Things To Do
in Surprise
Surprise is a city located in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. It is a rapidly growing community with a population of over 140,000 residents. The city is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, parks, and community events.
Surprise offers a high quality of life, with a variety of amenities, schools, and recreational activities for its residents.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike at White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Enjoy the stunning desert views and the variety of wildlife.
Visit the Surprise Community Park for a picnic lunch. Afterward, take a stroll around the park and enjoy the playgrounds.
Head to a local restaurant for dinner. Try out some regional specialties and enjoy the laid-back ambiance.
Begin your day with a round of golf at the Golf Club at Prairie Plains. Enjoy the well-manicured greens and the beautiful weather.
Grab a bite at the clubhouse or a nearby eatery after golfing. Spend some time relaxing by the pool.
Visit a local bar for drinks to unwind. Enjoy live music and mingle with locals and fellow travelers.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable housing options compared to nearby cities like Phoenix.
- Warm weather year-round, appealing for those who enjoy sunny climates.
- Strong community atmosphere with various events and activities.
- Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, including parks and golf courses.
- Proximity to Phoenix provides residents with access to a larger urban environment and amenities.
- Rapid population growth can lead to overcrowding and increased traffic.
- Limited public transportation options, making a car necessary for most residents.
- Summer temperatures can be excessively hot, posing challenges for outdoor activities.
- Some may find the city lacks cultural activities compared to larger metropolitan areas.
- Economic reliance on tourism and retail can make the economy vulnerable to fluctuations.
Best Activities in Surprise
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a day at the water park with various pools, water slides, and splash pads.
Explore the desert landscape with hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife observation.
Relax and have a picnic, play sports, or take a leisurely stroll in the park.
Tours
Uncover the best of Surprise with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Surprise
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers beautiful views and photo opportunities with its serene water and surrounding natural landscape.
Features scenic spots and open spaces that provide great photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Located near Surprise, this park offers stunning vistas and various hiking trails that lead to amazing photo spots.
Food in Surprise
Surprise Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapeño salsa, served in a bolillo-style hot dog bun. A local favorite with a delicious mix of flavors.
Must-Try!
Traditional tamales made with fresh corn, green chiles, and cheese, wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection. A popular dish during the summer harvest season.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Surprise better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market offering an array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and ready-to-eat treats. Visitors can enjoy diverse street food options such as gourmet tacos, kettle corn, and organic smoothies.
Throughout the year, Surprise hosts food truck festivals featuring a variety of local and visiting vendors serving up everything from BBQ and seafood to global street food delights.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Surprise, United States, it is important to respect personal space and maintain a comfortable distance when interacting with others.
It is customary to use polite language and show courtesy when communicating with people in Surprise, United States.
Surprise is a diverse community, so it is important to respect and be inclusive of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Surprise with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Surprise
Ensure a smooth experience
In Surprise, tipping is a common practice in service industries such as restaurants, cafes, bars, and for services such as taxi rides and haircuts. The standard tipping rate is generally 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in Surprise, United States, is primarily done using credit/debit cards, cash, and digital payment methods such as mobile wallets and online transfers. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and contactless payments are increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Surprise.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Surprise, United States as the weather is mild and pleasant. It's a popular time for outdoor activities and events, and you can expect blooming wildflowers and green landscapes.
Fall is also a wonderful time to visit Surprise, United States. The temperatures are comfortable, and you can experience the beauty of autumn foliage. It's a good time for hiking and enjoying outdoor festivals.
Winter in Surprise, United States is mild and can be a good time to visit for those who want to escape colder climates. Although it may not snow, you can still enjoy holiday events and outdoor activities.
Summer tends to be hot in Surprise, United States, so if you can handle the heat, it's a good time to visit for water activities and indoor attractions. Just be prepared for high temperatures.
Surprise at Night
Hiking in Surprise
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination that offers several trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, with beautiful desert scenery and the opportunity to see diverse wildlife.
A large park that features a variety of hiking trails, as well as opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing, all set around a scenic lake.
Located a bit further from Surprise, this area offers hiking trails with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, along with options for water activities.
A lesser-known trail that offers a quiet hiking experience with beautiful views of the desert landscape, perfect for those looking to escape the crowded trails.
An extensive network of trails in the White Tank Mountains, offering options for all skill levels, along with the chance to see petroglyphs and stunning desert vistas.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Surprise through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Surprise by plane.
The primary airport serving the Phoenix metropolitan area, located approximately 30 miles southeast of Surprise, AZ.
A public airport located approximately 40 miles southeast of Surprise, mainly servicing budget airlines and some international flights.
Located about 100 miles south of Surprise, it is the second largest airport in Arizona, serving domestic and some international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority demographic group in Surprise, representing a significant portion of the population.
A substantial demographic group, reflecting the increasing Latino population in the area.
A smaller demographic group, contributing to the cultural diversity of Surprise.
A growing demographic group, representing various nationalities and cultures.
Includes individuals from various ethnic backgrounds not classified into the major groups.
The Soul of Surprise
Discover the essence of Surprise through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Surprise is home to the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers spring training facilities, making baseball a popular sport in the area.
With numerous golf courses and beautiful weather, golf is a widely enjoyed sport among residents and visitors alike.
The surrounding desert landscape provides ample opportunities for hiking, making it a favored outdoor activity.
Soccer has gained popularity in Surprise, with various leagues and youth programs engaging the community.
Basketball is a popular sport in schools and recreational leagues throughout Surprise, reflecting its national popularity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Surprise.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Surprise boasts a range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly eateries, ensuring that plant-based diners can savor diverse cuisines. Many local restaurants offer creative veggie-centric dishes and accommodate special dietary requests.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities will find numerous restaurants with dedicated gluten-free menus or dishes, allowing them to enjoy a wide variety of meals without worry.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Surprise with these cultural adventures.
