Adventure Explorer – Top Experiences in Mesa, Arizona

America As You Like It • 2 September 2019

Located in the Sonoran Desert, Mesa is surrounded by a rich, vibrant and verdant playground for sought-after outdoor recreation. Within minutes of our collection of resorts and hotels, guests can immerse themselves into a legendary landscape – a region full of intrigue and awe that continues to inspire and amaze our visitors every day. From hiking mountain tops to kayaking along calm rivers and canyon-carved lakes, nearly every outdoor pursuit can be experienced here in City Limitless®.

1) NATURE CENTRE DESERT TOUR - 1 hour

Educational series on the desert flora and fauna are offered daily. Programs feature talks with Ranger Brennan. Guided tours can be scheduled through Usery Mountain Regional Park. 30+ miles of trails climb enough in elevation to experience spectacular vistas of the Greater Phoenix skyline.

2) HIKING & BIKING TOURS - 4+ hours

Arizona Outback Adventures is one of the few outfitters that lead guided pack trips into the Superstition Wilderness, part of the Tonto National Forest. Single and multi-day hike and bike tours include an in-depth education on the Sonoran Desert. The extensive trails and jagged mountain peaks vary in length and height throughout the Superstition Mountain range. Overnight packing trips available.

3) WILDFLOWER WALK - Seasonal

Wildflower season varies each year and is dependent on fall and winter rainfall amounts. Blooms are usually at their peak in mid-March. It's a colourful time to hit the trail with scarlet displays of ocotillo blossoms, a yellow sea of Mexican poppies and the prickly pear cactus full of bright fuchsia coloured fruit.

4) HOT AIR BALLOON EXPERIENCE - 3 1/2 hours

Get picked up before sunrise at your Mesa hotel and taken to a launch site in the northern Sonoran Desert. Hot air ballooning offers one of the most tranquil views of the desert landscape. Each experience is followed by a hot breakfast.

5) CANYONEERING - Full Day

Hosted by 360 Adventures, this rugged excursion into the slot canyon walls of the Upper Salt River has visitors climbing cliff faces, rappelling into pine forest pools, and exploring hidden desert passages. Arizona's natural terrain includes streams and cascading waterfalls and an incredible geology unlike anywhere else in the world.

6) FLY IN A WORLD WAR II BOMBER - 2 1/1 hours

Mesa is entrenched in aviation history and continues to serve as one of the leaders in aviation technology and education. At Commemorative Air Force Museum - Arizona Wing, daredevils can take to the skies on a variety of war birds and view aviation exhibits with experienced pilots. These thrilling aerial adventures include the popular Sentimental Journey - a B-17 Bomber known as WWII's Flying Fortress.

7) KAYAKING THE LOWER SALT RIVER - 2 hours

Schedule a guided kayaking tour along the Lower Salt River with your launch point at Saguaro Lake Ranch, or Granite Reef Recreation Area. Both spots offer easy water access. The Salt River can experience Class 3 rapids depending on the time of year.

8) DESERT BELLE SAGUARO LAKE CRUISES - 1 1/2 hours

Hop aboard for a 90-minute narrated tour in air-conditioned comfort and see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls, and dramatic desert vistas. Photo opps on this tour are limitless!

9) STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING ALONG SAGUARO LAKE - 2 hours

Head to the lakefront beach at Saguaro Lake and grab your board. No Snow SUP offers rentals and guided instruction. This recreational sport offers a great way for families to hit the calm, cool waters and see the scenic desert in a fun environment.

10) GOLDFIELD GHOST TOWN - 1 1/2 hours

In its heyday after the first gold-strike in 1892, Goldfield Ghost Town was a busy bustling little outpost perched atop a small hill between the mighty Superstition Mountains to the east and the Goldfield Mountains to the west. Today, visitors can walk down Main Street, explore the many shops and historic buildings and tour the historic Mammoth Gold Mine.

11) APACHE TRAIL OFF-ROAD TOUR - 2+ hours

Off-road desert tours offer a heart-pumping adventure into the Sonoran Desert! These all-terrain vehicles can hold up to 8 guests in one vehicle and offers some of the best photography options as you leave the city limits and head into the Tonto National Forest.

12) CANYON LAKE CRUISE - 1 1/2 hours

Complete your Apache Trail experience with a sunset tour along Canyon Lake on a "Mark Twain" voyage aboard the Dolly Steamboat, a replica of a sternwheeler paddleboat. The 90-minute nature cruise or twilight dinner cruise is the perfect complement to the Apache Trail experience.

13) GUIDED TOUR OF LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK - 1 hour

Home of the Lost Dutchman Mine, one of the most famous "lost mines" of the West. Five hiking trails are here that range in distance and elevation. Open year-round from sunrise to 10 p.m., the U.S. Forest Service protects this popular designated wilderness area.

For more information on holidays to Mesa, Arizona Click Here or call us on 020 8742 8299.

Book your adventure before the 31st December 2019 to receive 10% off your holiday!

