Things to do in Mesa, Arizona

Take a trip to one of the 7 wonders of the natural world on this day tour of the Grand Canyon National Park. You will be collected from selected hotels or apartments in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, or Mesa Arizona. The journey north takes you through amazing views of the Saguaro Cactus in the Sonoran Desert. You will travel through the Ponderosa Pine Forests of Flagstaff where the Lowell Observatory is located. Stop among the Red Rocks of Sedona for time to take in the breathtaking scenery and lots of pictures. Travel through Oak Creek Canyon famous the world over for its spectacular scenery. In the afternoon be taken to the Grand Canyon National Park. Stop for pictures of the Red Rocks of Sedona. Make several stops along the South Rim for picture taking and enjoying the incredible views. See the El Tovar Lodge, a former Harvey hotel. Have the afternoon to explore the sublime park and see many of its ecological wonders and natural beauty. Your professional guide will be able to inform you of the history and stories behind this ancient wonder.

There is no better way to escape the summer heat than to go kayaking on the Lower Salt River. As you cruise below cliffs and past beautiful desert scenery, look out for native wildlife. The sit-on-top kayaks are very stable and easy to maneuver; after a 15-minute orientation, you'll be ready to go.  While this is primarily a scenic float there are sections of swift water and kayakers often tip out- so be prepared to get wet. At the end of the route, staff will be waiting to gather the kayaks as you board an air-conditioned van to return to the ranch.

This Sedona full-day tour gives you a chance to explore the rich culture and history of the area's ancient Native American civilizations. Travel in a 9 or 13-seat vehicle on this small-group tour and enjoy a more personalized experience. The tour features one of two Sinagua Indian ruins that existed along a busy trade route over 1,000 years ago. You'll also have 2 exploration options - either the ruins at Tuzigoot National Monument or Montezuma Castle National Monument. While in Sedona you'll have approximately 2-3 hours to explore on foot, visit galleries and shops, or get a psychic reading. Hiking or jeep tours are also available. Guests will be guided to unique photo spots and your guide will help you choose from an extensive list of scenic options, including The Chapel Of The Holy Cross, Bell Rock Vortex, Oak Creek Canyon, and Airport Mesa.

Visit one of the most remarkable areas in the Southwest, the Red Rocks of Sedona, on a day tour from Phoenix. Travel back in time to the Montezuma Castle National Monument. Departing from Phoenix, travel along the banks of Beaver Creek to reach a Sinagua Indian cliff dwelling. Stop at the visitor center to see beads, pottery, and tools used by this long-lost culture. Admire models which help you understand what life was like for the Sinagua Indians 1000 years ago. Next, head to the amazing red rocks of Sedona. Find yourself surrounded by such famous rock formations as Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock and experience the serene beauty of Oak Creek Canyon. Continue towards uptown Sedona, a shopper’s delight. Here, find intriguing art galleries, boutiques, and a variety of restaurants. For the non-shoppers, a side trip from the city is available, traveling deeper into this magnificent country. Finally, drive up Mingus Mountain to the turn-of-the-century mining town of Jerome, a former ghost town that is now a thriving mountainside village. Enjoy free time to visit the many shops and galleries or grab a photo of Sedona from above before beginning the journey back to Phoenix.

Paddle year round on beautiful Saguaro lake. Whether you enjoy a refreshing day on the water to cool off in the summer months or looking to venture out on one of Arizona's warm winter afternoons, kayaking Saguaro Lake offers an escape stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. Step away from the stress of daily life and enjoy paddling along diverse desert cliff-lined shores and tall canyons on a guided kayaking tour with friends and family. Some of the local wildlife you can expect to see during your paddle may include bald eagles, bighorn sheep and blue heron. The contrast of the blue water against the desert topography is like nowhere else in the world. Meet your guide at Saguaro Lake's Butcher Jones Beach Recreation Site, approximately a 40-minute drive from Scottsdale or Tempe for pre-launch instructions to prepare for a 3-mile (approx. 3 hours) paddle tour to Willow Springs Canyon area and return to Butcher Jones. Your guide will provide all necessary paddle equipment, tips and information for an amazing experience.

Come join us on an adventurous tour along the Apache Trail and into the Sonora desert, then take a cruise on Dolly Steamboat through Canyon Lake. Driving into the Superstition Mountains, you will visit Tortilla Flat, a quaint Arizona town with a population of 6! Next, relax on a 90-minute cruise over picturesque Canyon Lake, with its magnificent desert surroundings. Don't forget your camera, as this is the ideal platform from which to snap postcard-perfect landscape photos. Your guide will then lead you into the desert for an explanation of the local flora, including the majestic Saguaro cactus and Arizona's state tree, the Palo Verde.

Come explore some of the best local coffee shops in the greater Phoenix area. Your digital passport includes a drink or baked good at each carefully selected coffee shop. How does it work? Once you arrive at any one of the featured locations, simply tap on your mobile pass and select the current coffee shop you are at to redeem your goodie! Featured Locations and Offer Include: Caffio Espresso Bar - Free Iced Latte Echo Coffee - One Regular Cold Brew Fair Trade Cafe - One Free Cookie Fillmore Coffee Co. - One Free Pastry Kahvi Coffee and Cafe - One Coffee, Espresso Or Iced Tea Of Your Choice Light Heart Coffee - One Pastry Of Your Choice Luanas Coffee and Beer - Free Iced Tea Or Cold Brew Provision Coffee - Free Hot Coffee OR Flash-Chilled Iced Coffee Window Coffee Bar - Small Mexican Honey Drip Coffee **Hours of operation are subject to change. Please confirm business hours when planning your visit.

Drive your own 2023, 800cc 2-seat sand buggy over rugged desert terrain on a fun off-road adventure. Ride out into the wilderness and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of the Sonoran Desert.  Ride through rock gardens, sandy washes, and twisting canyons. See local wildlife such as wild horses, wild cows, and bighorn sheep wandering the desert. Tours are available daily including a morning, afternoon and sunset tour. All equipment is included including gators and helmets. Directions will be texted 1 week prior to your tour.

Discover the sweet magic at Eclipse Cookies. Step into a world of creativity and flavor at Eclipse Cookies, where each treat is a work of art and every visit is an experience to remember. More than just a bakery, Eclipse Cookies is a destination for cookie lovers and adventure seekers alike. Watch the talented bakers craft giant 6" cookies, mouthwatering cheesecakes, and decadent cupcakes right before your eyes. Take part in an interactive cookie decorating session, perfect for all ages, or challenge your taste buds with the secret flavor of the month. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a sweet escape, Eclipse Cookies offers something special for everyone. Don’t just eat cookies—make memories.

Explore one of Arizona’s most picturesque trails on an off-road H1 Hummer excursion. The trail winds through the heart of the Tonto National Forest and Arizona’s most beautiful mountain ranges: the 4 Peaks and the Superstition Mountains. Enjoy beautiful views of Saguaro Lake and learn about the flora and fauna of this majestic landscape. Experience the thrill as the Hummer conquers the rugged desert terrain. If you crave excitement you’ll be sure to feel the rush of adrenalin as the H1 climbs 60-degree slopes, traverses 40-degree side slopes, and fords up to 2.5 feet of water. Even with all the thrills, this is a family friendly excursion that is suitable for all ages.