Set in North Phoenix, Desert Ridge is a burgeoning neighborhood that brings together resort relaxation, unique dining concepts, live music, shopping and outdoor recreation. Its location near the northern edge of the city provides close proximity to hiking trails and the surrounding Sonoran Desert, while its mix of attractions offers something for people of all ages.

As the neighborhood continues to grow, new places to dine, shop and gather are making Desert Ridge an increasingly exciting place to live and visit. Anchored by the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa—one of Greater Phoenix's best resorts—it is also an ideal destination for a "treat yourself" pool day or weekend getaway.

Float down a lazy river, discover music from around the world, explore open hiking trails or end the day with dinner, live entertainment and shopping at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Whether you’re a local exploring the neighborhood or a visitor settling in for a resort stay, Desert Ridge makes it easy to build a full itinerary without traveling far.

Where to Eat

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Jin Jia

Located at the west end of The District at Desert Ridge Marketplace, Jin Jia serves authentic Chinese cuisine with a modern approach. Its shareable menu invites the table to sample several dishes, from handmade dumplings and noodles to wok-prepared entrées.

Don’t miss: ordering a selection of dishes for the table to share.

Sizzle Korean

Barbecue At Sizzle Korean Barbecue, dinner comes with a little entertainment. Guests select from high-quality cuts of beef and pork, which are prepared tableside and served alongside traditional accompaniments. The interactive format makes it an especially fun choice for groups, celebrations or anyone looking to try something beyond the usual dinner routine.

Don’t miss: arriving hungry and ordering a few different cuts for the table.

Where to Stay

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JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Considered one of Arizona’s premier resorts, the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa anchors the neighborhood with more than 300 acres of amenities and plenty of ways to play or unwind. AquaRidge WaterPark features a lazy river, multistory water slides and multiple pools, while the resort also offers an arcade, 17 pickleball courts and two 18-hole golf courses at Wildfire Golf Club. Guests looking to slow down can book a treatment at Revive Spa or reserve a cabana for an afternoon beside the pool.

Dining is another reason to stay on property. Chef Angelo Sosa’s Tia Carmen draws inspiration from the flavors and ingredients of the region, while Kembara reflects his travels across Asia. Additional restaurants and lounges offer everything from poolside snacks and smoothies to pizza, craft beer and cocktails.

Don’t miss: setting aside a full resort day for the water park, spa or golf before dinner on property.

Where to Shop

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Desert Ridge Marketplace

More than a shopping center, Desert Ridge Marketplace serves as one of the neighborhood’s main gathering places. The open-air destination features more than 100 shopping, dining, entertainment, health and fitness brands, giving visitors plenty of ways to fill an afternoon or evening.

Browse the shops, catch a movie, stop for a drink or enjoy the outdoor gathering spaces. The District, the marketplace’s pedestrian-friendly central area, regularly hosts live music, holiday celebrations and community programming throughout the year.

Don’t miss: checking the marketplace’s event calendar for live music, seasonal celebrations and special events.

Things to Do

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Musical Instrument Museum

Travel around the world through music at the Musical Instrument Museum, also known as MIM. The museum’s expansive galleries display thousands of instruments and musical objects, with video and audio technology allowing visitors to hear the music as they explore. Exhibits span countries, cultures, genres and influential artists, offering an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

In the Experience Gallery, guests can make music themselves by playing instruments from around the globe. MIM also hosts signature events celebrating musical genres and cultures from around the world. These lively weekend programs feature performances, hands-on activities, workshops, curator talks and other experiences that bring global traditions to life.

Don’t miss: checking the events calendar for a signature cultural celebration during your visit.

Concerts at MIM

MIM’s unique 300-seat Music Theater brings audiences remarkably close to acclaimed musicians and emerging artists from around the world. Its concerts extend the museum experience to the stage, with performances spanning global music, jazz, classical, folk, bluegrass, rock and more. The intimate setting creates a memorable connection between performers and audiences.

Don’t miss: reviewing the concert calendar in advance and pairing a day in the galleries with an evening performance.

Desert Ridge Improv

For an evening built around laughs, check the calendar at Desert Ridge Improv. Located at Desert Ridge Marketplace, the comedy club welcomes nationally touring comedians alongside rising performers, with a rotating lineup that gives visitors something new to see throughout the year. Food and drinks are available during performances, making it an easy choice for date night or a group outing.

Don’t miss: purchasing tickets in advance for popular weekend performances.

Reach 11 Recreation Area

For a quieter side of Desert Ridge, head to Reach 11 Recreation Area. The 1,500-acre park extends along the north side of the Central Arizona Project canal and includes 18 miles of multiuse trails. Its relatively flat terrain makes it an approachable place to walk, run, bike or experience the open desert landscape.

The adjacent Reach 11 Sports Complex includes fields for soccer, rugby, field hockey and baseball and regularly welcomes practices, games and tournaments.

Don’t miss: exploring the trails early in the morning or near sunset, particularly during the warmer months.

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