Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights: A Desert Jewel
Discover Phoenix's 'Wedding Cake Castle': A historic landmark with stunning views and unique desert gardens. Book your tour today!
Tovrea Castle, affectionately known as the "Wedding Cake Castle," is a unique Phoenix landmark. Built in the late 1920s, this Italianate-style structure, surrounded by lush cactus gardens, offers a glimpse into Arizona's past and stunning views of the Valley.
A brief summary to Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights
- 5025 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, Camelback East Village, Arizona, 85008, US
- +1602-256-3221
- Visit website
Local tips
- Tickets are required and must be reserved in advance, often months ahead, through an online lottery system.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour at the Visitor Center.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain in the gardens.
- Bring water, especially during warmer months, as the desert climate can be intense.
- Use the full address in your GPS (5025 E Van Buren St) to ensure you arrive at the Visitor Center entrance.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown Phoenix, take the Valley Metro Rail east to the 24th St/Washington Station. Transfer to the Route 24 bus heading north. Exit the bus at the Van Buren St & 52nd St stop. Walk west along Van Buren Street for approximately 0.2 miles to reach the Tovrea Castle Visitor Center. A one-way fare on Valley Metro is $2, with a daily maximum of $4. Check the Valley Metro app for real-time schedules and any service alerts.
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Ride Share
From most locations in Phoenix, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a direct route to Tovrea Castle. Use the address 5025 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008 as the destination. The cost will vary depending on the starting point and demand, but expect to pay approximately $15-$30 for a ride from downtown Phoenix. Note that prices may surge during peak hours or special events.
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Driving
Tovrea Castle is located just north of the Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). Exit the Loop 202 at Van Buren Street (Exit 4) and head west. The Visitor Center is located on the south side of Van Buren Street, just west of the Main Post Office. Do not use 'Tovrea Castle' alone in your GPS, as it may direct you to the wrong side of the property. Free parking is available at the Visitor Center.
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