Stay and play this summer at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, located in Downtown Chandler.  The historic hotel generally offers great summer rates from Memorial day through Labor day that are perfect for a summer staycation.

Whether you golf or not, there’s plenty to do on a staycation at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort. Here are a few suggestions.

First night

After you check in, head to dinner at one of the restaurants downtown. DC Steak House, known for its Certified Angus Beef steaks, is a great option if you want to kick your staycation off right. Not in the mood for beef? The steakhouse also grills lamb chops, veal chops, chicken, and seafood. Pair with a glass of wine for a night worth remembering.   

Your evening doesn’t have to end there, though. If you feel up to it—and why wouldn’t you on the first night of your staycation?—walk across the street to Bourbon Jacks American Tavern or The Stillery for live country music. Or, duck into Murphy’s Law Irish Pub & Ale House on your way back to the hotel for live music Wednesday through Saturday. 

Day one

Grab a quick breakfast at the hotel restaurant, AJ’s Café, before heading to the course for your morning tee time. Yes, it will be hot, but it’s a historic course—boasting the first grass greens in Arizona—and you can always cool off in the resort pool later. 

Not convinced? Stay cool at Chandler Fashion Center. The shopping destination has more than 180 stores including Ann Taylor, Coach, Pottery Barn, LEGO, and The Apple Store. When you’re ready to break for lunch, you have a choice between several restaurants at the mall, including BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, The Cheesecake Factory, and more Or, make your way across the parking lot to Hop Social Tavern for a local, Chandler spot.

You don’t have to jump in the car for great shopping, though. Downtown Chandler has several boutiques and fun shops worth checking out. For unique gift items, head to d'vine Gourmet, which features everything from food to wine, pottery, and decor and for clothing, Saba’s Western Wear is another must. In addition to cowboy boots and hats, the store sells purses, t-shirts, small gift items, and more. 

For dinner, enjoy dinner at The Brickyard Downtown or tempt your taste buds with something a little more exotic at Charm Thai. Then, spend your evening at a show. If you plan in advance, you can catch a show at the Chandler Center for the Arts. On shorter notice, reserve tickets at Mic Drop MANIA, which performs two improve comedy shows per night on Friday and Saturday evenings.  

Day two

Start the day off with breakfast at Downtown Chandler Café & Bakery. (Try the peach cobbler pancakes or the eggs benedict.) Then, decide whether you want a more active or relaxing day. For a more active day, consider spending a few hours ice skating at USA’s Skateland or bowling at one of Chandler’s three bowling alleys. If you’d rather relax, unwind with a spa day at Hawaiian Experience Spa. (Couple’s massages are available.)

Or, check out some of Chandler’s art spaces. In Downtown Chandler, you won’t want to miss the Vision Gallery, where you’ll find the works of more than 300 regional artists and pick up a work of art from one of the city’s two Art-O-Mats. (The other is located at the Chandler Center for the Arts.)  Then, make your own art at Burst of Butterflies Create & Paint Studio.

If you’re more interested in history, check out the Chandler Museum for a comprehensive look at Chandler from the days before Dr. A.J. Chandler came to the area to the present. The museum also hosts regional and national, noteworthy exhibits and offers free family programs with kids activities and crafts on Saturdays.

Relax with a pint on your last evening in Chandler at The Perch. Besides its more than 40 craft beers on tap, including their own house beers, the brewery serves burgers, pizza, and build-your-own mac ‘n’ cheese. Misters make it pleasant to spend an evening on the patio—even during the summer—among the 50-plus rescue birds in cages there. 

Final morning

Check out, but before you leave Downtown Chandler, stop in at Peixoto Coffee for a coffee and baked good. The coffee is sourced exclusively from owner Julia Peixoto Peters’ family coffee farm in Brazil and roasted in Chandler and features baked goods from rotating local businesses. 

When you return home, get a jump on planning your next Chandler staycation.