Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights: Phoenix's Desert Jewel
Discover Phoenix's 'Wedding Cake Castle': A historic landmark with stunning architecture and unique cactus gardens. Book your tour in advance!
Rising from the heart of the Sonoran Desert in Phoenix, Arizona, Tovrea Castle is a unique and historic landmark. Built in the late 1920s, this "Wedding Cake Castle" offers a glimpse into the past with its distinctive architecture and meticulously maintained cactus gardens.
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 often sell out months in advance. Enter the lottery system on the Tovrea Carraro Society website for the best chance to visit.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your tour time at the Visitor Center.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather, as tours proceed rain or shine.
- Bring water, especially during warmer months, as the tour involves walking through the gardens.
- Be aware that the grounds and castle have limited accessibility.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown Phoenix, take the Valley Metro bus Route 17 (24th St). Ride for approximately 30 minutes and disembark near 24th Street and Van Buren Street. Walk east on Van Buren Street for about 10 minutes to reach the Visitor Center at 5025 E Van Buren St. A single ride fare is $2.
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Taxi/Ride-share
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to Tovrea Castle will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is $15-$25.
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Driving
From downtown Phoenix, take the I-10 East to the Loop 202 East. Exit the Loop 202 at Van Buren Street (Exit 4). Turn west onto Van Buren Street. The Visitor Center is located on the south side of Van Buren Street, just east of the Main Post Office. Onsite parking is available with tour reservations.
Discover more about Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights
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