Desert Excursions: Exploring Mesa on a Budget

Experience Mesa's desert beauty without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Mesa, located in Arizona, provides a range of affordable options for travelers on a tight budget. One can take a hike at Usery Mountain Regional Park or visit the Mesa Grande Cultural Park for free. Staying in budget-friendly accommodations such as Airbnb or chain motels can help save on lodging expenses.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Desert Adventures

  • Check into the affordable Mesa Mezona Hotel and start the day with a hearty breakfast at the nearby Matta's Restaurant.
  • Get your adrenaline pumping with a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert, followed by a zipline adventure at the Usery Mountain Regional Park.
  • Take a break for a late lunch at the quirky Organ Stop Pizza, where you'll be entertained by the world's largest Wurlitzer organ while enjoying a tasty pie.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the Mesa Arts Center, featuring a variety of exhibits and live performances.
  • End the day with a relaxing dinner at the farm-to-table restaurant The Farm at South Mountain, surrounded by lush gardens and twinkling lights.
Day 2

Nature and History

  • start your day with breakfast at The Breakfast Joynt, known for their delicious pancakes and friendly staff.
  • Visit the Mesa Grande Cultural Park to learn about the ancient Hohokam civilization and their impressive canals and ruins.
  • Next, take a hike in the stunning Superstition Mountains, stopping for a picnic lunch with scenic views.
  • Head to the Arizona Museum of Natural History to see dinosaur bones, Native American artifacts, and a replica of a mine shaft.
  • Wrap up your Mesa adventure with a sunset paddle on Saguaro Lake with boat rental from Desert Belle Cruises, followed by a seafood dinner at the nearby Lakeshore Restaurant.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Mesa, United States by plane is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and then take a 20-minute drive to Mesa.

Car

Driving to Mesa is easy if you are coming from major cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale. You can take one of the major highways like I-10, I-60, and Loop 202 to get to Mesa.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no train station in Mesa, so it is not possible to get there by train.

Boat

Mesa is not accessible by boat as it is an inland city located in Arizona.

Bus

One of the best options to get to Mesa by bus is by taking the Greyhound bus service, which has regular services from different cities to the Mesa Greyhound Station.

Destination

Mesa

Welcome to the land of cactus, cowboy boots, and colorfully decorated margaritas. Mesa is the place where you can ride into the sunset, or at least into a really nice sunset-colored shopping mall.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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