Mesa is the ultimate desert playground and the ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert and Tonto National Forest, and the modern-day desert urban city boasts a wide range of lifestyle and leisure activities.
Besides the city’s abundance of natural beauty, it is also filled with history, culture, delicious food, and a distinct warm climate comfortable all year round.
It’s easy to find adventure in Mesa with an explosion of cultural and outdoor attractions. Its became a popular destination for tourists and families, attracting a large number of visitors each year.
Nature lovers will enjoy stunning views and outdoor activities, foodies can indulge in the Fresh Food Trail of Mesa, and history buffs can meander through a multitude of different museums.
So, what is so special about the charming city, and what makes Mesa stand out from the crowd? Well, I’m here to help you make the most of your time and see what all Mesa really has to offer. Here are some of the best things to add to your itinerary when visiting Mesa!
Planning a trip right now? Check out my go-to websites for flights, hotels, tours, and so much more!
- Booking.com to score hotel deals
- Skyscanner for flight deals
- Going to get emails about flight deals and error fares (100% worth it, I promise)
- Viator for day tours around the world
Soar Over Arizona in a Hot Air Balloon
Mesa is a dream location for those looking to enjoy a hot air balloon ride, being located so close by over in Phoenix. Breathtaking and full of amazing sights, Arizona has optimal flying conditions with over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it one of the most desirable places to take flight.
You’ll float high above the Sonoran Desert, enjoying the sunrise, the gorgeous dotted mountain ranges, and the native animals – there is no better way to take in the stunning views surrounding the Phoenix and Mesa area
Floating with the wind, the journey is a smooth one, you’ll hardly realize you’ve left the ground. I was nervous before my first-ever hot air balloon flight, but it was so relaxing and magical – no turbulence at all! The views are spectacular, and pro-tip, bring an Insta360 camera to get the coolest angles of both the view and your group in the balloon itself.
Doing a hot air balloon ride while in Mesa is a perfect activity for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, families, couples, and those just looking for a grand experience to knock off their bucket lists.
Saguaro Lake Ranch
Sitting in the shadows of Bulldog Cliff, Saguaro Lake Ranch is one of the most scenic ranches in the Southwest and a hidden gem of Arizona. Tonto National Forest is one of the main points of interest near Mesa, Arizona, and there is no better way to experience its unspoiled beauty than kayaking down the Saguaro Lake and Lower Salt River.
The scenic float has just enough ripples to get you wet, or, you can choose to take the bypass and go through class two rapids. You’re also very likely to spot wild horses along the way (I did during my kayak trip!), and of course, the scenery is extremely epic.
When you book unguided kayaking through Saguaro Lake Ranch, you’ll be on an self-guided kayak trip for 2-4 hours (depending on which one you choose). They’ll provide the kayaks, explain the exit point, and pick you up at the end. Example routes include the Salt River/Foxtail Trip, Salt River/Granite Reef Trip, and Canyon & Cliffside Kayaking on Saguaro Lake options.
Besides kayaking, visitors can choose a wide range of other activities as well, such as tubing (which is incredibly popular with locals and super fun), horseback riding, and paddle boarding. You can also book a stay on the property at one of their 20 rustic ranchette cottages. Can you imagine waking up to that view?
Dolly Steamboat
The Dolly Steamboat is one of the most unique experiences in Mesa and a great way to enjoy a scenic adventure down Canyon Lake.
The 6-mile cruise lasts for about an hour and a half, giving visitors a relaxing experience and a chance to see the incredible scenery, rock formations, and wildlife of the area.
While onboard, keep an eye out for wildlife creatures, such as jackrabbits and big horned sheep, as well as estrange flora and fauna sprouting up in abundance in the area.
Beyond the main scenic nature cruise they offer, they also offer specialty cruises some days and nights, like the Twilight Dinner Cruise, the Astronomy Dinner Cruise, and the Game and Fish Bighorn Sheep Cruise.
Lost Dutchman State Park
Lost Dutchman State Park is an ideal place to escape the city and enjoy the scenic views of the Apache Trail.
Sitting at the base of the Superstition Mountains, the area has been the source of mystery and legends for centuries, and the state park even gets its name from a fabled lost gold mine.
Nature lovers and guests will enjoy the abundance of hiking trails to explore, such as the Native Plant Trail, Treasure Loop Trail, and Siphon Draw Trail.
If you’re looking to go camping, check here for campsite reservations. They also have 5 cabins available to book, which guarantee you epic views of the Sonoran Desert and Superstition Mountain, especially at sunrise and sunset, right from your front porch. For $89 a night, these cabins are an epic deal for an adventurous getaway.
Goldfield Ghost Town
Goldfield is a ghost town near Mesa, rich in wild west history. Back in the 1890′s Goldfield boasted three saloons, a boarding house, a general store, a blacksmith shop, a brewery, a meat market, and a schoolhouse.
