A large open-air shopping and entertainment center in North Phoenix with 120 stores, restaurants, and the Regal Cinemas theater complex. Family-friendly with outdoor seating and events.
Desert Ridge Marketplace is a large open-air shopping and entertainment center in North Phoenix, located at 21001 N Tatum Blvd near the Loop 101 freeway interchange. The center spans approximately 1.25 million square feet and houses around 120 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues in a pedestrian-friendly outdoor format designed around shaded walkways, fountains, and landscaped plazas.
The retail lineup at Desert Ridge Marketplace reflects a family- and suburban-lifestyle orientation, distinct from the luxury positioning of Scottsdale Fashion Square or the upscale curation of Kierland Commons. Anchor tenants include Dick's Sporting Goods, Barnes & Noble, and Whole Foods Market, complemented by a wide range of national chains in apparel, electronics, home goods, beauty, and health. The tenant mix is broad rather than boutique, serving the practical shopping needs of North Phoenix's dense residential population as well as resort visitors staying at the adjacent JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort.
Entertainment is a meaningful component of the Desert Ridge experience. A Regal Cinemas multiplex operates within the center, providing an evening anchor beyond retail and dining. The central plaza area hosts community events, outdoor movies, and seasonal markets that draw families from across the North Phoenix and Scottsdale corridors. An outdoor amphitheater configuration in the plaza accommodates live music and special events during the cooler months of the year.
Dining options are extensive, spanning from fast-casual food court options to sit-down chain restaurants and locally owned concepts. The proximity to the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort means the center regularly attracts resort visitors alongside resident shoppers. Parking is free and abundant across the large surface lot surrounding the center.
Location
21001 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050
33.6748, -111.9654 View on map
Highlights
- Dick's Sporting Goods, Barnes & Noble, and Whole Foods anchor a practical family-oriented retail mix of ~120 stores
- Regal Cinemas multiplex provides an evening entertainment option beyond shopping and dining
- Central plaza hosts community events, outdoor movies, and seasonal markets year-round
- Adjacent to JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort, making it convenient for resort guests
- Free, abundant surface parking across a large outdoor lot surrounding the center
Tips for visiting
- The outdoor plaza hosts free community events on weekend evenings during October through April — check the Desert Ridge Marketplace events calendar before visiting.
- Summer afternoons (June–September) can be intensely hot; midday shopping is most comfortable when combining indoor stores with the shaded walkways.
- Free parking is plentiful; the center is car-dependent so driving is the practical mode of arrival for most visitors.
- Whole Foods and other grocery-format retailers make Desert Ridge a practical stop for resort or vacation-rental guests needing to stock supplies.
- Weekday visits are noticeably quieter than weekends — the center draws large family crowds on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Frequently asked questions
Is Desert Ridge Marketplace an enclosed mall or outdoor center?
Desert Ridge Marketplace is an open-air shopping and entertainment center with covered walkways and a central plaza, not a fully enclosed mall.
What entertainment options are available beyond shopping?
The center includes a Regal Cinemas multiplex and a central event plaza that hosts community events, outdoor movies, and seasonal markets throughout the year.
Is parking free?
Yes, parking is free throughout the large surface lot surrounding the center.
Who are the anchor tenants?
Dick's Sporting Goods, Barnes & Noble, and Whole Foods Market are the primary anchor tenants, alongside approximately 120 total stores and restaurants.