Things to Do in Gilbert: Neighborhoods, Food, Museums, and Outdoor Activities.
Sep 9, 2026 / Public Storage
Gilbert, Arizona, has grown from its humble beginnings as a farming town into a vibrant suburban community with plenty to see and do. Incorporated in 1920, the town still honors its agricultural roots while offering modern conveniences and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors will find a blend of historic charm and contemporary amenities, making it easy to enjoy a day of exploration, shopping, or simply soaking up the local vibe.
Gilbert offers historic Downtown streets, local dining, public art, parks, and outdoor recreation in the East Valley. Plan your visit around the Heritage District, Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Downtown Gilbert, and nearby trail areas to combine attractions in one day.
Gilbert Travel Essentials:
- Explore the Heritage District for restaurants, boutiques, murals, public plazas, and community events.
- Visit the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch for trails, ponds, wildlife viewing, and family outdoor activities.
- Shop at the Gilbert Farmers Market and explore local food and artisan vendors.
- Try local restaurants, cafés, bakeries, breweries, and East Valley dining options.
- Attend theater performances, seasonal markets, and community events in Downtown Gilbert.
- Walk, bike, or explore nearby parks and trails during cooler parts of the day.
- Use walking, biking, rideshare, or a car based on your route.
Gilbert Travel at a Glance:
What Are the Best Things to Do in Gilbert?
The best things to do in Gilbert include exploring the Heritage District, visiting the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, shopping at the farmers market, and trying local restaurants. Visitors can also attend community events, explore public art, or plan nearby East Valley activities.
Plan each day by area. Combine the Heritage District, Downtown dining, and the farmers market in one itinerary, then schedule the Riparian Preserve for a separate outdoor visit.
What Can You Do in Gilbert’s Heritage District?
Gilbert’s Heritage District offers historic buildings, local restaurants, boutiques, murals, public spaces, and community events. The area is walkable and works well for a day of shopping, dining, and local sightseeing.
Heritage District attractions include:
- Historic buildings: Restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and local businesses
- Gilbert Water Tower: A Downtown landmark and photo stop
- Public art: Murals, sculptures, and creative spaces
- Gilbert Farmers Market: Produce, artisan goods, prepared food, and local vendors
- Local restaurants: Brunch, dinner, coffee, bakeries, and casual dining
- Community events: Seasonal markets, live entertainment, and neighborhood gatherings
What Can You Do at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch?
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch offers walking trails, ponds, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and a recreational fishing lake. The preserve covers 110 acres and includes more than 4.5 miles of trails.
Popular Riparian Preserve activities include:
- Walking through wetland and wildlife areas
- Birdwatching and nature photography
- Exploring the preserve’s ponds and boardwalk
- Fishing at the recreational urban lake with the required license
- Reading interpretive panels about local plants and wildlife
- Taking a family walk during cooler morning or evening hours
Bring water, sun protection, and suitable walking shoes. Check current park hours, fishing requirements, and weather before visiting.
What Outdoor Activities Can You Do in Gilbert?
Gilbert outdoor activities include walking, biking, birdwatching, park visits, fishing, and exploring East Valley trails. The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a central option for nature activities without leaving town.
Popular outdoor activities include:
- Walking or birdwatching at Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
- Exploring local parks and neighborhood paths
- Biking on regional trail connections
- Fishing at approved local waterways
- Visiting outdoor markets and community events
- Taking day trips to East Valley parks and desert trail areas
Gilbert heat can affect outdoor plans. Schedule longer activities early in the morning, bring water, and check weather conditions before heading out.
What Food Is Gilbert Known For?
Gilbert offers local restaurants, brunch spots, cafés, bakeries, craft breweries, and a range of East Valley dining options. The Heritage District is a useful starting point for visitors who want to combine meals with local shops and public art.
Common Gilbert food experiences include:
- Local brunch and breakfast spots
- Restaurants in the Heritage District
- Craft breweries and casual dining
- Coffee shops and bakeries
- Farmers market produce and prepared food
- Mexican food and Southwest-inspired dishes
- Family dining and neighborhood restaurants
Plan meal stops around your itinerary. Pair a Heritage District walk with lunch or dinner, or visit the farmers market before exploring Downtown Gilbert.
Which Gilbert Areas Should Visitors Explore?
Gilbert offers historic Downtown attractions, outdoor recreation, local dining, shopping, and community events. The Heritage District, Downtown Gilbert, and the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch are practical places to start.
Consider these areas:
- Heritage District: Restaurants, boutiques, murals, historic buildings, and local events
- Downtown Gilbert: Dining, cafés, public art, theater, and community programming
- Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: Trails, ponds, wildlife, fishing, and nature education
- Agritopia area: Restaurants, cafés, local businesses, and community spaces
- East Valley trails: Walking, biking, parks, and outdoor recreation
- Nearby Mesa and Chandler: Museums, shopping, restaurants, and family attractions
What Family Activities Can You Find in Gilbert?
Gilbert family activities include visiting the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, attending farmers markets, exploring public art, and spending time at local parks. Families can also find museums, indoor attractions, and seasonal events in nearby East Valley communities.
How Should You Get Around Gilbert?
Use walking, biking, rideshare, or a car to get around Gilbert. The Heritage District is walkable when you group nearby restaurants, shops, and public spaces.
A car or rideshare is useful for Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, parks, trail areas, and destinations outside Downtown Gilbert. Check parking, event details, and heat conditions before traveling.
Plan Your Gilbert Visit or Move.
Explore Gilbert by combining Heritage District dining, local shopping, public art, outdoor trails, and community events into a clear daily route. Public Storage can help you put away permitted, clean, dry household items while you organize a move or settle into a Gilbert home.
Start Downtown. Find your desert day.
Gilbert Travel FAQs
What Are the Best Things to Do in Gilbert?
Popular Gilbert activities include exploring the Heritage District, visiting the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, shopping at the farmers market, trying local restaurants, and attending seasonal community events.
What Can You Do at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch?
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch offers walking trails, ponds, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, a boardwalk, and a recreational fishing lake. The preserve covers 110 acres and includes more than 4.5 miles of trails.
What Food Is Gilbert Known For?
Gilbert offers local restaurants, brunch spots, cafés, bakeries, craft breweries, farmers market food, Mexican food, and Southwest-inspired dishes. The Heritage District provides many dining options in a walkable setting.
What Areas Should First-Time Visitors Explore in Gilbert?
First-time visitors can explore the Heritage District, Downtown Gilbert, Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Agritopia, and nearby East Valley trail areas. These locations offer food, shopping, public art, parks, and outdoor recreation.
Do You Need a Car to Visit Gilbert?
You can walk around the Heritage District and Downtown Gilbert. A car or rideshare is useful for the Riparian Preserve, parks, trailheads, and destinations farther from central Gilbert.
