Buckeye, Arizona: A Guide to the City’s Best Attractions and Activities

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Buckeye, Arizona, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s best attractions, outdoor activities, and vibrant local culture.

The city of Buckeye, nestled in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert just west of Phoenix, packs a surprising punch. 8,700 acres of mountain park for hikers, bikers and campers. A historic bridge harking back to the 1920s. Even a zoo teeming with exotic species. For a place of barely 100,000 people, Buckeye offers plenty to see and do.

 

Top 10 Places to Visit in Buckeye, AZ

1. Skyline Regional Park

Skyline Regional Park is an outdoor paradise with over 16 miles of multi-use trails in the southern White Tank Mountains for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Highlights include:

• 8,675 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert

• Trails from the easy 0.7-mile Quartz Mine Trail to the challenging 8.5-mile Turnbuckle Trail

• 5 picnic ramadas with stunning views

• 7 tent campsites for an immersive desert experience

 

2. Historic Gillespie Dam Bridge

Built in 1927, the Historic Gillespie Dam Bridge spans 1,662 feet over the Gila River, connecting Buckeye and Gila Bend.

 

Fun facts:

• Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981

• Restored and reopened to foot and bike traffic in 2012

• Hosts the annual “Ghost Bridge” 5k run on Halloween

 

3. Buckeye Valley Museum

Explore the Buckeye Valley Museum, located in the 1925 Central School building. It chronicles the town’s history through photographs and artefacts, highlighting:

• Pioneer days and Buckeye’s founding in 1888

• The significance of agriculture, especially cotton

• World War II and the Buckeye Army Airfield

Hours	Admission
Tuesday-Saturday: 10 am-4 pm	Adults: $5
Sunday-Monday: Closed	Seniors (55+) & Students: $4
	Children under 12: Free

 

4. Buckeye Aquatic Center

Cool off at the Buckeye Aquatic Center, the perfect place to spend a hot summer day. The outdoor facility features:

• An 8-lane competition pool

• A zero-depth entry play pool with a water slide

• Diving boards

• Concession stand

• Shaded picnic tables

 

Daily admission ranges from $1-5. Check the City of Buckeye website for seasonal hours.

 

5. Sundance Park

Sundance Park is a hit with families. The 10-acre park has something for everyone:

• Two playgrounds with shade structures

• Splash pad (open May-September)

• Basketball court

• Pickleball courts

• Skate park

• Walking paths

• Picnic ramadas

 

Pack a picnic and make a day of it. Restrooms and drinking fountains are available. Open daily, 6 am to 10 pm.

 

6. Buckeye Main Street

For a dose of small-town charm, stroll down Buckeye Main Street. The historic downtown district features:

• Unique shops like the Adobe House Antiques

• Local eateries such as Cafe 25:35

• Public art murals

• The Buckeye Valley Museum

• Benches to rest and people-watch

 

Annual events on Main Street include the Buckeye Marathon (December) and the Glow on Monroe light display (holidays).

 

7. Robbins Butte Wildlife Area

Calling all birdwatchers – don’t miss the Robbins Butte Wildlife Area. Over 1,600 acres of protected desert habitat are home to:

• Gambel’s quail

• Mourning doves

• Mule deer

• Desert cottontails

• Coyotes

 

The area includes a 7-mile trail system. Note that overnight camping is not allowed. Pack plenty of water and watch for rattlesnakes.

 

8. Buckeye Hills Regional Park

Buckeye Hills Regional Park offers 4,474 acres of rugged desert beauty. The Joe Foss Shooting Range here is popular with target shooters. Other park features:

• 5 miles of shared-use trails

• Picnic tables

• Portable restrooms

• RV dump station

 

The park is undeveloped, so come prepared with everything you need for the day. Open daily, 5 am-8 pm. $6 vehicle entry fee.

 

9. Verrado Golf Club

Golf enthusiasts can hit the links at Verrado Golf Club. The 18-hole course, set in the foothills of the White Tank Mountains, features:

• Elevation: 2,200-3,400 feet

• Panoramic desert and Phoenix skyline views

• 5 sets of tees: 5,139-7,258 yards

• Practice facility with a driving range

 

After your round, relax at the Verrado Grille restaurant and bar. Book tee times on the club’s website.

 

10. Buckeye’s Annual Hometown Holiday Boutique

If you’re in town the weekend before Thanksgiving, check out Buckeye’s Annual Hometown Holiday Boutique. The free event features:

• 100+ arts and crafts vendors

• Food trucks

• Live entertainment

• Kids’ activities

• Santa Claus visits

 

It’s held at the Buckeye Community Center from 9 am-4 pm. A perfect way to get a head start on holiday shopping.

 

Where to Stay in Buckeye

Buckeye offers a range of cheap hotels and other lodging options to fit any budget:

Hotel	Price (per night)	Amenities
Comfort Suites Buckeye	$80-120	Outdoor pool, gym, free breakfast
Holiday Inn Express & Suites	$100-150	Indoor pool, fitness centre, free breakfast
Hampton Inn & Suites	$110-160	Outdoor pool, gym, free breakfast
Westward Motel	$50-80	Basic rooms, free Wi-Fi

 

For a unique stay, try the Saguaro Ranch Guest House. The historic 1898 adobe home sleeps 6. Rates start at $125/night.

 

Outdoor Activities in Buckeye

In addition to hiking and golfing, Buckeye offers many other ways to enjoy the outdoors:

• Horseback riding: Several ranches and stables offer guided trail rides through the desert. Try White Tank Stables or Corral West Adventures.

• Skydiving: Experience the ultimate thrill of skydiving in Buckeye. Skydive Buckeye offers tandem jumps for first-timers and pros. Get stunning views of the desert during your freefall.

• Hot air balloon rides: See the Sonoran Desert from a new perspective. Arizona Balloon Safaris offers sunrise and sunset flights, complete with a champagne toast.

• Off-road tours: Explore the rugged desert terrain on a guided ATV or Jeep tour. Check out Arizona Desert Dog Offroad for options.

 

The Final Word

 

One final tip – consider an international roaming plan from Airtel so you can stay connected while exploring. With Airtel’s Prepaid international roaming plans, you’ll have access to data, voice calls, and texts across the US. That way you can easily look up directions, make reservations, and share photos of your Buckeye adventures without worrying about high roaming charges. Safe travels!

 

From its stunning desert parks to its vibrant downtown, Buckeye truly offers something for every type of traveller. Whether you want to hike, skydive, shop, or simply relax, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Buckeye, AZ.