Guidebook for Carefree
Food Scene
Pizzafarro's
36889 N Tom Darlington DrThey also serve alcohol and are located behind Red Truck consignment shop.
35 locals recommend
The Grotto Cafe
6501 E Cave Creek Rd They also serve alcohol and are located behind Red Truck consignment shop.
Starbucks
5310 E Carefree HwyGood Mexican food with ample serving sizes and unique setting (try to get a table near the pond to watch the turtles).
77 locals recommend
El Encanto
6248 E Cave Creek RdGood Mexican food with ample serving sizes and unique setting (try to get a table near the pond to watch the turtles).
Good for lunch or light snacks. Despite the name, there is a turkey burger on the menu! Fun spot.
29 locals recommend
Big Earl's Greasy Eats
6135 E Cave Creek RdGood for lunch or light snacks. Despite the name, there is a turkey burger on the menu! Fun spot.
Parks & Nature
$6 vehicle entrance fee, but a variety of trails to make it worth a day or 1/2 day visit.
34 locals recommend
Cave Creek Regional Park
37019 N Lava Ln $6 vehicle entrance fee, but a variety of trails to make it worth a day or 1/2 day visit.
Rent a kayak, SUP, pontoon or fishing boat from the Marina. Scottsdale Triathlon club does open-water swim training location. The Marina also has a restaurant with bar. Beautiful large lake in the desert!
61 locals recommend
Bartlett Lake
Rent a kayak, SUP, pontoon or fishing boat from the Marina. Scottsdale Triathlon club does open-water swim training location. The Marina also has a restaurant with bar. Beautiful large lake in the desert!
Jewel of the Creek Trail is an approx. 1.7 mile loop along the only constantly-running creek in Maricopa county - an oasis of wildflowers, birds & wildlife alongside the saguaros. Limited parking for it is found on your left before the main parking for Spur Cross Conservation Center (near 'frontier-style 2-story house). Be on the lookout for gila monsters, hummingbirds, and rattlesnakes.
19 locals recommend
Spur Cross Trailhead
44029 N Spur Cross RdJewel of the Creek Trail is an approx. 1.7 mile loop along the only constantly-running creek in Maricopa county - an oasis of wildflowers, birds & wildlife alongside the saguaros. Limited parking for it is found on your left before the main parking for Spur Cross Conservation Center (near 'frontier-style 2-story house). Be on the lookout for gila monsters, hummingbirds, and rattlesnakes.
Essentials
Bashas'
36889 N Tom Darlington DrDrinks & Nightlife
Harold's Cave Creek Corral
6895 E Cave Creek RdBuffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse
6823 E Cave Creek RdRodeo Wed & Fri nights!
The Horny Toad
6738 E Cave Creek RdSometimes rowdy, but we are told the fish n chips are good.
Janey's Coffee Co. & Bodega
6602 E Cave Creek RdMore laid-back; music nightly
Shopping
From rusted iron metal-work, to petrified rocks and unique gemstones, to sarsaparilla sodas, (yes, Jenn looked up the spelling!) - we like Frontier Town for its Old West attitude.
20 locals recommend
Frontier Town
6245 E Cave Creek RdFrom rusted iron metal-work, to petrified rocks and unique gemstones, to sarsaparilla sodas, (yes, Jenn looked up the spelling!) - we like Frontier Town for its Old West attitude.
Entertainment & Activities
Sundial; variety of arts & crafts / farmers' markets; concerts on occasion; shops and sundries all around a landscaped park
Carefree Desert Gardens
101 Easy StSundial; variety of arts & crafts / farmers' markets; concerts on occasion; shops and sundries all around a landscaped park
Spur Cross Stables
44029 N Spur Cross RdHorse-riding
Getting Around
1/2-day; full-day or weekly rental of town/cruiser bikes; road bikes or trail riders.
(We can also connect you with a guide for a half or full day guided trail ride tailored to your skill level).
Spur Cross Cycles
6738 E Cave Creek Rd1/2-day; full-day or weekly rental of town/cruiser bikes; road bikes or trail riders.
(We can also connect you with a guide for a half or full day guided trail ride tailored to your skill level).