Arizonans reveal 12 things every Phoenician should have on their bucket list
Metro Phoenix is a region of infinite possibilities, where the pulse of modern life beats beneath the timeless desert skies. Locals know that the Valley of the Sun is more than just a place to live — it’s a destination filled with adventures and hidden gems waiting to be explored.
We asked locals to share their ultimate Phoenix bucket list items and their recommendations are nothing short of magical.
From experiencing a rare tour of historic Tovrea Castle to wandering the vibrant trails of Desert Botanical Garden, these must-do experiences reveal the essence of life here in the Valley. Spend a night in a historic hotel, explore the rugged landscape of Piestewa Peak or savor the fusion of cultures that make this state unlike any other.
As Scottsdale resident Glen Loveland wrote, "What makes this place remarkable isn’t its sheer size or its improbable existence — it’s the weaving of cultures into a shared tapestry. This desert doesn’t just house people; it reinvents them. Between the ageless patience of the land and the drive for tomorrow, the Valley writes a new story about what a city can be."
Here's a selection of peak Phoenix experiences, offered by people who live here.
Tovrea Castle tour
“One Arizona bucket list item that I've crossed off is a tour of Tovrea Castle, the tiered wedding cake mansion at 50th and Van Buren streets in Phoenix. Highly coveted tour tickets are awarded in a twice-a-year lottery. Visitors get a close-up look at the surrounding cactus garden and castle's austere interior. A docent explains some of the castle's colorful history.
"It was built in 1930 by Alessio Carraro as a centerpiece of a planned housing subdivision that failed. Meat packing mogul E.A. Tovrea and his wife Della bought the castle in 1931. He died a year later. ... She died Jan. 17, 1969, in a nursing home.
"The city of Phoenix bought the castle in 1993. It was restored and opened for tours in 2012. The next ticket lottery for fall tours opens June 1.”
— Peter Corbett, Scottsdale (Arizona Republic reporter for 20 years)
Desert Botanical Garden
— Kathy Smith, Goodyear.
Ride in a driverless Waymo car
"Phoenix is at the forefront of autonomous driving. Invite your guests to summon a driverless Waymo car for an unforgettable ride. It’s not just a novelty; it’s a glimpse into the future, unfolding on Phoenix’s sunlit streets."
— Glen Loveland, Scottsdale
Phoenix has the best winter weather
“My absolute favorite thing about AZ is the fact that it’s four days before Christmas and I get to drive around with my sunroof open and my windows down because the weather is so amazing. I even have a tan! I’m from California and honestly, this is so much better!”
— Riley Ammaturo, Scottsdale
A hiker is bundled up in winter clothes during a visit to Hole in the Rock at Papago Park. A freeze warning is in effect for parts of the Phoenix metro area tomorrow morning.
Phoenix hiking challenges are the best
“My bucket list includes two amazing events put on by Phoenix Parks and Recreation: The Phoenix Summit Challenge in November and National Trail Trek in January.
"The first event takes us all around the Valley ... through neighborhoods we would otherwise never got to. And the hikes are all spectacular. Doing PHX7 (seven summits) is an incredible mental and physical challenge but the camaraderie from strangers doing the same helps a lot.
"The National Trail Trek lets us experience South Mountain Park in all its glory!”
— Ahsan Jameel, Ahwatukee
"For a quick escape, Piestewa Peak in Phoenix offers a 1.2-mile summit trail that climbs 1,200 feet. Switchbacks weave through barrel cacti and brittlebush, with views stretching from downtown Phoenix to Camelback Mountain. Bring water (Topo Chico is my go-to), sunscreen (I swear by Supergoop!) and sturdy shoes. In under two hours, you’ll conquer the trail and still have time for lunch."
— Glen Loveland, Scottsdale
The Phoenix dining scene is absolutely delicious
Eating at Bacanora is almost a religious experience. It’s loud, chaotic, hard to get into but the food is out of this world!” 1301 Grand Ave., Phoenix.
— Ahsan Jameel, Ahwatukee
“The best way to start any day in the Valley is going to SoJo's Donuts in Mesa. They are vegan but I have not found better doughnuts anywhere.” 1305 W. Guadalupe Road, Mesa.
— Duane Tendick, Mesa
"Aunt Chilada’s Dreamy Draw. Start with warm tortilla chips — flour and corn. The salsa whispers of sun-ripened tomatoes and thoughtful preparation. The jalapeño steak fajitas arrive in dramatic fashion, smoke curling from a sizzling skillet. The steak, perfectly charred, mingles with chiles that bloom in sweetness. Pair it with a crisp Joel Gott Pinot Gris for balance. Portions are generous, with leftovers just as satisfying the next day. Pro tip: Book a patio table on Yelp and linger as the sun sets." 7330 N. Dreamy Draw Drive.
— Glen Loveland, Scottsdale
"End the day at Sprinkles near Scottsdale Fashion Square, where the 24-hour Cupcake ATM has become a social media darling. Their signature red velvet cupcake, crowned with tangy cream cheese frosting, is indulgent yet refined. Visit late at night for a touch of whimsy — there’s something magical about retrieving a perfect cupcake under the Arizona stars.” 4501 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.
— Glen Loveland, Scottsdale
Hotel Valley Ho and Arizona Biltmore history tours
"Old Town Scottsdale's Valley Ho (6850 E. Main St.) whispers midcentury glamour, with tales of Natalie Wood and Zsa Zsa Gabor. Book a 90-minute tour and savor a dirty martini at ZuZu’s lounge, just as Bing Crosby might have."The Arizona Biltmore (2400 E. Missouri Ave.) offers its own magic, hosting presidents and movie stars alike. A 60-minute tour reveals its architectural wonders, Marilyn Monroe’s favorite cabana, and the birthplace of the Tequila Sunrise. End at the Wright Bar with the classic cocktail in hand, soaking in the echoes of history."
— Glen Loveland, Scottsdale
