Perfect for outdoor exploration, Arizona history, and relaxation, the community of Buckeye is the perfect destination for family vacations. With parks, historic sites, outdoor tours, and spas, a visit to Buckeye will be remembered for a lifetime. Read on to find out the 20 best things to do in Buckeye, Arizona.
1. Go shopping at Sundance Towne Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Sundance Towne Center on Monday, December 22, 2014
No things-to-do list is ever complete without adding a mall to solve all your shopping woes. Located south of Interstate 10, Sundance Towne Center is a regional shopping mall featuring several stores and restaurants that cater to everyone. Here, you can find stores such as OfficeMax, Walmart, Lowe’s, and PetSmart, to name a few. This building also offers a wide variety of unique and traditional restaurants. Whatever you’re craving at the moment, you can find a place here to satisfy that.
Sundance Towne Center
Address: 700 S Watson Rd, Buckeye, AZ 85326
Website: Sundance Towne Center
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
2. Wind down at Waddell's Longhorn Corral
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Waddells Longhorn Corral on Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Don’t forget to have a nice meal followed by a few drinks while exploring the city of Buckeye, Arizona. Waddell’s Longhorn Corral is a barbecue restaurant serving classic burgers, steaks, and beers in a rustic setting. There’s live music to enhance everyone’s mood. In case you are looking for something else, try out their chicken quesadilla, nacho supreme, shrimp basket, and bacon chicken cheese.
Waddell's Longhorn Corral
Address: 1629 N 195th Ave, Buckeye, AZ 85396
Website: Waddell’s Longhorn Corral
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1am; Sun: 11am - 10pm (closed on Mon)
3. Stop by Sundance Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Situated near Lower Buckeye, Sundance Park is a public pet-friendly park that covers almost 30 acres (12 hectares) of ground. There are two dog parks here: one for large dogs and the other for small breeds. Of course, you don’t need to have a furry friend to enjoy the park. This open space also features multiple shelters for a picnic and a covered playground. If you are into sports, this area has a baseball field, soccer field, and volleyball courts.
Sundance Park
Address: 22865 W Lower Buckeye Rd, Buckeye, AZ 85326
Website: Sundance Park
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 5am - 10pm; Wed: 2pm - 10pm; Thu - Sun: 5am - 10pm
4. Tour Buckeye Valley Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you wish to learn more about the roots of Buckeye, drop a visit to Buckeye Valley Museum. Although the setup is a little smaller, Buckeye Valley features an impressive collection of artifacts like pottery from the pre-Columbian times and historic photographs lined thoughtfully along the two large galleries recently added to the original buildings. Established by I.H. Parkman in 1954, it displays historical pieces focusing on the town’s rich and vibrant local history. Admission to educational exhibits and classes is free.
Buckeye Valley Museum Tour
Address: 116 E. MC 85, Buckeye, AZ 85326, United States
Website: Buckeye Valley Museum
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Thu)
Price: Free
5. Explore Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
This 680-hectare (1681-acre) wildlife area lies to the east and west of Highway 85 as it crosses Gila River. This Buckeye tourist attraction is home to a number of diverse wildlife, including 140 species of birds, 19 species of reptiles, a number of mammals, and a variety of fishes. You can explore the Robbins Butte Trail and enjoy nature. You can even buy a license to fish and hunt. Unfortunately, overnight public camping is not allowed and fishing is permitted in Gila River only.
Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
Address: Buckeye, AZ 85326, United States
Website: Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
6. Savor the offerings at The Vic Bar + Kitchen
Have a taste of what Buckeye has to offer at Vic Bar + Kitchen, a bright and contemporary casual dining restaurant serving inventive comfort fare and cocktails. You can relax at their cozy inside tables or dine outside while enjoying the best views of Buckeye Valley, including the twinkling lights of Verrado and downtown Phoenix. Firmly believing in food preparation without any shortcuts and overproduction, this eatery proudly serves wholesome and delicious farm-to-table food to their beloved guests.
The Vic Bar + Kitchen
Address: 5325 N Verrado Way, Buckeye, AZ 85396, United States
Website: The Vic Bar + Kitchen
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
7. Hike through Victory Steps at Verrado
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Enjoy the stunning views of Verrado while burning off your extra pounds with a hike here at the Victory Steps. Located near Buckeye, Arizona, Victory Steps sports a 0.3-kilometer (0.19-mile) ascending steps trail that offers scenic views. Locals generally use the trail for walking, running, and nature tripping. While the hike is rated moderate, you will definitely be up to a serious workout especially on the way down. You’ll also feel safe and secured as the area is usually patrolled by Buckeye’s local police.
Victory Steps at Verrado
Address: N Verrado Way, Buckeye, AZ 85396, United States
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
8. Head to Hidden Lake
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For a guaranteed fun outdoor recreation for the whole family, go straight to the beautiful Hidden Lake, a 120-acre (49-hectare) recreation area with 60 acres (24 hectares) of trophy fishing waters. Being one of the private lakes in the state, it has been rehabilitated and developed into a safe and clean environment for families and nature advocates to enjoy. Aside from trophy fishing, guests can also engage in paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, camping, and sightseeing. The recreation area also offers live music and special events at the on-site music bar and events area, the TopWater. The private lake is also available as a venue where you can host your special events.
