Travel Guide: Phoenix + Mesa, Arizona
Are you travelling to Phoenix in the future, or planning a trip to Mesa? No? That’s ok, because even if you aren’t, after reading this blog, your planning will start immediately. Here is my guide to having an epic adventure trip while in Phoenix & Mesa!
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About Mesa
AUTISM CERTIFIED CITY
During my stay in Mesa, I learned that Mesa is the first-ever Autism-Certified city in the USA. This means that Mesa is one of the most family-oriented city in the United States. Because of this amazing accomplishment, there are so many options for travellers with autism. From certified sensory guides to autism-friendly adventure itineraries, there are endless activities and experiences for the whole family to enjoy. With 1 in 44 children diagnosed with autism, along with millions of individuals who were never diagnosed but are on the spectrum, and 1 in 6 individuals having a sensory need or sensitivity, the need has never been greater. Creating options like this for families opens up a whole new world of opportunities when it comes to travel, and Mesa is taking it by storm!
To learn all about Mesa being an Autism Certified City, click here!
About Phoenix
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
One of the things that drew me towards Phoenix was their commitment to diversity & inclusion. From LGBTQ+, to Black + Indigenous voices, to Accessible needs, Visit Phoenix takes pride in their focus on all of these important social stances. June is Pride Month in Phoenix (and across the globe), with tons of festivals and events being held all around the Greater Phoenix Area.
Barrier-Free hiking trails is truly something that can make a difference in this world. I believe that everyone in the world should have access to hiking trails, no matter what your ability may be. The area of Greater Phoenix also feels that, and you can now access barrier-free trails in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Click here to read all about accessible trails in the Greater Phoenix Area.
Click here to read all about how Visit Phoenix puts diversity and inclusion first.
Where to stay in Phoenix & Mesa
Courtyard by Marriot Phoenix Mesa — Mesa, AZ
This was our first set of accommodations, situated in the heart of Mesa near all the amenities you may need! Only 15 minutes away from the International Airport, you have the Courtyard by Marriot Phoenix Mesa; a chic hotel with a beautiful Courtyard — hence the name! There is a small on-site store with all the snacks, drinks and forgotten toiletries that you could think of! In addition to the store, there is also a little cafe open for breakfast, and it also transitions to a restaurant in the evening for dinner. This is tons of ample communal sitting at this location, but still provides enough privacy for your conversations. If you happen to forget your computer, or need to make a work email, no need to worry! There are computers and internet both available here.
I was thankful for the spaciousness of the room, and the AC; a must when travelling to AZ from approx. May-October.
The Hermosa Inn — Phoenix, AZ
After our first few days in Mesa, it was time to move onto Phoenix and check into our second set of accommodations, The Hermosa Inn — a boutique hotel in the heart of Paradise Valley. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the staff who helped us with luggage, as well as early check-in. We were pleasantly surprised to be greeted with lush, bright and colorful gardens throughout the entire accommodation grounds, while in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. Though the pictures of the colors will never do justice, I hope you can see and appreciate the hard work the groundskeepers put into keeping this place in its utmost beautiful condition!
The Inn itself has a rustic, historic feel, and that is because it was created in the 1930s as a private escape for famed artist Lon Megargee. That is where they get their name for the on-site restaurant — LON’s at The Hermosa Inn — that is open for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch + Dinner. On our last morning at the Inn, we had breakfast at LON’s, and I highly suggest making the time to stop here, whether you are staying here or not! I suggest trying the Breakfast Burro, and the House-Made Granola. The relaxing feel of this Inn is unbeatable. I cannot say enough good things about this place! From the pool to the staff AT the pool, to the view of Camelback Mountain from our patio, we were blown away by it all. The pool was heated just right, so you could still enjoy in the early mornings before it got too warm, and in the evenings as it began to cool off.
If you wanted some time to relax away from the people, that is ok too! Your room is an oasis in itself. Rooms are equipped with a spacious private balcony, and even more spacious room itself. From a built-in fireplace, a porcelain old-fashioned tub and large walk-in shower, you will find no lack of luxury while staying here. Here are some pictures of this beautiful accommodation:
Click here to book your stay now!
Things To Do
Mesa
KAYAKING DOWN THE SALT RIVER
Begin your day at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch — a beautiful oasis on the outskirts of the Tonto National Forest. The Guest Ranch runs alongside the Salt River, a runoff of Saguaro Lake. We began our day with this activity, and I highly suggest you do the same. This makes for a not-so-hot day, leaves you time to explore elsewhere throughout the day, and gives you a higher chance of being able to see wildlife! This 2-2.5 hour ride actually took us approx. 3 hours because we relaxed pretty much the entire time. You launch as a group, but once that happens, you are set off to paddle at your own speed under the cliffs of the Goldfield Mountains and through the Tonto National Forest.
We were super grateful to of went down the river with 2 employees on their day off — shoutout to Laura & Vanessa! — who kept us educated about the surroundings, and even took us through a short section of Class 1 Rapids. I just about didn’t do it, but they convinced me, and I am so glad they did! If that isn’t your jam, don’t worry! There are bypasses for every section that requires a bit more ‘vigorous’ paddling.
