Need a destination where desert sunsets, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm converge? Buckeye, Arizona may not be the first name that comes to mind, but it should be. Just outside of Phoenix and rapidly expanding, Buckeye has been working steadily to earn a reputation as a destination that has a little something for everyone from serene nature retreats to heart-pounding thrills.
Whether you’re driving through or making a proper visit, here are 14 fantastic ways to spend your time in Buckeye.
1. Hidden Lake
Hidden away off the main road, Hidden Lake is just what its name implies: serene, pretty, and oddly low-key. Once abandoned, this 120-acre property has been revived and now welcomes locals and tourists for its serene waters, excellent fishing, and eventful configuration.
Rent a kayak, paddleboard the lake, or simply sit and enjoy the sunset. A rotating calendar of events concerts, food trucks, farmers markets makes it simple to turn an quiet trip into something more eventful. Families adore it, and on-site bar and music venue (TopWater) provides a fun evening component.
2. Victory Steps at Verrado
For a swift but rewarding hike, try the Victory Steps in Verrado. It’s a brief 0.19-mile walk, but don’t be fooledover 300 stairs later, your legs will sure know it. On the way, locals have placed motivational quotes on rocks along the trail, which is a thoughtful touch when you’re winded.
At the top, you’re treated to a broad panorama of mountains, desert, and the surrounding neighborhoods. It’s a great exercise and one of the better locations around for sunrise or sunset. Take water and put on good shoes you’ll appreciate the traction going down.
3. Vic Bar and Kitchen
After a day outside, Vic Bar and Kitchen hits the spot. This isn’t your average bar food situation it’s a farm-to-table restaurant that rotates its menu based on what’s in season. The result? Fresh, thoughtful dishes you’ll want to come back for.
They’ve also got a pretty stocked bar with craft beer, wine, and cocktails. If it’s nice outside (and it usually is), sit on the patio. Watching Buckeye Valley and the Phoenix lights in the distance is a wonderful way to relax. They’re only open Wednesday to Sunday, so schedule early in the week accordingly.
4. Skyline Regional Park
Skyline Regional Park is enormous 8,700 acres of trail, vistas, and desert landscape in southern White Tank Mountains. And a bonus: it’s totally free to visit.
There are trails for every ability, from leisurely walks to more challenging ascents. It’s also available for horseback riding and mountain biking. Favorite loops such as Turnbuckle and Quartz Mine combine aesthetic views with accessible distances, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can camp overnight at one of the picnic sites with grills.
This is also one of the nicer stargazing locations in the region due to minimal light pollution, and yes, it’s pet-friendly.
5. Arizona ATV Rentals
Need to get a dose of the desert with some serious horsepower? Arizona ATV Rentals allows you to rent Polaris RZR UTVs and ride the Sonoran countryside on your own terms or you can sign up for a guided tour.
The guided tours are a great combination of entertainment and information, providing glimpses of local history and visits to places like an abandoned mine shaft. They operate every other hour or so, so you have some leeway. The vistas are second-to-none: open desert as far as the eye can see, with glimpses of Lake Pleasant and a 360-degree panorama of the Phoenix valley. A great choice if you’re looking for something a little more untamed.
6. Copper Canyon Golf Club
If golf is more your pace, Copper Canyon Golf Club won’t disappoint. It’s a 27-hole course designed for the full Troon Golf experience lush greens, desert views, and a relaxed but polished vibe.
The course is new player-friendly but challenges enough to satisfy veteran players. You can borrow clubs, work on your swing at the range, and cap it off with dinner at Indigo Grille, where almost everything (save salad dressing) is prepared from scratch. White Tank Mountains in the background from the clubhouse? Check.
7. Ebb + Flow Coffee Co
For your pie break in the afternoon (or your morning pick-me-up), Ebb + Flow Coffee Co is a quaint little coffee shop that’s like a local secret. The owners are two friends who are passionate about good coffee and about their community, and the shop has a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The menu includes locally made products, with pies freshly shipped from Boyer Bakery in Phoenix. There’s also a fantastic assortment of smoothies, acai bowls, and coffee beverages everything from bold black coffee to spice-filled lattes. If you’re a fan of hip cafés with a personal touch, this one’s worth the visit.
8. Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium
Located just outside Buckeye in Litchfield Park, this spot is a win for families or anyone who loves animals. With more than 600 species (many endangered), you’ll find everything from kangaroos and giraffes to albino alligators.
The location is larger than you’d think, with a four-building aquarium, a safari train, and interactive feeding zones. You could easily spend the day here, and there are plenty of snack bars and areas to get something to eat. Definitely a winner if you have kids or just feel like being one for a day.
9. Estrella Star Tower
This spiral tower is more than a glimpse it’s art, science, and contemplation all rolled into one. Constructed in memory of area radio personality Steven Kates, the Estrella Star Tower was built with astronomers in mind.
Go during dusk or dawn to experience the full impact of the lighting and star designs integrated into the building. The brief stroll up provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the atmosphere is serene if you go with friends or alone.
10. North West Sky Sports
Gliding in a Swiss 2-32 sailplane? Yes, it’s a thing and yes, it’s amazing. At North West Sky Sports, you’ll fly tandem with a certified instructor (likely founder Gary Boggs himself), who has over 2,000 hours of experience.
The ride is surprisingly smooth and quiet, offering a bird’s-eye view of the desert landscape in Arizona. It’s not something that you get to do on a daily basis, and that’s kind of the point. Good for couples, adventure-seekers, or anyone who wants to see the scenery differently.
11. Buckeye Gillespie Dam Bridge
This historic bridge, built in the 1920s, still stands today as a kind of monument to Arizona’s early engineering. It’s simple, rustic, and full of character and the remains of the original Gillespie Dam nearby add another layer of history.
Visit around sunset for the best views and lighting, especially if you’re into photography. It’s quiet, scenic, and worth the short drive just for the atmosphere.
12. Skydive Buckeye
If you’re ready for something bold, Skydive Buckeye offers one of the best ways to see the desert from 13,000 feet in the air. After a short flight, you’ll take the plunge with an experienced instructor, freefalling for about 40 seconds before gliding under the parachute.
The views are unreal: White Tank Mountains, Camelback, Estrella, even Lake Pleasant. Whether it’s your first jump or your tenth, this is the kind of thing you’ll talk about for years.
13. Victory Club Spa
Even adventure-lovers need some downtime. The Victory Club Spa offers a relaxing break from all the action, with massages, skin treatments, and nail services at reasonable prices. Their focus is on accessibility and wellness, not luxury for luxury’s sake.
It’s a nice spot to reset your body after hikes, skydives, and long desert days. You’ll walk out refreshed, no question.
14. Corral West Horse Adventures
Want to unleash your inner cowboy? Corral West Horse Adventures brings the real deal. They have guided tours of the Sonoran Desert, and yes, they’ll dress you up in hat, boots, and chaps if you’re looking to go whole hog Western.
Select from relaxed loops or sunset tours, then linger for a barbecue dinner and s’mores around the fire. It’s a laid-back, good time way to see the Arizona landscape.