Hidden Lake
Address: 24445 W Sunrise Dr, Buckeye, AZ 85326, United States
Website: Hidden Lake
Price: from 5 USD
9. Check out White Tank Mountain Regional Park
White Tank Mountain Regional Park is a fascinating place to explore for both its history and recreational actives. Home of eleven archeological sites, White Tank Mountain Regional Park has been a home to humans from as far back as 500 AD. Today, the sites are attributed to the Hohokam Indians, who eventually abandoned the area around 1100 AD. During your visit, you will see petroglyphs from the Hohokam Indians, and possibly even older, from around 10,000 years ago.
Multiple trails with varying levels of difficulty run throughout the park, perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. One trail, the Black Rock Trail, goes through a Hohokam village site, and if you’re looking for a large display of petroglyphs, take the Waterfall Canyon Trail to see the “Petroglyph Plaza.” Unless otherwise stated, all trails are multi-use and awaiting exploration. And if you can’t get enough of the park during the day, stay the night at one of the 40 campsites. Exploring this Waddell regional park is one of the interesting things to do near Buckeye.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Address: 20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd, Waddell, AZ 85355
Website: White Tank Mountain Regional Park
10. See Historic Gillespie Dam Bridge
About 10 miles (16 km) outside of Buckeye stands a more-recent historic structure, the Historic Gillespie Dam Bridge. But don’t be fooled, the dam was built almost 100 years ago, in 1920, with the bridge being built in 1926. Originally intended to divert water to neighboring streams for farming, the dam only partially stands today after heavy rainfall in 1996 caused it to collapse. However, the bridge is still standing, and used, by tourists and locals alike. Rustic steel beams create a picture-perfect moment for all who visit, especially at dusk when the sun’s beams highlight every color and angle of the bridge.
Historic Gillespie Dam Bridge
Address: S Old US Hwy 80, Arlington, AZ 85322
Website: Historic Gillespie Dam Bridge
11. Have a splash at Buckeye Aquatics Center
Posted by Buckeye Aquatics Center on Monday, 30 May 2016
For the perfect place to cool off in the Arizona heat, head to the Buckeye Aquatics Center. More than just a pool, the aquatics center offers a zero depth, beach front area, a 10-foot (3 m) high dive, low-dive, and a winding water slide. The beach area comes equipped with water features for the whole family to enjoy. Staying in Buckeye for the summer? Be sure to get a summer pass to enjoy not only the pools, but programs for the family. And if you’re worried about crowding, lap swim, free swim, and evening hours are available weekly, ensuring your time at the aquatics center is specialized for your recreation needs.
Buckeye Aquatics Center
Address: 207 N 9th St, Buckeye, AZ 85326
Website: Buckeye Aquatics Center
12. Go exploring with Geo Savvy Tours
Twenty minutes outside Buckeye is headquarters to the best boutique tour company in Phoenix. With Geo Savvy Tours, you can see surrounding areas from the comfort of an SUV or minivan, and learn about the history and geography of the region from a guide who is passionate about Arizona. Geo Savvy Tours is more than just looking at rocks and museums. By highlighting the local cuisine, art, urban environment, and culture, Geo Savvy Tours fully connects you to what it means to live in Arizona.
Multiple tours are available, including day tours to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Arizona’s wine country, missions and museums throughout Tucson, and more. If one day isn’t enough, multi-day packages are also available from Geo Savvy Tours. Joining this tour is one of the fun things to do in Buckeye.
Geo Savvy Tours
Address: 20908 W Wycliff Dr, Buckeye, AZ 85396
Website: Geo Savvy Tours
13. See the great outdoors at Estrella Mountain Regional Park
Program: Fitness Thursday. Photo taken by Bill Titch.
Posted by Estrella Mountain Regional Park on Thursday, 15 September 2016
For more outdoor fun, check out the Estrella Mountain Regional Park. This family-friendly recreational park is perfect for an afternoon getaway, day trip, or nighttime adventure. Offering baseball pitches, fishing on the Gila River, hiking, horseback riding, biking trails, a golf course, and campsites, the park is a great location for every outdoor enthusiast. If you run out of what to do in Buckeye, visit this park!
Estrella Mountain Regional Park
Address: 14805 W Vineyard Ave, Goodyear, AZ 85338
Website: Estrella Mountain Regional Park
14. Tee off at Copper Canyon Golf Club
Posted by Copper Canyon Golf Club on Tuesday, 8 December 2015
Relax and unwind during your Buckeye visit at the Copper Canyon Golf Club. This 18-hole course is fully equipped for everyone from professionals to part-time players, and sits as a green oasis inside the Arizona desert. Forgot your gear? Don’t worry, Copper Canyon Golf Club is glad to rent out equipment for day use. When you’re done enjoying the manicured green, grab a bite at Indigo Grille, Copper Canyon’s delicious eatery.
