It was a lazy weekday afternoon in Arizona and I needed something to do. A simple Google search of unique attractions in Arizona brought me to my next adventure, a visit to Mystery Castle.
Mystery Castle is One of Phoenix, Arizona’s Top Attractions
Mystery Castle in Phoenix, Arizona is nestled way back in the foothills of South Mountain, passed the hundreds of strip malls, “questionable” section of town and a rocky road fit for 4-wheel drive.
At first glance of this “castle”, I was hit with a strong sense of WTF? Ooh , I feel bad even insinuating that swear word. Dirty girl. But, it was true.
I was greeted by a young tour guide who took my 5 bucks for the admission. Taking an inventory, I was the youngest and only solo individual in the crowd of eight. That is okay, I have done a lot of things alone, even going to the movies alone once and I am absolutely no stranger to eating out alone, sometimes I even prefer it.
Considering it was a weekday, I was surprised by the amount of folks wanting to unfold this mystery of Mystery Castle.
This pseudo castle was built in the 30s by Boyce Luther Gulley who built it for his daughter who was distraught over her beach sand castles getting washed away by the waves. Gulley wanted to create something with a bit more permanence. He used reclaimed automobile parts, adobe and clinker bricks. The home features 18 rooms, 13 fireplaces and took 15 years to complete. Unfortunately, both Gulley and his daughter have passed, but the legends still live on.
Have you been to Mystery Castle? Is a visit to the castle on your Bucket List?
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
More About Arizona
A Guide to Visiting Goldfield Ghost Town in Arizona
Take a Helicopter Ride Into the Grand Canyon
Getting Bit By An Ostrich Bird. Not on the Bucket List.
The Cutest Town in Arizona: Jerome
Sedona Chapel of the Holy Cross: Church in the Rock
What to do in Scottsdale, Arizona in 12 Hours
Visit Louis Lee’s Oriental Rock Garden in Phoenix
Recently took the tour. The guide, a young man, had little experience. Repeated information. Needed to read the posted signs to give us some info. (We could read the signs for our selves) Didn’t know the answers to questions asked. Repeated info he had previously given. Partly, heard the other guide giving some info to her tour group. A very polished presentation. The young man needs more training before guiding a tour. Didn’t feel we got got benefit of the tour.
Sorry to hear that! Hopefully the guide has been further educated so everyone can have a beneficial experience.
I like any house that has a fireplace in (almost) every room.
Love that shoe!!!