The tour was worth the five year wait/lottery! We had a wonderful docent and received a fantastic…read moretour of Tovrea Castle which was superb in every way possible. I have lived in Arizona, specifically the Phoenix area, for most of my life and have driven by Tovrea Castle thousands of times. It was so cool to be able to walk the grounds and get a peek inside. I would highly suggest entering the lottery, it's free and some people have better luck than I did and can get in sooner than 5 years. This was an insightful tour mixed with great storytelling and history. The basement with all the artifacts of the family and learning more about the area makes me proud to be a part of Arizona! Worth the visit!

If you live in the Valley it's highly likely that you have driven by this place. From the 202 fwy…read moreyou can easily see it. I often wondered what is that building? Finally after passing it so many times I was curious enough to look it up. I googled "cake shaped building PHX" and it was the first result. "Tovrea (said tov-ree) Castle aka A jewel in the Sonoran desert" Since 2010 the City of Phoenix purchased, renovated, and opened it for tours. The very abbreviated story with this place is that some homesteaders from the early 1900s owned the land, sold 277 acres to a wealthy Italian man. Alessio Carraro had built a fortune in the sheet metal business in the 1920s from San Fran. He planned to build a hotel resort surrounded by a housing subdivision on 277 acres, Carraro Heights. The castle was built near the timing of when the Great Depression set in. Carraro wanted out, he sold the castle and some amount of acreage (for a fraction of his investment) to Della Tovrea, wife of cattle baron E.A. Tovrea. She lived there until her tragic death in 1969. Nearby is the Stockyard Restaurant, built by E.A.'s son so cattlemen had somewhere to eat near the stockyards. That restaurant still exists today. I plan to check it out. If you want more details and full story, go take the tour :) however tickets are not easy to come by. Tours sell out many months in advance and they started using a lottery system. I bought my tickets months ago. However worth a try to go. I wouldn't say its the most amazing thing I've ever seen and the use of the word "castle" is a stretch. I've been inside some real castles in US and Europe, however it's interesting and a fun thing to do and it satisfied my curiosity! :) Per their website- The Ticket Lottery for Fall 2022 Tickets has ended and all tickets have been distributed - look for last minute cancellation tickets. Ticket Lottery for Spring 2023 Regular Tours closed on October 15, 2022 and Winners will be notified via email starting November 1, 2022. https://tovreacastletours.com

Ok, I'm going to give this place 5 stars because, technically, it is a cool place that not a lot of…read morepeople know about. It's actually a hydroelectric plant along the Arizona Canal. As we approached the building (you can't go in it), the smell hit us and I thought, oh no, I've made a huge mistake. I think I was just there on a bad day or something, because I didn't see many reviews mention the smell at all. What smell? Raw sewage, very sulphur- and trash-like. I mean, it STUNK. It was strongest at the top overlook, right next to the building. As we went down the staircase to the lower level, the smell began to dissipate and eventually, to my nose, disappeared altogether. On the lower level, we saw the waterfalls. You can walk under/behind two of them and there are "seats" made of stone blocks in front of the third. The water was flowing pretty hard the day we visited, so the seats and all the pavement was wet and there was a slight mist coming off the middle one. The overall place is like a mixture of industrial and environmental architechture. There are metal-looking columns holding up the upper deck, yet the waterfalls look like they were copied from Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, and there are large stones/rocks embedded into the walls everywhere. It sits on the edge of a small park with a decent sized lot and there are hiking paths. We only came for the falls, so I can't speak to the hike, but the area looked fairly nice. I'd like to see it at night as it looks pretty cool in pictures I've seen. If you're looking for something a little different to do or show your visitors from out of town, this is a neat place to go. Hopefully, the smell is a one off, but even if not, hold your breath and go down the stairs..... 13/2026

I heard about this place recently and was in the area and decided to check it out. It basically…read more mini-hydroelectric plant on the canal system and the origin of the canal system is traced back to the Hohokam Indians that lived in the valley about 1500 years ago. The water falls are a cool secondary benefit of the water works plant at Arizona Falls. There is a nice park and biking trail that we look forward to exploring on our next visit. Highly recommended for a unique opportunity to enjoy waterfalls in the valley of the sun and learn about how the innovative Hohokam Indians.