Copper Canyon Golf Club
Address: 26577 W Desert Vista Blvd, Buckeye, AZ 85396
Website: Copper Canyon Golf Club
15. Discover Skyline Regional Park
Posted by Skyline Regional Park on Monday, 20 June 2016
A sister park to the Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Skyline Regional Park is another excellent location for outdoor exploration of Arizona. Offering hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, with no park entrance fee, you are sure to enjoy your visit at Skyline. Featuring trails that are slightly more rugged than that of Estrella, you can test your durability and skill, while looking for lizards, snakes, and other wildlife. Campsites and ramadas are also available, perfect for family picnics or a night of stargazing.
Skyline Regional Park
Address: 2600 N Watson Rd, Buckeye, AZ 85396
Website: Skyline Regional Park
16. Try desert skydiving
Posted by Desert Skydiving Center on Tuesday, 5 August 2014
Take the plunge with this fun and thrilling way to view Buckeye, Phoenix, and the surrounding Arizona area. With Desert Skydiving, you can do just as the name implies and skydive out of a plane. Catering to veteran skydivers and rookie tandem jumpers alike, Desert Skydiving will have you shouting with glee in no time.
Desert Skydiving
Address: 3000 S Palo Verde Rd, Buckeye, AZ 85326
Website: Desert Skydiving
17. Take your shot at Joe Foss Public Shooting Range
While in Buckeye, practice your aim at the Jo Foss Public Shooting Range. At the Joe Foss Public Shooting Range, all ages and experience levels are welcome to practice safe shooting techniques in this well-equipped facility. At Joe Foss, you will find rifle and pistol ranges, perfect for testing distance, trap and skeet shooting for accuracy, and an archery range for the rustic enthusiast. Before you hit the range, be sure to stop by the company’s retail center for ear protection, target paper, and more, to make sure your experience is loaded with fun.
Joe Foss Public Shooting Range
Address: 26700 Buckeye Hills Dr, Buckeye, AZ 85326
Website: Joe Foss Public Shooting Range
18. Get pampered at The Spa at Victory Club
Mother’s Day Weekend books up quickly, so book the spa day for your Mom now before it’s too late!
Posted by The Spa at The Victory Club on Monday, 1 May 2017
Finally, relax and unwind at the Spa at Victory Club. With a focus on the whole you, the Spa at Victory Club is guaranteed to bring you total comfort. Offering a range of services including massage therapy, waxing, skin treatments, and more, you will leave the spa feeling like a new person, ready to enjoy the rest of your Buckeye adventure.
The Spa at Victory Club
Address: 5325 N Verrado Way, Buckeye, AZ 85396
Website: The Spa at Victory Club
Nearby options
19. Get closer to wildlife at Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Nothing says #Caturday like a cat nap with your lady ? Ferris and Jezebelle enjoying a snooze in the sunshine ?...
Posted by Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park on Saturday, February 27, 2021
A 215-acre (87-hectare) facility, Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park at Litchfield Park features South American and African animals, along with the largest collection of exotic animals in the state. While here, visitors can enjoy various rides and attractions. If you want to see endangered antelope, gazelles, and ostriches, take the African Safari Train. There’s also a carousel to keep the little ones entertained. In case you get hungry, there are plenty of snack bars and cafes on the premises.
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
Address: 16501 W Northern Ave, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
Website: Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
20. Ride with Corral West Horse Adventures
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Happy Birthday to our wrangler, favorite leather worker and Airman, Troy!
Posted by Corral West Horse Adventures on Thursday, May 7, 2020
How about going for a horseback riding adventure in Buckeye, Arizona? Corral West Horse Adventures is known for offering riding lessons, wagon rentals, and more. You can go horseback riding at one of the most pristine locations in the state, the Sonoran Desert. Here, you can explore guided horse trails on a one-hour or two-hour tour. For a more exciting experience, opt for the sunset rides over the Sonoran Desert.
Corral West Horse Adventures
Address: 14401 W Arena Dr #9019, Goodyear, AZ 85338
Website: Corral West Horse Adventures
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Experience Buckeye
During your next Arizona visit, be sure to enjoy an excursion to the small gem, Buckeye. With shooting ranges, skydiving, ATV tours, and more, Buckeye is guaranteed fun for the whole family.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Buckeye, Arizona
1. What are the best outdoor activities in Buckeye?
Buckeye is a goldmine of terrific outdoor activities. Topping the list is taking on the plunge at Desert Skydiving Center. You can also go horseback riding at Skyline Regional Park and play golf at Copper Canyon Golf Club.
2. What are the top attractions to visit in Buckeye?
Some of the the most captivating attractions in Buckeye are Victory Steps at Verrado, Hidden Lake, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, and Historic Gillespie Dam Bridge. Make it a point to visit these places during your trip.
3. What are the most popular things to do in Buckeye with kids and family?
Some of the most popular things to do in Buckeye that are suitable for families with children are visiting Buckeye Valley Museum, exploring Robbins Butte Wildlife Area, dining at The Vic Bar + Kitchen, and camping at Hidden Lake.
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