Published: 11/28/2022

By: Staff Writer

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Peoria is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast, a hiker or mountain biker, or you’re looking for a park to spend the day with your family, Peoria has you covered.

Lake Pleasant

Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a major draw for outdoor adventurers from all over the Valley. Come for the stunning views and all the water sports you can handle. Start with a visit to the Desert Outdoor Center to learn about the area and take a moment to appreciate Waddell Dam. Then, it’s lake time.

Whether you have your own boat or are renting, you’ll have plenty of options to play away the day as you enjoy a range of activities — boating, kayaking, wakeboarding, water skiing, fishing and more.

The lake’s two marinas — Scorpion Bay and Pleasant Harbor — offer kayak, jet ski, paddleboard and boat rentals. At Pleasant Harbor on the southeastern shore, don’t miss Dillon’s Bayou Bar & Restaurant, which serves up award-winning barbecueand provides a large event space. On the lake’s western shore, the floating Scorpion Bay Grill offers salads, sandwiches, burgers and flatbreads plus 360-degree mountain views.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

With more than 20 miles of multi-use pathways as well as various mountain trails, Peoria is the place for hiking, cycling, mountain biking and horseback riding. Get your exercise, savor the amazing scenic views and enjoy the fresh air and sunlight.

Not an expert hiker or rider? That’s OK. With so many options, you’re sure to find a nearby trail that fits the level of challenge you’re looking for.

Learn more about Peoria’s trails, plus view maps and safety information.

Discover Local Parks

Peoria is for playing. With ample opportunities for sports, recreation, water play, family time and more, the city’s three community parks will keep you healthy and active — and smiling. Plus, the three parks are well known for hosting baseball and softball games and tournaments throughout the year.

The 52-acre Rio Vista Community Park, located west of the Loop 101 on Thunderbird Road, boasts an urban lake with fishing, multiple picnic ramadas, lighted sand volleyball courts, playground, skate park, athletic fields and a splash pad. You’ll also find the Peoria Veterans Memorial Wall recognizing our U.S. servicemen and women.

Meanwhile, Pioneer Community Park, located off of 83rd and Olive avenues, also offers fishing (with permit), splash pad and picnic ramadas in addition to a dog park. And the newest of the three parks, Paloma Community Park (Lake Pleasant Parkway and Dixileta Drive), provides more opportunities for fishing, splash pad fun and playground time as well as picnic ramadas, concessions building and a lighted dog park.