2 generous stars for the state of Arizona. Where to even begin with this state? I've been to all…read moreareas of this state and I keep coming back because sadly, I am invested in this place. I have a higher education degree from this state and some property here. The weather is bipolar....the summers are hot. The winters are freezing cold. There is no in between. The air quality is not the best. With all the desert plants everywhere, you will have allergies you never knew you had. The driving, OMG the driving in this state could be its own trash TV show! A near collision every time you drive anywhere here! The snowbirds/blue-hairs in the winter....please flock somewhere else! People here love to hate on California and people from LA, but I've got news for you....I've never been around so many angry, irate, mad, mean, rude, and pushy people as I've been around in Arizona. Not to mention the amount of road rage incidents I've seen! What is with the on-ramps to these freeways being all left turns and double stoplights? No wonder there are so many wrong way drivers. Has anyone payed attention to the crime all over this state? Every day, multiple shootings, kidnappings, deceased bodies being found, murders, human trafficking, etc. It's also not cheap to live here! Groceries and basic things are the same prices here as in Los Angeles. Every plant growing here has a thorn on it and every bug bites, stings, or poisons you! After about a week here, I'm ready to leave. I visit often. I've been all over this state and seen tons of sights. Tried most of the food places. There are certain things here that are good: Ducth Bros, Andy's, Black Rock Coffee, Culver's, Egee's, and now Buc-ee's. However, this is not a place I could live full time. Places in AZ I've been to: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Yuma, Flagstaff, Lake Havasu, Ehrenberg, Quartzsite, Buckeye, Wickenburg, Grand Canyon, Peach Springs, Kingman, Hackberry, Sedona, Payson, Winslow, Tonto National Forest, Superstition Mountains/Lost Dutchman state park, Goldfield ghost town, Salt river, Saguaro Lake, Usery mountain park, Tortilla Flat, Roosevelt, Globe, Miami, Kearny, Winkleman, Hayden, Saguaro National Park, Benson, Tombstone, Bisbee, Eloy, Coolidge, Casa Grande, Maricopa, Sun Lakes, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Mesa, Gold Canyon, Tempe, Superior, Goodyear, Avondale, Litchfield Park, Verrado, Kingman. I'm sure there are a few I've missed, but I've been all over this state.

On our way from Flagstaff to Phoenix, we stopped at the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark and man -…read morethe sight is incredible! There are other exhibits that you can check out, but the major attraction (the meteor crater) is breathtaking taking and MASSIVE. Pictures do it no justice. If you've can check it out, I highly recommend! The address is: Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, I-40 Exit 233, Winslow, AZ 86047

If you look up the top attractions in Phoenix on TripAdvisor, Dobbins Lookout will be toward the…read moretop of the list. For good reason. Located in South Mountain Park, Dobbins offers picturesque views of Phoenix and surrounding areas. There are two ways to get there: (1) you can take the easy way and take a scenic drive up to a parking lot right next to Dobbins or (2) take Holbert Trail to Dobbins which will be about an hour an a half hike. Naturally, I took the more difficult route and was rewarded for my efforts with all that Dobbins has to offer. You'll see people sitting on the various benches and ledges to enjoy the views. You'll see people snapping pics. And you'll even see vendors in the parking lot selling Native American art and jewelry, drinks, and snacks. While I wasn't there during sunset, I hear it's a spectacular place to come at that time.

Dobbins Lookout, Phoenix, AZ, Nov, 2025. Driving up to the Dobbins Lookout was a highlight of our…read morerecent vacation in Phoenix. This lookout is in South Mountain Park and Preserve (see my separate Yelp entry), which is one of the nation's largest municipally-owned parks. You can hike up to the lookout on the Holbert Trail, which is reputably a steep uphill on a rocky trail. We took the easier option -- the 5.5 mile road that takes about 25-30 minutes to drive up. This scenic, gradually climbing road is shared by motorized vehicles and mountain bicycles, and is an adventure in itself. It features blind corners, narrow sections, and some treacherous drop-offs. The lookout is at 2,330', the highest point in the park that is open to the public. The highlight is the panoramic 360-degree views of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Camelback Mountain, and the Sonoran Desert. There are also old masonry structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a shaded structure, benches, and a primitive restroom. There are other lookouts to check-out nearby, and you might consider going up early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and sunrise or sunset. Entrance gates are open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., although hiking trails are still open after 7 p.m. and you can exit until 11 p.m. Admission and parking is free.

What a wonderful space available downtown Phoenix. Their website does not do justice to the work…read morethey have put in to create a great event space with bar, stage, garden and all amenities. Attended a wedding at Alwun and can say this place is a new favorite event space downtown. Very quiet, picturesque and really takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown environment around Fountain, bar, tables & chairs, stage, covered area and great lighting. Really wonderful in person.

Started First Friday at Alwun House. My first time there and I really enjoyed walking around the…read morerooms of the old house. The art was quite nice with mixed media that was at time part Hellraiser, and part Roman Emperor Caligula. I love to look at art, it focuses my attention as I slow down stop and reflect. Art always challenges one to shift one perspective and muse new ways of thought and bent on life. The patio and outdoor landscape is equal parts calmness with water gently gurgling, koi fish swimming with lush pretty plantings and equal parts First Friday pumping techno bass, food trucks and art stalls. If you haven't been so check out Alwun House, support local businesses and artists!!

