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Find the Best Things to Do in Surprise
By Patricia Escarcega
Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson Local Expert
About Surprise
Photo courtesy of City of Surprise
Once a small farming community, Surprise has blossomed into the 10th largest city in Arizona. Today, you are likely to find more new homes, shopping centers, libraries and parks than you will farms. Conveniently located about 45 minutes northwest of downtown Phoenix, Surprise is home to Surprise Stadium, spring training home to the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers.
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See & Do
Located in the northwest corner of the sprawling Phoenix Valley, Surprise is a treat for lovers of the great outdoors. The city is a short drive from one of the best zoo's in the southwest, the Wildlife World Zoo. For excellent hiking, head to the nearby White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Come springtime, the city gets serious baseball fever with the arrival of Cactus League Spring Training season at the state-of-the-art Surprise Stadium.
Eat
Surprise is a lively suburban community with a growing food scene. Although most fine dining in Metro Phoenix is still relegated to Scottsdale and east Phoenix, Surprise is nurturing a small but impressive restaurant scene that includes French bistros like Amuse Bouche and Vogue Bistro. The city's strong Hispanic heritage also makes it one of the best places in the Valley to find excellent Mexican food, including west side staples like Rito's Mexican Food and the Sunday brunch at Las Fuentes Mexican Grill.
Stay
With its proximity to the nearby communities of Sun City, Sun City West and Wickenburg, Surprise is a popular stopping point with many hotel options in the city and surrounding areas. Not far from the city, the Hampton Inn & Suites Westgate is a good option if you want to remain close to Phoenix. Another good nearby budget option is the SpringHill Suites Glendale/Peoria.
Shop
Shopping is plentiful in Surprise. The largest shopping center in town is the Surprise Towne Center and Marketplace, a sprawling open-air destination with a Target, Lowe's and several big and mid-sized retailers. Nearby, Tanger Outlets offers high-end shopping at outlet sale prices. Park West Shopping Mall in nearby Peoria offers another good option for upscale shopping in a pleasant open-air marketplace.