Located in the northeast portion of the greater Phoenix metropolitan region in Maricopa County, Carefree is a rural, residential township of around 3,400 residents covering slightly more than 8 square miles. To the south and west, it encircles Black Mountain, and it extends to the northeast. Locals are drawn to The Sonoran Desert's natural beauty, pure air, and tranquility.
Visitors to Carefree will find that this captivating little town, with its charming town square and natural splendor, truly lives up to its name. Adventure and leisure activities in and around Carefree abound, from unique restaurants and shops to the stunning natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. For those planning a trip to Carefree, below are the top 5 can't-miss things to do and see in Carefree, Arizona:
Carefree Desert Gardens
The Carefree Desert Gardens, one of two public botanical gardens near Phoenix, is located along pedestrian-friendly Easy Street in downtown Carefree and is an exquisite oasis in the desert. A self-guided walking tour invites guests to experience a purely visual and emotional connection with nature, allowing couples and families to wander and admire rare and unique desert plant specimens. The Gardens are open 365 days a year and are free to visit.
Residents June Reilly and Marilyn Maloney, inspired by Carefree master gardeners, sought out Mark and Juanita Wdowiak of Desert Foothills Landscaping, who agreed to design and provide hundreds of plants and labor to the project. The Carefree Desert Gardens were first planted in 2001 as part of a Town Center beautifying project, then in November of 2011, they were restored and reopened to the public.
In addition to visiting the gardens, visitors can enjoy several other features, including
- Garden Seminars on the second Saturday of each month (January through April)
- Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, which hosts a variety of community events and performances.
- Kiwanis Splash Park (April–October)
- Free Book Exchange at the Little Library
- Signature Garden Events, such as the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden. Christmas in Carefree and other special events held throughout the year.
Limo Tip: Tour Desert Gardens as part of your adventures for the day in a Lincoln Navigator with a professional chauffeur from Scottsdale Sedan & Limousine Service!
The Sundial
Since 1959, visitors have been drawn to Carefree by the iconic gigantic Sundial. This historic time-telling instrument, located in downtown Carefree, is 62 feet long and 90 feet in circumference and was the second-largest operating sundial in the Western Hemisphere. It points to the North Star and has a steel frame with an anodized copper finish. The metal gnomon casts shadows on the plaza and provides an incredible photo opportunity at sunrise or dusk.
Limo Tip: Spend the day visiting the Sundial and other favorite spots in an Elite Black Car from North Scottsdale Limousine Service!
Spanish Village
The Historic Spanish Village in Carefree is one of Arizona's most unique and historic landmark properties. The village, located in the heart of Carefree along the quirky Ho Hum Road, was one of the first buildings built in town and has served as a cultural and art center since 1969. What does one find at the Historic Spanish Village?
Art Galleries
Julie Bauwens' working studio, Bauwens Fine Art, is home to award-winning fine artist Julie Bauwens. Her work aims to trigger memories and feelings in her viewers by using both themes individually and in metaphoric "snapshots." Julie uses the drawing and sculpting abilities she learned in her atelier program at the Vitruvian Fine Arts in Chicago, Illinois, as well as years of experience creating personal and commissioned works. Her skills are now being used to kiln casted glass sculptures and jewelry.
Beautiful jewelry, invigorating sculptures, wall art, exquisite pottery, and more are available at the Grace Renee Gallery. Every sculpture, painting, glass creation, and item of jewelry in the gallery reflects the artists' creativity and imagination. Fine jewelry collections from Cynthia Ann Jewels, Goshwara, Willow Diamonds, and Nanis Italian Jewels are among the pieces at Grace Renee Gallery.
Dining
Carefree's best diner for breakfast & lunch is the popular Black Mountain Café & Coffee Shop. Serving delectable made-to-order meals, breakfast and lunch menu options include "eggs your way," homemade biscuits and gravy, and various specialty sandwiches. There's always a delicious daily special to choose from, and you will be hard-pressed to find better customer service anywhere.
Only the finest certified Angus steaks, fresh seafood, and American favorites redefine comfort food at Keeler's Neighborhood Steakhouse, which offers professional and unpretentious service. Keeler's offers excellent cuisine and a friendly neighborhood gathering place that encourages old and new friends to have fun and laugh. The restaurant features a centrally situated island bar, a huge patio, a lovely courtyard, and a roof-top balcony for stargazing and resting after a hearty meal.
Shops
The shops at the Historic Spanish Village are all about the “new West.” From top-notch galleries and jewelry shops presenting some of the Southwest's most remarkable examples of native and contemporary art and design to places like the Desert Moon Market, a lifestyle store featuring thoughtfully curated goods for your home, body, and spirit, there are plenty of eclectic boutiques and businesses to explore. The best part? Enjoy pedestrian-friendly shopping surrounded by outdoor cafes, flowery courtyards, and an ambiance enhanced by the funny street names and beautiful setting.
Limo Tip: Make a day of it and treat you and your friends to a Stretch Hummer by Phoenix Sedan & Limousine Service!
Windwalker Expeditions
Windwalker Expeditions is a mobile, private horseback riding company based in Arizona. This means it's just you and your guide, or you and your group. They design a safe and entertaining desert tour for your small party at any equestrian riding skill level—from novice to expert or a mix of both. Windwalker is entirely mobile, meaning they trailer their horses to various trailheads across Arizona. Their guides have been hand-picked for their knowledge and charisma, and they are true experts who enjoy what they do.
Limo Tip: An utterly unique desert horseback riding adventure is a fantastic date idea! Arrive in a high-end Mercedes Benz S550 with your very own driver from Sedona Tours!
Boulders Resort Golf Club & Spa
The Boulders Golf Club in Carefree is regarded as one of the best golf, tennis, and spa resorts in the United States, having won the Platinum Medal Award from Golf Magazine in 2008. The Boulders Club is tucked away in the tranquility of the high Sonoran Desert, surrounded by 12-million-year-old granite boulder formations. All have been drawn to the immense peacefulness of the terrain and the precariously perched boulders silhouetted against the Sonoran sky, from ancient Indians to modern-day tourists who come to bask in the peace of a stunning natural setting.
For those who might prefer a different type of relaxation, The Boulders Spa can help you restore your body and mind. Their 33,000 square-foot spa provides energizing rejuvenation through therapeutic baths, massage, and invigorating treatments. Their restorative treatments, developed over fifty years, are beautifully integrated with substances from the desert environment.
Relax in locker rooms that promote a sense of calm before and after your treatment. Steam rooms, saunas, and the O'furo, a traditional Japanese bath, are great places to relax and detox. You will also want to spend some time in their trademark labyrinth for meditation. In the circular tea area, you can sip on a revitalizing drink while taking in the beautiful desert views or relax by the heated pool surrounded by old stones.
Limo Tip: Double the luxury of a golf or spa experience with a limo rental from Arizona Sedan & Limousine Service! You and your friends can travel in luxury in a 12 Passenger Stretch Limousine!