Posted By Visit Mesa Team
January 22, 2021
Build Your Mesa Itinerary
In celebration on National Plan For Vacation Day on Jan. 26, we want to get you inspired to book your next adventure in Mesa! We put together a fun "this or that" game to help you build your Itinerary for the next time you're in town. Under each option, there is a list of places to explore and links that will take you to further information. Play along and see what your day in Mesa will contain!
WHERE WILL YOU STAY?
IN A CABIN/ CAMPING/ GLAMPING/ RV
Saguaro lake Guest Ranch (pictured)
The Cozy Peach at Schnepf Farms
Eagle View RV Resort at Fort Mcdowell
Camping Grounds: Lost Dutchman State Park, Usery Mountain Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park
IN A HOTEL
Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix-Mesa (Pictured)
Best Western Plus Mesa
Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wriglyville West
Courtyard Mesa at Wriglyville West
Courtyard at Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport
Click here for more accommodations
IDEAL WATER ACTIVITY?
DAY ON THE LAKE
Visitors to Mesa have access to miles of shoreline around four interconnected lakes on both the Verde and Salt Rivers. Adventurers can kayak along towering canyon walls at Canyon Lake, take a relaxing float along the flowing river, soak up sun at Butcher Jones Beach, and paddle down Saguaro Lake alley in the shadow or majestic cliffs. There is so much to explore on the water!
Click here to view our Water Recreation Guide and get started on planning your lake day!
POOLSIDE FUN
Looking for a hotel with an awesome pool to lounge at? We got you covered! Cool down this summer at the Holiday Inn Suites Phoenix-Mesa/Chandler and DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa!
Are you traveling with tots? A visit to one of Mesa's splash pads for some family fun might want to be on your to-do list! Find them at Riverview Park, Greenfield Park and Pioneer Park! If you want to see a splash pad taken to a whole new level, check out the on in Founders' Park in Queen Creek!
WHERE WILL YOU EXPLORE?
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN MESA
From taprooms, breweries, and restaurants to the fine arts and culture, the construct of downtown Mesa will provide visitors with an ultimate day of fun! Kids can enjoy the educational museums Arizona Museum of Natural History and the i.d.e.a Museum, while parents can later unwind at the nightlife options like 12 West Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant and Chupacabra Taproom.
We can't forget about the amazing art scene with scattered murals and sculptures all around Main Street and the creative classes that are offered at the Mesa Arts Center!
Check out our "Mesa's Magnificent Mile" blog to see how you can have a whole day of downtown fun!
EXPLORE THE DESERT
There is so much to explore in Tonto National Forest. Looking for hiking trails? Check out Pass Mountain Trail, Wind Cave Trail and Merkle Trail at Usery Mountain Regional Park. Lost Dutchman's Treasure Loop Trail and Native Plant Trail is ideal for beginners while the moderate Siphon Draw Trail provides hikers with an amazing view at the top. If you're exploring through the Superstition Wilderness, add Weavers Needle Loop Trail to your list as well. Adventure seekers should check out Fort McDowell Adventures for the perfect southwestern escape!
STOPPING FOR A BREAK! WHERE ARE YOU HEADING TO?
COFFEE RUN
Need a caffeine break? Check out these stops!
Jarrod's Coffee, Tea & Gallery (Main St. in Downtown Mesa)
Lost Dutchman Coffee House & Roasters (Center St. in Downtown Mesa)
The Nile Coffee Shop (Main St. in Downtown Mesa)
The Coffee Shop (Agritopia)
COCKTAIL BREAK
Check out this list of must-try drinks around the area:
12 West Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant - Try "The Butterfly Effect" (pictured)
Los Sombreros - Try the "Steve-a-rita"
Jake's Unlimited - Try the "Cotton Candy Martini"
Mammoth Saloon - Try the "Prickly Pear Margarita"
WHAT SPORTING ACTIVITY WOULD YOU PARTICIPATE IN?
WATCH A BASEBALL GAME
Mesa is in the heart of Arizona's Cactus League Spring Training action, hosting more than 200 Major League Baseball games in just 30 days. Mesa is home to two spring training teams – the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland A’s. When you're in town during spring time, make sure to catch a game at Sloan Park and Hohokam Stadium!
PRACTICE YOUR PUTTING SKILLS
Did you know there are over 40 golf courses in Mesa? Here is a few of them:
For further details on these courses along with more options, click here
ARE YOU A FOODIE LOVER OR AN ADVENTURE SEEKER?
EXPLORE THE APACHE TRAIL
One of the most popular day trips for anyone visiting Mesa, the historic Highway 88 carves through the mysterious Superstition Mountains and into the foothills of the Tonto National Forest. On this scenic drive visitors will encounter an authentic Old West stagecoach stop, a ghost town, the famous Elvis Presley Chapel, Tortilla Flat Saloon and Settlement, and the majesty of a mountain lake, all nestled in the beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape. Click here for the full map!
EXPLORE THE FRESH FOODIE TRAIL®
Go on the ultimate foodie road trip and get your tastebuds ready for some good eats. This trail will find visitors enjoying homemade ice cream, picking peaches, discovering the benefits of heritage grains, tasting more than a dozen olive oils, and so much more. Click here for the complete list of stops!
"WINE-ING" DOWN OR "BREWING" AROUND?
GO TO A BREWERY
OHSO Brewery + Distillery at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport
Barrio Brewing at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport
OHSO Brewery + Distillery at Sky Harbor
Also, make sure to check out guided tours with Arizona Brewery Tours!
END THE DAY BY WATCHING THE SUNSET...
ON A BOAT
The famous Desert Belle finds its home on the beautiful Saguaro Lake while the Dolly Steamboat floats around the majestic Canyon Lake. Learn history about the lakes and sit back, relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings. Both of these tours are an attraction within itself, and the perfect way to catch the beautiful Arizona sunset. Book your tour tour now and don't forget your camera and binoculars!
IN THE AIR
Take in the Sonoran Desert from 5,000 feet in the air! There's nothing like seeing the perfect sunrise or sunset from the sky. Hot Air Expeditions and Rainbow Ryders will provide visitors with a magical experience. Book your ultimate adventure today!