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Phoenix Zoo vs Mystery Castle

Phoenix Zoo and Mystery Castle are both rated highly by professional travelers. Overall, Phoenix Zoo is the choice of most writers compared to Mystery Castle. Phoenix Zoo comes in at #8 in Phoenix with endorsements from 5 sources such as Fodor's, Michelin Guide and Lonely Planet.

Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo
8 / 10
455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"Four designated trails wind through this 125-acre zoo, replicating such habitats as an African savanna and a tropical rain forest." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Phoenix is a great family town, with plenty to keep the little tykes occupied. If your child loves animals, head to the Phoenix Zoo." Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
1 Star
"A motorized Safari Train runs a 30min narrated loop through the four habitat areas of this 125-acre nonprofit zoo. Some 1,300 animals are resident." Full review
Where Where
"Home to some 1,300 animals, including 200 endangered or threatened birds, mammals and reptiles." Full review
Frommer's Frommer's
"Forget about polar bears and other cold-climate creatures; this zoo focuses its attention primarily on animals that come from climates similar to that of the Phoenix area." Full review
i
Be sure to ride the camel while you're here.
Mystery Castle
Mystery Castle
8 / 10
800 East Mineral Road, Phoenix, AZ 85040
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"At the foot of South Mountain lies a curious dwelling built from desert rocks by Boyce Gulley, who came to Arizona to cure his tuberculosis." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
"Equal parts Mexican hacienda, Native American cliff dwelling and psychedelic sand castle, the 18-room Mystery Castle was constructed in the 1930s and ’40s by Boyce Luther Gulley." Full review
i
Call ahead to make sure it’s open at all.
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
"A visit to the castle is one that’s truly unmatched, and leaves you in awe of the precious sentiment that went into its construction." Full review
Where Where
"An 8,000-square-foot folk architecture castle in the foothills of South Mountain, with 18 rooms, 13 fireplaces and scores of there’s-a-story-here antiques, craftworks and found objects." Full review
Atlas Obscura Atlas Obscura
"A self-built castle made by a mysterious man. " Full review
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