Your Ultimate Three Day Weekend Getaway in Mesa, Arizona

Mesa, Arizona, is a city that basks in more than 300 days of sunshine every year. As the third-largest city in Arizona, Mesa boasts a rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, an array of outdoor activities, and a culinary scene that’s second to none. From the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Grande to the vibrant downtown area, Mesa offers plenty to explore and discover.

Day 1: History and Culture

Morning – Mesa Grande Cultural Park

Start your day at the Mesa Grande Cultural Park, a significant ancient landmark occupied by the Hohokam people for over 1,500 years. Explore the remnants of this ancient culture as you walk through the site of a Hohokam village with its impressive mound complex. Don’t miss the interpretive trail that offers fascinating insight into this remarkable civilization.

Afternoon – Arizona Museum of Natural History

Just a short drive away is the Arizona Museum of Natural History, home to over 60,000 artifacts. Discover Arizona’s natural history from the dinosaurs to the gold rush. Be sure to check out the Dinosaur Mountain with its animated dinosaurs and indoor waterfall.

Evening – Dinner at Postino East

End the day with a sumptuous dinner at Postino East, a hip wine café located in a former garage. Here, you can savor innovative bruschetta offerings, artisanal cheese boards, and an extensive wine list. Their warm, rustic interior makes for the perfect dining atmosphere after a day of exploration.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure and Art

Morning – Usery Mountain Regional Park

Start your day early with a hike at Usery Mountain Regional Park. This park offers over 29 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Don’t miss the Wind Cave Trail, a moderate 3.2-mile round trip that offers panoramic views of the valley.

Afternoon – Mesa Arts Center

After a fulfilling morning, head over to the Mesa Arts Center, Arizona’s largest arts complex. Explore its four theaters, five art galleries, and 14 art studios. Take time to appreciate the public art installations scattered throughout the campus.

Evening – Dinner at Republica Empanada

Cap off your day with the best South American cuisine at Republica Empanada. This restaurant is known for its variety of savory empanadas, filled with everything from the traditional beef and potatoes to the exotic banana and cheese.

Day 3: Shopping and Entertainment

Morning – Downtown Mesa

Spend your morning in Downtown Mesa, where you’ll find a delightful mix of unique boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. Don’t forget to visit Mesa Farmers Market & Flea, an outdoor market held every Saturday.

Afternoon – Golfland Sunsplash

For a touch of fun, head to Golfland Sunsplash, an amusement park and water park rolled into one. Enjoy mini-golf, race cars, laser tag, waterslides, and more. It’s a fantastic place for both kids and adults.

Evening – Organ Stop Pizza

Wrap up your trip with a unique dining experience at Organ Stop Pizza. Enjoy delicious pizza while listening to music played on the world’s largest Wurlitzer theater organ. The combination of music, food, and a fun-filled ambiance sets the perfect conclusion to your Mesa weekend adventure.

Mesa, Arizona, is indeed a diverse destination with its rich history, stunning landscapes, delightful culinary scene, and endless entertainment possibilities. This itinerary captures just a taste of what Mesa has to offer. Come and experience it for yourself.

Tucson, Arizona: A Weekend to Remember

Tucson, Arizona, is a city where the vibrant blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American cultures are palpably alive in the enchanting desert landscape, mouth-watering cuisine, and friendly locals. This city promises an unforgettable weekend experience with countless natural and cultural attractions to explore, from the stunning Saguaro National Park to the iconic Mission San Xavier del Bac. So, let’s dive into the itinerary for your three days in Tucson.

Day 1: Discovering Tucson’s Unique Desert Charm

Morning: Saguaro National Park

Start your Tucson journey with a visit to the Saguaro National Park. This iconic park is split into two sections flanking Tucson, with the Rincon Mountain District to the east and the Tucson Mountain District to the west. We recommend beginning at the eastern section, where a scenic loop drive gives an up-close view of the park’s namesake, the towering saguaro cactus. Be sure to take a leisurely hike on the desert trails to immerse yourself in the unique desert flora and fauna.

Afternoon: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Continue your exploration of the desert ecosystem at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. This 98-acre zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, natural history museum, and art gallery is one of Tucson’s top attractions. Here, you’ll learn about the Sonoran Desert’s diverse wildlife, including javelinas, bobcats, and Gila monsters. Don’t miss the Raptor Free Flight demonstration where native birds of prey fly so close you can feel the brush of feathers.

Evening: Dinner at Café Poca Cosa

End your day with a culinary delight at Café Poca Cosa. This upscale Mexican restaurant is renowned for its innovative menu that changes twice daily. The chef, Suzana Davila, creatively combines fresh ingredients to create an array of mouth-watering dishes, making each dining experience unique and memorable.

Day 2: Experiencing Tucson’s Cultural Riches

Morning: Mission San Xavier Del Bac

Begin your second day in Tucson with a trip to the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a stunning 18th-century Spanish Catholic mission located on the Tohono O’odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation. This architectural marvel is often called ‘The White Dove of the Desert’ due to its gleaming white façade. Take a guided tour to learn about the mission’s history and appreciate its splendid interior.

Afternoon: Tucson Museum of Art

After lunch, head over to the Tucson Museum of Art. The museum houses a comprehensive collection that includes traditional and modern American, Latin American, and Western art. The museum’s pre-Columbian collection and the Art of the American West exhibit are particularly noteworthy.

Evening: Dinner at The Tasteful Kitchen

Finish your day with a delicious meal at The Tasteful Kitchen, a highly rated vegetarian and vegan restaurant. Offering an array of creative dishes using fresh, local ingredients, you’ll be surprised at how exciting plant-based dining can be.

Day 3: Exploring Tucson’s Fascinating History

Morning: Arizona History Museum

Start your final day with a visit to the Arizona History Museum. The museum offers a deep dive into Arizona’s rich history, featuring exhibits on the state’s mining industry, the territorial era, and the impact of World War II.

Afternoon: Old Tucson Studios

In the afternoon, step back in time at the Old Tucson Studios, where hundreds of Western films and TV shows have been filmed. Participate in historical tours, gunfight reenactments, and live musical shows to fully experience the Old West.

Evening: Dinner at El Charro Café

Finally, end your Tucson trip by enjoying a traditional Mexican meal at El Charro Café, the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant. This culinary institution is famous for its Carne Seca, a dish of sun-dried beef.

Tucson, Arizona, is more than just a city — it’s a diverse and vibrant cultural experience nestled in a breathtaking desert landscape. With this itinerary, you’re set to soak in the best of what Tucson has to offer!