Located near the meandering Verde River, Fountain Hills is a small town on the northeastern outskirts of Phoenix. It was originally home to the Yavapai people before being developed as a planned community by Cornelius Vanderbilt Wood Jr. in the 1960s. Fountain Hills is named after its impressive fountain and serves as a gateway to the desert landscapes of McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Things to do in Fountain Hills
You can delve into the local history at the River of Time Museum & Exploration Center, which explores the formation and cultural heritage of the Verde River Valley. Learn about the experiences of the Yavapai First Nations people and hear about the importance of water conservation in this arid yet magnificent part of the Sonoran Desert.
A short stroll away is Fountain Park, a leafy recreational space that centres around a sprawling lake. In addition to its children’s playground and picnic facilities, it features an 18-hole disc golf course and a waterfront walking trail. On the edge of the park is the Plaza Fountainside shopping mall, home to the Arrivederci Cucina Italiana and the Euro Pizza Cafe.
On the other side of Fountain Hills is the SunRidge Canyon Golf Club, an award-winning golf course that boasts spectacular views across the rugged landscapes of the McDowell Mountains. Designed by Keith Foster, it is considered one of the top golf courses in Arizona and is famed for its “Wicked 6” finishing holes. Tennis, basketball and volleyball courts can be found in nearby Golden Eagle Park.
Getting around Fountain Hills
Fountain Hills is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Phoenix and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America and Europe. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Fountain Hills and exploring the area.