How to Spend a Day in Mesa, Arizona
Mesa, Arizona. What can't you do here? Mesa is the third largest city in Arizona with a population of almost 500,000 people. They're known for the Salt River, Fresh Foodie Trail, and Superstition Mountains, yet there are so many more experiences to check out. In this blog, you'll learn about our favorite activities and places in Mesa that will have you exploring streets you've never seen and also take you back in time to when gold miners were flocking to towns within.
Quick links: Back in Time, Experiences, DIY Adventures, Restaurants & Cafés
Back in Time
To begin, let's head back in time to learn more about Mesa in the 1800's and 1900's.
Goldfield Ghost Town
Having struck gold in 1892, Goldfield used to be a destination for gold miners alike until the grade of ore plummeted. Nowadays, Goldfield offers mine tours, ghost tours, gunfights, and even a zip-line so visitors from all over the country can immerse themselves in the old western world.
Address: 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Phone Number: (480) 983-0333
Tortilla Flat
The small town of Tortilla Flat is the last surviving stagecoach town along the Apache trail with a population of 6 people. Yes, you read that right, 6 people! This quaint town features a saloon with great food, a bunch of history, and even a jail to escape from if you like puzzles.
Address: 1 Main Street, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85190
Phone Number: (480) 984-1776
Superstition Mountain Museum
Sitting on 14 acres of the beautiful Sonoran desert, the Superstition Mountain Museum features the famous Elvis Memorial Chapel, an outdoor model railroad exhibit, and mining exhibits. Here, you will learn about the history, folklore, and artifacts of what settlers believed was the richest gold mine in the world.
Address: 4087 E Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Phone Number: (480) 983-4888
Experiences
Mesa offers a variety of experiences that are perfect for date night, family activities, or even a day dedicated to yourself. Check out the experiences below to find the one perfect for you.
Mystery Shack
Prepare to have your world flipped upside town, or more like a 45 degree angle. Located in Goldfield Ghost Town, this delirious fight against gravity will make you lose you marbles. This is such a fun activity for the whole family!
Address: 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Phone Number: (480) 983-0333
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Arts Center is a state of the art media complex in Downtown Mesa that hosts many events including music performances, comedy shows, and even live theatre! Check out their website for the most up-to-date list of events happening.
Address: 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone Number: (480) 644-6500
Glass Blowing
One of our favorite events that the Mesa Arts Center hosts is a glass blowing class. These classes range from 2.5 days to 8 weeks long, depending on your level and desire. You can learn how to make marbles, pendants, stained glass, and can even make an ornament for your Christmas tree!
Address: 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone Number: (480) 644-6500
Proof Bread
Have you ever dreamt of making your own luscious loaf of sourdough bread? I know I have. This fun and interactive experience is 1-4 hours long and you can even decorate your bread (who knew!). The class features a complementary pastry and hot coffee while the loaf bakes in their unique, 1o stacked container oven.
Address: 121 W Main Street Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone Number: (480) 270-8320
Underground Goldfield Mine Tour
If you're looking to really take a step back in time, embark on the Goldfield Mine Tour in an underground mine where prospectors spent their days on the hunt for gold. This mine is over 100 years old, and the tour will go into detail on the history of the mine, the equipment used, and methods of gold mining.
Address: 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Phone Number: (480) 983-0333
Zip-lining through the Superstition Mountains
Elevate your ghost town experience by zip-lining over Goldfield Ghost Town. This zip-line acts more like a chair lift which is perfect for a more relaxing ride that lets you marvel at the Superstition Mountains.
Address: 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Phone Number: (480) 983-0333
Eagle Eye Shooting Gallery
Eagle Eye Shooting Gallery is a classic arcade laser shooting gallery that is fun for everyone. The gallery has so many fun moving parts and quirky things that happen when you land a good shot! This is an inexpensive activity, tickets are $2 per game and you can win a free game if you beat the current high score.
Address: 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Phone Number: (480) 703-0366
DIY Advenutres
DIY adventures are experiences you can do all on your own or with a group of friends and it's up to you to make the most of it!
Mural Hunting
Mural hunting is a great way to get outdoors and explore your city. Downtown Mesa is a great place for mural hunting because artists have decorated many walls with gorgeous paintings, some of which are interactive and perfect for pictures! Click the link above to download a digital art walk guide to get you started on your journey.
Address: 130 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone Number: N/A
Apache Trail
The Apache Trail is a must-see scenic drive through the Superstition Mountains. It's important to note that most of the road has been closed since late 2019 after the Woodbury Fire, yet when we went we were still able to enjoy the trail. The roads are very windy with no guard rail so be sure to drive slow and enjoy the view.
Location: Start your journey in the Superstition Mountains (coordinates of 33.4575, -111.488) and head towards Tortilla Flat.
Apacheland
About 40 miles east of Phoenix, Arizona lies Apacheland Movie Ranch. Apacheland was built by Nat Winecoff who had designed Disneyland. This historic movie set was home to many B Western films and TV shows such as "Gunsmoke", "Little House on the Prairie", and "Charro!". Today, you can still visit Apacheland as it is apart of the Superstition Mountain Museum.
Address: 4087 E Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Phone Number: (480) 983-4888
Elvis Memorial Chapel
The Elvis Memorial Chapel is a famous chapel that was built for the film, "Charro!" starring Elvis Presley. It is remembered today at the Superstition Mountain Museum after surviving two fires on Apacheland. The chapel was deconstructed piece by piece and donated to be reconstructed at the museum. The chapel continues to host weddings today, you can make a reservation online!
Address: 4087 E Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Phone Number: (480) 983-4888
Restaurants and Cafés
The Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon
The Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon is an authentic western saloon that offers the most breathtaking view of the Superstition Mountains. Come here for a bite to eat after working up an appetite in the mines!
Address: 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Phone Number: (480) 983-0333
Worth Takeaway
Worth Takeaway is a very cute, modern sandwich shop with a great variety in their menu. They take pride is sourcing their ingredients from local partners to provide food that makes you feel good. We loved their fries and want to come back again for the buffalo chicken mac and cheese!
Address: 218 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone Number: (480) 833-2180
Jarrod's Coffee, Tea & Gallery
Jarrod's Coffee, Tea & Gallery is a cute little coffee and tea shop found in Downtown Mesa. They have a ton of eclectic and gorgeous artwork, not to mention their tasty coffee and Italian sodas. Be sure to check out their Instagram and Facebook account as they often have events that feature live music, comedy, and magic.
Address: 154 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone Number: (480) 822-7146
Thank you for reading our blog about our favorite things to do in Mesa, Arizona! It's now time to get out there and find your Wildjoy. Be sure to tag us when you post your experiences on TikTok and Instagram, @wildjoyexperiences. :)