The Sounds of Tennessee: Discover the Music That Shaped America

by America As You Like It • 26 October 2026
Imagine stepping into the Memphis recording studio where Elvis Presley first made his mark, discovering the Nashville studio where country music legends recorded their hits, or standing in Bristol, where a series of recordings helped put country music on the map. Across Tennessee, in the southeastern United States, music is woven into the places you visit, from historic recording rooms to lively streets where musicians still play late into the night. For music lovers, a journey through Tennessee offers the chance to get closer to the artists, sounds and stories behind the songs. Nashville, the state capital, reveals the evolution of country music and its connections to other genres, Memphis takes you into the blues, soul and early rock ’n’ roll scenes, while Bristol traces the roots of country music. Together, they offer a fascinating insight into the music that helped shape American culture.

More Than Just Wine: The Ultimate Guide to Grapevine’s Best Festivals & Events

by America As You Like It • 15 October 2026
Discover Grapevine where historic streets, local wine tasting and the unmistakable spirit of the American West come together. Located in Texas between Dallas and Fort Worth , Grapevine offers the perfect base for discovering local culture, enjoying outdoor adventures and exploring the wider region. Wander along Historic Main Street, step into welcoming winery tasting rooms and browse independent boutiques tucked inside characterful historic buildings. Then take your adventure onto Lake Grapevine, where you can paddle along the shoreline, before heading to Fort Worth to watch the famous Stockyards cattle drive and experience Texas’s Western heritage. Plan your holiday around a lively wine festival, a summer day on the water or Grapevine’s spectacular Christmas celebrations. However you choose to explore, you will find plenty of ways to experience the character of this Texan town.

Wild Maine: A Season for Every Adventure.

by America As You Like It • 12 October 2026
Maine is the largest of the New England states, where rugged Atlantic coastline, forest-covered mountains and historic towns create a holiday full of contrasts. Sail past rocky islands, enjoy a lobster roll beside a working harbour and head inland to discover clear lakes and winding country roads. Add maritime traditions, independent galleries and wildlife encounters, and you will find plenty of reasons to explore beyond the coast. Whether you are planning a summer escape by the sea, an autumn road trip or a winter break surrounded by snow-covered scenery, knowing where to go and when makes all the difference.

Jacksonville: The Flip Side of Florida

by America As You Like It • 1 October 2026
Jacksonville offers a different perspective on Florida. While many travellers head south in search of theme parks and packed resorts, Florida's largest city combines 22 miles of Atlantic coastline with historic neighbourhoods, a thriving food scene and one of the largest urban park systems in the United States. Here, mornings begin with sunrise over the ocean, afternoons are spent exploring rivers, marshes and coastal parks, and evenings revolve around waterfront restaurants, rooftop bars and local sporting events.

Where Adventure Meets Sunshine: Exploring Central Florida

by America As You Like It • 10 July 2026
You have heard of Florida, but let us introduce you to Central Florida, where the Real Florida Magic comes to life. Home to seventeen welcoming communities, including Lakeland and Winter Haven, this region offers a wonderful mix of exciting attractions, rich culture and unforgettable adventures, all within easy reach of Orlando. Whether you are looking for family fun, outdoor adventures or a relaxing escape, you can enjoy everything from thrilling airboat rides and world class theme parks to historic attractions, beautiful gardens and peaceful natural surroundings, making Central Florida the perfect destination for your next holiday.

Nevada: From Neon to Nature

by America As You Like It • 11 June 2026
There are some places that surprise you, and Nevada is one of them.

Make it Memorable―Dutchess County

by America As You Like It • 10 June 2026
Located in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, Dutchess County blends scenic beauty, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene. Spanning 800 square miles of rolling countryside and historic landmarks, it invites discovery at every turn—from the riverside charm of Poughkeepsie, known as the Hudson’s Queen City, to its picturesque towns and villages. Home to the Culinary Institute of America and President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, Dutchess County is where heritage, flavour, and landscape come together in unforgettable ways.

Exploring Crystal River, Florida

by America As You Like It • 14 May 2026
Crystal River invites you into a gentler side of Florida, where spring fed waters wind through quiet forests and wildlife drifts just beneath the surface. Days here move at an unhurried pace, shaped by warm Gulf breezes, peaceful lakes, and encounters with nature that feel both intimate and unforgettable. Whether you are gliding across clear water by kayak, cycling beneath towering trees, dining on freshly caught seafood, or wandering through centuries of history, the region offers a sense of calm and connection that stays with you long after you leave.

My Journey through the Pacific Northwest

by America As You Like It • 8 May 2026
Exploring Oregon and Washington State is an opportunity of a lifetime. From the Hoh Rainforest to the newly renovated Seattle waterfront, there are spectacular opportunities to experience these remarkable states across a variety of climates. I was fortunate enough to travel from Portland to Seattle, including stops along the way in Astoria, the Evergreen Coast, and the Olympic Peninsula.

Race to Bourbon City: Discover Louisville

by America As You Like It • 27 March 2026
Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and a destination rich in culture, history, and sporting heritage. Nestled along the Ohio River on the border with Indiana, the city is perhaps best known for hosting the world-famous Kentucky Derby. Explore attractions such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Muhammad Ali Center, making Louisville an engaging destination for travellers with diverse interests.
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