Not long after the town took off, the grade of ore dropped and the town died slowly. After several unsuccessful attempts to reopen the mines, the town did come to life again from 1910 on and off until 1926. Now, travelers come from all over the world to step back in time and visit the gold-mining ghost town.
Top attractions to check out at Goldfield Ghost Town include the Superstition Zipline, the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad, the Goldfield Mine Tour, The Mystery Shack, gold panning and gem sluicing at Prospector’s Palace, as well as a bunch of local merchants to check out, like the Siphon Draw Apothecary and Mother Lode Mercantile.
Prickly pear-flavored things are really common out here, so make sure to try a prickly pear lemonade when you get the chance (several of the places here should be serving it).
There are also some cool tour companies to check out here, like Goldfield Ghost Town’s Walking Ghost Tour, 4×4 adventures with Apache Trail Tours, horseback riding with Superstition’s O.K. Corral Stables, and on weekends from November-April you can watch (and maybe even be apart of) the Goldfield Gunfighters wild west show.
Witness the cowboys and cowgirls take over the town square for a shoot-out as characters try to rob the Wells Fargo strong box. Maybe you’ll even see someone get thrown in jail!
Murals and Vintage Shopping in Downtown Mesa
Downtown Mesa is packed full of shops and restaurants to go explore. Wander around various vintage shops, upscale boutiques, and artist studios as there is no shortage of shopping opportunities.
Some of my favorite shops during my visit were Atomic Age Modern (which sells mid-century antiques) and Buckhorn Vintage.
Downtown Mesa is also home to nearly a dozen unique murals as well as various permanent art installations and sculptures that are scattered throughout the area. You can easily use this guide provided by Downtown Mesa to find all the best murals and public art around the area!
Organ Stop Pizza
Want a fun, family-friendly night out? Organ Stop Pizza is definitely a unique dining experience.
The restaurant houses the world’s largest Wurlitzer theatre organ (it was originally built for the Denver Theatre and was installed there in 1927), with professional players filling the air with whimsical tunes. And yes, they take song requests during the shows.
It’s honestly quite the spectacle that you’d just have to see to understand. Fyi, the organ performances begin 30 minutes after opening, with each performance lasting about 30-45 minutes and then a short break between sets.
Come for the wacky and fun live music performance (and it costs nothing extra!), eat some pizza, request a song, and hit the gift shop after. This is an experience you’ll only find in Mesa, Arizona!
Queen Creek Olive Mill
Queen Creek Olive Mill is the only producer of extra virgin olive oil in Arizona. It is a true blossom-to-bottle experience, and the 100-acre farm boasts over 700 olive trees.
Visitors can learn firsthand how olives are pressed and turned into oil on the Olive Oil 101 Tour and taste their way through the gourmet marketplace.
We learned about the six classifications of olive oil and the olive milling process. We also got to taste some of their olive oils and try their olive oil-infused spa products as part of the Olive Oil 101 workshop.
Be sure to grab a bite at the Italian eatery for a healthy and delicious meal to finish off your experience. I went for breakfast and had the delicious vanilla bean olive oil waffle and lemon ricotta pancakes. So good!
Agritopia
Agritopia is a planned community with a modern-day village life sitting on 11 acres of urban farmland. It is a place where people come together with a sense of belonging.
Visitors can wander around tree-lined streets of various shops and cafes, including The Coffee Shop and Joe’s Farm Grill.
Don’t miss out on exploring Barnone, where you’ll find a group of local artisan workshops, from woodworkers to winemakers to letterpress printers to florists.
You’ll also find spots like local brewery 12 West Brewing Co. and Garage-East, a wine bar that you can stop at to try an Arizona Wine Flight.
Tortilla Flat Saloon
Tortilla Flat Saloon is a must-stop spot while visiting Mesa. The wild west theme allows visitors to step back in time, with saddle bar stools, dollar bills covering the walls, and a lively and friendly atmosphere.
Stop by for diner cuisine with a fun, themed twist, with the most popular menu items being their chili, burgers, and southwest-style food. They also have Prickly Pear Gelato available in their Country Store!
Schnepf Farms
Schnepf Farms have been family owned and operated for four generations, and is most famous for its Pumpkin and Chili Party in October, its Christmas illuminations and activities in December, and its U-pick peaches in May.
They’re actually the largest organic peach grower in Arizona!
Whether you go peach picking or not, definitely also stop at their Country Store and Bakery for fresh pastries and homemade pies. Get there early because the most popular baked goods tend to sell out!
Additionally, if you’re looking for glamping in Mesa, onsite at Schnepf Farms they have The Cozy Peach, a glamping property that is home to 9 vintage airstream trailers.
Each one has a different personality to it, so make sure to look at them all before you choose one! You can even do add-ons to your booking like a private farm animal feeding experience or a hot breakfast delivered to your trailer.
Or you can get luxe and book their Fireside Experience, which gives you the option of a cookout or farm-to-table dinner, or the Basecamp Experience where you have several meals planned out for you during your stay.
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