EXPLORE THE APACHE TRAIL & MAKE YOUR WAY TO TORTILLA FLAT
Tortilla Flat — Population: 6
While driving down the Apache Trail, I can’t even begin to count how many times I said ‘Wow. This is amazing’ — because it truly was amazing. The narrow, winding roads may not be for the faint of heart but leave you breathless as you get views of red mountain rock as far as the eye could see; something I only ever expected to find in Northern AZ/Utah area. You will pass Canyon Lake; Canyon Lake is one of four reservoirs that were formed by the damming of the Salt River in Arizona as part of the Salt River Project. You can boat, waterski, and scuba dive here!
Not much further than Canyon Lake is when you’ll come across the town of Tortilla Flat, the last surviving stagecoach stop on the Apache Trail. If you blink, you’ll miss it. You’ll be able to visit vintage buildings such as the post office, museum and saloon. Make sure you stop in at the saloon to see over half a million $1 bills that are hanging across the walls and ceilings, layer upon layer, with over 150 different currencies from all over the world.
Before heading back to town, don’t forget to get a cup of Prickly Pear Gelato — a staple when you make your way down the Apache Trail!
VISIT THE GOLDFIELD GHOST TOWN
Although this isn’t the original mining town, as it burnt down in 1943, this is a must-do stop for anyone heading out on the Apache Trail! Back in the 1890′s, the mining town of Goldfield boasted 3 saloons, a boarding house, general store, blacksmith shop, brewery, meat market and a schoolhouse. Just when it looked like the town would outgrow Mesa, the vein faulted, the grade of ore dropped, and the town died a slow painful death. After several unsuccessful attempts to reopen the mines, the town did come to life again from 1910 on and off until 1926.
The original mineshaft only lays about 5km’s north of the current Goldfield Town. While you are visiting the current-day town, you can take a tour down a mineshaft to a replica of what the original mine looked like, including old tools & more, and learn all about the history of the mine and its workers! There’s also walking ghost tours, a reptile exhibit, a zip-line, shooting gallery, gold panning, gem sluicing and so much more!
Don’t forget to make your way behind the Saloon, as you’ll usually see horses tied up, and you get the best view of the Superstition Mountains!
CHECK OUT THE MANY BREWERIES IN DOWNTOWN MESA
With breweries constantly popping up in Downtown Mesa, you’ll never find a lack of good beer or cider. Our favourite place to stop was at Cider Corps, a cider bar with military history tied to it. One thing COVID never did was slow down Downtown Mesa, and that means there are tons of new businesses that will be opening over the next while, breweries included. Be sure to stop for a cider after you land and head to your hotel.
Phoenix
WALK AROUND DOWNTOWN SCOTTSDALE
There are so many cute little shops in this area. If you need to get any shopping done, or buy any gifts, this would be the stop! You can walk around Old Town Scottsdale, or check out the indoor shopping mall Scottsdale Fashion Square — a 4-level shopping mall with department stores to high-end luxury stores! We stopped in at the Rusty Spur for a shot of tequila, because why not, and popped our heads into many little art galleries and specialty stores.
GO ATVING THROUGH THE TONTO NATIONAL FOREST
What an experience this was! We set out with Stellar Adventures, for literally a stellar adventure. We headed east out of the city to Four Peaks Wilderness Area to begin our day of adventure. Our guide was incredibly helpful from the minute we arrived. He went through all the safety points of the quads (ATV’s) and side-by-sides (UTV’s), and made sure all members of our group were comfortable with the machines. After that, we set out into the Tonto National Forest to go ripping through the sand. We had an absolute blast, even if it was about 40 degrees celsius out there.
We stopped a few times to refill on water and learn a little bit about the animals and vegetation of then area. After we got about an hour away, we started to make our way back through a different trail, getting much closer to the Four Peaks.
Even if you have never been ATVing, this activity can still be for you!
WATCH THE SUNRISE FROM A HOT AIR BALLOON
Another bucket list adventure that I couldn’t believe I was able to check off! We woke up at the crack of dawn (3:45 to be exact) so we could be at the Rainbow Ryders office at 4:45. Once everyone arrived and checked-in, we hopped in a van and made our way to the launch spot. I was blown away by the efficiency of not just our group, but all the other groups/companies that were out there. I’d say there was about 15 balloons launching around the same we did — after all, they do this twice a day!
Once we watched the process of the balloon filling up, it was time to get into the basket (with 16 other people)! We loaded up, and the take-off process began. Once we were up above the ground, flight time is approx. 1 hour. They say approximate because they never know what the wind is doing. They depend on the wind to take them from Point A to Point B, so sometimes if the wind changes, so can when your expected Point B is. You will have a van chasing you below to come collect you once you land.
When you land, you will have a toast with Prickly Pear Champagne while the crew loads up all the gear, and you make you way back to the Rainbow Ryders office, all before 8:30am!