Whenever I visit the ASU Downtown Campus, I always find myself walking through the Civic Space…read morePark. This is a park with a lot of potential as there is a nice grassy area, some tables and chairs next to the US Post Office and ASU Student Center, a beautiful sculpture, and other places to hold an event and escape from the heat. At the same time, the Civic Space Park in recent years has been overrun with the homeless who find their own spaces on the east side of the park and sometimes elsewhere in the park. This has led to some safety concerns from ASU students and their families as many students have to walk across the park to get from the Sun Devil Fitness Complex or the Fusion on First upper-division residence hall across to the rest of the ASU Downtown Campus. There have also been a number of altercations over the last few years between multiple homeless and occasionally between a homeless person and a student. I have seen groups of students and even community members holding events in the park either in front of the Student Center entrance at the tables and chairs (gatherings by students or staff), on the grassy lawn area (community members playing soccer, frisbee, or having a picnic), or even on the south side of the walkway (though the lighting wasn't very good in the evening in that area). Again, it may be a challenge if some of the homeless community members try to engage at these events with the students, staff, and/or community members. Another challenge we learned is that it isn't the role of ASU Police or Phoenix Police to monitor the park. Rather there are park rangers who are responsible for doing so, which adds some complications as the rest of the ASU campus is supported by ASU Police and on occasion, by Phoenix Police. If you look at other reviews of Civic Space Park, it is difficult to find one that doesn't highlight the famous sculpture known as "Her Secret is Patience." In fact, I recall doing a photo shoot about 12 years ago under the sculpture at Civic Space Park. This sculpture is a public art sculpture commission that was designed for the city of Phoenix. The sculpture consists of painted, galvanized steel, polyester twine netting, and colored lights. Again, the space has a lot of potential though due to safety reasons, there is some work to be done to really prepare this park to meet its full potential.

Nice park to just hang out at. Lots of grassy area for kids or animals to run through…read more We just sat there for a while soaking up the sun and people watching. At night the tornado looking thing lights up.

Phoenix is full of history and Heritage Square is one of those places that maintains some of its…read morepast. Heritage Square is home to some preserved 19th and 20th century homes, museums and restaurants. The Rosson House is a beautiful restored 1895 Queen Anne Victorian house that was once home to early settlers in Phoenix. Heritage Square also hosts many food and cultural festivals. There is a large garage nearby for parking and ASU has a small campus next door. The Arizona Science Center is the building that stands out the most here at Historic Heritage Square. I have gone to it a couple of times and have enjoyed my time there. Arizona's most iconic restaurant Pizzeria Bianco by James Beard Award-winner Chris Bianco is also here. It can be a very long wait to get a table and has been visited by many celebrates like Jerry Seinfeld and Jimmy Fallon over the years. Sometimes I will park near Heritage Square while going to a baseball game and like to enjoy its relaxing peaceful atmosphere before the game. There are some shaded areas to take cover on warm sunny days.

The neighborhood boasts a mix of vintage residences from the turn of the century alongside modern…read morebuildings. We recently visited a festival that spanned across the entire square and even spilled out beyond. The location provided an ideal backdrop for such an event.The neighborhood is filled with both historic homes and modern buildings. We recently enjoyed a festival that covered not only the main square but also extended beyond it. It was the ideal location for such an event.

This is a neat stop in the south Phoenix area. It's a good place for a western photoshoot, if…read moreyou're into that sort of thing. We had directions here and it was easy to find with directions. Without knowing this was here or having any directions, I don't think this is something you'd just stumble upon. Driving off the 202 and into south central Phoenix to get here was questionable with some sketchy areas. We were rerouted because ADOT decided to close the exit we needed to get here, so we ended up driving through the south central area longer than expected. A drive that should have taken us 20 minutes, took more like 35 minutes. Once here, it was neat to walk around the building and take photos. There are mountains behind the building which make a nice backdrop. Glad we saw it, but would not go out of our way again to come here.

Scorpion Gulch in Phoenix is such an interesting historic stop. It's an abandoned stone structure…read morebuilt in 1936 by William Lunsford as a home and trading post, and it still has that rugged Wild West feel. The stone walls and open-air layout make it a great backdrop for photos, which is why I stopped by to scout it for a shoot. It's right on the way to South Mountain Park, just before the main entrance, so it's easy to find. There is convenient parking right in front of the buildings and more parking adjacent to the site. I drove down to the visitor center for a restroom but they were closed, so that was a little disappointing, though I did find very clean porta potties in the parking lot. There are also some beautiful hiking and walking trails around the area, but I didn't get a chance to explore them that day. I went midweek and I was the only person there, which made it peaceful and easy to look around without any crowds. Whether you're into photography, history, or just want a quick scenic stop on the way to South Mountain, Scorpion Gulch is worth checking out.