if pool isn't your thing, there are dart boards, too. The only downside of traveling to JJ's to run the table is that it sometimes hosts pool tournaments, which it doesn't post about because it doesn't have a website. It's best to call ahead to ask whether there is a tournament going on before checking it out in person, but it's worth the call for the laid-back atmosphere and hours of fun. JJ's is also home to UFC and can be booked for parties or celebratory occasions.

Best Public Pool

McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic & Fitness Center

Dozens of public swimming pools dot the landscape of metro Phoenix, offering its residents oases of refreshment and fun. The nicest one we've found is in North Scottsdale, and it's pretty much got something for everyone. The McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic & Fitness Center boasts a 13-lane, 25-yard lap pool and multiple diving boards. More amenities are available during the summer, including a splash pad, lazy river, waterslide and play pool. The pool offers swim lessons for all ages and water-based exercise classes, too. We like McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic & Fitness Center for the cleanliness and stylishness of its facility and the reasonable fees for Scottsdale residents and nonresidents alike. The mountain views aren't bad, either.

Best Public Pickleball Courts

Pecos Park

If you're a pickleball fan, you've probably played here. This Ahwatukee park is open to the public, boasting 16 courts with well-maintained amenities like restrooms and water fountains. Regulars know the drill, so even on weeknights when the courts are full, you won't be made to wait too long for your turn in a court. The courts are well illuminated and lines are well marked. And even if your family isn't into pickleball, bring them along — Pecos Park also offers a skate plaza, a dog park, playground, splash pads, a paved walking path and areas for basketball, soccer and volleyball.

Best Stairway to Heaven

Estrella Star Tower

We're kind of tired of the term "hidden gem," but it's undeniable that one of the joys of living in metro Phoenix is discovering wonderful things that aren't particularly well known. Case in point: the Estrella Star Tower. Designed by local astronomer Steven Kates, the spiral-shaped structure stands at the entrance to a Goodyear neighborhood, surrounded by trees, cactuses and a water feature. Kates intended the Estrella Star Tower to be a place where we can reflect on our place in the universe. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top for views of Estrella Mountain Regional Park. Tiny lights set into the exterior of the tower illuminate as the sun sets, making it sparkle like a jewel in the desert.

Best Staycation Spot

Arizona Biltmore

The Valley resort scene is an embarrassment of riches. But among so many wonderful spots to get away from daily life and take a staycation, the Arizona Biltmore continues to stand out as our favorite. The resort, which will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2029, is a thrilling blend of old and new. The stunningly beautiful central building continues to be one of the most elegant spaces in the city. A major refresh completed in 2023 included original dining concepts, upgrades to rooms and the new Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden. A weekend at the Biltmore can include drinks at the sleek Wright Bar, a cabana at one of the resort's seven pools or perhaps a round of golf. The Biltmore's frequent staycation specials help knock a few dollars off the bill, but truly, we're OK spending a bit to enjoy ourselves in such beautiful surroundings.

  • 2400 E Missouri Ave, Phoenix, 85016 Map

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