A fast growing suburb of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, Gilbert has a population of 191,517 residents. Formerly a small agricultural town, Gilbert has grown into an urban center and popular tourist destination. Visitors who take cheap flights to Gilbert will land at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), a terminal with passenger amenities that include shopping and dining, Internet access, shuttle and taxi stands, and rental car agencies. Average ticket prices to (PHX) run about $275 from New York City or Miami, and around $225 from Chicago, and peak travel times are during the spring, winter, and fall, when temperatures average in the 60's and 70's. Summer temperatures average in the 90's, making this time of year less attractive to many tourists.
Among the popular attractions in Gilbert is the Spring Concerts in the Park series, where tourists and residents are welcome to take advantage of the spectacular weather of the area to enjoy live musical entertainment at beautiful Freestone Park Amphitheater. Another popular event is the Gilbert Global Village Festival, which features international art and cuisine, a Parade of Nations, an international bazaar, and two stages for live international entertainment. Golfers will enjoy Gilbert's many beautiful courses, and few areas have weather as favorable for the sport as Gilbert, with an average of 310 sunny days a year. Area colleges include Chandler/Gilbert Community College, Al Collins Graphic Design School, and University of Phoenix. Getting around Gilbert is convenient with buses or taxis, and lodgings are available at reasonable rates at cheap hotels in Gilbert.
Gilbert's year round sunshine and great weather make it a great destination for the frugal traveler. Flying in to explore this beautiful area can be done easily in the off-season, when a greater selection of cheap flights to Gilbert are available.