The Deer Valley Municipal Airport in North Phoenix was built with a single runway in 1960 with no tower and limited amenities. A second runway was added in 1975. After careful planning and a modern control panel addition in 1975, the airport has earned recognition as the nation’s finest general aviation airports.
All of this means lots of coming and going throughout the day. And there are numerous ways to enjoy it. The Deer Valley Airport in North Phoenix would make a fun outing, especially if you have an airplane lover in the family!
You can get up close and personal at the gate. You can also climb up to the second story observatory deck and listen to the air traffic controllers! There’s a fun airplane structure to the left of the main building before you enter, that kids will love running around
The best way to enjoy is to add food! The Deer Valley Airport Restaurant is next to the airport. You can eat breakfast, lunch or dinner while you watch the planes come and go.
The menu features a little bit of everything. I tried the eggs Benedict with avocado instead of meat and it had a delicious hollandaise sauce. Hubby got the Pilot’s Scramble and said it was amazin. One thing I heard from other people who went there was that breakfast was the best food they made. Breakfast is my favorite meal to eat out. I peeked at the food on other tables while exploring all of the airplanes hanging and saw some yummy looking lunch and dinner options.
Ages 10 and under can order off the kids menu. It offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options, along with drinks and sweet treats. My kids got a plane cake for $4.99 and ate as they watch the planes. Both of my kids loved the pancakes. I tried them and they were pretty good!
The restaurant has monthly specials and often hosts events such as watching Santa fly in, Veterans Day Pancake buffet, historic birds where you can see planes in the spring, and more. Check their website for dates and coupons.
The restaurant offers several different shirts, including my favorite set of “Pilot” and “CoPilot”. If you wear these during your trip you get 10% off your bill. The restaurant is open daily from 6:30am-8:00pm. (You can also just go and watch airplanes without stopping at the restaurant.)
Deer Valley Airport
Deer Valley Airport Restaurant
702 W Deer Valley Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85027
623.582.5454
If you’re looking for another small airport with restaurant views, check out The Hanger! Read more in our blog post, 16 Unique Things to Do with Kids in Chandler.