EXPLORE THE DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN
With over 50,000 plants over 140 acres (55 acres under cultivation), make sure you leave lots of time for this place — something I wish we did. The pictures I took here will absolutely never do justice, but I hope the ones I share below will convince you immediately to add this place to your bucket list. Here are some fun facts about the Desert Botanical Garden:
650 Volunteers
92,150 Total Herbarium Specimens
4,482 species in the Living Collection
485 rare & endangered species in care at the Garden
There are tons of different areas to explore and learn about different vegetation — Sonoran Desert Nature Loop, Center for Desert Living Trail, Desert Discovery Loop Trail, Desert Wildflower Loop Trail, Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail — as well as a Butterfly Pavilion. While we were at the Botanical Garden, the exhibit that was currently taking place was “Chihuly in the Desert”, which is taking place until June 19th. “Chihuly in the Desert showcases Dale Chihuly’s stunning, large-scale installations nestled among the Garden’s world-class collection of desert plants. Featuring installations on the Garden’s trails complemented by a major indoor gallery in Dorrance Hall, the dynamic exhibition includes never-before-seen installations and is a must-see throughout the seasons.” - Desert Botanical Garden
Click here to view the Desert Botanical Gardens and get your tickets now!
HIKE THE EASY HOLE-IN-THE-ROCK FOR SUNSET
This is an easy staple right near the Desert Botanical Garden. This rock formation is absolutely stunning, and I suggest going at sunset — which was what we did! It took us less than 10 minutes from the parking lot to get to the opening of the rock. There were quite a few people there, and I believe it is always like that. People will be kind enough to let you take your photos and then enjoy the view of Downtown Phoenix!
Places to eat
Mesa
TC EGGINGTON’S
Type: Lunch/Breakfast
$
This breakfast place was a short 15-minute walk from our first hotel, and it was great! I got the Sausage & Biscuits, because that just isn’t a thing up here in Canada, and I can’t wait to make it at home! I suggest trying a smoothie, and the waffles or french toast!
Click to view their menu
MACAYO’S
Type: Lunch/Dinner
$$
Macayo’s is a long-time chain scattered all throughout Arizona, with traditional Mexican dishes and delicious Margaritas. I am a sucker for Tortilla Soup, so of course I had that, and Mini Empanada. I couldn’t finish it all because the pre-dinner chips + salsa were addicting, so the Mini Empanadas made a perfect late-night snack! I suggest trying the Spinach con Queso!
Click to view their menu
12 WEST BREWING
Type: Lunch/Dinner/Brewery
$$
Right in Downtown Mesa, you’ll find 12 West Brewing, who happens to sell their Mango Foxtrot; our favourite from over at Cider Corps! Brewing tons of their own flavours, and 12 West is the perfect place to stop if you’re unsure what you feel like, because they have something for everyone! I tried their Spectrum Double IPA, which was created in partnership with Visit Mesa and Chupacabra Taproom for National Autism Awareness Month. If beer isn’t your thing, that’s ok; they have tons of options for people that would prefer to enjoy cocktails! For our meal, we shared a variety of plates — the Pretzel, the Chicken Katsu, Caprese Flatbread, and Cauliflower Bites — and it was perfect for the 3 of us! I will be adding this place to my list for when I return!
Click to view their menu
Phoenix
PREP & PASTRY
Type: Brunch Cafe
$$
This place was absolutely adorable, serving absolutely beautiful food and pastries. They serve modern cocktails, delicious coffees, and the atmosphere is unbeatable. You can choose to dine in their air-conditioned dining room, their misted patio (yes, most patios in AZ have misters), or you can choose to take your pastries to-go! I suggest the Breakfast Poutine, the Monte Cristo and the Fried Chicken Sandwich. Don’t forget to ask about their Seasonal French Toast!
Click to view the menu
POSTINO WINECAFE
Type: Lunch/Dinner
$$
If you like bruschetta and Italian dishes, paired with delicious wine, beer and cocktails (during the weekend brunch), look no further than this place! Their menu focuses on fresh paired ingredients that you may not have thought would go together. For example, Salami & Pesto or Ricotta, Dates & Pistachio or Burrata, Bacon, Arugula & Tomato. These are just a FEW of their array of Bruschetta flavours. If you are feeling a bit more hungry, they have paninis and amazing snack plates to choose from! I suggest the Nine Iron Panini, Skewers, and the Creme Brulee.
Click to view the menu
CHANTICO
Type: Brunch/Lunch/Dinner
$$$
This is a great new Mexican restaurant that you MUST stop in during your stay! We were grateful to have been able to go here for one night during our stay, and I can’t wait to go back. They have live music, a patio & health-focused menu. From the drinks to the meals, you’ll be blown away. For your drink, I suggest trying the Rosa Fresca and Unicorn Tears. For your meals, I suggest trying the Roasted Pork Shank and the Mesquite Grilled Achiote Chicken. Make sure you come with hungry stomachs, because the portions are big!
Click to view the menu
Disclaimer: This blog is in partnership with Visit Phoenix & Visit Mesa