Half-Day
Take a Hike
Usery Mountain Regional Park is located in northeast Mesa. This park is 3,648 acres set at the western end of the Goldfield Mountains, adjacent to the Tonto National Forest. The trails within the park are very popular with enough elevation to offer spectacular vistas of surrounding plains. An easy, relatively short hike is the Merkle Trail. Another favorite is the Wind Cave Trail, reaching high onto the mountain side, allowing hikers into the adjacent Tonto National Forest.
Usery Mountain Regional Park offers a day-use picnic area and a group picnic area. The day-use picnic area includes a table, barbecue grill, drinking water and restrooms at each site. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
You're on the way to Saguaro Lake so it's time to enjoy a scenic nature cruise on the Desert Belle. Relax in air-conditioned comfort on one of her 90-minute narrated public cruises and see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls, and dramatic desert vistas. The Desert Belle is a unique way to enjoy all the beauty that Arizona has to offer.
Gambling Galore
Casino Arizona is a quick five-mile ride from downtown Mesa with free shuttle service. Choose from six distinct restaurants serving carefully prepared food to fit every taste. Guests will find 1,500 ticket-pay multi-denominational slot machines, including 80 high-limit slots, live Blackjack, 50 poker tables and live fast-action Keno.
Experience the winning feeling at Fort McDowell Casino featuring live bingo, card room, live Keno, and 775 slot machines. There are six restaurants and lounges to fit your needs.
Rancho de Tia Rosa is a family-owned restaurant featuring authentic Baja coastal cuisine. Experience Old Mexico as you dine with your group and enjoy the unique décor.
Canyons and Cowboys
Cruise the secluded waterways of Canyon Lake aboard the Dolly Steamboat. Admire breathtaking flora and fauna of the lower Sonoran desert.
Relax in a comfortable, air-conditioned theater at Barleen's Arizona Opry and enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal. After dinner, enjoy an unforgettable evening of family entertainment! Seasonal.
Downtown Delights
The Arizona Museum of Natural History features permanent and changing exhibitions on Arizona and the Southwest, from the old west to the space age, from dinosaurs to conquistadors. Hands-on exhibits for all ages.
Enjoy many choices for lunch on Main Street and then browse the downtown antique stores.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Hohokam Stadium is home of the Cactus League Chicago Cubs' Spring Training. Spend the afternoon enjoying peanuts, hot dogs and a good old-fashioned baseball game.
Organ Stop Pizza features pizza, pasta, a 15-foot salad bar and a 700-sea dining room. Organ Stop is home of the Mighty Wurlitzer, one of the largest and finest theater organs in the world.
Fly Like an Eagle
Commemorative Air Force Museum is home of the "Sentimental Journey", the most authentically restored WWII B-17 flying today.
Located at Falcon Field Airport, enjoy an Italian dinner with panoramic views and military memorabilia at Anzio Landing Italian Restaurant.
